The “Ten Rituals of Jiangnan Tea Ceremony” are not a modern invention but are deeply rooted in the traditional tea culture of Jiangnan, with a lineage traceable to Huating Prefecture (modern-day Songjiang and Fengxian, Shanghai) during the Ming and Qing dynasties. During that era, Songjiang Prefecture was a hub of economic prosperity and literary vibrancy. Scholars and men of letters enjoyed tea gatherings as a way to make friends, savor the brew, and engage in enlightened conversations. Through these elegant assemblies, tea culture evolved toward greater refinement and ritualization.

Following Shanghai’s opening to the outside world, the convergence of Chinese and Western cultures gave rise to the unique spirit of “Haipai” (Shanghai School) culture. In this international metropolis, traditional Jiangnan tea customs absorbed modern elements and the zeitgeist. While upholding the core values of “Purity, Tranquility, Harmony, and Elegance,” the rituals underwent iterative refinement. This culminated in a systematic and standardized “Ten-Ritual” system that balances ritualistic significance with practicality, marking a creative transformation from ancient Jiangnan charm to the modern elegance of the Shanghai School.

With the inclusion of “Traditional Chinese Tea-Making Techniques and Related Customs” on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the preservation of Chinese tea culture has garnered increasing attention. As a vivid embodiment of the fusion between Jiangnan and Haipai cultures, the “Ten Rituals of Jiangnan Tea Ceremony” represent a precious cultural asset for both Jinhai Subdistrict and Fengxian District.