A wisp of tea fragrance travels across mountains and seas; a tea gathering connects the world. To allow international students to immerse themselves in the profound heritage and unique charm of Chinese tea culture, and to build a bridge for cultural exchange between China and other countries, a special cultural practice session was held on the morning of January 6, 2026. International students from Thailand and Russia gathered together, embarking on a beautiful encounter with Chinese tea culture amid the delicate scent of tea.
Tracing Tea History, Savoring the Flavor
“Tea as a beverage originated from Shennong and was recorded by the Duke of Zhou. From the Tang dynasty’s boiling method to the Song dynasty’s whisking and the Ming-Qing method of brewing, Chinese tea history runs through millennia of civilization. The freshness of green tea, the richness of black tea, the fragrance of oolong tea—each carries the character of its region and the warmth of its culture…”
At the beginning of the session, under the guidance of instructor Ms. Long Youzhen, teaching assistant intern Xiang Yalan introduced the origin of Chinese tea, its historical development, the characteristics of the six major tea categories, and related tea etiquette. From the classic records of Lu Yu’sThe Classic of Tea to the distinctive tea customs across different regions, the vivid presentation gave the international students a deeper understanding of tea culture. Their curious eyes were filled with anticipation for the upcoming tasting.
Learning the Art of Tea, Sharing Its Aroma
The students then personally took part in brewing tea. With enthusiastic participation, twenty-three cups of tea were prepared.
As tea sets were arranged and the fragrance deepened, the tasting session began. While sipping green tea from Yichang, Hubei, the students learned the methods of tea appreciation: first smelling the aroma, then savoring the taste. They gained a comprehensive understanding of tea classification, color, flavor, and health benefits, and also learned about the medicinal value of tea. Seated around the table, they observed the clear color of the tea liquor, as its subtle fragrance filled the classroom. Lifting their cups, they tasted carefully—some showed delight upon smelling the aroma, while others nodded in approval after tasting. The students shared their impressions over tea, filling the room with laughter and conversation, as the aroma of tea and warmth of camaraderie flowed among them.
Lasting Tea Charm, Cultural Connection
At the end of the session, the students shared their experiences and expressed a strong interest in the diverse tea customs across different regions of China, hoping to learn more in the future.
This tea culture experience was relaxed and joyful, reflecting the social value of tea itself. As the clear sound of teacups clinking echoed in the classroom, the tea fragrance not only delighted the students’ palates but also planted seeds of curiosity and appreciation for Chinese tea culture in their hearts. This immersive tea culture class allowed Chinese elegance to transcend language and borders, becoming a warm link for cultural exchange and helping international students understand the delicacy and inclusiveness of Chinese culture through the medium of tea.
The Chinese Language Class Cultural Practice Series adopts a “Chinese + Practice” model to enhance international students’ experience in China, broaden their understanding of Chinese society, shape their Chinese perspective, and promote outstanding traditional Chinese culture. It is an important component of the “Chinese + N” training model for international students at our university.
