The Tea Road: A Historic International Trade Route

The Tea Road, which emerged in the late 17th century, is an important international trade and cultural route that followed the ancient Silk Road. This route stretches from the tea-producing regions in southern China, like Wuyi Mountain(武夷山), and travels northward through a mix of water and land transport. It passes through major hubs such as Hankou (汉口) and Zhangjiakou (张家口), continuing to the border trading city of Chaketu in Mongolia, where tea was exchanged. From there, tea was distributed to Siberia, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and eventually spread throughout Europe. The Tea Road connected the agricultural civilizations of southern and northern Asia with the nomadic cultures of the steppes, extending its influence even into Central Asia and Eastern Europe. The total length of this route exceeds 14,000 kilometers, with over 1,000 related cultural heritage sites in China.

Hubei Province plays a crucial role in the Tea Road as a major tea production and distribution center. Key cities like Hankou, Wufeng (五峰), Hefeng (鹤峰), Chibi (赤壁), Xiangyang (襄阳), and Xianning (咸宁) are important nodes along the route, contributing significantly to tea cultivation, processing, transport, and trade. The Tea Road culture is a vital part of ancient Chinese tea culture and represents the long-distance trade of tea as a major commodity among China, Mongolia, and Russia.

Chibi Yangloudong Ancient Town(赤壁羊楼洞古镇) is one of the starting points of the Tea Road and is referred to as the "starting-point of the Tea Road." It served as an important center for tea production and processing. The town's tea brick was transported along winding stone paths to markets worldwide. The famous line captures its essence: “The ancient alleys are quiet, and the wooden buildings tell tales of a hundred years; the tea fragrance lingers, and the Guanyin Spring flows with grace.” Chibi tea brick, a product of meticulous processing, is known for its intense compression and excellent aging qualities, making it one of the finest black teas today.

The Hankou Tea Market (汉口茶市) can trace its history back to the late Qing Dynasty. After Hankou opened as a port in 1861, the tea industry in Central China flourished, with various teas arriving here and being shipped around the world. Hankou was often called the "Tea Port of the East." The market, centered around Hanzheng Street, became prosperous, with numerous tea shops operating from morning until late at night. As one of the three major tea markets in the country, it gathered teas from Hubei, Jiangxi, and Anhui, forming a crucial export hub.

Changshengchuan Green Tea Brick（长盛川青砖茶） has been crafted for over 600 years, maintaining its unique fermentation process. The tea is tightly compressed, resulting in a rich flavor. This tea is considered a treasure along the Tea Road, with over 260 outlets established along the route. The craft of making this tea has been passed down through 20 generations and continues to thrive today, promoting tea industry development in southwestern Hubei along the Yangtze River.

Enshi Yulu (恩施玉露) is the only existing steamed green tea shaped like needles in China. Known for its vibrant green color and fragrant taste, Enshi, is located in the heart of Wuling Mountain. In 2018, Enshi Yulu was chosen as the tea for high-profile events in Wuhan, gaining popularity across the region.

Since 2012, when the Hubei Provincial Cultural Heritage Bureau collaborated with eight other provinces to issue the "Chibi Declaration," significant steps have been taken to protect and study the Tea Road. This includes resource surveys, heritage site selections, and value research. Many tea-making techniques and heritage sites along the route have been added to the national intangible cultural heritage list and designated as important cultural sites.