Bainian Kunwu | Chinese Tea Gifts

A Chinese leaf

Tea began in China

Archaeological evidence traces cultivated tea trees back about six thousand years. Once used as food and medicine, tea became an everyday drink and developed distinct regional characters across China’s varied climates.

Among plants

Harmony above all

Choosing tea, preparing the vessels, waiting for the water and drinking together express respect for nature, time and companionship. Tea practices continued to evolve from Tang boiling and Song whisking to later steeping.

Tea across the world

Beauty shared

Tea travelled along the Silk Road, the Ancient Tea Horse Road and maritime routes. It took on new forms through local landscapes, objects and customs, becoming an everyday language between cultures.

Names through time

From tu to cha

Ancient texts recorded several names for tea before the character cha became standard. Their evolution preserves the story of how people gradually came to understand one remarkable leaf.

Teas of many regions

A taste of place

Northern, southern, southwestern and coastal tea regions differ in altitude, soil, mist, temperature and humidity, giving rise to white, green, black, oolong and dark teas.

Craft passed on

Tradition renewed

From tending gardens and picking fresh leaves to hand-making and brewing, traditional tea skills continue across generations while contemporary craft brings them into new settings.