China is the birthplace of tea and the cradle of its culture. The vast distribution of tea-growing regions in China yields a rich variety of teas, each with its own distinctive techniques passed down through generations. In recent years, the coordinated development of Tea culture, industry, and technology has had a significant impact on economic and social growth. This humble leaf continually exhibits new vitality.
In late May, clouds shroud Tongmu Village in Xingcun Town, Wuyishan City, Fujian Province, located within the Wuyi Mountain National Nature Reserve. Here, tea plants grow freely, narrating a tale of vibrant life amidst tranquility. Teas produced within a 500-mile radius around Tongmu Village are known as “Zhengshan Xiaozhong.” Liang Junde, a provincial inheritor of Zhengshan Xiaozhong black tea-making skills, states, “Great mountains and waters produce great teas. Chinese teas like Zhengshan Xiaozhong are products of excellent ecosystems.”
If climate and environment bestow natural advantages, then time-honored tea-making techniques ensure consistently high quality.
Fixation, cooling, rolling… At the recent exhibition “Ancient Wuzhou Jinhua: A City's Scenery and a Pot of Tea,” held at the China Arts and Crafts Museum (China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum), Pan jintu, a municipal inheritor of Wuzhou Julu Rock Tea production skills from Jinhua, Zhejiang, attracted much attention for his on-site demonstration.
The Wuzhou Julu Rock Tea flourished during the Tang and Song dynasties and reached its peak in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Fresh leaves are harvested between the Qingming and Guyu festivals, using the standard of one bud and one leaf or one bud and two young leaves. The production process mainly involves pan-frying with supplementary drying. Pan Jintu explains, “In recent years, under the joint efforts of relevant departments in Jinhua City, leading tea enterprises, and inheritors of Wuzhou Julu Rock Tea production skills, measures such as constructing a Wuzhou Julu intangible cultural heritage exhibition hall, selective breeding of Wuzhou Julu tea varieties, and increasing brand promotion have been taken to promote the good genetic stock, standardization, branding, and industrialization of Wuzhou Julu tea, enhancing the quality of the tea.”
In recent years, new paths for integrating tea tourism have continuously emerged. Various regions focus on combining tea culture with local cultural elements, integrating the tea industry into daily life, and launching tea tourism products that are both recognizable and resonant.
Recently, the Center for Ethnic and Folk Art Development of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism launched a research project on “Documentation and Protection Studies of Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage Projects Related to Black Tea Production Techniques in Fujian, Anhui, and Yunnan Provinces.” Focusing on the production techniques and customs of Wuyi Mountain Zhengshan Xiaozhong black tea, Keemun black tea, and Yunnan black tea, the project analyzes the unique role of tea-related intangible cultural heritage projects in promoting rural revitalization and driving the integration of culture and tourism from perspectives such as natural environment, technique inheritance, and innovative development.
△ Yunnan Black Tea Production Technique (Image Source: Tea Friends Association of the China National Tea Museum)
At the home of Jiang Tianji, General Manager of Tianji Tea Factory in Wuyishan, a building under construction is nearing completion. “We plan to open a tea-themed inn to host tea enthusiasts from across the country,” says Jiang Tianji. Adhering strictly to the regulations of the nature reserve, this building will also develop projects such as tea-making experience workshops and tea-themed dining, gradually enriching the content of tea tourism integration.
The Shilu District of Xinyang City, Henan Province, is the core production area of Xinyang Maojian tea. By integrating tea culture with rural tourism, picking experiences, and tea product development, Xinyang implements the Dabie Mountain Hundred Themed Homestay Demonstration Project. It promotes the development of various tea tourism formats and consumption scenarios by leveraging tea to boost tourism and vice versa. Currently, over 50 tea-themed homestays, 35 tea estates, and 67 tea study bases have been established throughout the city.
The strongly fragrant “Maojian Ice Cream” is widely popular among tourists, while freshly baked Maojian mung bean cakes and Maojian pastries have amassed a large fanbase. A responsible official from the Xinyang Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau states, “We strive to gradually convert the profound natural foundation and cultural heritage of Xinyang Maojian into capabilities for the inheritance of tea culture, and through brand building, we strengthen the integration capacity of the tea industry.”
Meeting friends through tea fosters exchanges, mutual trust, and deepens friendly cooperation. In May, overseas Chinese cultural centers, in conjunction with cultural and tourism departments across the country, hosted a series of events related to “Harmony in Diversity” · Elegant Gatherings in numerous cities in countries such as Germany, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mexico, and the United States, all of which were warmly received.
In Mauritius, an exhibition titled “Aesthetics of Jiangnan Life” was held, showcasing nine aspects of traditional Chinese culture including “music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, flowers, tea, and incense,” alongside live tea art demonstrations for attendees. The event also featured a “Dreamy Jiangnan” concert by the Chinese Folk Orchestra of Wuxi, presenting the charm of Chinese Tea and folk music to the people of Mauritius from multiple angles.
In Paris, France, the “Week of Chinese Music with Strings and Bamboo” was launched, and on International Tea Day, a display and experience activity themed “Tasting the Second Best Spring Water in the World” was held as part of “Harmony in Diversity” · Elegant Gatherings. Amidst the melodious sounds of traditional Chinese music, “Taihu Bamboo Green” tea was brewed with Huishan spring water and served with Wuxi-style tea snacks, leaving attendees in awe.
“Chinese tea is one of the earliest internationalized products, having had a profound impact on world culture,” said Peter Bub, President of the Federation of German-Chinese Friendship Associations, at the “Harmony in Diversity” · Elegant Gathering for International Tea Day held in Berlin on May 21. He noted that Chinese tea culture has a long and enduring history. Not only does tea bring blessings to the Chinese people, but it has also spread to Europe, America, Africa, and beyond, becoming a green and healthy beverage enjoyed by people worldwide, giving rise to diverse types of tea cultures in different parts of the world.