Historical Origins:
The history of Mengding Mountain tea culture dates back over 2,000 years to the Western Han Dynasty. According to legend, Wu Lizhen, known as the ancestor of tea cultivation, domesticated wild tea trees on Mengding Mountain, marking the beginning of artificial tea cultivation. Wu Lizhen is thus revered as the "Founder of Tea Planting." During the Tang and Song Dynasties, Mengding Mountain tea became tribute tea, designated for the emperor's offerings to heaven, earth, and ancestors. The production techniques of this tea have been passed down through generations, becoming a treasure of Chinese tea culture.
Main Tea Varieties:
- Mengding Ganlu : Also known as Ganlu tea, it is one of the most famous teas from Mengding Mountain. The leaves are tightly rolled, tender, and glossy green, with a bright liquor, fresh taste, rich aroma, and a long-lasting aftertaste.
- Mengding Huangya :This is the only yellow tea in China named after a national designation. The leaves are flat and straight, with a tender yellow color, bright liquor, sweet and fresh aroma, and a rich flavor.
- Mengding Shihua : Known also as Shihua tea, Green Stone tea, or Shuyuan tea, this traditional famous tea from Mengding Mountain is made using spring water from Shihua Rock, featuring a unique rock aroma and mountain spring essence.
- Wanquing Yinye : Also called Silver Leaf tea or Wanquing tea, this is a unique famous tea from Mengding Mountain. It is made from tender buds and leaves, known for its clear and bright liquor, rich taste, and intense aroma.
- Yuye Changqing: Also known as Jade Leaf tea or Bamboo Leaf tea, this traditional tea from Mengding Mountain is produced in high-altitude areas above 1,000 meters. It is characterized by its bright green and clear liquor, refreshing taste with a sweet aftertaste, and long-lasting aroma.
Tea Processing Techniques:
The tea-making process in Mengding Mountain is complex and diverse, involving strict procedures from picking to finished product. The main steps include picking (harvesting), withering, sorting, piling, fixing, firing, rolling, baking, selecting, and packaging, totaling ten processes. These techniques have been preserved for thousands of years and still maintain traditional handcrafted methods today. Each tea leaf embodies the dedication and wisdom of the tea masters, reflecting the essence of traditional Chinese culture.
Cultural Significance:
Mengding Mountain tea is praised as "immortal tea," not only for its high quality but also for its long history and rich cultural significance. It has a close relationship with Buddhist culture, as Mengding Mountain is one of the birthplaces of Chinese Zen Buddhism, further enriching its cultural connotations. Throughout history, it has been the subject of admiration by poets and scholars. For instance, the Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi wrote in his poem "Qin Cha" , "In the lute, I know only the clear water; among tea, my old friends are from Mengshan." These verses not only praise the quality of Mengding Mountain tea but also reflect the tea culture of that era.
Modern Development:
Today, Mengding Mountain tea has become one of the treasures of Chinese tea culture, enjoying a stellar reputation both domestically and internationally. The culture surrounding Mengding Mountain tea has seen widespread inheritance and development, with various tea cultural activities and tea art performances emerging, attracting numerous visitors to experience and appreciate.
The culture of Mengding Mountain tea is an essential part of Chinese tea culture, with deep historical roots and unique cultural significance. It embodies the essence of traditional Chinese culture and provides rich spiritual enjoyment and cultural nourishment for modern society and civilization.