Abstract: In traditional Chinese culture, Tea is regarded as an emblem of elegance, and Qimen black tea, as one of its finest representatives, has been endowed with profound cultural connotations. This article analyzes the origin and history, varieties and characteristics, picking and production, value and benefits, market and prospects, culture and heritage, and tasting and appreciation of Qimen black tea, elucidating the perfect fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern appeal in Chinese Qimen black tea. Please bear with any limitations or errors (personal opinion; April 2024).

Keywords: China; Tea culture; Qimen black tea; historical and cultural significance; modern value

I. Origin and History of Qimen Black Tea

1.1 Origin and Naming of Qimen Black Tea

Qimen black tea, a prized treasure in the world of tea, has a rich cultural background and unique geographical features in its origin and naming. Qimen black tea is primarily produced in Qimen County, Anhui Province, China, located in the foothills of Mount Huang, with a mild and humid climate and fertile soil, providing ideal natural conditions for tea trees to thrive. According to historical records, the naming of Qimen black tea is closely tied to the local geography. It is known for its lustrous dark color, rich aroma, and full-bodied taste, earning it the reputation of being “the hero among teas,” and it is widely loved by consumers both domestically and internationally.

The naming of Qimen black tea not only serves as an identifier of its origin but also as a recognition of its quality. In Qimen County, the exquisite tea-making skills passed down through generations by tea farmers have continually improved the quality of Qimen black tea. At the same time, the local government places great emphasis on building the brand of Qimen black tea, actively promoting it through events such as tea culture festivals and tea expos, to introduce this gem of a tea to more people. Today, Qimen black tea has become a shining card for Chinese Tea and holds a prominent place in the international tea market.

It is worth noting that the origin and naming of Qimen black tea are imbued with rich cultural connotations. In traditional Chinese culture, tea is seen as a symbol of refined culture, and Qimen black tea, as one of its outstanding examples, has been endowed with deep cultural significance. Many literati and poets have left their calligraphic works praising its unique qualities and flavors. These cultural elements integrated into Qimen black tea make it not just a beverage but also a carrier of cultural heritage and promotion.

1.2 Historical Development of Qimen Black Tea

The historical development of Qimen black tea can be described as a grand epic. Since the late Qing Dynasty, Qimen black tea began to stand out due to its unique qualities and flavors. At that time, tea farmers in the Qimen region started to combine small-leaved tea trees with the local natural environment, eventually creating a black tea with a rich aroma and full-bodied taste through continuous experimentation and practice. This innovative move not only won the favor of the market but also established its position in the world of black tea.

In the Republican era, the production scale of Qimen black tea gradually expanded, and its quality further improved. At the time, the export volume of Qimen black tea significantly increased, making it one of the important varieties of Chinese black tea exports. Statistics show that the annual production of Qimen black tea during the Republican era reached several ten thousand dan, exported to countries and regions such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany, where it was highly favored by consumers.

After the founding of New China, the production of Qimen black tea received strong support from the state. The government invested substantial funds and technological resources to promote the rapid development of the Qimen black tea industry. Under the efforts of scientific personnel, the tea-making process of Qimen black tea was further perfected and improved, ensuring more stable and reliable quality. At the same time, the brand image of Qimen black tea was further shaped and disseminated, becoming one of the representatives of Chinese black tea.

In the 21st century, Qimen black tea encountered new opportunities for development. With the continuous expansion of domestic and international markets and the diversification of consumer needs, Qimen black tea began to focus on brand building and market expansion. Through strengthening quality management, enhancing cultural content, and innovating marketing methods, the brand awareness and reputation of Qimen black tea continued to rise, and its market share gradually expanded. Now, Qimen black tea has become an essential component of Chinese tea culture and a sought-after product among tea enthusiasts both domestically and internationally.

II. Varieties and Characteristics of Qimen Black Tea

2.1 Introduction to Major Varieties of Qimen Black Tea

Qimen black tea stands out among Chinese black teas for its unique varieties and quality. Among them, the most famous variety is traditional Qimen black tea, which is highly praised for its rich aroma, full-bodied taste, and deep red liquor. The picking and production of this type of black tea follow strict traditional processes, with every leaf carefully selected and processed to ensure exceptional quality. In addition, Qimen black tea has several derivative varieties, such as Golden Junmai and Silver Junmai, which have been innovated and improved based on traditional Qimen black tea, making the range of Qimen black tea more diverse.

Taking Golden Junmai as an example, it is a newcomer in recent years among Qimen black teas, favored by the market for its unique production process and quality characteristics. The production process of Golden Junmai is more meticulous compared to traditional Qimen black tea, requiring experienced tea farmers and tea makers to complete the picking and processing. This type of black tea has a unique aroma with a light honey scent and a full-bodied taste with a long-lasting aftertaste, highly appreciated by consumers. Statistics show that the sales of Golden Junmai have been increasing year by year, making it a star product among Qimen black teas.

In addition to Golden Junmai, other derivative varieties of Qimen black tea each have their own unique characteristics. For example, Silver Junmai is renowned for its silver-white color and delicate fragrance, while Qihong Xiangluo is noted for its snail-like shape and bright red liquor. The emergence of these varieties not only enriches the product line of Qimen black tea but also satisfies the taste preferences of different consumers. Meanwhile, the success of these derivative varieties proves that Qimen black tea has found a balance between heritage and innovation, rejuvenating this traditional tea in modern society.

2.2 Unique Flavor and Quality Characteristics of Qimen Black Tea

Qimen black tea is renowned for its unique flavor and quality characteristics in the tea world. Its distinctive aroma, known as “Qimen fragrance,” is rich and persistent, akin to a blend of honey and fruit scents, leaving a lasting impression. In terms of quality, Qimen black tea has tightly rolled and uniform leaves, a lustrous dark color, and when brewed, produces a bright red liquor with a full-bodied taste and a long-lasting aftertaste. These characteristics set Qimen black tea apart from many other black tea varieties, making it a coveted delicacy among tea enthusiasts.

According to data from authoritative institutions, Qimen black tea contains abundant amounts of tea polyphenols, amino acids, and minerals, all of which are beneficial to human health. Moreover, the Health benefits of Qimen black tea have been scientifically verified. Numerous studies have shown that drinking Qimen black tea helps reduce blood lipids, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and plays a positive role in preventing cardiovascular diseases and delaying aging. These scientific findings have further enhanced the market recognition of Qimen black tea.

In the inheritance and development of tea culture, Qimen black tea also plays a vital role. As one of China's traditional teas, Qimen black tea not only carries deep cultural connotations but also keeps up with the times, innovating and developing. The combination of modern tea-making techniques has further improved the quality of Qimen black tea, injecting new vitality into the inheritance of tea culture. When appreciating Qimen black tea, many tea lovers not only experience its unique flavors and quality characteristics but also appreciate the charm of traditional Chinese tea culture.

In addition, Qimen black tea performs remarkably well in the market. Its unique quality and flavors have attracted the favor of many consumers, achieving impressive sales performance both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, as consumers increasingly pay attention to healthy diets, the health benefits of Qimen black tea have been recognized and pursued by more people. In the future, with the continuous development and innovation of the tea industry, Qimen black tea is expected to maintain its leading position in the market, bringing health and deliciousness to more consumers.

III. Picking and Production Techniques of