Known as 桂皮 (guìpí) or 肉桂 (ròuguì) in Chinese, cinnamon has been part of Chinese life for centuries. Its bark was recorded in ancient herbal texts, including the Shennong Bencao Jing, where it was valued for its warming nature.
In traditional Chinese philosophy, warmth is closely connected to the concept of Yang (阳), representing energy, movement and vitality. Cinnamon became associated with these qualities, reflecting an understanding of nature through the balance of warmth and cold.