Tea Culture

During the Qing Dynasty, the local society of the Six Great Tea Mountains was a mix of officials, merchants, indigenous people, and others, all dependent on the tea mountains for their livelihood. These diverse groups were like individual notes that together composed the symphony of Pu'er tea's destiny. Old Yibang Street After the establishment of the Pu'er Prefecture through the replacement of native administration with imperial rule, the barriers between the Six Great Tea Mountains and the outside world were broken down, and an influx of merchants from outside entered the tea mountains. There were conflicts and mutual benefits between these newcomers and the local inhabitants, and over time they gradually blended together, painting a colorful picture of life in the tea mountains. The Qing government formally appointed local officials such as Wu Zhaohu of Yiwu, Cao Dangzai of Yibang, Ba Longfu and La Zha Bian of Bulang. The indigenous people living in the Six Great Tea Mountains at the time were primarily the Woni and Puman tribes, and there were also some local chieftains active between the native officials and the indigenous people. The leaders of the incoming merchants were called presidents, heads, chiefs, or leaders, serving to bridge…

Cooking fuel, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea—life without tea lacks its full luster. Through summer, spring, winter, and autumn, there's always a perfect season for savoring tea. For example, in winter, one can hide in plain sight among the bustling city or find deeper solace in a cup of tea. In this season, gather with like-minded friends, free from the distractions of gain or the disputes of daily life. As the saying goes, whether your cup is full or empty, why vie? Whether your brew is strong or light, it has its own flavor. Such is the way, all well and good. In winter, boil a pot of Pu'er tea. Reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. Time leaves behind memories and sighs that once troubled our spirits, sleepless nights that once weighed on our hearts, tears that once wet our words. Through mountains and rivers, we learn to hold up the future and let go of the past, seeing the myriad faces of the world with an ordinary heart. Tea shared with a friend warms the heart even in winter. Our souls yearn for tranquility, a chance to slow down. Tea must be…

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, is one of China's traditional festivals, held annually on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. Alongside eating rice dumplings (zongzi) and dragon boat racing, tea tasting is an integral part of the festival. On this day filled with traditional culture, the fragrance of tea adds a unique charm to the festivities. On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, households prepare tea to share with family and friends. People use exquisite tea sets to brew fine tea, savoring its flavors carefully. The aroma of the tea is soothing and refreshing, seemingly dispelling the heat and irritability of summer. Moreover, tea tasting is a social activity where people exchange feelings and share life experiences, strengthening friendships and bonds. In addition to family gatherings, various tea cultural activities are held during the Dragon Boat Festival period. These include tea art performances and tea ceremony demonstrations, showcasing the exquisite skills of tea art and spreading the essence of tea culture. Audiences can learn more about tea knowledge and cultural connotations while enjoying these performances. The relationship between the Dragon Boat Festival and tea goes beyond drinking; it's also about cultural heritage.…

Tea, this ancient and magical beverage, occupies a unique and significant place in Chinese culinary culture. It is not merely a drink but also a way of life, a cultural legacy, and a spiritual anchor. Chinese culinary culture is extensive and profound, with tea and wine serving as typical representatives that showcase the richness and diversity of Chinese culture while reflecting the multifaceted nature of the Chinese character. "Tea is like a hermit, and wine like a knight." Tea enables people to return to their true selves in tranquility, while wine allows them to release themselves in exuberance. However, whether one drinks wine or tea, they are fundamentally pursuing a state of mind. As the saying goes, "Wine doesn’t intoxicate; it’s the heart that becomes drunk. Tea doesn’t purify; it’s the heart that is clear," referring to a spiritual experience beyond the material realm. Drinking wine often correlates closely with one's emotional fluctuations. In times of joy, wine amplifies the merriment, allowing it to be more freely expressed; when troubled, it serves as a means to drown sorrows, providing temporary respite from worldly troubles in the midst of intoxication. For poets and scholars drinking alone, wine becomes a medium for…

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…

Changes in Manufacturing Processes The increased demand for Liubao tea abroad has boosted its exports, strengthened the Liubao tea industry, and driven continuous improvements in its manufacturing processes. According to "A Brief Record of Guangxi's Special Products," historically, early Liubao tea was made from fresh leaves through a process that included killing the green, initial kneading, heap fermentation, secondary kneading, and drying. This, however, was only the preliminary processing. As the overseas market expanded and Liubao tea needed to be transported by ship along the ancient tea route, local tea makers developed a refined processing technique. This involved using the coarsely processed green tea as raw material, sorting it, blending it according to different grades, heap fermenting it, and then steaming and compressing it multiple times. This traditional refined technology not only facilitated transportation but also allowed the tea to age well over time, making it suitable for shipping. According to "Guangxi Agricultural Communications," this technique had become the standard refined process for Liubao tea by the 1930s. Traditional tea utensils used by Singaporean Chinese families for drinking Liubao tea However, during the war years and into the late 1940s, the quality of Liubao tea produced in Wuzhou plummeted. A…

Tea is the true manifestation of nature. Within every Chinese heart lies a whiff of tea fragrance. This magical leaf has nourished our civilization for thousands of years and imbued us with a gentle, jade-like national character. In the collective taste memory and emotional reliance of the Chinese people, tea remains warm and beautiful. For in a cup of tea, there always exists our utopia, the best way to get close to nature. “Our most intimate contact with the natural environment occurs when we eat it.” British historian Philip Fernando-Armesto wrote this in his book Eating: How Food Transformed Us and Our Human and Global History. If we extend this statement to Pu'er tea, especially ancient tree tea, it couldn’t be more fitting. Industrial civilization and urbanization have distanced us from nature, but only tea retains its true essence, presenting the authenticity of nature amidst steel, concrete, glass, and car exhaust. The Lancang River water, trickling down from the snow-capped peaks, fuses with the land where humans and nature coexist harmoniously in Yunnan, giving birth to this miraculous and delightful leaf. Millions of years ago, nature's magic hand allowed tea trees to thrive along the middle and lower reaches of…

As an integral part of Eastern culture, tea is not just a beverage but also a form of life art and spiritual symbol. In China, where tea culture has a long history, it integrates elements of elegance and commonality, becoming an indispensable part of people's daily lives. This article will take you on a deep dive into the elegance and commonality of tea culture and how they together shape this unique cultural phenomenon. The Historical Origins of Tea Culture The origins of tea can be traced back to ancient China, with legends suggesting that it was first discovered and used by Shen Nong. Over time, tea evolved from a medicinal plant to a daily beverage, and a complete tea ceremony culture gradually developed. Lu Yu's "Tea Classic" during the Tang Dynasty is an important document in Chinese tea culture, detailing the cultivation, production, consumption, and related cultural and philosophical ideas about tea. The Elegant Aspect of Tea Culture In ancient China, tea was regarded as a refined beverage that complemented the poetry, calligraphy, painting, and music of literati. Savoring tea was seen as a way to cultivate one's character, and literati would gather to enjoy tea and exchange ideas. The…

The Year of the Dragon has arrived, and many people, after their annual performance reviews, are now faced with the reality of renewing their job responsibility statements. In fact, job responsibility statements are not a modern invention; they date back to the Western Han Dynasty. In the Western Han period, Wang Bao, a native of Zizhong (present-day Ziyang), Sichuan, lived in Chengdu at the home of Yang Hui, a widow. He engaged in a battle of wits with a bearded slave named Bian Liao, writing a document called "Tongyue" for him, initially just to play a prank on the slave who lacked self-awareness. Unintentionally, this act provided the tea world with its first proof that tea was a commodity. This dual achievement was likely unexpected even by Wang Bao himself. Bian Liao demanded that his new master, Wang Bao, clearly specify his duties: "Since it has come to this, you should write down all the tasks I'm expected to do in the contract, just like when Master Yang bought me. Otherwise, I won't do them!" It seems that Bian Liao, perhaps because he couldn't read or knew very little, intended to make things difficult for his new master, whom he…

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.…

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…

In the "world" of Pu'er tea, 8582 is like a reclusive master with unparalleled skills—his name is well-known, yet few have seen his true form. But whenever he appears, he commands attention, and those in the know can recognize him at first glance, thanks to his unique mark—the "Purple Heaven." Both 8582 and its sibling 8592 were born in 1985. Among Yunnan Seven Sons cakes, they stand out. While both hail from Menghai Tea Factory, they are exclusively custom-made for a Hong Kong-based trader—Nantian Trading Company. Because the purple "Heaven" character was stamped on their wrapping paper, a practice unprecedented at the time, these teas are commonly known as "Purple Heaven Cakes." The Purple Heaven Cakes now sell for over 100,000 RMB per cake, and various accounts related to them abound, often leaving people unsure of what to believe. Recently, our editorial team interviewed Chang Jinqiang, the former manager of the Specialized Tea Department at Yunnan Provincial Tea Import and Export Corporation, who witnessed the birth and export of 8582 and 8592 to Hong Kong. He shared stories about the legendary history of these Purple Heaven Cakes. The Beginnings and Endings of 8582/8592 Image The birth of the Purple Heaven…

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

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…

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…

On cold days, sitting by the window savoring tea, with ample sunlight flooding the tea setting.A tea setting laid out, a corner of the world chosen; three to five close friends, savoring tea and emptying their minds; listening to music and meditating, enjoying every moment. In the midst of a busy life, there's always a chance to relax and enjoy the beauty of life. Meeting up with three to five close friends, savoring tea and emptying our minds, listening to music and meditating, is undoubtedly an excellent way to do so. Decorating one's tea setting with light and warm tones, making tea life less gloomy like a cold winter, bringing a touch of warmth to oneself and those who partake in tea. The Song Dynasty poet Song Qingzhi wrote a piece called “Opening the Furnace Day Essay”: “...paper quilts filled with new down, tea bowls brewing fine spring water. Though it may be just a small space, there's a delightful sense of spring.” It can be seen that during this season, if one could brew a pot of tea at home, even the smallest and simplest of houses would seem to have a warm spring atmosphere. Select a quiet corner,…

Liu Bao tea continued to be exported overseas through the ancient tea boat route, permeating the lives of consumers in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asian countries, influencing their daily habits. At the same time, overseas consumer markets also propelled the development of the Liu Bao tea industry through the ancient tea boat route, increasing the production of tea in its place of origin and promoting changes in production processes. A single boat crossing vast oceans, the living and the dead uncertain. When countless Chinese workers embarked on ships bound for Southeast Asia with hope and uncertainty, they wouldn't have imagined that a route for exporting Liu Bao tea would be initiated because of them; nor could they have foreseen that the development, transformation, and impact of the Liu Bao tea industry would be so closely tied to this piece of history over the years. In the past one hundred plus years, Liu Bao tea was continuously exported overseas via the ancient tea boat route's overseas extension, seeping into the lives of consumers in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asian countries, affecting their daily habits. Simultaneously, overseas consumer markets also pushed back through the ancient tea boat route, boosting the…

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 Song Dynasty, a period of cultural prosperity in Chinese history, was particularly renowned for its advanced tea culture, with the pointing tea method playing a significant role. This article will guide you through the tea culture of the Song Dynasty, exploring the historical origins, technical characteristics, and modern inheritance of pointing tea. I. Historical Background of Song Dynasty Tea Culture The Song Dynasty (960-1279) was a period of remarkable development in culture, economy, and technology in Chinese history. During this time, tea was not only a daily beverage but also a cultural symbol and medium for social interaction. The literati of the Song Dynasty elevated tea drinking to an art form, creating a unique tea culture. II. Origins and Development of the Pointing Tea Method The pointing tea method originated during the Tang Dynasty but saw significant development and refinement in the Song Dynasty. The method involves grinding tea leaves into powder, then brewing them with hot water and stirring until frothy. This method of tea consumption emphasized not only the color, aroma, and taste of the tea but also the ceremonial and aesthetic aspects of the tea-drinking process. III. The Essence of Pointing Tea Techniques The pointing tea…

"Burning incense, preparing tea, hanging paintings, arranging flowers— these four leisurely pursuits should not burden one's home." —Wu Zimu, Dream of the Liang Dynasty Readers who have watched the TV series Dreamy Song Dynasty will surely remember the scene where the main character Zhao Pan'er prepares tea with skillful and graceful movements, a sight that is pleasing to the eye. Tea became popular in the Tang Dynasty but flourished in the Song Dynasty. The custom of drinking tea was widespread in Song society, enjoyed by everyone from nobles and literati to merchants, gentry, and common folk, all of whom found pleasure in it, leading to the emergence of various tea-related activities. The method of drinking tea in the Song Dynasty differed from today's practice of steeping tea leaves in boiling water. In the Song Dynasty, tea was made from compressed cakes, which were ground into a fine powder before being mixed with boiling water. This process, known as "crushing the tea into powder, pouring hot water over it, and using a whisk to froth it," is referred to as "pointing tea." Song Dynasty people poured their hearts, filled with mountains and rivers, into their paintings and also into their tea.…

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;…

Puer Raw Tea Savoring Aroma, Freshness, and Terroir In the warm March of spring, in the deep forests of Yunnan, new shoots of large-leaf tea plants are sprouting, awaiting their annual rendezvous with tea pickers. For thousands of years, the leaves nurtured in these mountains have been making their way to the outside world, a journey eagerly anticipated by tea enthusiasts far and wide in search of that perfect cup of Puer. Much like the coffee industry, which spans from cultivation to processing, roasting, and extraction, every step in the production of Puer tea – from planting to processing, storage, and brewing – is guided by national standards. We spoke with various participants in the tea industry, including seasoned tea makers from the “State Factory Era,” tea merchants who deal with aged teas and export, native tea producers with a deep affection for pure single-origin teas, and companies striving for full traceability across the supply chain. We learned that finding a good cup of Puer often requires wisdom beyond the established standards. A Leaf, a Universe Zheng Jixiong, a senior engineer in tea manufacturing and a master tea maker of national renown in Puer tea, exudes an aura of scientific…

China is the birthplace and cradle of tea culture and the world's largest tea-producing country. A series of customs, manners, and habits, known as tea customs, have formed during the processes of growing, processing, brewing, tasting, and drinking tea. The period of the Three Kingdoms, Jin Dynasty, and the Southern and Northern Dynasties was the nascent stage of tea customs. At that time, the main functions of drinking tea were limited to quenching thirst, sobering up, aiding meals, medicinal use, sacrificial offerings, and health preservation. There was also a preliminary tendency to view tea drinking as a spiritual pursuit. The popularity of tea-drinking began in the Tang Dynasty. At the beginning of the Tang Dynasty, although some people in the north drank tea, the custom of drinking tea was mainly confined to the southeast and southwest regions, hence the saying that "the southerners are fond of drinking tea, while northerners do not drink much." In the early 8th century, Emperor Suzong of Tang ordered an alcohol ban, so the people replaced wine with tea, and the custom of drinking tea began to spread in the north. After the Kaiyuan era, tea-drinking became widespread. Feng Yan’s "Fengshi Wenjian Ji" vividly depicted…

Hunan native Ye Dehui (1864-1927) wrote a poem about tea titled "A Poetic Response to Elder Wuyuan Ming's Sitting Session, in the Same Rhyme, Dedicated to Wei Zhai." From the title, we can infer that this poem was inspired by a tea session and chat with Elder Guyi. "Elder Guyi" refers to Li Guyi. Wei Zhai is Fei Shun, who comes from a prominent Suzhou family; his father-in-law is Wu Dajin, and his cousin-in-law is Liu Yazhi. His circle of friends includes Yunnan native Li Genyuan. "Who will drive away the demon of sleep? The tea god Lu Yu sends two mandarin ducks flying." These lines refer to using tea to stay alert and dispel drowsiness. "Two mandarin ducks" refer to a pair of waterfowl. "Flying mandarin ducks" alludes to Wang Qiao of the Han dynasty, who served as a county magistrate and was known for his magical abilities, including the ability to ride a pair of mandarin ducks to meet the emperor regularly. The phrase "flying mandarin ducks" is often used to describe a county magistrate taking office or leaving it. Mentioning the tea deity Lu Yu indicates the use of tea to ward off the demon of sleep.…