10 Interesting Things To Know About Chinese Tea

China is the place where tea originated. But did you also know there are many other interesting things about the world’s oldest tea civilization? Below we break down the top 10 most interesting facts about Chinese Tea and its history.

Top 10 Chinese Tea Facts

Earliest Book on Tea

Lu Yu’s “The Classic of Tea” from the Tang Dynasty stands as one of the earliest books on tea and a foundational text for tea culture.

Largest Tea Gardens

China holds the world’s largest tea gardens, covering 16 million mu (about 2.6 million acres), making up 45% of the global total.

Most Tea Tree Varieties

China hosts around 350 tea tree varieties, with over 60 in active production.

Largest Green Tea Producer and Importer

China leads in green tea production with a capacity of 350,000 tons and imports 66% of global green tea production and 72% of global trading.

Earliest Seed Selection for Tea Trees

Research shows that tea tree seed selection began in the Jin Dynasty, predating written records. “Dongxi Tea Test Record” suggests a history of about a thousand years.

Comprehensive Research and Education System

China maintains a robust tea research and education system with 10 higher education institutes offering specialized tea majors and the highest number of tea students globally. It also has two national and 13 provincial tea research institutions.

Earliest Discovery and Use of Tea

Legend claims Chinese Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea’s medicinal properties before 2730 BC and used it to counteract poisons, marking approximately 4,700 years of tea use in China.

Earliest Tea Trading and Exporting

China was an early trader of tea with foreign countries, starting with international trade during the Xihan Dynasty. In the early 9th century, China introduced tea to Japan, followed by Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka.

Most Tea Varieties

Besides the “Ten Famous Teas” (e.g., Longjing, Biluochun, Maofeng), China offers 50 other renowned teas with unique flavors and characteristics.

Widest Variety of Commercial Tea Types

China produces a wide variety of commercial teas, including black, green, white, yellow, Oolong, and pressed teas, as well as instant teas, tea bags, health teas, and beverages, totaling thousands of varieties.