On October 17, 2024, the Chengdu (Autumn) International Tea Expo officially kicked off in Chengdu. A highlight of this year’s event was the launch of the new book, “Tea Houses Through the Seasons: A Compendium of Chengdu’s Historic Teahouse Archives.”
Earlier this May, the “Chengdu Old Teahouse Archives” were honored with a place in the “Memory of the World — Asia and Pacific register.” In an effort to further explore the cultural value of this archive and enhance its impact on cultural heritage, the newly released book compiles representative documents related to various aspects of teahouse operations. This includes teahouse management, taxation related to teahouses, trade associations, labor unions, entertainment offerings in teahouses, charitable activities, and hygiene practices, all aimed at reflecting a comprehensive historical portrait.
Lü Yi, the director of the Chengdu Archives and a senior inspector, emphasized the multifaceted role of teahouses. He noted that they serve as complex public spaces that preserve a “living specimen” of diverse livelihoods in contemporary Chengdu. Teahouses coexist with urban development and contribute significantly to the lifestyle of the city’s residents, acting as both witnesses and participants in the city’s evolution. Moreover, they play a key role in cultural heritage preservation and drive urban development. Lü stated that this book represents not only an in-depth study of archival cultural heritage but also an exploration of how to enhance Chengdu’s unique cultural brand and promote the integration of culture and industry.
The 2024 Chengdu Tea Expo spans four days, running until October 20, and is themed “Autumn Fragrance of Tea – Sharing Health.” Covering an impressive area of 35,000 square meters, the expo features themed exhibition halls including the China Famous Tea Pavilion, Aesthetic Tea Utensils Hall, international and Hong Kong-Macau-Taiwan exhibition areas, and a series of tea-related events. With over 630 domestic and international exhibitors, the event showcases a comprehensive range of products from the entire tea industry chain, including six major types of tea, new tea beverages, tea-based food products, zisha pottery, ceramics, tea utensils, tea attire, tea furniture, and various handicrafts.
