All About Chinese Tea Culture!

Tea is a very important part of Chinese tradition and remains so today. Tea production has played a vital role in influencing economic development and the consumption of tea has remained a part of daily life in China. 

We'll tell you all you need to know about tea in China so you can enjoy tea to its fullest!

In China it is believed that the practise of tea ceremonies can strengthen the spirit and wisdom of people who take part. Tea is no doubt a very sacred part of Chinese culture and the field of study regarding tea is rich and extensive. Tea not only represents the spirit of people, but also the spirit of ideological ideas. In China tea is undisputedly beneficial in influencing people’s social accomplishments and their appreciation of art.

History of Chinese Tea

The history of Chinese tea is both rich and ever-elvolving due to the improved methods of refinement. Generations of growers and producers have perfected the Chinese way of manufacturing tea, and its many unique regional variations.

The original method comes from the legendary Emperor Shennong, who is said to have lived 5 000 years ago. He established that all drinking water be boiled as a hygienic precaution. The story goes that, one summer day, while visiting a distant part of his realm, he and the court stopped to rest. In accordance with his request, the servants began to boil water for the court to drink. Dried leaves from a nearby bush fell into the boiling water, and a brown substance was infused into the water. As a scientist, the Emperor was interested in the new liquid, so he drank some, and found it very refreshing. And so, according to the legend, tea was created in 2737 BC.

Chinese Tea Types

The main varieties of Chinese tea are classified as green tea, black tea, Oolong tea, white tea, yellow tea, and dark tea. Each tea involves different processes and vary in taste and colour.  

Chinese Tea Culture

Drinking tea：Tea is taken as a beverage to quench thirst.

Tasting tea: The quality of the tea is judged by the colour, fragrance and flavour of the tea, the water quality and even the tea set. When tasting tea, you should be able to savour the tea thoroughly.

Tea art: While drinking, attention is paid to environment, atmosphere, music, infusing techniques and interpersonal relationships.

Chinese tea lore is several hundred years, possibly even thousands of years, older than that of Japan. It is said that Chinese tea lore places an emphasis on spirit and makes light of form. Tea lore had different representations at different historical periods. Teas are also various, but all embody the tea spirit of “clearness, respect, joy and truthfulness”.

Tips when drinking tea

Drinking tea offers numerous benefits. It refreshes the mind, clears heat within the human body and helps people lose weight. As you add a cup of tea to your daily routine, please check the following tips which help you reap the maximum health benefits.

1. Drink it hot. Tea oxidizes quickly after brewing, and its nutrients diminish overtime. It is suggested that you drink it hot to get the best out of tea.

2. Do not drink too much strong tea. It is likely to upset your stomach and cause insomnia if you make the tea too strong. Usually you can mix 4 grams (0.13ounce) of tea leaves with 250 milliliters (0.44 pint) to make a cup of tea. An overall amount of 12 - 15 grams (0.4 - 0.5 ounces) of tea leaves is suitable for daily consumption.

3. The best time to drink is in between meals. Do not drink tea soon after or before meals. Otherwise it may quench appetite when your stomach is empty, or cause indigestion when your stomach is full.

4. Do not drink with medication. Tea contains large amount of Tannin, which will react with certain elements in the medicine, thus reduce medical effects. You can drink tea a couple of hours after you take medicine.

5. Green tea is the best option for office workers. Green tea contains catechins that help prevent computer radiation and supplement moisture content of the human body.

Aihua Mandarin School offers tea ceremony classes for you to discover the art of tea in Chinese culture. Do not hesitate to contact us to arrange your private tea ceremony session today!

We also offer a range of other cultural activities to help you get to know Chinese culture and traditions such as calligrahy workshop, lantern making session and Tai Chi. Contact us today to book your next cultural event. 

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The above contents are provided by Zhuhai Aihua Mandarin.

Supervisor: Crystal Huang

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