Chinese Tea Culture and Urban Life in the Song Dynasty

Presented by Rachel Gao, SDCHM Guest Lecturer

More than half of the American population drink tea every day. The same love for tea began in ancient China. During the 7th century, tea was consumed by everyone in China, no matter their social status. However, three centuries later in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), the urban economy bloomed rapidly. The production, processing skills, tea trade, and the tea culture was at its highest peak. Teahouses became places where people did not only drink tea, but also gathered with friends and enjoyed several performances. Tea poetry, paintings, and Buddhism tea were loved by intellectuals. Tea making contests were popular with people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. In this lecture, we will learn how the tea culture in ancient China influenced the diverse urban life then and today.

Admission: $5 for adults, FREE for SDCHM members, children 12 and under, and students with ID.

Please RSVP to info@sdchm.org or 619.338.9888.