Legend of Shennong: Dawn of Tea (2737 BC)
Myth says Emperor Yan neutralized 72 poisons with tea leaves. Bamboo slips from Mawangdui Han Tomb reveal the earliest medicinal tea recipes.
Tang-Song Evolution: Codifying Tea Arts (618-1279)
- Tang Steam Fixation: Lu Yu’s The Classic of Tea established 7-step processing, validated by gilded tea sets in Famen Temple crypt
- Song Dynasty Whisking: Emperor Huizong’s Treatise on Tea inspired tea foam art in Jianyang hare’s fur bowls
- Zen-Tea Migration: Monk Eisai brought Jingshan tea rituals to Japan, seeding chanoyu philosophy
Ming-Qing Globalization (1368-1912)
- Hongwu Emperor’s decree abolished compressed tea, spurring pan-fired techniques
- Dutch East India Company’s 1607 tea shipment triggered European “green gold” craze
Modern Renaissance: Tradition Meets Technology
- 2008: West Lake Longjing designated as GIAHS
- CAS Tea Research Institute’s steam-air fixation boosts amino acid retention
- 2023 Douyin tea culture videos surpass 10B views, Gen Z reinvents tea communication
