The aspects of studying tea culture in China

The research defines the approaches and methods employed to investigate Chinese tea culture. A sociocultural approach is regarded as the main one in the study of everyday culture. The paper analyzes the works of modern Chinese scientists such as Lu Yu, Guo Menlyan, Zhang Zhongliang, Mao Xianpo and others. The author proved that the early tea culture was of interest to Chinese thinkers who revealed its relationship with religion and religious adherents, assessed the effects of tea on human health, and analyzed the development of tea drinking ritual. The study identifies the meaning of tea culture, its characteristics and role in sociocultural communication in general works. Researchers emphasize that tea culture reflects the Chinese mentality, the spiritual life of people, in particular the idea of harmonious coexistence, team spirit, and unity. The further research in this regard implies the comprehensive consideration of the phenomenon of tea culture, its evolution, the sociocultural factors of its existence and development.