Chinese tea culture has a rich and profound history. In recent years, white tea has become the rising star of the tea world. But how did white tea evolve into what it is today? Let’s take a look at the past and present of white tea, especially Fuding White Tea.
🌿【Ancient Times – The Birth of Tea】
The earliest form of tea was simply picking fresh leaves from wild tea trees and naturally storing them. This primitive method is very similar to the modern white tea production, which involves natural withering, without pan-firing or rolling. In fact, white tea is considered the origin of tea-making in China, making it a living fossil in the history of Chinese tea.
White tea represents the harmony of medicine and food and is a symbol of traditional craftsmanship passed down through centuries.
👩🌾【Yao Dynasty – Tea Used as Medicine】
Mount Taimu, located in Fuding, Fujian Province, is known as the birthplace of white tea. During the time of Emperor Yao, a local woman named Lady Lan discovered edible tea leaves growing in the mountains. When a measles epidemic struck the region, she picked tender buds from her tea plants and taught villagers how to brew them. After drinking the tea, many children gradually recovered. Lady Lan became revered as a goddess by the locals and was later honored as “Madame Taimu” by Emperor Yao.
📚【Tang Dynasty – Tea Culture Emerges】
In Lu Yu’s seminal work The Classic of Tea, he wrote:
“Three hundred li east of Yongjia County lies the mountain of white tea.” This is considered the earliest known record of white tea by name.
🔥【Ming Dynasty – Reform in Tea Craft and Culture】
Famous tea scholars recorded the virtues of sun-dried tea:
“Tea made with fire ranks second; sun-dried tea is superior.” (Tian Yiheng, “Notes on Boiling Spring”) “New tea before the rains smells green; if not fully aired, don’t sip too soon. Store it deep until it turns red—its value triples, everyone flaunts year-old aged tea.” (Zhou Lianggong, “Min Tea Tune”)
According to Records of Famous Chinese Teas, Fuding White Tea had already gained a name during the Ming Dynasty.
💎 White Tea: A Natural Treasure
A line from Liu Xueqi of the Song Dynasty praises white tea:
“White tea, truly a rare gem, like flawless jade.” This highlights white tea’s delicate beauty and purity.
White tea is renowned for its natural, minimalistic production process and high amino acid content. It’s often said:
“Drink it fresh in the first year, savor it in the third, and treasure it in the seventh.”
🏔【Ming & Qing Dynasties – Rise of Taimu Mountain Tea】
The fame of Taimu Mountain tea, especially the Green Snow Bud, spread widely. Historical texts such as Taimu Mountain Chronicles and Guangyu Records mention its superior quality.
A poem engraved in the Hongxue Cave reflects this heritage:
“High Taimu Mountain, Green Snow Buds bloom. Tea and Zen cross the peaks, shared with righteous wine and virtuous tea.”
🚢【Qing Dynasty – Export of Fuding White Tea】
In 1683 (Kangxi 22nd year), Fuding’s Shacheng Port opened for international trade. By the early Jiaqing period, Silver Needle (Baihao Yinzhen) was recognized globally and even favored by the British royal family. By 1910, Fuding White Tea was exported to 39 countries, including many in Europe and Asia.
Historical records in Complete Annals of Mount Taimu note:
“Exported abroad, valued as high as gold.”
🌍【Modern Era – Global Revival of Fuding White Tea】
In the 21st century, thanks to strong support from the Fuding city government, the Fuding White Tea brand has seen rapid growth and global recognition.
✨ A Tea Rooted in Time
History enlightens us. Looking back at the development of white tea, we are amazed by:
The ancient wisdom of our ancestors
The timeless beauty of white tea craftsmanship
And how quietly, yet powerfully, time transforms everything
White tea, once a local herbal remedy, has now become a global symbol of natural wellness, elegance, and culture.
