The 'Real' History of White Tea From Ancient China to Modern Times

Share
White tea, a favourite among tea enthusiasts, is known for its delicate flavour and simple production process involving withering, rolling, and drying. Despite its straightforward processing, the origins of white tea are shrouded in mystery.
It is widely believed to have originated in Fujian Province during the Ming or Qing Dynasties, but earlier forms of "white tea" existed during the Tang and Song dynasties. However, these teas were significantly different from modern white tea, which raises the question of whether the term "white tea" is appropriate for these ancient varieties.

In this blog post, we'll explore the history of white tea from the Tang Dynasty to modern day China.
'White leaf tea' during Tang & Song dynasty
Gaining popularity in China during the Song Dynasty (920-1269), white leaf tea's roots trace back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). In the Tang era, it was customary to present high-quality tea to the emperor as a tribute. Imperial gardens were cultivated throughout China to produce this exceptional tea, and only the most delicate, young tea buds were selected.
Emperor Huizong: The Treatise of Tea

While these imperial tributes are often seen as the precursors to white tea, they differ significantly from the white tea we know. Around 1107, Emperor Huizong, a renowned tea connoisseur, wrote the 'Treatise on Tea' where he mentions his fondness for 'Bai Cha,' which translates to 'white tea.' However, this 'Bai Cha' was not actually white tea. It was an light green tea made from young buds that were steamed, stripped, rinsed, dried, and ground into a fine, white powder. This powdered tea was then whisked into hot water, resulting in a delicate beverage considered the pinnacle of tea at the time.
This is the earliest documented instance of a tea that, despite being different in processing, shared a similar appearance with modern white tea. To avoid confusion, it might be more accurate to refer to them as "white leaf tea," instead of real white tea.
Origins of 'real' white tea in the Ming & Qing dynasty
During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) loose-leaf tea gained popularity throughout China, replacing the traditional practice of pressing tea into cakes for grinding and whisking. Records from the 1600s mention a tea called "Green Snow Bud" cultivated in Fuding Prefecture's Taigu Mountain, which is considered a prototype of modern white tea.
The Legend of Langu
Adding to the mystique of Fuding's tea history is a local legend about a compassionate woman named Langu (蓝姑) who lived on Taimu Mountain during Emperor Yao's reign. She cultivated "Green Snow Bud" tea, which was regarded as a remedy to cure measles and saving numerous children. Revered as "Taimu Niangniang" (Taimu Empress) by the locals, the legend claims her tea to be the ancient white tea.
The story of Langu, while fascinating, is considered a myth. According to tea expert Zhang Tianfu's research, the true origin of white tea production is in Fuding, later spreading to other regions like Jianyang and Zhenghe. Yinzhen (silver needle) tea in Fuding had been created during the Qing Dynasty (1796) as a significant milestone in white tea history.
Da Bai & Da Hao tea plants
White tea emerged in the 1700s with the discovery of the Da Bai and Da Hao tea plant varieties in Fujian. However, the delicate nature of these minimally processed teas made from young buds posed challenges for storage and transportation, limiting their availability beyond Fujian's tea-growing regions. In the centuries that followed, advances in leaf tea production eventually allowed the expansion of white tea production to other areas and to the rest of the world.
Silver Needle

Further discoveries of Fuding white tea varieties with large, aromatic buds occurred in 1857 and 1880. By the late 1800s, during Emperor Guangxu's reign, the popularity of Silver Needle white tea spread, leading to its export to Western markets.
The 20th and 21st Century

White tea gained popularity in Europe and the United States around 1910, with Silver Needle tea experiencing its golden age from 1912 to 1916. However, the outbreak of World War I and the growing influence of black tea led to a decline in the white tea market, just to boost again in the 20s. By 1924, as Europe stabilized, white tea exports had grown significantly.
Sino-Japanese War
These high returns fueled a substantial increase in Fujian white tea production, leading to unprecedented growth. However, the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War caused a sharp decline in Fujian white tea production and exports, mirroring a national downturn in tea production.
The People's Republic of China and the 21st Century
It wasn't until the establishment of the People's Republic of China that white tea production gradually recovered. Post-1986 economic reforms further stimulated the industry, with numerous tea companies investing in white tea's foreign trade, contributing to its continued development and success.
As the world of white tea continues to expand, more and more varieties are appearing in the market. White tea cultivation has expanded beyond China, with countries such as Sri Lanka and Thailand utilizing various tea plant varieties. In addition to Bai Mu Dan, Bai Hao Silver Needle, and many other, white teas have become available in cake form. This innovative form of white tea originated in Fujian Province in the early 2000s and then also produced in Yunnan using the Moonlight White tea cultivar. Also, aged white tea (in loose and pressed form) has gained popularity as more and more people appreciate its improvement in taste and complexity over time. You may want to try out our aged white tea balls or Moonlight White Silver Needle cake. Some studies forecast another growth of the white tea market in the following years, and we are looking forward to seeing what will come next.