Great Green Tea: Half from West Lake, Half from Thousand Island Lake

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 When people think of China’s finest green tea, they picture West Lake in Hangzhou—the villages of Longjing and Meijiawu, Emperor Qianlong’s legendary “Eighteen Imperial Tea Bushes,” and a cup of flat, jade-green leaves releasing delicate chestnut notes. And they’re not wrong. West Lake Longjing is indeed one of China’s most iconic teas. But few know that 150 kilometers southwest of Hangzhou, amid the emerald waters of Thousand Island Lake, lies another chapter of tea history—one far older, equally profound, and unjustly overlooked. Here, during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), tribute tea known as Jiukeng Maojian was sent to the imperial court. Lu Yu, the Sage of Tea, recorded its origin in his Classic of Tea (Cha Jing). Centuries later, seeds from this very land would travel to Japan, Kenya, and beyond, shaping green tea across continents. Today, protected as a Class-I national water source, this region bans chemical pesticides entirely—yielding tea of unmatched purity and freshnes...

China successfully applies for the world's first World Heritage site with tea as the theme

 


Image description: This is a new sprout from an ancient tea tree

China, as the birthplace of tea culture, has a rich history, culture, and philosophical significance associated with tea, which is an important traditional beverage of the Chinese nation. Recently, China successfully applied for the world's first World Heritage site with tea as the theme. This achievement not only recognizes and protects China's tea culture but also marks an important milestone in the exchange between Chinese civilization and the world. This article will introduce the uniqueness of Chinese tea culture and the significance of applying for this heritage site.


Image description: Fossil of Jinggu Magnolia (Manglietia jingguensis) from the Middle Miocene, approximately 25 million years ago


Chinese tea culture has a long and profound history that can be traced back thousands of years to ancient times. In China, tea is not just a beverage but also a way of life and spiritual pursuit. Chinese tea culture is renowned for its unique tea ceremony, tea art, and tea etiquette. The cultivation, production, and enjoyment of tea have formed distinct traditions and techniques that have been passed down through generations, becoming important cultural symbols of the Chinese nation.



Image description: One of the fossils of the newly discovered wide-leafed magnolia (new species) from the Eocene Epoch, approximately 35.4 million years ago in Jinggu, China


The successful application for the world's first World Heritage site with tea as the theme is a high recognition of Chinese tea culture. The success of this heritage application not only protects and inherits China's traditional culture but also represents a significant breakthrough for China in the field of world cultural heritage. As the national drink of China, tea has a long history and rich connotations. It represents the wisdom and taste of the Chinese nation and serves as an important bridge for cultural exchange between China and other countries.


Image description: Ancient tea forests are commonly seen throughout Yunnan.


The success of the application means that Chinese tea culture will receive more international recognition and protection. The World Heritage List is globally recognized as a representative of historical, cultural, and natural heritage, and its recognition will further enhance the status and influence of Chinese tea culture. This will help better promote Chinese tea culture, attract more people to understand and learn about the cultural significance of tea, and promote the exchange and integration of Chinese and foreign cultures.


Image description: "Inscribed with" the vicissitudes of time, ancient tea trees eloquently tell the stories of years gone by


Furthermore, the application process for World Heritage status serves as a comprehensive examination of China's efforts in protecting its tea culture. During the application process, China must demonstrate the historical origins, unique value, and efforts in preservation and inheritance of its tea culture. This is of great significance for the protection and inheritance of Chinese tea culture, as it helps to arouse the attention of various sectors of society to the traditions of tea culture and strengthen the formulation and implementation of relevant laws and policies.

In conclusion, China's successful application for the world's first World Heritage site with tea as the theme is an important recognition and protection of Chinese tea culture. It not only acknowledges the unique value of tea culture but also serves as a window for China to share its civilization with the world. The preservation and development of tea culture require joint efforts from the entire society. It is hoped that the World Heritage status of Chinese tea culture will further promote the dissemination and promotion of Chinese culture, allowing more people to understand and experience the charm of Chinese tea culture.



Image description: Ancient Tea Forest Conservation Area in Yunnan.




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