Tea Culture

Misty Tanyang Village (Photo by Zheng Haidong) Tanyang Village, a picturesque hamlet nestled beneath Mount Baiyun in Fuan City, has gained international acclaim due to the creation of a particular type of black tea. From the successful trial production of black tea during the Yongzheng and Qianlong eras of the Qing Dynasty to being named Tanyang Gongfu in the first year of the Xianfeng era (1851), Tanyang prospered due to the thriving tea trade and also experienced periods of decline. Since the reform and opening up, Tanyang Village has undergone a vivid revival in the tea industry and poverty alleviation, with the story of "Four Visits to Tanyang" becoming widely known and inspiring. In this new era, the people of Tanyang are writing a legendary chapter of rural revitalization using their unique tea. Today, the name Tanyang transcends the fragrance and beauty of its tea; it represents not only the spirit of the Tanyang people in overcoming poverty but also a sense of nostalgia. The green mountains remain eternal, and the clear waters flow forever; once you've tasted Tanyang Gongfu tea, the memory lingers even after you leave. The Former Residence of Tanyang Tea Merchants Tanyang Gongfu Tea (Photo by…

One person, one cup of tea, a whole world unto themselves. What is savored is the tea; what becomes tranquil is the heart; what is enlightened is the Zen; what is purified is the soul. Tea, a tender leaf, carries profound cultural significance. It is not merely a beverage to quench thirst but also a spiritual anchor in Chinese life. Zen is a practice, a state of inner peace and composure. The combination of tea and Zen transforms tea into an instrument for cultivation and a means of understanding life. Tea is the spiritual bud of Zen, while Zen is the elevation of tea. The shared pursuit of both is the heart, insight, meditation, and self-cultivation. Meditating and sitting in stillness are like brewing tea, both focused on a single state of being, engaging in dialogue with oneself and one's heart. A cup of tea, a Zen moment, like the interplay of light and shadow on water and mountains, naturally coexist. In modern society, tea and Zen culture remain significant. Amidst the fast-paced lifestyle, people often feel stressed and anxious. Sipping tea can help relax the body and mind, alleviating stress. The root of human suffering lies in the inability…

Abstract: The historical background and development of yellow tea is a legendary epic. From its origins in the Tang Dynasty to its prosperity during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and on to modern innovation and development, yellow tea has won the affection and respect of people with its unique quality and taste. This article analyzes the history, techniques, characteristics, distribution areas, values, brands and markets, challenges, and prospects of Chinese yellow tea, providing an overview of its past, present, and future. (Disclaimer: personal opinion; April 2024.) Keywords: China; tea culture; yellow tea; history; market outlook I. Historical Origins of Chinese Yellow Tea 1.1 Historical Background and Development The historical background and development of yellow tea are extensive, with its rich cultural heritage and unique production techniques giving it a significant place in Chinese tea culture. According to historical records, the earliest traces of yellow tea date back to the Tang Dynasty, with accounts of its production and consumption. However, it was during the Ming and Qing dynasties that yellow tea truly gained prominence. At that time, the production techniques became more refined, and the quality improved, making it a tribute tea for the imperial court and highly favored by royalty.…

When you make an appointment with tea, there’s no need to rack your brains for words or get entangled in complex thoughts. Simply silently brew a pot and watch the leaves unfurl... All its experiences are fused into the spreading fragrance and clear tea broth. Though it doesn’t speak, you can understand. Your story, unspoken, seems to be understood by it as well. The life of tea is rich and varied. All things have spirits, and tea transforms all its hardships into fragrance and sweetness, then generously offers them up to the tea drinker. Holding a cup of fine tea, one can perceive joy by simply calming down. Brew yourself a pot of tea. The process of brewing is the most mindful moment, free from ripples and thoughts, only the tranquility of being alone with yourself. Closing your eyes, you can hear the chirping of cicadas and birds. Sipping the warm and fragrant tea, the roaring turns into a gentle breeze in the valley, and the clamor becomes jubilation in the forest. The disturbances in your heart retreat. Once you create distance from these nuisances, it's like finding gaps in a tightly wound ball of string; the solution is not…

White tea, a unique and charming variety of tea, holds an important place in the tea world due to its distinctive qualities and characteristics. The production process of white tea appears simple but requires high technical expertise. Without stir-frying or kneading, it is merely withered under sunlight or indoors, then gently dried over a low heat, preserving the most authentic state of the tea leaves. This is why white tea typically presents as grayish green, covered with fine white down, appearing elegant like silver adorned in simplicity. Freshly made white tea has a refreshing taste and a clear, fresh aroma, with a scent reminiscent of soy milk that is intoxicating, and its liquor is light yellow and bright, as clear as the first ray of morning sunshine. However, as time passes, white tea embarks on a magical journey of transformation. During the "one-year tea" stage, it has the characteristics of a slightly fermented tea, with a slightly cool nature, much like a young and vibrant teenager. By the "three-year medicine" phase, the white tea has undergone subtle changes. Properly stored white tea loses its youthful freshness, the color of its liquor deepens, its aroma becomes more mellow, and its taste…

The formation and development history of tea culture is very long. By the time of King Wu's campaign against the Shang, tea was already being presented as tribute. In the late period of the primitive commune, tea became an item for trade. During the Warring States period, there was a certain scale of tea production. The ancient anthology "The Book of Songs" from the Pre-Qin period has records about tea. In the Han dynasty, tea became a special nourishment for Buddhist "zazen" meditation. In the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern dynasties, the custom of drinking tea had emerged. In the Sui dynasty, tea drinking became widespread among the general populace. During the Tang dynasty, the tea industry flourished; tea became something that "no household could do without daily," tea houses, tea banquets, and tea parties appeared, and the practice of offering tea to guests was promoted. In the Song dynasty, the custom of tea competition became popular, along with tribute tea and imperial tea gifts. In the Qing dynasty, storytelling entered tea houses, and the foreign trade of tea developed. Tea culture was conceived and born alongside the emergence of commodity economy and urban culture. Throughout its history, tea…

During the War of Resistance against Japan, the central region was occupied. This period of history is a heavy topic for our nation, but for Yunnan, it did indeed receive more attention during that time, with a high density of intellectuals and skilled craftsmen coming to Yunnan, leaving behind many legacies. And Dianhong is among these legacies, a very brilliant gem. Father of Dianhong - Feng Shaoqiu Feng Shaoqiu is known as the father of Dianhong. Those of us who have truly studied and delved into tea appreciation have a different feeling about Feng Shaoqiu. He was a true master. Among the tea makers of his generation, in terms of how to shape the quality of fresh leaves and varieties, and the precise and delicate handling of tea, Feng Shaoqiu was the top person. His combination of theory and practice, his integration of knowledge and action, was at a very high level. Of course, this might be a subjective expression, so let's talk about an objective standard. △Feng Shaoqiu, image source from the Internet When Feng Shaoqiu later went to Shanghai to conduct export inspections, he had a nickname – "Feng Nose." Because with a sniff of a tea, he…

In life, there are ups and downs, and storms follow, but what we seek is nothing more than inner peace and tranquility. A small courtyard home lacks the complexity of gongs, drums, and fine dining, but it has the simplicity of a meal. It does not boast of grand halls, yet it offers the joy of having a humble abode and courtyard. Sunlight through a flower in clear weather, a painting under the rain; not thinking about the future nor dwelling on the past, but being present and cherishing the moment. In this small courtyard, objects create a serene landscape: a pond as a stream to linger by, a rock as a mountain to gaze upon from afar, and flowers and grass as fields to roam one's eyes over. All year round, it provides a temporary escape from the world. In this courtyard, one can bask in the morning sun and bathe in the evening moonlight, accompanied by books and tea, amidst the company of fish and birds. Hiding away here, focusing on oneself, watching the sunlight filter through branches and dance on the water. Resting in this courtyard, reading and drinking tea, living a simple and comfortable life. Planting…

In this fast-paced era, everyone seems to be carrying a heavy burden, rushing along the tracks of life. Some hustle for the warmth of their families, some strive for the shores of their dreams, and others struggle in the minutiae of daily life. We are like trains that never rest, day after day, shuttling between two points, while our souls often slumber in fatigue. But don't forget, besides striving, life also has poetry and distance, and there is that unexpected scent of tea that can gently awaken our sleeping souls. Tea, a beverage that has been associated with leisure since ancient times, is not just a way to quench thirst; it is also an attitude towards life, a cherishing of beautiful moments. I remember a casual chat with a friend, who casually said, "Once I've learned the guzheng well, we'll play music and drink tea together, sharing that tranquility and harmony." I laughed, but my heart was stirred. Yes, why wait for some uncertain future moment? Why not let this beauty happen now? So, we decided right then and there to brew a pot of good tea, letting the aroma and laughter intertwine into the most moving melody. In that…

Unswayed by the allure of the mundane world, one seeks only simplicity and richness within, performing tasks with a tranquil heart. The tea remains the same, but the temperature of the water and the brewing time vary, resulting in different flavors and textures with each brew. Brew tea with heart, letting it warm you from your teeth down to your stomach, permeating your entire being. Savor it quietly, reflecting slowly. Tea has memory, recording the passage of time in its tightly bound leaves. Encountering a good tea is like meeting someone who catches your eye—it requires a fortunate coincidence, and then you pray for perfect timing, neither too early nor too late. Nothing remains constant. Life is always marked by gains and losses, and even the most wonderful things cannot be held onto forever. Even the most painful experiences eventually fade into the past. All experiences are a form of cultivation. Looking back from a distance, we find that they have made us stronger and more clear-minded. When people come together or part ways, it is due to the ebb and flow of fate. Do not cling to sorrow or joy, do not mourn the past or crave the future.…

Sitting idle over tea on the weekend, feeling a simple satisfaction. Perhaps this is what our predecessors referred to as the clear richness in life. Feelings of happiness, pure joy, and tranquility—savoring a cup of tea purely for its taste. Smell the aroma, take a sip, and feel the tea flowing down your throat into your body. Relax your eyes, your mouth, your ears, your nose, and let your whole being unwind, so you can truly appreciate the flavor of the water and the fragrance of the tea leaves. You might even sense the sunlight, air, and soil that nurtured them. A single cup of tea can bring such contentment. Approach each moment with this contented heart, slow down, clear your mind, relax while drinking tea, and live mindfully. In this moment, the tea reflects your own heart, and what you imbibe is your own experience and perception of life. This is simple, yet real. Tea is an invitation to the surprises of life, and life is a series of beautiful tea gatherings. Through the omnipresent presence of tea in life, find peace within. Slow your breathing and let today's happiness begin with a cup of tea!

Since I started drinking tea, I've developed a kind of dependence on it. It's like an addiction that I can't let go of. The word "addiction" generally leaves a bad impression, as in alcohol addiction, smoking addiction, or internet addiction. I love tea, and each person may have their own specific reasons for doing so: the lightness of the tea, its sweetness, its bitterness, its gentleness, or its aftertaste... In the hearts of tea lovers, tea is more than just tea; it's akin to the multifaceted nature of life, depicting different states for different people. Our connection with tea is inexplicable. Among thousands of varieties, those who love tea will have their preferences, but this affection and understanding of tea come from within. Cherish a fine cup of tea, waiting for a kindred spirit. Whenever someone talks about a good cup of tea, my eyes light up, and I don’t miss any opportunity to taste it. In the eyes of tea enthusiasts, every type of tea has its supreme quality, and which one you prefer depends on personal taste and the mood at the moment of tasting. Different teas bring different feelings and understandings at different times. The love for…

Tea, a miraculous beverage from the ancient East, is like an invisible yet delicate and resilient thread woven deeply into the fabric of Chinese life, becoming an indispensable part of daily routines. It is more than just a liquid to quench thirst; it is a unique and profound cultural symbol, a vivid embodiment of elegant and refined living aesthetics. Tea grows in the embrace of nature, quietly sprouting among green mountains and clear waters. Drawing nourishment from the earth, basking in sunlight and dew, it absorbs the essence of heaven and earth, embodying the flavor of nature. Each leaf is a gift from nature, carrying the scent of the forest and the stories of the seasons. Then, through the skilled hands of craftsmen and the refinement of fire, the tea undergoes processes such as fixation, rolling, and roasting, blending the aroma and essence bestowed by nature with the craftsmanship of humanity. Tea is also a significant carrier of cultural heritage. Throughout China's millennia-long history, tea culture has been passed down through generations. Within a cup of light tea broth lies the spirit of etiquette, harmony, and restraint that characterizes the Chinese nation. Tea rituals showcase respect and humility between people;…

Along with the rise and fall of Liubao tea industry, the ancient tea ship route has gone through phases of formation, prosperity, dormancy, revival, and decline, leaving a splendid chapter in China's tea transportation history. The ancient route is vast and time has passed slowly. The development of the Liubao tea industry has undergone changes over several hundred years, and the tea ship route has also gone through a long journey from its formation to prosperity, dormancy, revival, and decline. Today, the Liubao tea industry is experiencing a comprehensive revival, but the ancient tea ship route mostly remains as traces of the past. However, there is no doubt that in the course of history, this ancient route, which coexisted with Liubao tea, has written a unique and splendid chapter in China's tea transportation history. The name "Tea Pavilion" can be seen on a map of Cangwu from the 32nd year of the Kangxi era (1693) of the Qing dynasty. 1. The "Annals of Cangwu County" compiled during the Tongzhi era of the Qing dynasty contains records about Liubao tea. 2. On the attached map of Cangwu County in the "Annals of Cangwu County" compiled during the Tongzhi era of the…

The long wind has blown through the forest for a thousand years, countless tea trees swaying within it, the tranquil tea fragrance already scattered across thousands of miles. This is Jingmai Mountain, a thousand-year-old ancient tea forest recognized by the whole world. The villages dotted in the forest, like a serendipitous glimpse of utopia. The gray rooftops in clusters, thatch old and tenacious in time. Huge dark green banana leaves poke out, teasing the cherry blossoms that only come in spring. Sunset on the flowers in her hair, embroidery lines on the black skirt connecting centuries of family blessings, large bamboo baskets filled with sweetness, small embroidered sachets holding our whispered secrets. When the mountain moon rises, lanterns light up the skyway, deep blue background mingling with many lights, welcoming every moonlight appearance, saying goodbye to every sunrise, the mountain people as sturdy as rocks live and breathe with Jingmai Mountain, life continues, brilliant like the mountain flowers. Seeing the bond between people and the land is so concrete and clear, from ancient times to modern days, never truly distant. Original article published in the Pu'er Magazine

Tea, the last of the seven essentials for daily life, is also a refined aspect of living.Every daily activity has its own order in life. Only after the basic needs like firewood, rice, oil, salt, and soy sauce are met, does tea come into play. Tea is a spiritual nourishment that comes after satisfying one's physical needs, offering enjoyment beyond the material. It represents our pursuit of a fulfilling life. Drinking tea invigorates us and enhances our quality of life. A bowl of tea refreshes the spirit, dispels fatigue, brings leisure, fosters friendship, and stirs up ripples of beauty in life. A person who enjoys tea naturally harbors a deep love for life, emotions, and existence; here there is the scholarly aroma of inkstones and brushes, the lingering melody of music, and the Zen-like serenity and freedom of classical gardens with their winding paths. Tea brings you tranquility. Slowly boiling water, gently infusing the tea, the aroma fills the air, the leaves unfurl, and the brew deepens, permeating body and soul. With tea by your side every day, soothing your worries and calming your mind, it will be your companion for a long time. In times of frustration and distress,…

In the fragrant world of Fujian, white tea captivates countless tea enthusiasts with its unique charm. Yet, for aficionados of white tea, there is often a lingering question: Is loose leaf better, or compressed tea? This question becomes more profound as one delves deeper into the appreciation of white tea. Should one seek the natural purity of loose leaves, or the rich intensity of compressed tea? Let's embark on this exploration together to find answers. I. The Original Form of White Tea: Loose Leaf The production process of white tea is simple yet sophisticated. Without undergoing fixation, rolling, or kneading, fresh leaves are directly withered and then dried before being sealed for storage. Loose leaf white tea retains the most natural state of the tea, scattered and arranged in a natural manner, like an effortless creation of nature. Tea lovers often say that loose white tea embodies the true essence of white tea, with each leaf radiating its original vitality. Among high-quality white teas such as Silver Needle, premium, and first-grade Bai Mudan (commonly known as Peony King, Premium Bai Mudan, or High Grade Peony), the loose leaf form is more common. This is not only because they have high…

A pot of tea, the leaves dancing in water, indifferent to joy or sorrow, not competing for morning or night, not sighing at the passage of time. When we drink tea together, we don’t talk about worldly worries. In this cup of tea, there are countless causes and effects, but we need not delve deeply into them. It seems that everything is predestined, accumulated over lifetimes; all we need to do is pick up our teacups. Our meeting in this life, whether it be during autumn’s ripening or spring’s budding. I brew the tea, you come to drink it, and we talk about how the city’s neon lights, no matter how splendid, can never surpass the simple pleasure of trimming a lampwick during leisure time. It is this moment of tranquility that makes us cherish the present time and life, as if in a cycle, like the tea’s cycle of rebirth. The tea in the cup changes from light to dark, floating and sinking, gathering and dispersing. During each tea-drinking session, my heart calmly accepts these changes, brewing with care and drinking with mindfulness. Drinking tea with friends who love tea involves savoring it slowly until it’s fully appreciated. It…

Learning about tea is both an outer form and a deeper inner cultivation. Tea, bitter in the mouth, yet soothing in the heart. Learning about tea is much the same. Finding one’s own "way of tea" and returning to one's true self is a process. Those who start learning about tea are often confused, with one person espousing their beliefs and another singing a different tune. So the first realm of learning about tea is forming your own opinion. Regardless of what others say, consider it thoughtfully, ponder it, and then make a judgment. You don’t have to lean towards any particular side, but at least you have your own perspective! Once you’ve formed your own viewpoint, you’ll start to develop your own identity and circle, encountering those who share your views and those who don’t. This is when you receive the most significant impact, as conflicting theories and perspectives flood in, from idealist viewpoints to materialistic ideologies. Maintain skepticism about explanations of various viewpoints and distrust of so-called masters, possibly even feeling disheartened! From this point on, you won’t miss any opportunity to learn. You buy books, read them, make friends with fellow tea enthusiasts, and draw closer to…

At 19:30 on June 18th, the mini opera "Love of the Ancient Tea Tree," a project sponsored by the Yunnan Arts Fund for 2023's small-scale productions and works creation, premiered at the Art Practice Theater of the School of Music and Dance, Kunming University. Photos provided by the performance of "Love of the Ancient Tea Tree" According to the introduction, "Love of the Ancient Tea Tree" uses ancient tea trees as its entry point, adopts the form of a mini opera, and follows a timeline to tell a touching story about the relationship between humans and nature. It aims to introduce more people to Yunnan and its excellent culture shared among multiple ethnic groups. Group photo from the premiere of "Love of the Ancient Tea Tree" (photos provided) The mini opera "Love of the Ancient Tea Tree" tells the story of the Lahu, Bulang, Dai, Hani, and other ethnic groups living together in the lush southwest border region of China. They revere and respect nature, planting tea trees under natural forests, creating ancient tea forests that have thrived for thousands of years over vast areas. This story has been passed down for centuries and, in this new era, resonates with…

Tea leaves gently unfurl, settling into the porcelain cup, and in an instant, the world within the cup comes alive. Each leaf carries the breath of the mountains and the nourishment of dew, slowly unfolding in the water as if narrating a poetic chapter of life. And I wish to become that listening ear, savoring not just its taste but also its sound—the gentle stream of water from the pot, whispers of nature, and the hymn of life. As the ancients said: “Water has three stages of boiling.” Each stage is a natural symphony. At the first boil, fine bubbles resemble fish eyes, with a soft rustling like the wind through the forest; at the second boil, the water sounds grow clearer, like a clear spring flowing over stones, which is the perfect time for brewing tea; by the third boil, it roars like the surge of rivers and seas, stirring the heart and soul, almost as if one can hear the resonance of their own heartbeat. On rainy days, sipping tea adds another layer of ambiance. The pitter-patter of rain outside intertwines with the gurgling of water in the pot, creating a soothing melody. Steam fills the room, dispelling…

Living in the moment with ease, life has tea. The material life is developing rapidly, and we are getting more affluent. However, when we specifically arrange to meet up for tea, it feels much more significant; those who join you for tea care more and cherish the moment. Being able to find someone to share a cup of tea with is itself a form of happiness. Drinking tea is one of life’s pleasures. Even if the tea is simple and the meal plain, the warmth brought by the people sitting around you will make that cup of tea warm, sweet, fragrant, and long-lasting. A person who can join you for tea is one who brings calmness to your heart. Only with inner peace and composure can one face the various challenges of life calmly. Finding comfort in despair, regaining confidence in hopelessness, rediscovering oneself in confusion, and seeing light in the cold—all these stem from the inner strength cultivated over cups of shared tea. The more tea you drink, the simpler the life you aspire to becomes. There is nothing more delightful than drinking tea. Brew a pot of fragrant tea, and the distance between people disappears immediately. How many…

Tea is not merely a beverage, but also a way of life and a sanctuary for the soul. When we lift a cup of fragrant tea to our lips and savor it gently, we are not only tasting the flavor of the tea, but also feeling the warmth of life and understanding the wisdom of existence. Drinking tea is an appreciation of its beauty and an artistic expression of life. It is a medium of etiquette that elevates life through tea and a lifestyle that cultivates the self through tea. To each person, tea holds different meanings. From the daily necessities of firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea, representing the ordinary and practical aspects of life, to the poetic symbols of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, and tea, there is a depth of meaning. In times of thirst and heat, tea is a timely balm, refreshing body and soul. And when we slow down, taking time to enjoy tea in a leisurely manner, feeling the tranquility around us, that is the essence of life. It's important to know that the life you yearn for can be found in tea. A simple life is made pure by…

In the long-standing tea culture, the concept of "welcoming guests with tea, valuing harmony, and prioritizing purity" has always been central, carrying profound humanistic connotations and etiquette norms. Tea tasting is far from simply placing tea leaves in a cup and pouring hot water over them. The requirement for "purity" is an essential part of the process of tea tasting. To truly achieve the realm of tea tasting, one must have a clean environment, clean utensils, pure tea, and pure water. This word "pure" is the fundamental premise and core element of tea tasting. Before welcoming esteemed guests, meticulous preparatory cleaning is particularly critical. Before the guest steps into the tea room, the entire space should undergo a thorough and detailed cleaning. Every piece of tea ware must be ensured to be free of stains and water marks, presenting an immaculate state inside and out. This not only provides a visually clean and tidy impression but also has strict requirements in terms of olfactory experience. Opening windows in advance to ventilate and introduce fresh, pleasant air creates a pure and comfortable atmosphere. During this process, it is not recommended to spray chemical products like air fresheners, as these may interfere…