22/10/2025
As the original birthplace of tea in the world, China has a history of more than four thousand years with this beverage. The tea culture (known in Chinese by terms such as Cha Wen Hua - 茶文化) goes beyond mere drinking; it is a complete system encompassing etiquette, art, philosophy, and traditional medicine.
Symbol of Respect and Philosophy
In Chinese society, tea is an important symbol of respect, reconciliation, and social connection. Offering tea by the younger generation to their elders is a traditional act of paying respect, and in wedding ceremonies, the bride and groom serve tea to their parents as a gesture of thanks and gratitude. Philosophically, tea culture is interwoven with the principles of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, and focuses on concepts such as harmony, tranquility, enjoyment, and truth (he, jing, yi, zhen).
Ritual Ceremony
The most famous tea ceremony in China is the Gongfu Cha (meaning "making tea with effort/skill"). This ritual, often used for Oolong teas, requires high precision in brewing, temperature regulation, and the use of specific utensils (such as a gaiwan or small teapot). This ceremony is a calm meditation and a way to focus on the layered aroma and flavor of the tea.
Types of Chinese Tea
China produces countless varieties of teas, each with its own customs and properties:
* Green Tea: The most consumed type, which is unfermented and has high health benefits (such as Longjing).
* Oolong Tea: A semi-fermented tea that is complex in aroma and flavor and is cultivated in the Fujian regions.
* Pu-erh Tea: A fermented tea that improves with age and is often presented in compressed cakes.
Drinking tea in China is a daily experience that flows both in homes and in bustling urban teahouses.
