🌏 Intro: A Journey Through China’s Best Teas
Tea isn’t just a drink in China—it’s a window into the country’s history, geography, and philosophy. If you’re traveling through China (or exploring from home), these 10 iconic teas represent the flavor, aroma, and soul of each region.
Whether you’re a seasoned tea drinker or a curious first-timer, this is your essential tasting list.
🏆 Top 10 Chinese Teas You Must Try
1. Longjing (Dragon Well) – Hangzhou
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Type: Green Tea
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Flavor: Nutty, smooth, mellow
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Why Try It: The most famous green tea in China, often served to foreign dignitaries.
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☑️ Perfect for: Morning calm, light meals
2. Biluochun – Jiangsu
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Type: Green Tea
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Flavor: Floral, fruity, delicate
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Why Try It: Hand-rolled into tiny spirals; harvested only in early spring.
3. Huangshan Maofeng – Anhui
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Type: Green Tea
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Flavor: Lightly sweet, fresh, slightly smoky
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Why Try It: Grown in the foggy Yellow Mountains, prized for its purity.
4. Tie Guan Yin – Fujian
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Type: Oolong Tea
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Flavor: Orchid-like, rich, creamy
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Why Try It: A semi-oxidized tea loved for its depth and evolving taste.
5. Da Hong Pao – Wuyi Mountains
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Type: Rock Oolong
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Flavor: Roasted, mineral, deep
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Why Try It: Grown on cliffs; one of China’s most legendary teas.
6. Pu-erh – Yunnan
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Type: Fermented Dark Tea
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Flavor: Earthy, aged, smooth
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Why Try It: Often aged for years; known for digestive benefits.
7. Keemun – Anhui
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Type: Black Tea
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Flavor: Floral, wine-like, slightly smoky
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Why Try It: British tea lovers know it as the base of “English Breakfast”.
8. Dianhong – Yunnan
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Type: Black Tea
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Flavor: Malty, rich, slightly sweet
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Why Try It: Bold yet smooth; great for coffee lovers transitioning to tea.
9. Liu Bao – Guangxi
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Type: Dark Tea
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Flavor: Camphor, earthy, mellow
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Why Try It: Aged tea with a cult following; excellent for gut health.
10. Jasmine Tea – Fujian
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Type: Scented Green/White Tea
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Flavor: Floral, sweet, aromatic
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Why Try It: The classic Chinese restaurant tea—but the real version is far more delicate and refreshing.
🫖 Where to Try These Teas in China
| Tea | Best Place to Taste It |
|---|---|
| Longjing | Hangzhou tea farms around West Lake |
| Tie Guan Yin | Anxi County, Fujian |
| Da Hong Pao | Wuyishan tea mountains |
| Pu-erh | Xishuangbanna, Yunnan |
| Keemun | Qimen County, Anhui |
🧑🌾 Join one of our tea-focused tours to visit farmers, pick tea, and taste it fresh from the source.
👉 Explore Tea Tours
🛍 Can’t Travel Yet? Try These Teas at Home
We ship fresh, farm-sourced Chinese teas worldwide. Start your journey here:
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