Exploring the Depths of Chinese Tea Culture

As with many regular rituals, China turned the process of brewing tea into an art form. Honed over centuries, Chinese tea culture is a rich and complex world steeped in tradition. Through tea rituals, one is able to better appreciate Chinese heritage and philosophy, which may be part of why it has become so prevalent.

The Origins of Chinese Tea

According to legend, tea was discovered by accident. Emperor Shen Nong was boiling water in 2737 BCE by a wild tea bush, when some leaves happened to blow into his cup and an obsession that would span the globe was born. While we will never be able to discern how much of this famous story is fact and how much fancy, it nonetheless beautifully captures the serendipitous nature of tea’s discovery. The earliest known records of tea as a beverage date back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). By the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE), tea culture had matured into a sophisticated art form, with the advent of tea ceremonies and elaborate preparation methods.

The Chinese Tea Ceremony

The Chinese tea ceremony - “gongfu,” is an exacting and graceful ritual that embodies core Chinese principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquillity. Unlike formalised tea ceremonies of Japan, the gongfu tea ceremony is characterised by its focus on the art of brewing tea in very small quantities several times in order to appreciate the journey of the tea brewing process at every stage, accompanied by overflowing cups and overlapping speaking, whereas the Japanese chanoyu is a solemn and meticulous art conducted in silent appreciation of the beauty found in efficient yet graceful movements of crafting a cup of matcha.

At the heart of the gongfu ceremony is the “tea master,” who selects high-quality tea leaves and utilises an array of expertly honed practices to create a cup of tea that is the perfect exemplification of that particular tea variety. The process involves a series of flowing steps: rinsing the teapot with hot water, awakening the tea leaves, pouring the tea in multiple infusions to extract its full flavour profile. 

China is singularly known for the sheer array of tea types available, each with its unique flavour. The primary categories of Chinese tea include:

White Tea: The least processed of all teas, white tea is tea whose oxidation is stopped as soon as possible, locking in all the freshness and antioxidants possible. It is therefore celebrated for its delicate, subtle flavours and health benefits. A good starting point for white tea is to try Bai Mu Dan or our Winchester Evening.

Green Tea: The most well-known of Chinese teas, known for its fresh, grassy notes and astonishing variety of flavour profiles, green tea is produced from unoxidised leaves. Famous varieties include Dragon Well (Longjing) and Bi Luo Chun.

Black Tea: Somewhat confusingly known as “red tea” in China, black tea is fully oxidised, which results in a more robust flavour and dark colour. Renowned varieties include Keemun and Golden Needle.

Oolong Tea: This tea is partially oxidised, striking a balance between green and black tea. Tie Guan Yin and Da Hong Pao are well-known oolong teas that offer a range of complex flavours.

Pu Erh Tea: Pu Erh is distinct from other varieties of tea in that it is fermented, and often aged as well, similarly to alcohol (though of course tea is alcohol-free). It is valued for its potential health benefits and unique taste profile. We recommend trying Chai Pu Erh if you are newly exploring Pu Erh tea.

The Role of Tea in Chinese Society

Tea is more than a mere beverage in China; it is an integral part of daily life and social interaction. It plays a central role in traditional ceremonies such as weddings, where it symbolises respect and unity. Offering tea to guests is a gesture of hospitality, and even business meetings often begin with a cup of tea to foster a relaxed atmosphere. In some parts of China, particular varieties of tea are used to celebrate Chinese New Year. 

In addition, tea houses serve as cultural hubs where people gather to enjoy tea and engage in conversation. Once, England also had such establishments, but they are primarily only found in China nowadays. These establishments vary from humble, neighbourhood tea shops which are community hubs to luxurious, high-end tea salons.

The Spirit of Chinese Tea Culture

To truly appreciate Chinese tea culture, one must approach it with an open mind and keenness for learning. Whether through participating in a gongfu tea ceremony, exploring the diverse world of Chinese teas, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, the essence of Chinese tea culture offers at once both a profound connection to the past and a reminder to live in and appreciate the present moment, as the nature of the tea changes with time.

Cheers to the timeless tradition of Chinese tea – a journey that continues to inspire and enrich our lives.