Wine, as an ancient alcoholic beverage, has a long history and culture around the world. The introduction of wine in China has also gone through a long process.
The earliest records
As for the time when wine was introduced to China, there is still no conclusive conclusion. According to the available documents, the earliest records can be traced back to the Western Han Dynasty.
Zhang Qian of the Western Han Dynasty sent an envoy to the Western Regions, the Silk Road was formed, and the commercial exchanges between the East and the West became increasingly close. In this context, wine, as a specialty of the Western Regions, was gradually introduced to the Central Plains.
Development of the Han Dynasty
During the Han Dynasty, wine became popular among the court nobility. Emperor Liu Che of the Han Dynasty was a lover of wine, and he once ordered grapes to be planted in the palace to make wine.
In addition, the Han Dynasty also saw the emergence of specialized wine merchants, who transported wine from the Western Regions to the Central Plains and sold it to dignitaries.
The prosperity of the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties periods
During the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, with the introduction of Buddhism, wine was also used in religious ceremonies.
In addition, the literati of the time also began to drink wine, and wrote many poems and songs related to wine.
The heyday of the Tang Dynasty
During the Tang Dynasty, exchanges between China and the Western Regions became closer, and the introduction of wine reached its heyday.
Tang Emperor Li Shimin, Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, was particularly fond of wine, and he ordered grapes to be planted throughout the country to make wine.
Decline after the Song Dynasty
After the Song Dynasty, with the rise of tea culture, the consumption of wine gradually decreased.
In addition, the Silk Road was interrupted for a time due to the invasion of northern nomads, which also led to a decrease in wine imports.
The revival of modern times
In modern times, with the introduction of Western culture, wine has become popular again in China.
In 1892, Zhang Bishi founded China's first modern winery in Yantai, Shandong, marking the beginning of China's wine industry.
Conclusion
The introduction of wine to China has gone through a long historical process. It not only enriches the food culture of Chinese, but also promotes cultural exchanges between the East and the West.
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