Classic Chinese Tea Poems and Culture

Chinese tea culture is profound and ancient, forming an essential part of traditional Chinese culture. From the discovery and spread of tea, the development of tea art, to the flourishing of tea poetry, each step highlights the deep roots of tea culture. In this article, we will explore the unique charm of Chinese tea culture through ten classic tea poems.

 1. 《答族侄僧中孚赠玉泉仙人掌茶》

Tang dynasty's Lu Yu, known as the "Tea Saint," laid the foundation of tea culture with his "The Classic of Tea". His poem, "Reply to Nephew Monk Zhongfu's Gift of Yuquan Immortal Palm Tea," is a masterpiece of tea poetry:

寒夜客来茶当酒，

竹炉汤沸火初红。

寻常一样窗前月，

才有梅花便不同。

"On a cold night, a guest arrives, and tea replaces wine. The bamboo stove boils, and the fire is just beginning. The same moon outside the window, yet with plum blossoms, it is different."

Lu Yu uses tea instead of wine, expressing how integral tea was to his life.

2. 《山泉煎茶有怀》

Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi's "Brewing Tea with Mountain Spring Water" also holds a significant place in tea poetry:

坐酌泠泠水，

看煎瑟瑟尘。

无由持一碗，

寄与爱茶人。

"Sit and drink the cold, cold water, watch the boiling and swirling dust. No way to hold a bowl and send it to a tea-loving friend."

Bai Juyi's poem conveys his love for tea and his longing for friends through its verses.

3. 《咏茶》

Tea in Chinese culture is not just a beverage but an art form. Song dynasty poet Wang Anshi in his poem "Ode to Tea" wrote:

嫩芽香且灵，

采摘自山园。

蒸熟去风力，

琢磨功尤专。

"Tender buds fragrant and divine, picked from mountain gardens. Steamed and dried, the craftsmanship is precise."

This poem describes the process of picking and making tea, showcasing the meticulous and refined nature of tea art.

 4. 《品令·茶词》

Northern Song dynasty's famous literatus Huang Tingjian's "Pingle · Tea Lyrics" is a notable piece in tea culture:

闲看中庭地，

坐久一方宽。

自从醉里分茶醒，

梦绕君山。

"Leisurely watching the courtyard, sitting for a long time makes one broad-minded. Since waking from a tea-drunk sleep, dreams circle Jun Mountain."

Huang Tingjian uses the experience of tea-tasting to express his thoughts on life and his nostalgia for friends.

 5. 《茶赋》

Tang dynasty poet Liu Yuxi's "Tea Fu" vividly portrays tea culture through the form of a fu:

兹山中人，

采摘而煎。

或灌以名泉，

或贮以素甁。

饮之则心清神爽，

肌骨轻松。

"The people in this mountain, pick and boil tea. Sometimes with famous springs, sometimes stored in plain bottles. Drinking it, the mind is clear and the spirit refreshed, the body relaxed."

Liu Yuxi praises the benefits of tea and the elegance of tea art through this fu.

 6. 《茶歌》

Tang dynasty's Yuan Zhen's "Tea Song" is also a beautiful piece on tea:

茶果青且香，

采摘自山村。

竹篮盛清风，

绿叶带露痕。

"The tea fruit is green and fragrant, picked from mountain villages. Bamboo baskets carry the cool breeze, green leaves with dewy traces."

This poem highlights the significance of tea in daily life through its vivid descriptions.

7. 《茶宴》

Song dynasty poet Su Shi's "Tea Banquet" is a gem in tea poetry:

凤沼龙池贡，

吴兴紫笋新。

素瓷传静夜，

芳气满闲人。

"Phoenix Marsh, Dragon Pool tribute, new Zisun from Wuxing. Plain porcelain passed in the quiet night, fragrant aroma fills the leisure."

Su Shi uses elegant language to depict the grandeur of a tea banquet and the fragrance of tea.

8. 《谢李六郎中寄新蜀茶》

Tang dynasty poet Du Mu's "Thanks to Li Langzhong for Sending New Shu Tea" expresses gratitude for a friend's gift of tea:

蒙君玉尘茶，

况是春采新。

寄来碧笥中，

白水活如鱼。

"Grateful for your jade-dust tea, especially new spring pick. Sent in a green box, white water as lively as fish."

Du Mu's poem illustrates the preciousness of tea leaves and the depth of friendship.

9. 《咏茶》

Ming dynasty poet Chen Jiru's "Ode to Tea" adds color to tea culture:

茶者，

南方之嘉木也。

一尺、二尺乃至数十尺。

其巴、蜀、两广有之。

"Tea, a fine tree from the south. One foot, two feet to several tens of feet. Found in Ba, Shu, and the two Guangs."

Chen Jiru's poem praises the growth environment and quality of tea through his vivid descriptions.

10. 《茶》

Qing dynasty poet Zheng Banqiao's "Tea" elevates tea culture to new heights:

酒阑更喜团茶苦，

梦断偏宜瑞脑香。

已向丹霞生隐患，

还因碧海寄流芳。

"After wine, more fond of tea's bitterness, dreams especially suit its fragrant aroma. Born under red clouds, sent to the blue sea to spread fragrance."

Zheng Banqiao's poem expresses the bittersweetness of tea and the long-lasting nature of tea art.

These classic tea poems not only express the poets' emotions but also represent the essence of Chinese tea culture. Each poem showcases a different aspect of tea, allowing us to appreciate the depth and richness of tea culture. Tea is not just a beverage but a way of life and cultural heritage. Through these tea poems, we glimpse the ancient love for tea and a profound understanding of life.