Tea Culture

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,…

While Westerners love coffee, Chinese people often drink tea. Both beverages share one thing in common: no matter how rich and fragrant the coffee or how clear and refreshing the tea, they both carry a hint of bitterness. People savor this taste, relishing it endlessly. However, the difference lies in that Westerners tend to add sugar to their coffee, whereas Chinese people rarely mask the bitterness of tea. The original nature of tea is bitter, which is why it was once called “bitter tea.” To say that people have always liked this bitter beverage would be a lie. If you give a small amount of tea water to an innocent child, they will likely refuse it. Teenagers prefer cola over tea for the same reason. Before tea became a customary drink, people were naturally averse to it. For example, when ethnic minorities on the borderlands drink tea, they add milk and sugar; in West Asia and North Africa, people add mint, spices, and sugar to their tea. Essentially, these practices stem from an inability to accept its inherent bitterness. So why did Chinese people eventually tolerate and even come to like the bitterness of tea? This development involved a gradual…

Zhao Lingzhi was a renowned poet from the late Northern Song to early Southern Song dynasties, known for his profound literary accomplishments and calligraphic talent. His work, The Tea Grant Postscript, is housed in the Tokyo National Museum in Japan, making it a precious cultural heritage. Overview of the Work The Tea Grant Postscript is a work of running script, consisting of fifty-seven characters spread across nine lines. This calligraphy piece showcases Zhao Lingzhi's unique artistic style through its straightforward yet lively brushwork and composition. It subtly reflects the elegance of Dongpo's style while also demonstrating the author's concise literary expression. Content of the Work The Tea Grant Postscript is a letter that touches on the tea-granting system of the Song Dynasty, which was a form of etiquette between monarch and minister. In the letter, Zhao Lingzhi mentions that due to continuous heavy rain, he received greetings and pears and chestnuts as gifts from the other party, for which he expresses gratitude. He also notes that he was fortunate enough to receive tea from the emperor and wishes to offer one cake of it to his esteemed benefactor. The phrase "I hope you cherish this time" in the letter conveys…

Life must have entertainment. Aside from proper work and scholarly pursuits, a change of atmosphere and some entertainment can uplift one's spirit. There are many forms of entertainment, such as drinking, playing cards, chess, singing, listening to opera, painting, and drinking tea, each with its own benefits. But among all these forms of entertainment, if we were to choose one that is both convenient and refined, it might be drinking tea. 01Solo Enjoyment One doesn't drink alone, and two don't play cards. Singing and listening to opera require a group to be enjoyable. Even chess requires at least two players; one person cannot enjoy it by themselves. Only drinking tea is convenient for both groups and individuals. It can be enjoyed alone or with others, without the need for companions. 02No Restrictions on Time and Place Playing ball requires a court, and listening to opera requires a theater, and both need good weather and specific times. Other forms of entertainment also have their limitations. Only drinking tea has no restrictions on time or place. It can be done in the morning or evening, indoors or outdoors. All you need is a table, tea leaves, and teaware, making it very flexible…

Tea is the soft whisper of time, each leaf unfurling a tale of years gone by. Though silent, it gradually releases the essence of nature and the changing seasons as it embraces boiling water. A good cup of tea is like meeting an old friend again; no words are needed as the tacit understanding and familiarity quietly flow through the rising fragrance of the tea. During a tranquil afternoon, holding a cup of green tea, watch as the emerald leaves swirl and sink in the water, mirroring the ups and downs of life’s journey. At first taste, it may be slightly bitter, but with careful savoring, it becomes refreshing and leaves a lasting aftertaste. Isn’t this just like our lives? We must weather storms to see rainbows and appreciate the sweetness after tasting bitterness. A pot of Pu'er shared with close friends, sitting around a stove, laughing and chatting from dawn till dusk, time silently passes in the aroma of tea, leaving behind a rare sense of tranquility and detachment. Tea is not only an art of living but also a comfort for the soul. It teaches us that no matter how noisy the outside world may be, as long…

With a desire for tea, I rise to brew it. Boiling water in an iron kettle, I slowly pour it over the leaves, and soon the fragrance fills my study, making the surroundings come alive with vibrant energy. The freshly brewed tea is a bit too hot, so I usually wait for it to cool down a bit before drinking, which allows me to better appreciate its subtle flavors. While waiting for the tea to cool, I can quietly admire the beauty of the tea itself. For a long time, I had the habit of drinking the tea immediately after brewing and refilling as needed, without pausing to truly savor it. The rich red tea is poured into a transparent lotus-shaped glass cup, taking on the shape of the vessel. The cup and the tea meet each other, illuminating one another like a lamp in the study, subtly changing the light. Watching the petals of the cup unfold is delightful. Seen against the light, the tea becomes even clearer, and the red color more vibrant. Holding the cup in both hands feels like embracing a liquid warmth. This is akin to Wang Yangming's words: "When you look at this flower,…

"Only This Green and Lustrous" Yunnan Green Tea, Oolong Tea Yunnan is the source of world tea, particularly the birthplace of large-leaf tea trees. Many people came to know Yunnan through Pu'er tea made from large-leaf varieties. In Yunnan, the history of ethnic minorities growing, processing, and drinking tea has a unique style that dates back a long way. However, before Pu'er tea became well-known, Yunnan tea had for a considerable period of time been outside the mainstream of Chinese tea. It has already been confirmed that large-leaf varieties in Yunnan are suitable not only for making Pu'er tea but also green tea, black tea, and white tea with remarkable taste. Due to the special nature of the large-leaf tea trees and the plateau terrain, especially for ancient tree teas, the sprouting is always later than small-leaf varieties. Pu'er tea only mentions "first spring," not "pre-Ming." When the first spring tea has yet to be picked and the spring scenery outside the window is at its best, everywhere is a scene of lush greenery – it is the perfect time to savor the "Only This Green and Lustrous" of Yunnan – green tea and oolong tea. Green - The Unique…

In early winter 2018, we held a tea gathering in front of the Mogao Caves, titled "Glimmering Light - A Visionary Experience." The tea practitioners scooped up the sand from Mogao and placed it into a glass hourglass. As the hourglass was turned over, the tea ceremony began. Water was poured, tea liquor extracted, served, and sipped. We did not invite many people; just a few tea lovers who had traveled far to sit with us in the desert. The transparent glass frames held tea notes, with sand and wind swirling outside, and the corners of the tea practitioners' robes and their footsteps. The tea wasn't scalding hot, but it still warmed us. Thinking about this tea, I returned again. Yangguan – Flickering Fires in the Wind I've been to Yangguan several times, each time bringing tea and a pot of wine. Zhao Wen carried her zither, saying she would play "Three Stanzas of Yangguan" there. On a clear winter day, the wooden walkway on the Gobi Desert was empty. The brown-red Gobi was protected by the boardwalk, the sandy and gravel ground layered deep and shallow, extending all the way to the horizon. Within these layers, air currents made…

As stated in the book "Newly Compiled Yunnan General Gazetteer: Examination of Local Products - Tea," written in the 1940s, "The name Puer tea holds a special place among Chinese teas, far surpassing those from Anhui, Fujian, Zhejiang, and other regions." Puer tea is a gift from heaven and also one of nature's most generous gifts to humanity. It is a purely natural product that has survived the process of natural selection. As time progresses and technology advances, we should have a deeper understanding and appreciation of Puer tea. Puer tea is a solid-state naturally post-fermented tea. Microorganisms and enzymes invisible to the naked eye participate in the fermentation process, producing secondary metabolites with beneficial biological activity. These substances provide functions such as antibacterial, anti-tumor, antioxidant properties, and promote metabolism in the human body. In line with the conventional thinking of most tea-producing areas in China, if we categorize teas by geographical location, color, or production method, Puer tea cannot be grouped together with them. Puer historically served as a distribution center for Puer tea, unlike teas named after their places of origin like Longjing, Huangshan Maofeng, Xinyang Maojian, and Wuyi rock teas. Some people classify raw Puer tea as…

Abstract: The development journey of Puer tea is not only a history of the evolution of tea but also a testament to the inheritance of Chinese culture. It bears witness to the Chinese nation's pursuit of a better life and respect for the natural environment. At the same time, Puer tea has become an essential companion for healthy living due to its unique taste and nutritional value. This article analyzes its history and culture, varieties and classification, cultivation and processing, value and benefits, market and prospects, as well as tasting and selection, to explore the path to health through the millennia-old culture of Chinese Puer tea. Please note that this is one person's perspective; for issues regarding images, please contact us for removal (2024.04). I. Historical and Cultural Background of Puer Tea 1.1 Origin and Development of Puer Tea Puer tea, a treasure carrying a thousand years of culture, can trace its origins back to the Han Dynasty when the indigenous people of Yunnan began cultivating and consuming tea plants. However, it was during the Tang and Song dynasties that Puer tea truly gained fame worldwide. According to historical records, by the Tang Dynasty, Puer tea had become a precious…

Abstract: The origin and development of ancient tea culture is an integral part of Chinese tea culture, carrying rich historical connotations and cultural significance, adding a vibrant stroke to the spiritual homeland of the Chinese nation. At the same time, ancient tea culture provides valuable insights for the development of modern tea culture, allowing us to appreciate the profoundness of traditional Chinese culture while savoring the aroma of tea. This article analyzes the historical origins, characteristics of varieties, cultivation techniques, cultural aesthetics, application development, and communication of Chinese tea, illustrating its millennium heritage and contemporary appeal. (Note: Written from a personal perspective; April 2024.) Keywords: Chinese tea; heritage; charm I. Historical Origins of Chinese Tea 1.1 Origin and Development of Ancient Tea Culture The origins of Chinese tea culture can be traced back thousands of years, with its deep historical roots and unique cultural essence forming an important component of the Chinese national spirit. Historical records show that tea was used as a beverage as early as the era of Shen Nong, reaching its peak during the Tang Dynasty. Lu Yu's "Classic of Tea," written during the Tang Dynasty, is the earliest, most complete, and most comprehensive treatise on tea,…

In the river section from Li Bu town in Cangwu County, Guangxi to Fengkai town in Guangdong Province, the tea-laden boats switch to larger sailing vessels. The Tanka people, operating as families or clans, join in with great enthusiasm, leaving indelible marks in the annals of the ancient tea boat route. The blazing sun of mid-June is intense, even as evening approaches, the temperature remains quite high. In a small store next to the cultural playground in Shadi Village, Li Bu Town, Cangwu County, four elderly villagers - Mai Ruiqing, Nie Fuwen, Mai Weixiong, and Mai Xiuxing sit together. These elders are now in their late seventies and eighties; they spent years navigating the waterway between Liubao Town in Cangwu, Guangxi and Jiangkou Town in Fengkai County, Guangdong. They know every detail of this waterway and can even point out where the Jilong Wharf once stood on the riverbank next to the cultural playground before 1950. Nowadays, these elderly men often gather under the eaves of the small store, reminiscing over a pot of cool tea. Unknowingly, they open up memories that have been long forgotten... Unloading at Li Bu and Switching to Larger Boats Li Bu Town is located…

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.…

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…

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…

Do you like tea? Do you know the difference between Indian tea and our own? When it comes to India's national drink, it has to be tea. For many Indians, a day should start with a cup of Indian chai (masala chai), and this is not the end; they may buy several more cups from small shops and tea stalls throughout the day. Indian chai is typically made by combining tea leaves, milk, sugar, ginger root, cardamom, and cloves among other spices. However, tea is not native to India, tracing its roots back to Chinese tea. The history of Indian tea is quite short. In fact, just sixty or seventy years ago in India, most people had never tasted tea, let alone chai. Let’s delve into the specific history of Indian tea. It is claimed that as far back as ancient India, tea trees grew wild in the northeastern state of Assam. During the 12th century, the Jingpo tribe (a cross-border ethnic group mainly distributed in Yunnan Province in China, and also in India and Myanmar) and several other indigenous groups frequently drank wild tea. They would pack roasted dried tea leaves into bamboo tubes and then smoke them. To…