This is not just a beverage; for the Chinese, tea is an art, a culture, and a way of life. For thousands of years, tea has been an inseparable part of the history and culture of this country. China is considered the cradle of tea, where tea originated and spread throughout the world.
Legend has it that around 2700 BC, Shen Nong, the legendary king of China, who is regarded as the father of agriculture and medicine, accidentally discovered tea. One day, while he was boiling water under a tree, a leaf from a nearby tea plant fell into the pot, and the boiling water released a gentle fragrance. When he tried it, Shen Nong felt refreshed and alert. From then on, tea began to be recognized as a folk remedy. Although this is just a legend, it shows that tea has been present in the lives of the Chinese for a very long time. It is not just a drink but is also seen as a medicinal remedy that helps to refresh and enhance health.
Since the Tang Dynasty, tea began to infiltrate all social classes, from royalty and officials to common people. People drank tea not only to quench their thirst but also to socialize, express refinement, and even for meditation. By the Song and Ming Dynasties, tea was not only confined to China but was also exported worldwide, to Japan, Korea, and even Europe. In English, tea means "trà," and this word is believed to have originated from Fujian. This shows the significant influence of Chinese tea. However, even though tea has traveled around the world, it still holds a special place in China as an irreplaceable cultural symbol.
When it comes to Chinese tea, one cannot overlook how it has become an indispensable part of daily life. The Chinese drink tea all the time and everywhere. In the morning to start the day, in the afternoon to relax, in the evening during gatherings with friends, and in important ceremonies, tea is a must. If you have ever been to China or watched Chinese films, you will surely see scenes of people sitting around a table, pouring tea from small, beautiful teapots into tiny teacups. It is not just about drinking tea; it is a way to connect people with each other. In Chinese culture, inviting someone for a cup of tea is a gesture to show respect, friendliness, and hospitality. Even in business negotiations, tea plays a role as a lubricant that helps people feel more comfortable. The saying "drinking tea and talking" in China is not coincidental; it reflects the importance of tea in communication.
China has the art of tea appreciation
In China, drinking tea is not simply about brewing a tea bag or a tea pouch and drinking it. It is a special ritual in the Chinese tea ceremony. This is different from the Japanese tea ceremony but is also very refined. People often use small teapots and cups, the water must be boiled at the right temperature, and the tea must be brewed correctly to preserve its flavor. Another significant reason why the Chinese are addicted to tea is the variety of tea types available here. China has hundreds of different types of tea, each with its own flavor, brewing method, and benefits. For example, green tea is the most popular type in China and is also the most loved tea.
Famous green teas include Longjing, which means "Dragon Well" tea. This type comes from Hangzhou, or Biluochun from Suzhou, which has a fresh, light, and slightly sweet flavor. Oolong tea is a semi-green, semi-black tea that is partially fermented. This type of tea has a very special flavor, fragrant like flowers yet strong like black tea. Have you heard of Tieguanyin tea? It is a famous oolong tea known as the queen of teas. Black tea or red tea in Chinese, such as Pu-erh tea, is loved for its strong flavor and beautiful color. Notably, Pu-erh tea from Yunnan can be aged for decades; the longer it is stored, the more fragrant and valuable it becomes.
In addition to traditional teas, the Chinese also enjoy floral teas such as jasmine tea and chrysanthemum tea. Jasmine tea has a sweet fragrance and is often used during gatherings with friends. Chrysanthemum tea is favored for its calming effects that help with sleep. This variety ensures that the Chinese never get bored of tea. For every occasion and mood, they choose a suitable type of tea. If you are sad, you can drink chrysanthemum tea to relax. If you want to be alert, green tea is the number one choice. If you want to impress your friends, bring out the oolong tea set and brew it in a sophisticated manner.
Not only because of culture or history, but tea also makes the Chinese "addicted."
Addicted here is in quotes because of the scientific benefits it brings. Tea, especially green tea, contains a substance called catechin. A type of antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals, slows down the aging process, and reduces the risk of diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular issues.
The Chinese drink tea daily as a way to maintain their health. Tea also contains caffeine, but it is different from coffee. The caffeine in tea is released in a way that keeps you alert without feeling jittery or overly tired. The Chinese also often drink tea after meals, especially with oily dishes, as tea helps stimulate digestion. Nowadays, even as China modernizes, the love for tea remains undiminished. In fact, tea has been creatively adapted to suit the younger generation. You are probably familiar with bubble milk tea, an invention from Taiwan. But Taiwan is also part of Chinese culture, isn't it?
Bubble milk tea has become a global phenomenon, and in China, you can see long lines of people waiting to buy a delicious cup of bubble tea. Chains of stores have sprung up all over the world, especially in Asia. It has turned tea into a trendy beverage with various toppings. Besides bubble tea, bottled tea is also very popular now. These types of tea are suitable for the fast-paced lifestyle in cities where people do not have time to brew tea in the traditional way. Nevertheless, the Chinese still maintain the habit of drinking hot tea at home or in the office because they believe that hot tea is healthier.
Tea is not just a beverage; it also holds many records.
To talk about the influence of tea, let's discuss its records. First is the ancestor of tea. Tea is one of the oldest cultivated plants for beverages. But the real record is the ancient tea trees in Wuyi Mountain, Fujian, China. The mother tea trees, even the grandfather and grandmother tea trees here are aged between 1000 to 2000 years and are protected as national treasures. They grow on the cliffs of Jiulong Rock, meaning the cliffs of nine dragons. One tea tree has witnessed many dynasties, from the Tang Dynasty to the present day, which is quite normal. The leaves from these tea trees produce Da Hong Pao tea, meaning "Big Red Robe," one of the most expensive teas in the world.
In 2005, leaves from the mother tree were auctioned for a record price, proving the immortal value of Chinese tea. However, the record for the largest hot tea cup in the world belongs to Mexico, with a capacity of 9,123 liters, established in Wanajoto in 2023. They used a mixture of green tea, mint, and hibiscus to brew at a minimum temperature of 77°C. This event aimed to promote Mexican tea culture and was later distributed for free. The record for the largest tea party in the world had a total of 280,246 participants in India in 2011. Hundreds of thousands of people sat around tables pouring tea from large teapots, chatting merrily throughout the day.
In China, there was the largest cream tea party with 1,088 participants in 2019. This was a luxurious party with tea and cakes aimed at promoting a car brand. The record for the largest tea bag in the world is a 250-kilogram tea bag established in Saudi Arabia in 2014. Two hundred and fifty kilograms of tea can be brewed without worry. The record for the most cups of tea brewed in one hour is 249 cups, set by Inga in South Africa in 2022. She brewed a type of herbal tea at a rate of over four cups per minute. Another fun record is the most tea bags thrown into a cup in 30 seconds, which is 11 bags set by New Zealanders in 2021. It’s like an Olympic game of tea.
And let's talk about the most expensive tea in the world, which is Da Hong Pao. In Han-Viet, it translates to "Big Red Robe." This is why the Chinese are addicted to tea, not only for its culture but also for treasures like this. Da Hong Pao is a type of oolong tea from Wuyi Mountain, Fujian, named during the Ming Dynasty when a scholar passed the imperial examination thanks to drinking tea from six ancient tea trees on the Jiulong cliffs. He then draped a red robe and climbed the tea tree to express gratitude, hence the tea was called Da Hong Pao. Only six mother tea trees, over 1000 years old, grow on cliffs that are 600 to 700 meters high. They are protected as national treasures.
The Chinese government has banned the picking of two tea leaves since 2007, and the last leaves harvested in 2005 are kept in the Beijing Palace Museum. Da Hong Pao is a symbol of rarity and excellence recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage. Da Hong Pao is also the most expensive tea in the world, potentially exceeding 1 million dollars per pound for leaves from the mother tree. In 2005, 20 grams of Da Hong Pao leaves from the mother tree were auctioned for 31,000 US dollars. By 2025, premium versions from the offspring of the mother tree are still sold at high prices, even higher. Compared to Tieguanyin or Pu-erh tea, Da Hong Pao is the king.