On December 8, Lecture Series of China Studies was held at Hai Club. The lecture invited Associate Professor Volker Heubel from the Department of Philosophy at Tongji University to lead international students in exploring Chinese tea culture in the context of Chinese aesthetics of living.
During the event, Volker Heubel first introduced the origins of Chinese tea culture, elaborating on the significance of tea culture to various social classes in ancient China by emphasizing the role of Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty in promoting it.
Volker Heubel also introduced the philosophical thoughts and connotations of Chinese aestheticians represented by LIN Yutang and JIANG Xun. He focused on LIN Yutang's "The Art of Living" and Jiang Xun's "Four Lectures on Taste," pointing out the importance of tea in Chinese aesthetics of living. From the perspective of human culture, tea has also made significant contributions to fostering friendships and social progress.
To provide students with a more immersive experience of tea culture, Volker Heubel elaborated on tea culture activities represented by Wuyi Mountain tea culture. He demonstrated the traditional Chinese tea preparation and brewing processes with exquisite tea sets. As students watched in silence, it was as if they had traveled back to ancient China, quietly appreciating the elegance of traditional Chinese tea culture. Tea served as a medium, tightly connecting people from different cultures and backgrounds.
In the interactive session, under Volker Heubel's guidance, students learned how to prepare and brew tea using traditional Chinese methods and also tasted high-quality teas and tea powders from various provinces in China.
Chinese tea culture has a long and profound history and is an integral part of the unique traditional culture of the Chinese nation. It is also a witness to the civilization that has developed in China over thousands of years. This lecture not only provided international students with a deeper understanding of Chinese tea culture and its philosophical underpinnings but also gave them the opportunity to personally prepare, make, and taste tea.
