China is the birthplace of tea, and its finest leaves are prized worldwide. From the delicate Longjing of Hangzhou to the aged Pu-erh of Yunnan, here are the top 10 Chinese teas every connoisseur should know.
China's most famous green tea, from West Lake in Hangzhou. Its flat, jade-green leaves brew a clear, chestnut-sweet cup. The finest is picked from the original Longjing village — and costs a fortune.
A spiral-shaped green tea from Jiangsu's Dongting mountains, with a delicate, floral character and a distinctive downy leaf. It's picked very early in spring, making it precious and fresh.
The legendary oolong of Fujian's Anxi county — roasted leaves that brew a rich, orchid-scented golden liquor. The name means 'Iron Goddess of Mercy.'
A complex, mineral-rich oolong from the Wuyi Mountains, often described as 'rock rhyme.' The most famous, Da Hong Pao, comes from ancient bushes on the cliff faces.
An aged, fermented tea from Yunnan, pressed into cakes that improve for decades. Its earthy, mellow character and health associations have made it a collector's item.
The most famous Chinese black tea, from Anhui — a smooth, winey, slightly smoky brew that is a key component of English breakfast blends.
A newer premium black tea from the Wuyi Mountains, made from tender buds, with a honeyed sweetness and remarkable smoothness.
A gentle, sweet green tea from the Yellow Mountains of Anhui, named for its downy leaf tips ('maofeng' means 'fur peak').
The least processed of teas, from Fujian's Fuding area. Silver Needle, made from unopened buds, brews a pale, subtly sweet cup that ages gracefully.
Green tea scented with jasmine blossoms, a beloved everyday tea — especially fragrant in the evening, and the signature offering of many a Chinese restaurant.