The country that is widely credited with introducing tea to the world is China. The history of tea consumption dates back thousands of years, with the earliest records of tea drinking emerging during the Shang Dynasty (16th to 11th centuries BCE). According to legend, Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea accidentally when some tea leaves fell into water he was boiling. Tea eventually spread from China to other regions, including Japan, Europe, and the rest of the world, significantly influencing cultures and trade. Today, tea remains one of the most popular beverages globally, enjoyed in countless varieties and forms.