Share CLOSE Mountainous Jianzhong town in Guizhou province boasts a long history of tea planting. Tea-related sectors play a predominant role in boosting the town's economy. CHINA DAILY Steeped in the roots of China's history and culture, tea has long been considered the national drink. It is held on par with silk and china, and was mainly used for medicinal purposes in the ancient times. The Classic of Tea written by Lu Yu during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) expatiated on the history, production and ceremony of tea. This helped refine tea brewing and drinking rituals, and initiated the transition of tea from medicine to popular drink.