Traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, has appealed to the curious and those wanting-to-be-cured for millennia. With its origins dating back as far as 3,000 years – or so legend has it – Traditional Chinese Medicine has gained favor in the West as well, particularly as it is practiced more widely and its benefit better understood.

Travel to China on tour and there’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy an authentic TCM experience.

Apart from countless practices where patients receive treatment, there are entire hospitals dedicated to delivery of traditional Chinese medicine treatments, even as western medicine becomes more popular.

As with many areas in technology and science, the Chinese were well advanced of their western counterparts at the same time. Legend has it that as far back as 3,000 BC, Xuanyuan Huangdi is said to have penned the first medical work, supposedly stating “it was possible to use words and organize them into large scale medical works”. Although never officially substantiated, this way of thinking certainly set the stage for an approach to medicine that advocated prevention and the preservation of health.

History of traditional Chinese medicine through the ages

A study of the history of Chinese medicine reveals many firsts and a prolific interest in wanting to expand understanding and practise. Here are just a few highlights from the history of TCM.

Traditional Chinese medicine did not emerge in isolation. Over the course of thousands of years, there has been a cross-pollination of influences from surrounding cultures and people, including Indian ayurvedic medicine, Buddhism, Arab-Islamic medicine.

Its influence spread further thanks to the masterful works of medical scientist, Li Shizhen’s Compendium of Materia Medica, with the pharmacology practises it details embraced in Japan, Vietnam, Korea, and even into Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. In many ways, the Ming dynasty (1368 – 1644) was a period of great development in TCM and it is during this time its peak was reached. Although advances in Chinese medicine continued during the Qing dynasty, the focus was more on treatment of infectious diseases. Since the conclusion of the last dynasty in 1911, the influence of western medicine has seen both approaches adopted in medical treatments.

Theory of traditional Chinese Medicine

The theory of traditional Chinese Medicine is based on the theory of essence and qi (energy), yin and yang, and the five elements; wood, fire, soil(earth), gold(Metal), and water. All Chinese medicine theories, diagnostic methods, and treatment can be found in the masterpiece Huang Di Nei Jing. Essentially, Chinese medicine is founded on establishing a dynamic balance between man and nature. When this balance is disrupted, disease appears.

This is why Chinese medicine never looks at symptoms in isolation and why prevention of disease is intrinsic to its holistic approach.

Diagnosis and treatment also reflect this interconnectedness between all things, that is, the relationship between mind and body. For example, a ‘prescription’ may include:

• Guidance on emotional control
• Notes on diet (foods to limit or eliminate)
• Exercise recommendations, such as swimming, running, and qi gong
• Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, massage, and moxibustion (where the body’s meridians and acupuncture points are heated).

The modern practise of Chinese medicine also includes compound preparations which are injected intravenously or intramuscularly. The use of injections is one of a number of contemporary innovations in Chinese medicine that continues to develop and standardize the practise of this ancient form of care.

What about a modern TCM experience?

Appreciation of traditional Chinese medicine isn’t limited to the local population. TCM is fascinating to those who live further afield in the west too and the opportunity to enjoy an authentic experience in-country might seem like one that’s too good to pass up. If that’s you, be sure you do your research well before departure and find out what is available to include on your China tour. Captivating cities like Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shanghai offer so much diversity in culture and a genuine experience of China’s best and we would love to help you make the most of your travel time.

Fascinated by China and its rich legacy of traditional Chinese medicine. Why not make this part of a fully guided multi-day small group or private tour. Our team of travel consultants can advise on enriching activities like an authentic TCM experience that will make for beautiful travel memories on your China vacation. Reach out – We are here to help!

There is something utterly calming and restorative that arises from the simple act of pouring boiled water onto crisp, tight tea leaves. The sound of water plunging to the bottom of a pot.

The slow spread of color as flavor seeps through water. The promise of peace, relief, and calm – if only for a few moments. 

It’s any wonder then that tea has infused the very lifeblood of Chinese people. You simply cannot walk down a bustling Beijing thoroughfare or a high street in Shanghai without seeing locals hurrying by, the ubiquitous tea flask with a fresh brew clasped in hand. 

Even a western traveler with no knowledge of Chinese tea will know that tea is an integral part of life for Chinese people. No doubt you’ve heard the saying “I wouldn’t do it for all the tea in China”, but never really understood what it meant. So let’s clear that up with a little tea back story in this blog.

Why choose Chinese tea?

The fact is tea is part of the fabric of being Chinese. You’ll discover as much when you explore China on tour. In fact, you’ll be hard pressed to make your way around this vast country without some exposure to this elixir of life in which the locals place so much faith.

Like many things in China, the origins of Chinese tea reach back thousands of years and are steeped in popular legend. While there are references to Chinese tea in literature dated at 5,000 years, there is one story that beautifully captures the transformative nature of tea.

It is widely believed Emperor Shen Nung (Shennong) fortuitously happened upon tea when a camellia was blown into his cup of boiled water around 2737BC. He rather fancied the flavor that resulted from this convenient twist of fate and declared the brew to be a winner. Whether there is truth in the legend we’ll never know, however, more serious – and perhaps legitimate references to tea – were found around 1046 BC in Erh Ya, China’s first dictionary.

Consumed originally for its medicinal benefits, over time, Chinese tea – its production, preparation, and consumption – has evolved into a form of art. Incredibly, traditions established thousands of years ago endure today.

The classic art of Chinese tea

It’s said the art of drinking tea was popularized through the work of a (perhaps not so humble) Buddhist priest, Lu Yu. It was Lu who penned The Classic Art of Tea, in which he provided careful notes about exactly how to brew, steep, and serve this most noble of beverages. He claimed that nothing short of water from a slow-moving stream and tea leaves placed delicately in porcelain cups was acceptable. And the ideal spot for savoring the brew? Well, naturally that was sitting under a pavilion looking out over a water lily covered pond with a fair maiden. It seems that despite his poetic tendencies, Lu was a practical man too. He is attributed with tea production techniques that are still used today. Nobody can say he wasn’t committed to his art.

Like boiled water drawing out the flavor of your favorite jasmine tea, the culture of tea gradually seeped into every aspect of Chinese life. Now there can be no China without tea. In fact, some Chinese tea (white, yellow and the post-fermentation process of Pu’er tea) is ‘collected’ in the same way a westerner collects wines.

“Three years is medicine. Seven years a treasure”

Fascinated? We are too. Read on to learn a little more of the surprising and interesting facts behind this life-giving beverage.

Types of Chinese Tea

In Chinese tea parlance, there isn’t just one tea; there are many. In very simple terms, this means, there is no one-size-fits-all. No, when it comes to Chinese tea, there are classifications. Simply put, these classifications reflect the amount of fermentation which occurs when the tea is processed. This results in a scale of tea strength and color once the tea is brewed. 

Here’s what that looks like.

Visually, it’s easy to distinguish between the different types of tea, however a little more detail may help with understanding your tea purchases on tour.

What’s the difference between the types of tea?

Tea connoisseurs will argue about the distinctions between the types of tea, but that’s not our purpose here. We want you to feel confident you can ‘talk tea’ when you cross the threshold of any tea shop in China. So for the purposes of education we’ve explained the basics of each main type of tea.

Green tea

You’ve possibly been living under a rock if you haven’t heard about the health-giving benefits of green tea. Officially evaluated by the World Health Organisation as the only healthy beverage for inclusion in a healthy diet, green tea certainly has its fans. It’s been heralded as a salvation for a whole host of ailments: detoxing, eyesight improvement, oral health, cancer prevention, improving heart health, weight loss, protection against ionizing radiation, and more. 

Traditionally, green tea is picked and processed in the spring and it’s said, the fresher the better for drinking – and the more you’ll pay for your tea. While every part of China claims to grow the best tea, Longjing or Dragon Well tea grown around Hangzhou, is the most expensive – and arguably the best green tea in China. 

Ardent Chinese tea drinkers will favor green tea in the spring and summer, but if you’re like us at ChinaTours.com, you’ll drink it any time you like.

White tea

White tea has a similar composition to green tea and is highly regarded for its health-giving attributes too. Because it is rich in flavonoids, white tea is antibacterial, and has an antioxidant and anti-radiation effect, and it’s these very properties which have seen white tea and its extracts included in skin care products. 

Even if you feel white tea’s anti-ageing effects are difficult to swallow, you can drink this wonderful beverage all year round, knowing it’s good for your health.

Yellow tea

Yellow tea is yet another Chinese tea revered for its health benefits. Looking for a digestive aid? Yellow tea may help. In Chinese medicine, yellow tea is considered helpful for indigestion, loss of appetite, or excess weight. Science has shown yellow tea is rich in nutritional ingredients, such as tea polyphenols, amino acids, soluble sugars, and vitamins. It’s even considered helpful in the prevention and treatment of esophageal cancer.

Yellow tea is considered similar to green tea, but more mellow in flavor. This may be due to the fact it is fermented prior to being dried. It may also be due to similarities in production, which like green tea, involves a ‘wok fry’ process, albeit for less time and at a lower heat. The ‘yellow’ comes from ‘trapping’ moisture inside the tea, which leads to oxidation and fermentation.

Oolong tea

The mention of Oolong tea conjures up the quintessential Chinese tea experience. With many styles and flavors of oolong (or wulong) tea available, among the most famous are those grown in the Wuyi Mountains. It is here you will find the home of production for specialty teas like Da Hong Pao. Given tea produced in Wuyi Mountains is said to have cured the mother of a Ming dynasty emperor, it’s hardly a surprise to learn that oolong tea from this region commands the same price as a collectible bottle of wine.

Oolong tea is rich in ‘methylated catechins’, giving it anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant functions. It’s also believed to have properties that protect liver cells, lower blood pressure, and produce the best weight loss effect of all Chinese tea varieties.

Black tea

Black tea is actually called ‘red’ tea in China due to the color of leaves once they oxidize. Like all other Chinese tea, black tea reputedly has many health benefits. A potion for warming the stomach and those with a poor constitution, black tea has also been shown to lower cholesterol. Among the other benefits of this beverage is how well it holds its flavor; up to several years in fact. This longevity made it a kind of currency used for trade between Mongolia, Tibet and Siberia well into the 19th century.

Want to introduce a little black tea into your repertoire? Buy yourself a brick and try drinking it in autumn and winter for best benefits. 

Dark tea

You might be thinking, first black tea and now dark tea. Aren’t they the same thing?

Not at all. Dark tea – or ‘hei cha’ – is defined as any tea which is passed through a second fermentation process. Let’s explain. All tea will go through a process wherein it is withered, dried and shaped. The tea is fired to kill off any enzymes in the plant to prevent breakdown of the leaf. 

On the other hand, dark tea is put through a second post-production fermentation process. As a consequence, the microorganism which emerges through this process makes the tea a probiotic. The tea is ‘aged’ and over time – months or even years – the chemistry of the tea changes.

There’s even more good news about dark tea. It can be consumed all day (as the Chinese do) and it offers health benefits like fat reduction, lowered blood sugar levels, and immunity support. And it’s a tea that keeps on giving. Dark tea can be re-steeped many times.

The wrap up on Chinese tea

We know this won’t answer all your questions about Chinese tea, but it may help you to understand a few of the nuances around different types of tea. You can read more about Chinese tea, including how to choose a Chinese tea, where to buy the very best Chinese teas, tea ceremonies, and all tea-related matters in our Travel Guide.

ChinaTours.com is dedicated to helping western travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and elsewhere enjoy a genuine experience of China. That means we’re always searching for ways to clear up the confusion around vital aspects of Chinese culture to make your tour exactly what it should be – the content of beautiful travel memories. If you’d like to know more about the very best Chinese tea, or even take a totally tea-focused tour of China, just let us know. We are tea connoisseurs ourselves and would love to share our passion with you. Enquire via our contact form and we’ll respond within 24 hours.         

Chinese art offers a window into the long and fascinating history that is intrinsic to this   country’s legacy. However, a deep study of art in China would take many years due to the many different art forms, historical periods, ethnic influences, and central themes.

Encompassing calligraphy, painting, sculpture, ceramics, literature, and poetry, art in China has endured over millennia, reflecting preeminent Chinese cultural values: a deep regard for nature; a belief in art’s purpose to educate and guide morally; and simplicity. Proficiency in brushwork, a presentation of different perspectives, and a dedication to subjects – such as lotus leaves, dragons, willows, and misty mountains – are all synonymous with Chinese visual art. And while artistic influence is drawn from its geographic neighbours, equally, the influence of Chinese art extended well beyond its borders to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

Chief among the various visual art forms were – and remain – calligraphy and painting. These were practised by amateurs, as well as professionals engaged by the Imperial court and very wealthy, with art reflecting class distinctions, in accordance with principles of Confucianism. A reverence for restraint and austerity so much a part of Chinese art for centuries, observers can see how these qualities pervade both the art and the artists who created it.

Read on to learn a little more about the fundamentals of art in China.

Symbols in Chinese art

Chinese art was characterized by very clear guidance around what did and did not constitute art. This guidance – or some would say a rigidity – around conventions was provided to artists and collectors, with the former expected to copy famous artworks in their training. The most important of these was considered to be “spirit resonance”, to be interpreted as vitality, according to Xie He, an art critic from the 6th century.

A deep appreciation for nature, life’s natural rhythms, the harmony found in the balance of yin and yang, are all found in classical Chinese artworks. You will not find art for art’s sake in China. Instead, art is deeply symbolic, spiritual, and in many ways, metaphorical.

There are many more symbols woven into Chinese art, however, as you explore museums, galleries, and ancient buildings, undoubtedly you will find other symbolic representations that will help you understand both the artwork before you, and the history of China itself.

Calligraphy

Calligraphy is considered an art form in and of itself. From the earliest time when it first emerged during the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 BCE), calligraphers were held in the highest regard.

Any Chinese person will tell you, calligraphy is far more than writing. Its status as an art form comes from the exceptional skill required to maintain control of the brush and ink. Added complexity comes with a variety of scripts, including: seal (Zhuanshu); official (Lishu); running (Xingshu); cursive (Caoshu); and regular (Kaishu). The ‘poetry’ of calligraphy is also found in the names given to the tools used, namely the Four Treasures of the Study, which denote the brush pen (bi), ink stick (mo), paper (zhi), and inkstone (yan).

Beyond simple writing, calligraphy requires deftness and skill to enable the brush to form different types of strokes on subtle angles. Fluidity, precision, the use of space, and aesthetics are central tenets upon which calligraphy is created. Different scripts require different pen methods. When writing seal scripts, the brush movement should be soft and solemn; when writing cursive scripts, the brush movement should be smooth and powerful. The popularity of calligraphy grew such that it became a feature of paintings too, where it was used to describe the picture in the painting. Another trend saw artwork owners add their own seal in red ink to paintings, something which continues to today.

Calligraphy was written on silk, bamboo or wooden slips, paper, canvas, and plastered walls, while brushes were made from animal hair. Of course, the historical evolution of ink is fascinating in itself. During the Warring States period (770 – 221 B.C.), the ancient Chinese began using writing brushes and ink sticks (the tiny round piece, not the moulded block). During the Han dynasty, things had moved on, and ‘man-made’ ink sticks appeared, and in later dynasties, the technique and artistic skill associated with production of ink and ink sticks became quite developed. Artists or their attendants made the ink by rubbing the ink stick on the inkstone with a small amount of water. This was done as there was no commercial ink production, and while these techniques are not commonplace now, those with an appreciation and reverence for this the true principle of calligraphy continue to follow the ancient principles developed by the early artisans.

Chinese painting

Just as calligraphy is central to Chinese culture, Chinese painting enjoys a rich tradition too. The Five Dynasties and Song dynasty were considered the heyday of Chinese painting. In terms of ancient Chinese painting, landscapes (including flowers, birds, rocks, trees, and mountains) and portraits have long been the predominant themes. The Tang dynasty period saw landscapes really come into their own.

Consistent with Confucian principles, Chinese painting also reflected the restraint and conservatism evident in other Chinese art forms. Wonder why people portrayed in paintings show such little emotion? It was expected that only the slightest emotion would be shown in paintings; a sign of the artist’s morality.

Later paintings found in tombs included more ‘human’ elements with depictions of family scenes quite common. Folk paintings also appeared, such as the famous Along the River During the Qingming Festival , from the Northern Song dynasty period, which vividly depicts the prosperous scene of Bianjing city (now Kaifeng) in a long scroll composition. With such detail it is considered to faithfully show social life at the time of the painting.

Chinese Ceramics

In terms of ceramics, the Song Dynasty was considered the period during which this Chinese art form reached its pinnacle. Sophisticated kilns were established in northern and southern China. Among them, the most precious and famous were the five great kilns at Ru, Guan, Ge, Ding and Jun , from which even large export sales were achieved. High-end porcelain crafted during this period supplied the Imperial court. Ceramics from Longquan kilns and Jingdezhen were also mass-produced for export at this time. During the Yuan dynasty, Jingdezhen ceramics  truly came into their own. The most famous porcelain from this period were the iconic blue and white porcelain and red glaze porcelain.

We’ve barely touched the surface of Chinese art in this article – there is just so much more to it. Time spent with an experienced and knowledgeable guide exploring significant sites and museums in destinations such as Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai , provides insights you won’t find in any book or blog. If this sounds like the kind of experience you’d love to enjoy while exploring China, now could be the perfect time to reach out to guides who would love to bring your travel dreams to life.

Traditional Chinese art is just one aspect of Chinese culture. If you’re keen to learn more, explore our China Travel Guide for more great information. Be travel ready and make the most of your time on a China culture tour. Our team of travel consultants can advise on enriching activities and experiences that will make for beautiful travel memories from your China vacation. Reach out – We are here to help!

Traditional Chinese music can seem quite confounding to the outsider.

Between the large array of unusual instruments, ear-piercing sounds, elaborate costumes worn during performances – and without the thousands of years’ context afforded to local Chinese people – classical Chinese music, it can be very difficult to make sense of it all. To the uninitiated who want to gain an appreciation of what’s behind the music, it’s essential to explore beyond the superficial to the rich, deep background of this style of music that continues to influence modern musicians all over the world.

Understanding the history of traditional Chinese music

Traditional Chinese music is symbolic of many aspects of culture in China. Steeped in history and reflecting an evolution over millennia, the origins of music in China have been traced back 8,000 years. Incredibly, a flute made of bone was uncovered in Henan, a central landlocked province in China. Archeologists and historians purport this special discovery indicated people of that time were musically minded. This is not a surprise given that Henan is considered the cradle of Chinese civilization. A more ‘recent’ musical discovery emerged just 6,000 ago when clay instruments were discovered in Xi’an.

From these rudimentary beginnings, history reveals an evolution of high notes, often reached at times when the creative arts were esteemed through philosophical and imperial influences.

Imperial influences in classical Chinese music

A discussion on the history of traditional Chinese music would be incomplete with reference to the role it played in rites and rituals, both in imperial courts and within the various regions and people throughout China.

During the Zhou Dynasty, which ruled China from the 10th to 7th century BC, a form of music called Yayue (雅乐) emerged. Yayue – which translates as ‘elegant music’ – was the ceremonial and court music that was formalized over this time.

As with so much of Chinese culture, Yayue was layered with symbolism and meaning. The sounds of nature were interpreted by music created through instruments. Yin and yang reflected balance within the universe. Connection between the five elements (water, fire, earth, air, and space) was fundamental to Yayue music, as was the concept of harmonizing nature and the circle of fifths theory, used to convey the relationship among the 12 tones.

Philosophy’s role in traditional Chinese music

The influence of philosophy in traditional Chinese music must start with reference to Confucianism. Unlike the Yayue school of thought, Confucianism was founded on a belief in the divinity of rites and music, and a connection between music and emotions, lifestyle and community.

In Chinese music, there are few words more famous than these: “Music is that which moves man from the internal; rites are that which affects man on the external. Music brings about harmony. Rites ensure obedience.”  They are said to come from the Record of Music of the Book of Rites based on the lost work of Confucius, Classic of Music.

Music and rituals were considered inseparable from the nature of heaven and earth. Moving away from them was to veer from the true nature of the universe. In short, music provided the means by which harmony of the self could be realized.

Confucian teachings on the role of music were expressed in several significant books, namely The Book of Rites and The Musical Records. These, among others, are considered essential reading for anyone keen to study traditional Chinese music.

Not everyone throughout Chinese history felt the same way about music that Confucius did. Mozi, a philosopher born after the death of Confucius (and of whom he was originally a follower) was very clear about his views on Chinese music. Under his own beliefs he denounced “music as a wasteful activity”. Although Mozi was an influential thinker, it is believed the asceticism of Mohism was counter to the true nature of humans; unsurprising given his views on music!

Traditional Chinese musical instruments

The unusual instruments played in traditional classical music are yet another element contributing to this unique music form. Taking influences from other Asian instruments and musical styles, including the erhu and pipa (Central Asia) and India’s heptatonic scale (which was eventually left behind), China emerged with its own collection of musical instruments.

Probably most recognizable is the qin, which gained in prominence and popularity during the Tang Dynasty period (618-907 AD), however there are many other string, woodwind, and percussion instruments used in traditional Chinese music.

While a western music student might wonder about the shape or materials used to create them, Chinese musical instruments are intended to convey neutrality, simplicity, moderation, implicitness, and ethereal artistic expression.

Chinese opera

Typically, traditional Chinese music is played in ensembles and orchestras, and as part of the many forms of traditional Chinese opera. Across China there are over three hundred different types of opera. Among these, the most common types of opera are

While Chinese opera music may sound unmelodious, there is a rhyme and reason to it. Stories are based on well-known ancient tales and music is provided as a complement to the story, elaborate costumes, and exaggerated make-up, with its accentuated eyes and dramatic colors.

Music of the minorities

In a country with 56 different ethnic groups, there is a rich diversity in traditional or folk music. Although music from the Han Chinese dominates, there are dozens of other types of ethnic music varieties. Although there was a period during the twentieth century when ethnic music was not given free expression, there has been a resurgence over the past two decades, with high profile performances in different regions throughout China giving prominence to this important cultural heritage.

Yangshuo’s Impression Sanjie Liu is one such example. Set on the Li River, this outdoor night show includes local ethnic fishermen, women, and children who sing Liu Sanjie’s folk songs against the spectacular karst stone backdrop at night. This style of performance has been emulated elsewhere and is just one way that Chinese musical culture is being preserved and shared.

Traditional Chinese music is just one aspect of Chinese culture . If you’re keen to learn more, explore our China Travel Guide for more great information. Be travel ready and make the most of your time on a China culture tour. Our team of travel consultants can advise on enriching activities and experiences that will make for beautiful travel memories from your China vacation. Reach out -We are here to help!