Tea Culture

The world is ever-changing, yet only composure and calmness within can remain constant to adapt to the vicissitudes of life. Such composure cultivates a demeanor that remains unperturbed by external circumstances. Many seek answers to achieve such inner composure, unaware that over a thousand years ago, Chan Master Congshan provided us with an answer: "Go drink tea." A cup of tea, for health and composure One's physical state influences their psychological state. A healthy body fosters optimism and a calm demeanor in the face of challenges. Tea is a natural beverage that provides nutritional value and health benefits. It contains various vitamins essential for human needs, contributing to dietary balance. The caffeine and catechins in tea help relax the digestive tract, aiding digestion. Caffeine also stimulates the central nervous system, providing a refreshing effect. The catechins in tea help lower total cholesterol, free cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides, promoting lipid metabolism. Tea, silently exuding tranquility Laozi said, "Stillness overcomes restlessness; cold overcomes heat. Tranquility is the true nature of all under heaven!" In stillness lies composure. In today's fast-paced society, the pursuit of goals can sometimes lead to restlessness and impatience. Restlessness often stems from dissatisfaction with one's current…

There is a preference for Puer tea that has always belonged to the Dragon Beads: It is the love for their delicate and compact size, It is the appreciation for their simplicity and portability, This has always been the case, never changing. There is a pursuit of Puer tea that has always belonged to the Dragon Beads: That is the delicacy crafted by hand alone, That is the ultimate pursuit of form, Persistently maintained, never abandoned. There is a wait for Puer tea that has always belonged to the Dragon Beads: It requires time to slowly release its essence, It requires the passage of time to gently unfold its fragrance, Silent companionship, waiting quietly for transformation. There is an extreme minimalism in Puer tea that has always belonged to the Dragon Beads: They no longer simply appear at home, They appear in the office or even on journeys, They can be enjoyed anywhere, without fuss. In this tumultuous world, there is a tranquility and peace that has always belonged to the time brought by Dragon Bead Puer tea. Each Dragon Bead is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, Each tasting session is a journey of self-reflection. It is not just a cup…

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;…

Many tea merchants viewed Jiangkou in Guangdong and Doucheng as key nodes on the ancient Tea Ship Route, setting up transshipment points to transfer Liubao tea for onward transportation. Summer in Guangdong is punctuated by sudden downpours. In Doucheng Town, Duancheng County, Yunfu City, a heavy rainstorm dispersed the heat of the afternoon. Deng Zhi brewed a cup of Liubao tea at home and began recounting past tales to his guests. Deng Zhi's grandfather and uncle ran Tongfa Long Trading House in Doucheng and Yingji Tea Shop in Liubao Town, Guangxi, respectively. One was responsible for production, the other for sales, controlling the family's tea business until the 1950s. At its peak, other tea merchants would entrust them with the storage and transportation of Liubao tea. When speaking of his family's former glory, Deng Zhi couldn't help but light up. Over 60 years have passed since the main branch of the Tongfa Long Trading House in Doucheng changed hands, rebuilt into a new shop. The Doucheng wharf has also undergone significant changes, but the memories linger in the elderly man's mind... Establishing a Transshipment Point in Jiangkou The Hejiang River, 433 kilometers long, flows through Fengkai County, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong…

When I shout with all my might, It echoes throughout the mountains, And it is you who awakens, In the world of grasses and trees. —From "Grasses and Trees Amongst Us" As spring deepens, tea regions are bustling with activity. The release of "Grasses and Trees Amongst Us" during the tea season seems to have received mixed reviews. However, for tea enthusiasts, there are many commendable aspects. This film, set against the backdrop of Hangzhou's Longjing tea landscape, is filled with tea elements in its plot and details. Tea lovers would have noticed this. Moreover, the names of characters, scenes, and the storyline are all poetic. Behind the poetic tea ambiance lies a harsh and cruel social reality—the terrifying pyramid scheme scams and countless family tragedies! Every Tea Element is an "Inside Joke" It cannot be denied that director Gu Xiaogang understands tea, or at least has done his homework thoroughly. Each tea element in the film is an "inside joke." 01 Grasses and Trees Amongst Us: The character for "tea" split apart means "person among grasses and trees" The title "Grasses and Trees Amongst Us" itself refers to tea. "Tea is a fine tree from the south." "The character…

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…

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…

The Glorious Journey of "A Tree" Green Big Tree 99 From the comprehensive cancellation of the unified purchase and sales policy in 1993, to the full implementation of the Pu'er tea national standard in 2008, during these 15 years, the Pu'er tea market entered a new era of diverse voices and perspectives. The dominant position of "China Tea" had changed with the times, and new theories were constantly being proposed. Amidst the transition between old and new systems, there might have been some dark chaos, but it was during this "darkness before dawn" that custom-made teas sparked a prairie fire, ultimately igniting a new era for Pu'er tea. Like the protagonist of today's story, "Green Big Tree", after it, custom-made teas ushered Pu'er tea into a world of diverse blooms, especially from the late 1990s to 2004, it was practically the domain of factory custom-made teas. Peacock, White Vegetable, Red Ribbon series, Yiwu Zhengshan Collection, Green Big Tree, 7262, and more, too numerous to list, after washing away the leaden hues of time and standing the test of the market, these products commanded high prices, with prices easily reaching several thousand yuan per cake, or tens of thousands, even hundreds…

As the moon rises above the willows, the Qixi Festival arrives once more, with the Milky Way gently pouring down and starlight shimmering, illuminating a millennia-old love story.On this romantic night, tea is not just a beverage; it becomes a bridge connecting hearts, much like the magpie bridge in the ancient legend of the Cowherd and the Weaving Maid, allowing love to flow endlessly. White tea, elegant and refined, grows on mist-enveloped mountain peaks, drawing the essence of heaven and earth, carrying the spirit of the ages. It is not as fresh as green tea or as rich as black tea, but it has its own serenity and composure, much like the purest form of love—no need for grand words, only quiet companionship through the ordinary days, growing stronger with time. On the Qixi night, brew a pot of aged white tea, and in its amber-colored infusion lies the tenderness of time and the aroma of years gone by. Taking a sip, one can almost hear the gentle footsteps of time, leaving a subtle aftertaste in the mouth, much like the unspoken understanding and harmony between lovers. White tea tells its own story of how "companionship is the longest confession…

For Chinese, seven essentials to begin the day with is ‘firewood, rice, salt, oil, sauce, vinegar, and tea’. One can imagine the kind of importance it holds in China. How do people in China drink tea? Usually, we prefer to have their tea with friends and family. It is a refreshing experience for us to calm the minds. We have small teapots (usually 3 inches long) and tiny cups in which we consume tea. The Just correct amount of tea leaves, enough to cover the pot is put in. Some hot water is poured onto the tea leaves. This is generally done to show the guests that the flavors of the tea are now ‘open'. After allowing tea to brew for a minute, the host fills a small jug (gaiwan) with the entire contents of the teapot. The tea from the jug is poured into tiny tea cups and guests are asked to pick the cups. They are now asked to relish the aroma, flavor, and taste of the tea in order to tranquilize their senses. Having authentic tea with the Chinese people and exploring the culture is a major tourist attraction in China. What teas do Chinese people drink? With modern day creation such…

Echo once said: Drinking tea, the first infusion is as bitter as life, the second as sweet as love, and the third as light as a breeze. Chinese people like to compare love to tea—the natural floral fragrance in tea symbolizes the sweetness of love; the bright, clean tea broth represents its purity; and the taste of tea resonates with the enduring nature of love. The coming together of two hearts is like the fusion of tea and water—a brave and sincere union. A long-standing, accumulated emotion is much like a tea broth that invites contemplation. When compared to love, tea takes on an added layer of lingering romance. From meeting, getting to know each other, to staying together, we experience winds and rains. The twists and turns of time turn seasons into memories of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. And some stories are about turning around after many twists and turns, only to find what you were looking for all along. There are countless teas in the world, each with its own charm, and love shares many similarities with tea. Believe that one will drink many types of tea and encounter many kinds of love in their lifetime. Some…

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…

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…

The terrain in the Menghai tea region is complex, forming small-scale ecosystems where tea trees grow. Through natural hybridization, natural selection, and artificial selection, these ecosystems have given rise to a rich variety of tea tree species with distinct botanical characteristics. Wild tea tree (Photographed by Zuo Lianjiang)The main locations for wild tea trees within the county are Xiding, Mengsong, Meng'a, Bulang Mountain, and Gelande, belonging to the Dali tea species. These trees typically grow singly and scattered throughout mountainous areas at an altitude of around 1,500 meters. Looking at their distribution pattern, it decreases from southwest to northeast. Generally, these trees are tall with upright or semi-spreading postures, small leaves, few veins that are not prominent, flat surfaces, thick and smooth leathery textures, sparse downy hairs on young shoots, long internodes, and serrated leaf margins that are sparse and not obvious. The posterior part of the leaf often lacks serrations, and there are few rounds of leaf sprouting. The quality of tea made from these leaves is generally poor, with a bitter taste and a light color. They have strong resistance. A typical example is the "Tea Tree King" in Bada, which is over 1,700 years old. The cultivated…

In the midst of our complex daily lives, tea, this ancient beverage, quietly weaves into our existence with its unique charm, imbuing it with sentiment and philosophy.Whether it's the busy office worker, the student immersed in books, or the traveler seeking solace for their soul, a good pot of tea always adds an indescribable flavor to life, almost without trying. The freshness of green tea is like the first ray of morning sunlight, awakening dormant vitality; The rock-like fragrance and floral aroma of Dahongpao, bold yet delicate, is like an old friend full of stories; The soothing sweetness of aged white tea gently comforts weariness, allowing the soul a moment of rest; The bright red hue and warmth of black tea are like a charcoal fire on a winter day, warming every corner. As for raw Pu'er and ripe Pu'er, the former is wild and unrefined while the latter is smooth and gentle, each telling tales of time within the world of tea. Tea is not just a dance on the palate, but also a dialogue of the soul. Each tea gathering is a collision and fusion of different souls. Tea enthusiasts come together with their individual preferences—lovers of green…

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…

Introduction: Okinawa, originally named Ryukyu, was a vassal state of China during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The name "Ryukyu" was given to the archipelago by the Chinese during the Ming Dynasty. Historically, Ryukyu maintained close cultural exchanges and maritime trade with China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asian countries. Nearly transparent Okinawan sea In the mid-17th century, after the transition from the Ming to the Qing dynasty, the Qing dynasty became the ruler of China. In its relations with Ryukyu, the Qing dynasty continued the tributary system established by the Ming dynasty. With the increasing frequency of exchanges between Qing China and Ryukyu, the method of infused tea preparation also spread from Fujian to Ryukyu and became popular there in the early 18th century. The 18th-century Gongfu tea drinking methods and utensils that were transmitted from Fujian to Ryukyu have since become the basic model for Ryukyu Infused Tea. In 1718 (57th year of the Kangxi era), Xu Baoguang traveled to Ryukyu as a vice envoy for the investiture mission. Due to typhoon weather, he stayed in Ryukyu for nearly a year before returning to China. During his stay, he extensively researched local customs and social conditions, leaving behind the…

Read the poem Revisiting the He Family's Residence (Part Three) Author: Du Fu Sunset on the terrace, sipping tea in the spring breeze. Leaning against the stone railing with brush in hand, sitting to pen a poem on the paulownia leaf. The jade bird sings from the clothesline, a dragonfly perches on the fishing line. Since this day’s delight, when we will meet again is uncertain. Taste the poetry's meaning The sunset fills the terrace with its glow, and in the spring breeze, we sip our fragrant tea together. Leaning carefree against the stone railing, I casually write a poem on the paulownia leaf with my brush. The jade bird sings from the clothesline, and a dragonfly quietly stands on the fishing line. From this day forward, I enjoy this elegant setting and mood even more, not knowing when I might have the chance to visit again. This poem describes an evening in spring where the author drinks tea at the He family's residence. When inspired, he leans on the stone railing and begins to write a poem on a paulownia leaf. He is accompanied by jade birds and dragonflies. This scene could be painted as an exquisite "Tea Drinking…

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…

Zhang Ailing once said, “People in their middle age often feel this kind of loneliness, feeling that everyone who opens their eyes relies on them, yet there is not a single person they can rely on.” Being lonely with no one to rely on, yet being strong for others to lean on, is the norm for middle-aged life. In middle age, one may be mature and experienced, but life can still cause pain: worrying when family members are sick, getting angry when children don’t listen, feeling disappointed when mistakes occur at work, or worrying about finances… If one encounters tea in middle age, a thread of tea fragrance and a sense of tranquility can certainly help you set aside daily trivialities and circumvent the complexities before your eyes. In the process of boiling water, brewing tea, raising a cup, and tasting the brew, one can calm their mind. No matter how busy life gets, one can find leisure in a cup of tea. No matter how difficult times become, one can find joy in a cup of tea. Encountering tea in middle age means tea will comfort you. Life is like tea, with its ups and downs, and more often…

Pu'er Tea Historical and Tribute Tea Zhou Dynasty The history of Pu'er tea is very long; as early as over 3,000 years ago during the period of King Wu's campaign against the state of Shang, the ancient tea-growing people, the Pu people, had already presented tea to King Wu of Zhou. At that time, however, it was not yet known as Pu'er tea. The Bangwei transitional ancient tea tree is a living fossil left behind by the ancient Pu people's cultivation and domestication of tea plants. Han Dynasty According to "The Records of the Grand Historian: The Western Regions," "The Kunming tribes have no leaders and are good at raiding and robbing, often killing and plundering Han envoys, making communication impossible. However, it is heard that to the west, some thousand miles away, there is an elephant-riding country called Dianyue, which traders from Shu sometimes reach." According to "The Annals of Xishuangbanna Prefecture," "In the 12th year of Yongping in the Eastern Han Dynasty (69 AD), Yongchang Commandery was established, and the region of Xishuangbanna fell under its jurisdiction." Jin Dynasty According to "The Records of Huayang Kingdom: Southern Regions," written by Chang Qum of the Jin dynasty, "Within Yongchang…

After the mid-Qing dynasty, Wuzhou became an important commercial port along the Xijiang waterway. Part of the Liubao tea was transported upstream from Jiangkou and Doucheng docks in Guangdong, converging in Wuzhou before being sent to major ports in the Pearl River Delta region, forming a new form of transportation and trade for Liubao tea. In the Liubao tea culture exhibition hall of the Wuzhou Tea Factory, there is a cultural wall reflecting the development journey of the Liubao tea industry, displaying many old photos of the factory in its early days. Recently, Mr. Liu Fusheng revisited the Wuzhou Tea Factory and specifically came to this cultural wall, gently touching one of the photos displayed on it. In this photo, workers at the tea factory are pushing Liubao tea packed in large bamboo baskets to the triangular mouth dock next to the factory using wooden carts. He gazed for a long time before speaking: “After the Liubao tea produced by the Wuzhou Tea Factory was transported to the dock, it would be loaded onto cargo ships waiting there, which then carried it batch by batch down the Xijiang to Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau, and even further abroad…” Selling Tea at…

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…