Chinese traditional tea making has been added to the intangible cultural heritage list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Rabat, the capital of Morocco. The article “traditional tea processing techniques and related social practices in China” passed the review at the 28th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held here from 3 November to 17 December.
UNESCO, on its web page promoting the inscription, said the movement recognized knowledge, skills and practices related to tea plantation management, tea leaf collection, manual processing, drinking and sharing.
Tea has a special importance in Chinese culture. The Chinese have been planting, harvesting, making and drinking tea since ancient times. Six different categories of tea are produced in China. These; green, yellow, dark, white, oolong and black teas. There are more than 2 tea products in China, along with reprocessed teas such as flower-scented teas. Brewed or boiled tea is served in families, businesses, tea houses, restaurants and temples.
UNESCO also stated that tea is an important part of ceremonies and socialization in China, such as weddings and sacrifices. China currently has 43 items on the intangible cultural heritage list and remains the most registered country in the world.
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