China gave tea to the world — and turned the leaf into philosophy, medicine and hospitality. From Shennong's legendary discovery to Lu Yu's Classic of Tea and the six tea families, here is how a cup b
China invented tea, and tea shaped China—from Tang dynasty poetry to modern business meetings, understanding tea means understanding Chinese civilization itself.
Chinese tea culture, with origins dating back to the Shennong era, represents a profound cultural heritage encompassing cultivation, preparation, ceremony, and philosophy.