10 Most Famous Chinese Tea

The Top Ten Teas of China represent the highest quality of Chinese tea varieties, showcasing exceptional tea craftsmanship and production methods. Each of these renowned teas is rooted in rich history and captivating legends, reflecting the unique charm of Chinese tea culture.

Tea Selection and Recognition

In 1915, the Panama-Pacific International Exposition (巴拿马万国博览会) recognized Bi Luo Chun (碧螺春), Xinyang Maojian (信阳毛尖), West Lake Longjing (西湖龙井), Junshan Yinzhen (君山银针), Huangshan Maofeng (黄山毛峰), Wuyi Rock Tea (武夷岩茶), Qimen Black Tea (祁门红茶), Douyun Maojian (都匀毛尖), Liu’an Guapian (六安瓜片), and Anxi Tie Guan Yin (安溪铁观音) as the top ten Chinese teas.

In 1959, a Chinese “Top Ten Teas” Evaluation (中国“十大名茶”评比会) confirmed the same list, adding Dongting Bi Luo Chun (洞庭碧螺春) and Lushan Yunwu Tea (庐山云雾茶) to the list.

In 2001, The Associated Press and New York Daily News recognized the following: West Lake Longjing, Huangshan Maofeng, Dongting Bi Luo Chun, Meng Ding Gan Lu (蒙顶甘露), Xinyang Maojian, Douyun Maojian, Lushan Yunwu, Liu’an Guapian, Anxi Tie Guan Yin, and Silver Tip Jasmine Tea (银毫茉莉花茶).

Characteristics of Famous Teas

Chinese teas are celebrated for their diverse characteristics, with their unique colors, aromas, tastes, and shapes. While each tea has its distinctive attributes, they all share a reputation for quality and excellence in the world of tea culture. Some teas stand out for their fragrant scents, while others are known for their rich flavor profiles. In addition, Chinese teas often possess medicinal benefits, including detoxification and metabolism enhancement.

Top Ten Famous Chinese Teas

1. West Lake Longjing (西湖龙井)

West Lake Longjing is perhaps the most famous tea from Hangzhou (杭州), Zhejiang Province (浙江). It is a variety of green tea and is renowned for its refreshing, smooth taste and slightly nutty flavor. Longjing is often considered the “king” of Chinese green teas.

2. Dongting Bi Luo Chun (洞庭碧螺春)

Produced in the Dongting Mountains (洞庭山) in Jiangsu Province (江苏), Bi Luo Chun is a green tea known for its strong, fragrant floral aroma and sweet, refreshing taste. It’s one of the most celebrated teas in China.

3. Huangshan Maofeng (黄山毛峰)

This green tea is grown in the Huangshan Mountains (黄山) of Anhui Province (安徽). Huangshan Maofeng is known for its tender leaves, delicate flavor, and floral aroma. It has a mild, sweet taste that appeals to many tea connoisseurs.

4. Junshan Yinzhen (君山银针)

Junshan Yinzhen, also known as Junshan Silver Needle, is a type of white tea harvested from Junshan Island (君山岛) in Hunan Province (湖南). It is known for its light, sweet flavor and delicate appearance, making it a prized tea among enthusiasts.

5. Wuyi Rock Tea (武夷岩茶)

Originating in the Wuyi Mountains (武夷山) of Fujian Province (福建), Wuyi Rock Tea is a type of oolong tea. Famous for its distinctive rocky flavor, it is also known as the birthplace of Da Hong Pao (大红袍), one of China’s most revered teas.

6. Qimen Black Tea (祁门红茶)

Qimen Black Tea is a black tea from Qimen County (祁门县) in Anhui Province. It is often characterized by its malty flavor with hints of fruit and a slight floral note. This tea has an internationally recognized reputation, and it is one of the most popular black teas in the world.

7. Douyun Maojian (都匀毛尖)

Grown in Guizhou Province (贵州), Douyun Maojian is a green tea with a distinct, fresh, and slightly grassy flavor. It is noted for its refreshing, delicate taste and vibrant green color.

8. Liu’an Guapian (六安瓜片)

Hailing from Liu’an City (六安市) in Anhui Province, Liu’an Guapian is one of China’s classic green teas. Its flat, long leaves produce a fresh, light taste with a mild sweetness. The tea is often considered an excellent introduction to green teas.

9. Anxi Tie Guan Yin (安溪铁观音)

This famous oolong tea is grown in Anxi County (安溪县) in Fujian Province (福建). Known for its floral fragrance and sweet, smooth flavor, Tie Guan Yin is one of the most sought-after teas in the world. The tea’s name translates to “Iron Goddess of Mercy,” referring to a legendary story.

10. Meng Ding Gan Lu (蒙顶甘露)

Meng Ding Gan Lu is a green tea grown in the Meng Mountain (蒙山) region of Sichuan Province (四川). Known for its sweet and floral taste, it is a delicate tea that is beloved for its lightness and refreshing qualities.

Historical Development and Recognition

Early Recognition

• 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition: The Panama-Pacific International Exposition recognized Bi Luo Chun, Xinyang Maojian, West Lake Longjing, Junshan Yinzhen, Huangshan Maofeng, Wuyi Rock Tea, Qimen Black Tea, Douyun Maojian, Liu’an Guapian, and Anxi Tie Guan Yin as the top ten teas.

1959 Chinese Evaluation

In 1959, a national evaluation of China’s best teas confirmed the list with additional recognition for Dongting Bi Luo Chun and Lushan Yunwu Tea (庐山云雾茶).

2001 & 2002 International Recognition

In 2001, the Associated Press and New York Daily News recognized West Lake Longjing, Huangshan Maofeng, Dongting Bi Luo Chun, Meng Ding Gan Lu, Xinyang Maojian, Douyun Maojian, Lushan Yunwu, Liu’an Guapian, Anxi Tie Guan Yin, and Silver Tip Jasmine Tea. Similarly, Hong Kong Wen Hui Bao (香港文汇报) in 2002 also honored the same teas.

Characteristics of Famous Teas

Chinese teas are not only known for their unique flavors but also for the cultural significance they hold in China’s long history of tea production. These top teas are recognized worldwide and appreciated for their distinct qualities:

• Flavor: Rich and varied, from the floral sweetness of Longjing to the deep, smoky richness of Wuyi Rock Tea.

• Aroma: Each tea has its own characteristic aroma, from the subtle fragrance of Jasmine Tea to the strong, refreshing aroma of Bi Luo Chun.

• Appearance: The shape of the tea leaves often reveals its quality. For example, the long, slender leaves of Junshan Yinzhen or the curled leaves of Xinyang Maojian.

• Health Benefits: Many of these teas are known for their health benefits, including detoxification, aiding digestion, and improving skin health. Green teas are especially praised for their antioxidant properties.

Types of Famous Chinese Teas

Lushan Yunwu Tea (庐山云雾茶)

Lushan Yunwu Tea is a traditional tea from the Lushan Mountains (庐山) in Jiangxi Province (江西). It is a green tea that was originally a wild tea variety, later cultivated into a domesticated form by the famous monk Huiyuan (慧远) of Donglin Temple (东林寺). This tea has been a tribute tea since the Song Dynasty (宋代) and is known for its delicate fragrance and mild flavor.

Longjing Tea (龙井茶)

Produced in the West Lake (西湖) region of Hangzhou (杭州), Zhejiang Province (浙江), Longjing Tea is one of China’s most famous green teas. Grown on the slopes of the West Lake, this tea is cherished for its smooth, nutty flavor and the unique growing conditions of its environment, which include moderate weather, misty conditions, and rich, fertile soil.

Liu’an Guapian (六安瓜片)

Liu’an Guapian, also known as Piànchá (片茶), is a famous green tea from Liu’an City (六安市) in Anhui Province (安徽). It is made from a local variety of tea leaves, which are carefully processed to form flat, seed-like tea leaves. The tea has a fresh and refreshing taste, and its leaves have a characteristic green color, with a fragrance and flavor that reflect its traditional craftsmanship.

Huangshan Maofeng Tea (黄山毛峰)

This tea comes from the Huangshan Mountains (黄山) in Anhui Province. It is known for its tender leaves and high-quality picking process, which is precise to ensure only the finest young leaves are harvested. The tea has a mild, floral taste and is famous for its fragrant aroma and delicately smooth flavor.

Anxi Tie Guan Yin (安溪铁观音)

Anxi Tie Guan Yin, from Anxi County (安溪县) in Fujian Province (福建), is one of China’s most famous oolong teas. The tea’s name, which means “Iron Goddess of Mercy,” is based on a legendary story. Known for its complex floral fragrance and smooth, sweet flavor, it is harvested four times a year with spring tea being the best quality.

Xinyang Maojian (信阳毛尖)

Produced in Xinyang (信阳), Henan Province (河南), Xinyang Maojian is a green tea known for its bright, delicate flavor and slender, fine leaves. The tea’s distinctive taste comes from the rich mountainous soil and favorable growing conditions of the region.

Dongting Bi Luo Chun (洞庭碧螺春)

Dongting Bi Luo Chun is grown in the Dongting Mountains (洞庭山) in Jiangsu Province (江苏). Known for its floral fragrance and sweet, refreshing taste, it is one of the most celebrated green teas in China. The region’s misty climate and fertile soil contribute to the tea’s unique aroma and flavor.

Douyun Maojian (都匀毛尖)

Douyun Maojian is a famous green tea from Guizhou Province (贵州), particularly around Douyun City (都匀市). The tea is recognized for its tightly rolled leaves and vibrant green color, with a fresh, brisk taste and a fragrant aroma that makes it stand out as one of China’s top teas.

Wuyi Rock Tea (武夷岩茶)

Wuyi Rock Tea, from the Wuyi Mountains (武夷山) in Fujian Province, is a type of oolong tea known for its unique taste that blends the flavors of both green and black tea. The tea is grown in rocky cliffs, and its taste is both fragrant and robust, with a touch of smokiness. Da Hong Pao (大红袍) is one of the most famous varieties of Wuyi Rock Tea.

Qimen Black Tea (祁门红茶)

Qimen Black Tea is a high-quality black tea from Qimen County (祁门县) in Anhui Province. Known for its floral aroma, malty taste, and smooth texture, it is often regarded as one of the finest black teas in the world. The tea is rich in antioxidants and has a mild, sweet flavor.

Fengxi Fire Green (涌溪火青)

Once considered one of China’s top ten famous teas, Fengxi Fire Green originated in Jing County (泾县) in Anhui Province. With its unique dark green color and deep, rich flavor, it was a tribute tea during the Qing Dynasty (清朝). The tea is known for its smooth, aromatic flavor, which makes it stand out from other green teas.

Taiping Houkui Tea (太平猴魁)

A traditional green tea from Taiping County (太平县) in Anhui Province, Taiping Houkui is recognized for its flat, straight leaves that are gently curled at the edges. The tea is often considered one of the finest green teas, with a sweet, mellow flavor and a pleasant fragrance. It has long been highly regarded in the tea community.

Pu’er Tea (普洱茶)

Pu’er Tea is a fermented tea from Pu’er City (普洱市) in Yunnan Province (云南). It comes in two main varieties: sheng cha (生茶, raw) and shu cha (熟茶, ripe). Pu’er tea is often pressed into cakes or bricks and has a rich, earthy flavor. As it ages, it develops a smoother, more complex taste. Pu’er is particularly prized for its digestive benefits and health-promoting properties.

Jasmine Tea (茉莉花茶)

Jasmine Tea, known as Moli Hua Tea (茉莉花茶), is a type of flower-scented tea. It has been produced for over a thousand years, particularly in Fujian Province (福建), China. The tea is made by infusing green tea leaves with jasmine flowers, giving it a delicate, sweet fragrance that has earned it the title of “the world’s finest scented tea.”

These famous Chinese teas are not only highly prized for their distinct flavors and fragrances but also for their rich cultural heritage. Whether you prefer the light and refreshing taste of green tea or the more robust flavors of oolong and black teas, China offers a wide variety of options to suit every taste. Each of these teas tells a unique story of the land, history, and people who cultivated them.