Tea is not just a drink in China, but an integral part of culture, philosophy and social life. In China, tea is drunk not only to quench thirst, but also as a symbol of hospitality, veneration of traditions and spiritual development. Tea culture in China dates back more than 2,000 years and is an integral part of daily life, from the morning tea party to the elaborate ceremonies that take place at important events.
In this article, we look at why tea is so popular in China, how it has become part of national identity, and what historical and cultural reasons explain its significance.
1. History of tea in China
1.1 The Legend of the Origin of Tea
The tea is believed to have been discovered in China more than 2,700 years ago. According to one of the most famous Chinese legends, Emperor Shennong opened tea when hot water accidentally dripped onto the leaves of a tea bush, and he felt a pleasant aroma. He soon realized that the drink had not only a refreshing taste, but also beneficial properties. This event was the starting point for the history of tea in China.
1.2 The Role of Tea in Chinese History
Tea has since become an important part of Chinese culture and economy. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), tea was not only a drink for the people, but also part of diplomatic practice. China began exporting tea to other countries in Asia and then to Europe. With the development of the tea trade, tea became a significant commodity, and its influence spread far beyond China.
2. Tea as part of Chinese culture
2.1 Tea and Philosophy
Tea in China is associated with the philosophy of Dao and Zhongyuan. Many Chinese believe that tea promotes harmony and calm, helps focus and clear the mind. In Chinese culture, tea drinking is often associated with the search for internal balance, peace and harmony with the world around it.
The tea ceremony is not just a drink, but a whole ritual, during which a person is immersed in an atmosphere of pacification. The process of making tea in China requires attention and concentration, which makes it an important element of the philosophy of life. Complex tea ceremonies help to understand the very essence of tea drinking and feel its spiritual significance.
2.2 Tea as a Symbol of Hospitality
In China, it is customary to offer tea to every guest and this is considered a sign of respect and hospitality. Guests are always offered a cup of tea as a welcome, and many Chinese are confident that tea helps to create a pleasant atmosphere for communication. The gesture is an integral part of Chinese tradition, and the tea ceremony often becomes an important part of meetings with friends, relatives and even business partners.
2.3 Health Effects
The Chinese have long appreciated the beneficial properties of tea. In traditional Chinese medicine, tea is seen as a means to improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, reduce stress and increase energy. Each type of tea has its own unique beneficial qualities, and the Chinese carefully choose tea depending on the season and state of health.
- Green tea in China is considered a refreshing drink that promotes detoxification of the body and helps maintain energy.
- Black tea (called red tea in China) is used to improve digestion and strengthen the heart.
- Oolong is a semi-fermented tea that helps with metabolic disorders and promotes weight loss.
3. Types of tea in China
3.1 Green Tea
Green tea is the most popular tea in China and symbolizes freshness and naturalness. It undergoes minimal processing, which allows it to preserve its natural taste and beneficial properties. Famous Chinese green teas include Longjing (Dragon Guns) and Bilochun (Twisted Into a Spiral).
- Longjing is one of the most expensive and famous green teas grown in the vicinity of Hangzhou City. Its leaves have a flat shape and a special aroma.
- Bilochun is a tea with a distinctive fruity flavor and aroma that is also grown in Jiangsu province.
3.2 Black tea (red tea)
Black tea is called red tea in China (因为 its strong and rich color). This tea undergoes complete oxidation, which gives it a rich taste and aroma. Notable varieties of Chinese black tea include Jin Jian and Xiangjian.
- Jin Jian is a soft but deep flavored tea that is often drunk with milk or sugar.
3.3 Oolong
Oolong is a semi-fermented tea that combines the features of green and black tea. Oolong has a fruity aroma and a sweet finish. Among the most famous varieties are Thea Guan Yin and Da Hong Pao.
3.4 White Tea
White tea is one of the most refined and rare tea varieties in China. It only gathers from the youngest and most delicate leaves of tea bushes, which gives it a light, sweet taste. White tea, such as Shui Mei or Jin Zhen, is especially prized for its rarity and subtle taste.
4. Tea and Modern Life of China
In modern China, tea continues to be an important part of life. Tea houses, where you can enjoy not only a cup of tea, but also perform a tea party ceremony, are becoming popular meeting places. Young people are also actively interested in different types of tea, and many culinary professionals and enthusiasts are beginning to experiment with new tastes and combinations, such as the addition of fruits or herbs.
Tea ceremonies and tea parties remain an important part of Chinese culture, and tea is still an important element of Chinese cuisine, medical practices and social life.
Conclusion
Tea in China isn't just a drink, it's part of a national identity and a culture that permeates everyday life. Its long-term popularity is explained not only by useful properties, but also by its deep philosophical and cultural significance. The influence of tea on Chinese culture is not limited only to history, it is a living heritage that continues to develop to this day.
In this article, we look at why tea is so popular in China, how it has become part of national identity, and what historical and cultural reasons explain its significance.
1. History of tea in China
1.1 The Legend of the Origin of Tea
The tea is believed to have been discovered in China more than 2,700 years ago. According to one of the most famous Chinese legends, Emperor Shennong opened tea when hot water accidentally dripped onto the leaves of a tea bush, and he felt a pleasant aroma. He soon realized that the drink had not only a refreshing taste, but also beneficial properties. This event was the starting point for the history of tea in China.
1.2 The Role of Tea in Chinese History
Tea has since become an important part of Chinese culture and economy. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), tea was not only a drink for the people, but also part of diplomatic practice. China began exporting tea to other countries in Asia and then to Europe. With the development of the tea trade, tea became a significant commodity, and its influence spread far beyond China.
2. Tea as part of Chinese culture
2.1 Tea and Philosophy
Tea in China is associated with the philosophy of Dao and Zhongyuan. Many Chinese believe that tea promotes harmony and calm, helps focus and clear the mind. In Chinese culture, tea drinking is often associated with the search for internal balance, peace and harmony with the world around it.
The tea ceremony is not just a drink, but a whole ritual, during which a person is immersed in an atmosphere of pacification. The process of making tea in China requires attention and concentration, which makes it an important element of the philosophy of life. Complex tea ceremonies help to understand the very essence of tea drinking and feel its spiritual significance.
2.2 Tea as a Symbol of Hospitality
In China, it is customary to offer tea to every guest and this is considered a sign of respect and hospitality. Guests are always offered a cup of tea as a welcome, and many Chinese are confident that tea helps to create a pleasant atmosphere for communication. The gesture is an integral part of Chinese tradition, and the tea ceremony often becomes an important part of meetings with friends, relatives and even business partners.
2.3 Health Effects
The Chinese have long appreciated the beneficial properties of tea. In traditional Chinese medicine, tea is seen as a means to improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, reduce stress and increase energy. Each type of tea has its own unique beneficial qualities, and the Chinese carefully choose tea depending on the season and state of health.
- Green tea in China is considered a refreshing drink that promotes detoxification of the body and helps maintain energy.
- Black tea (called red tea in China) is used to improve digestion and strengthen the heart.
- Oolong is a semi-fermented tea that helps with metabolic disorders and promotes weight loss.
3. Types of tea in China
3.1 Green Tea
Green tea is the most popular tea in China and symbolizes freshness and naturalness. It undergoes minimal processing, which allows it to preserve its natural taste and beneficial properties. Famous Chinese green teas include Longjing (Dragon Guns) and Bilochun (Twisted Into a Spiral).
- Longjing is one of the most expensive and famous green teas grown in the vicinity of Hangzhou City. Its leaves have a flat shape and a special aroma.
- Bilochun is a tea with a distinctive fruity flavor and aroma that is also grown in Jiangsu province.
3.2 Black tea (red tea)
Black tea is called red tea in China (因为 its strong and rich color). This tea undergoes complete oxidation, which gives it a rich taste and aroma. Notable varieties of Chinese black tea include Jin Jian and Xiangjian.
- Jin Jian is a soft but deep flavored tea that is often drunk with milk or sugar.
3.3 Oolong
Oolong is a semi-fermented tea that combines the features of green and black tea. Oolong has a fruity aroma and a sweet finish. Among the most famous varieties are Thea Guan Yin and Da Hong Pao.
3.4 White Tea
White tea is one of the most refined and rare tea varieties in China. It only gathers from the youngest and most delicate leaves of tea bushes, which gives it a light, sweet taste. White tea, such as Shui Mei or Jin Zhen, is especially prized for its rarity and subtle taste.
4. Tea and Modern Life of China
In modern China, tea continues to be an important part of life. Tea houses, where you can enjoy not only a cup of tea, but also perform a tea party ceremony, are becoming popular meeting places. Young people are also actively interested in different types of tea, and many culinary professionals and enthusiasts are beginning to experiment with new tastes and combinations, such as the addition of fruits or herbs.
Tea ceremonies and tea parties remain an important part of Chinese culture, and tea is still an important element of Chinese cuisine, medical practices and social life.
Conclusion
Tea in China isn't just a drink, it's part of a national identity and a culture that permeates everyday life. Its long-term popularity is explained not only by useful properties, but also by its deep philosophical and cultural significance. The influence of tea on Chinese culture is not limited only to history, it is a living heritage that continues to develop to this day.