Chinese Tea Ceremony Schools

China is renowned for its rich tea culture and has several esteemed tea schools that offer comprehensive education and training in the art and science of tea. These schools provide a platform for individuals to delve into the intricacies of tea production, tea tasting, tea ceremony, and tea business management. Here are a few notable Chinese tea schools:

Lu-Yu Tea Culture Institute

The Lu-Yu Tea Culture Institute, formerly known as the Lu Yu Tea Art Center, is an educational institution dedicated to tea arts, including tea marketing, tea ware design, and tea brewing techniques. Its mission is to promote the appreciation and consumption of tea. The institute offers various certifications in Tea Studies, such as the prestigious “Tea Master” (陸羽泡茶師) certification. Founded in Taipei, Taiwan in 1980, the institute has expanded and now has branches in Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai. It takes its name from Lu Yu, the renowned 8th-century tea master. While most of the students are Chinese speakers, the institute also welcomes students from Japan, South Korea, and offers classes and tea studies certification in English.

Tenfu Tea College (Zhangzhou College of Science and Technology)

Zhangzhou College of Science and Technology (formerly known as Tenfu Tea College) holds the distinction of being the world’s first private vocational college dedicated to the study of the tea industry. Located in Zhangzhou, Fujian, China, the college offers specialized degree programs in various fields related to tea. These include Tea Production and Processing, Market Prospection and Marketing, Food Processing, Tea Culture, and Tourism Management. Students at the college receive comprehensive training and education in these areas to prepare them for careers in the tea industry.

The Tenfu Tea Museum, located in Zhangzhou, Fujian, China, is a remarkable establishment that was built between 2000 and 2012. Spanning an impressive 13 acres, it holds the distinction of being the largest tea museum in the world. The museum offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of tea-related exhibits, showcasing the rich history of tea cultures, tea processing techniques, and various types of tea and tea ware. Additionally, visitors can witness captivating live performances that showcase the artistry and traditions of tea. The museum is divided into five main sections: the Main Exhibition Hall, the Chinese Tea Art Classroom, the Japanese Tea House, the Korean Tea House, and the Calligraphy and Chinese Painting Hall. Each section provides a unique and immersive experience, allowing visitors to delve into the diverse aspects of tea culture and appreciate its artistic expressions.

Tatung Institute of Commerce and Technology

Located in East District, Chiayi City, Taiwan, Tatung Institute of Commerce and Technology (TTC) is an esteemed educational institution offering a range of academic departments and specialized programs. With a total of ten departments, including Finance, Food and Beverage Management, Early Childhood Care and Education, Multimedia Design, and Leisure Recreation and Tourism Management, TTC provides diverse educational opportunities to its students.

TTC traces its roots back to its establishment as Tatung Junior College of Commerce in 1963. Over the years, it has evolved and expanded, eventually becoming Tatung Institute of Technology in 2003. In 1999, a two-year Continuing Education Junior College was introduced, and in 2003, a new campus was established in Taibau. As of 2020, the university had an enrollment rate of less than 60%.[2]

Tea Culture and Department of Business Management

The Tea Culture and Department of Business Management is a specialized program offered at TTC. Founded in 2011, this department focuses on providing a comprehensive education in the tea industry, covering areas such as Tea Production and Processing, Market Prospection and Marketing, Tea Culture, and Tourism Management.

Courses in this department are taught in Chinese, but with a global perspective. The curriculum includes the teaching of English tea terminology to prepare students for international engagement in the field. The program encompasses various aspects of tea studies, including tea science and cultivation, tea arts and culture, tea drinking promotion, and tea marketing. TTC takes pride in being the first college in Taiwan to offer specialized curriculum in tea studies.[3]

Professional Fields of Study

The Tea Culture and Department of Business Management at TTC offers specialized programs in the following fields:

1. Tea production and processing technology
2. Marketing and market development
3. Tea culture
4. Tourism management

Through these programs, students gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills related to the tea industry, equipping them for diverse career opportunities in tea production, marketing, tourism, and the promotion of tea culture.