Loose Leaf Black Tea

Discover Authentic Chinese Black Tea Collection
Chinese black tea has a 400-year heritage and remains deeply rooted in tradition. From the smoky pine notes of Tongmuguan’s classic Zhengshan Xiaozhong, to the refined, fruity aromas of Keemun prized by European royalty, to the full-bodied richness of Yunnan’s ancient-tree Gongfu black tea, each variety tells a unique story. What sets these teas apart is the dedication to traditional, hands-on methods: the leaves are handpicked, sun-wilted, and even slow-dried over charcoal or pinewood fires to preserve their natural shape and complexity. This commitment results in whole-leaf teas with a depth and character far beyond mass-produced, machine-processed black teas.

iTeaworld has curated this premium selection to showcase China’s finest and most diverse black teas, capturing varying fermentation levels and distinct terroir influences. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast looking to experience authentic Chinese flavors or seeking a unique gift, this collection offers a refined tasting journey through China’s rich tea-making legacy.

Note: Chinese high-quality black teas are best enjoyed on their own, without milk or sugar. If you prefer a stronger, milk-friendly tea, this may not be the ideal collection for you. But for those who appreciate nuanced, natural flavors, this set is an invitation to explore a truly exceptional tea experience.

Premium Chinese Black Tea Collection
Featuring the most authentic and popular black teas from China's top regions:

Wuyi Zhengshan Xiaozhong (Lapsang Souchong): 5 packs x 5g
Yunnan Golden Bud Black Tea: 5 packs x 5g
Keemun Black Tea: 5 packs x 5g
Yunnan Ancient Tree Black Tea: 5 packs x 5g

O U R   T E A   R E G I O N S
Lapsang Souchong (Pine-Smoked) : Tongmu Village, Xingcun Town, Wuyishan City, Fujian Province
Dianhong Golden Buds Black Tea: Fengshan Town, Fengqing County, Yunnan Province
Keemun Black Tea: Ruokeng Township, Qimen County, Anhui Province
Century-Old Tree Black Tea: Jingmai Mountain, Huimin Town, Lancang County, Yunnan Province

Recommended Purchase:
This 2024 Dianhong Golden Bud Black Tea is crafted under the supervision of Zhang Guo'an, a renowned master and inheritor of Dianhong's traditional techniques. Made from tender pre-Qingming buds of the Fengqing large-leaf tea tree variety, it showcases a rich honeyed aroma and a smooth, full-bodied taste. Perfect for tea lovers who prefer a premium, delicate black tea experience when enjoyed plain. However, if you’re looking for a tea to pair with milk or sugar, this might not be the best choice.

Product Details:

Origin: Dayaitian Tea Factory, Fengqing, Yunnan Province
Production Date: April 2024
Grade: Premium
Tea Cultivar: Fengqing Large-Leaf Variety
Craftsmanship: Supervised by Zhang Guo'an, a master and heritage keeper of Dianhong tea-making traditions
Flavor Profile: Honeyed aroma with smooth, full-bodied texture
Highlight: This Dianhong Golden Bud is crafted entirely from tender tea buds using traditional methods, offering a classic and authentic Dianhong flavor with an intense and aromatic character.

About Dianhong Golden Bud Black Tea:
Dianhong Golden Bud represents the pinnacle of Dianhong teas and is considered a premium Chinese black tea. First introduced in 1959, it is made from carefully selected pre-Qingming tea buds of the Yunnan large-leaf variety and processed using traditional techniques. The tea leaves are covered in golden tips, producing a bright, reddish-gold liquor with a long-lasting, high aroma and a fresh, sweet aftertaste. Compared to the Dianhong varieties made from one bud and two leaves, Golden Bud offers a sweeter and more delicate flavor profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy refined and unblended black teas.

How to Brew
Water Temp: 203°F(or 95℃)
Tea-to-Water: 1g per 50ml
Steep Time: 20 sec for first 3 steeps, add 5 sec each time after
Teaware: White porcelain gaiwan
Re-Steep: 5-7 times

Buying Guide:
This 2024 Yunnan Ancient Tree Black Tea is crafted from century-old small-leaf tea trees in the scenic Jingmai Mountain. It boasts an intense, long-lasting aroma with layers of floral and honey notes. The tea liquor is full-bodied and deep, with a lingering sweet aftertaste. Perfect for tea lovers who appreciate the refined complexity of black tea, especially those drawn to the unique flavors and steeping endurance of ancient tree teas. If you're looking for a natural and pure tea experience, this tea is an ideal choice.

Key Details About Ancient Tree Black Tea:

Origin: Jingmai, Pu'er, Yunnan
Harvest Date: April 2024
Leaf Grade: One bud with two leaves
Tea Tree Variety: Small-leaf tea trees
Tea Master: Zhu Yafen, Jingmai Mountain
Flavor Profile: The tea liquor delivers a strong, lasting aroma and a smooth mouthfeel. Jingmai tea is known for its distinctive fragrance that lingers in the tea liquor. The blend of floral and honey aromas creates a dynamic experience, with the scent lingering in your mouth long after sipping.

Storage: 
Keep sealed, dry, and away from light or odors. For longer preservation, store in a cool environment. Best enjoyed within two years.

Why Ancient Tree Black Tea Stands Out
Ancient tea trees, often over 100 years old, grow in remote, pristine mountain forests, free from synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Their deep roots absorb rich minerals and nutrients, resulting in tea with a full-bodied, layered flavor and natural floral or honey notes.

The leaves of ancient tree black tea are thicker and more resilient, with higher levels of polyphenols and aromatic compounds, making the tea exceptionally durable in brewing. Each steep releases consistent flavor and aroma, often lasting for many infusions.

Yunnan, home to over 56 million ancient tea trees, is known as the “kingdom of ancient tea.” With the introduction of the Yunnan Ancient Tea Tree Protection Regulation in 2023, these trees are now safeguarded to ensure their heritage continues. Ancient tree black tea is a unique gem, offering both a pure taste and a connection to centuries of tradition.

How to Brew
Water Temp: 212°F（or 100℃）
Tea-to-Water: 1g per 50ml
Steep Time: 20 sec for first 3 steeps, add 5 sec each time after
Teaware: White porcelain gaiwan
Re-Steep: 7+ times

Recommended Purchase:
This authentic Keemun Black Tea from the core production area of Qimen County, Anhui, boasts a refined aroma that lingers, featuring unique notes of apple and orchid. It's best enjoyed plain to savor its natural floral and honey-like sweetness with a silky smooth finish. If you prefer bold flavors and plan to add milk and sugar, this tea might not be the perfect match for your taste.

Product Details:
Origin: Guanghui Village, Likou Town, Qimen County, Huangshan, Anhui Province
Harvest Date: April 15, 2024
Grade: Second Grade (Mao Feng), one bud and two leaves
Tea Cultivar: Qimen Zhuye (Qimen Broad Leaf Variety)
Craftsmanship: Traditional methods by tea master Feng Guochang
Flavor Profile: Distinctive "Keemun aroma" with apple and orchid notes, a refined and long-lasting fragrance, prominent floral and honey tones, and a sweet, smooth finish.
Highlight: An authentic Keemun Black Tea made from local tea trees in the core region, offering a perfect balance of flavor and richness—an excellent choice for everyday enjoyment.

About Keemun Black Tea:
Keemun Black Tea (or Qimen Hong Cha) originates from the Qimen region in Anhui Province, China, and its crafting technique is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Known as the "Champagne of Black Teas," it captivates tea lovers with its signature floral, fruity, and subtle smoky notes. During Victorian England, Keemun Black Tea was considered a luxury, often gracing royal and aristocratic tea tables. It became a staple in classic English Breakfast and afternoon tea blends. Compared to Ceylon and Assam teas, Keemun is more mellow and smooth, making it a refined choice for pairing with milk or sugar. Over time, it has earned its place as a luxurious favorite among Western black tea enthusiasts.

How to Brew
Water Temp: 203°F(or 95℃)
Tea-to-Water: 1g per 50ml
Steep Time: 20 sec for first 3 steeps, add 5 sec each time after
Teaware: White porcelain gaiwan
Re-Steep: 5-7 times

Traditional Smoked Lapsang Souchong (2024)
Recommended for:
If you’re a fan of traditional black tea with a bold pine smoke aroma and a rich, sweet flavor, this tea is for you. Produced in 2024 in Masu Village, Tongmuguan, Wuyishan, and crafted by tea master Zhang Song, it’s made using classic smoking techniques for the most authentic Lapsang Souchong experience. This tea is best enjoyed plain to fully appreciate its smoky and robust character. If you prefer lighter black teas or dislike smoky flavors, this may not be the best fit, and it’s not recommended for milk or sugar.

Product Details:

Origin: Masu Village, Tongmuguan, Wuyishan
Harvest Date: May 2024
Grade: First Grade
Tea Cultivar: Tongmuguan Xiaocai Tea
Craftsmanship: Supervised by Zhang Song, a second-generation tea master from Masu. He began learning the basics of Lapsang Souchong production as a teenager and is known for his expertise in traditional tea-making methods.
Flavor Profile: Distinct pine smoke aroma, rich sweetness, and full-bodied taste
Highlight: A must-try for anyone seeking an authentic smoked Lapsang Souchong, directly from the original region with time-honored techniques.

How to brew:

Water Temp: 212°F（or 100℃）
Tea-to-Water: 1g per 50ml
Steep Time: 20 sec for first 3 steeps, add 5 sec each time after
Teaware: White porcelain gaiwan
Re-Steep: 5-7 times

Tongmuguan Zhengshan Xiaozhong: The Original Smoky Chinese Black Tea

Zhengshan Xiaozhong, known as the world’s first black tea, originates from Tongmuguan in the Wuyi Mountains of China. This region, at an altitude of up to 1500 meters, is now a protected nature reserve, providing an ideal, untouched environment for tea cultivation. Zhengshan Xiaozhong tea from Tongmuguan is unique, not only for its specific local tea varieties and pristine mountain setting but also for its rich, 400-year-old heritage of traditional tea-making.

What truly sets this tea apart is the smoking process that gives it its signature taste. Skilled tea masters meticulously select local pine wood, particularly the resin-rich heartwood and roots, to smoke the leaves. This special wood is believed to impart a rich, natural pine resin fragrance, balanced with a subtle honey-like sweetness, creating a truly layered, unforgettable taste. Locals say that only Zhengshan Xiaozhong produced in Tongmuguan with traditional techniques captures this distinctive “pine smoke aroma with longan fruit notes.”

Outside of Tongmuguan, black teas made in the wider Wuyi Mountain area are known as "Xiaozhong black teas" but lack the same signature smoky aroma. Black teas made even farther away are simply called "Kung Fu black teas" and have a more familiar profile to Western black teas. But for those looking to experience an authentic, complex tea with deep roots in Chinese culture, Zhengshan Xiaozhong from Tongmuguan is truly one-of-a-kind.

Introduction:
This Rose Black Tea is meticulously selected from the spring harvest of 2024. Combining Yunnan black tea from Fengqing, Yunnan, at elevations of approximately 1600 meters, with locally sourced red roses from Yunnan, the exceptional growing conditions impart a unique and richly layered flavor to this tea. The plucking standard of one bud and two leaves, paired with fresh red roses and three scenting processes, ensures a delicate rose fragrance perfectly blended with the robust, mellow taste of black tea.

Reasons to Recommend:

• Core Production Area: Grown in Fengshan Town, Fengqing County, Yunnan, where the average annual temperature ranges from 18°C to 22°C, with significant daily temperature variations and annual precipitation of 1200-1700 mm. The region is characterized by its climate, where "morning and evening mists blanket the land on clear days, and clouds shroud the mountains on rainy days."
• Scenting Process: Yunnan black tea serves as the base, while locally sourced red roses from Yunnan are used for scenting. The traditional scenting process is repeated three times, resulting in a tea where the floral aroma and tea fragrance are perfectly balanced.
• High-Mountain Tea Gardens: Since ancient times, high mountains shrouded in mist have produced premium teas. This tea thrives in such environments, where lush vegetation and organic-rich soil, combined with extreme daily temperature fluctuations, enhance the accumulation of flavorful compounds in the leaves.

Oxidation Level: High
Roasting Level: None
Tea Garden Soil: Red soil
Processing Time: August 2024
Best Before Date: 24 months
Tea Variety: Yunnan Tea No. 10

Actual weight: 80g

Our Black Tea Sampler encompasses four of China's most iconic and well-loved red teas: Yunnan Black Tea, Yingde Black Tea, and Lapsang Souchong Black Tea (both smoked and unsmoked varieties). This sampler spans red teas with low, medium, and high fermentation levels, offering a delightful array of floral, honeyed, sweet, and smoky flavors. Furthermore, it invites you to explore the distinctive characteristics of teas cultivated in diverse garden types: modern high-altitude tea gardens, abandoned tea gardens, and wild tea tree gardens. With this collection, your journey to discovering your preferred red tea variety becomes effortless.

Introduction:
This Jasmine Black Tea is meticulously selected from the spring harvest of 2024. Combining Yunnan black tea from Fengqing, Yunnan, at elevations of approximately 1600 meters, with jasmine flowers from Hengxian, Guangxi, the exceptional growing conditions impart a unique and richly layered flavor to this tea. The plucking standard of one bud and two leaves, paired with fresh jasmine flowers and three scenting processes, ensures a harmonious blend of soft jasmine fragrance and the robust, mellow taste of black tea.

Reasons to Recommend:

• Core Production Area: The black tea is sourced from Fengshan Town, Fengqing County, Yunnan, where the average annual temperature ranges from 18°C to 22°C, with significant daily temperature variations and annual precipitation of 1200-1700 mm. The jasmine flowers are from Hengzhou, Guangxi, which enjoys abundant sunshine, annual rainfall of 1450 mm, and soil rich in organic matter, providing an ideal growing environment.
• Scenting Process: Yunnan black tea serves as the base, while jasmine flowers from Hengzhou, Guangxi, are used for scenting. The traditional scenting process is repeated three times, resulting in a tea where the floral aroma and tea fragrance are perfectly balanced.
• High-Mountain Tea Gardens: Since ancient times, high mountains shrouded in mist have produced premium teas. This tea thrives in such environments, where lush vegetation and organic-rich soil, combined with extreme daily temperature fluctuations, enhance the accumulation of flavorful compounds in the leaves.

Oxidation Level: High
Roasting Level: None
Tea Garden Soil: Red soil
Processing Time: August 2024
Best Before Date: 24 months
Tea Variety: Yunnan Tea No. 10

Introduction:
This Yingde black tea is meticulously selected from the spring harvest of 2023. Plucked from high-altitude tea gardens in Yinghong Town, Guangdong, at elevations of approximately 200 meters, the exceptional growing conditions impart a smooth texture and rich, layered flavors. The plucking standard of primarily one bud and two leaves ensures a full-bodied, velvety taste, with notes of caramel and cocoa, satisfying the palates of black tea enthusiasts.

Reasons to Recommend:

• A Renowned Chinese Tea: Recognized as a world-class high-aroma black tea, Yingde black tea was awarded the title of the world's finest high-aroma black tea by the International Tea Committee in 2019.
• Core Production Area: Grown in Yingde City, Guangdong, where the average annual temperature is 20.7°C, annual rainfall is 1876.8 mm, average relative humidity is 79%, and the frost-free period lasts 316.7 days. The fertile acidic red soil, rich in organic matter and nitrogen, contributes to the tea's exceptional quality.
• Tea for Diplomatic Occasions: On April 7, 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Guangzhou and was served Yingde black tea during a tea ceremony at the Songyuan Hotel, highlighting its status as a prestigious Guangdong tea.
• Unique Aroma: Yingde black tea is crafted from the fresh leaves of Yunnan large-leaf tea trees and Fenghuang Shuixian tea trees (known for their high aroma). This combination results in a robust flavor and intense fragrance.

Oxidation Level: High
Roasting Level: None
Tea Garden Soil: Lateritic red soil
Processing Time: Spring 2023
Best Before Date: 24 months
Tea Variety: Yinghong No. 9

Introduction:
This Yunnan black tea is carefully selected from the spring harvest of 2024. Plucked from high-altitude tea gardens in Fengqing County, Yunnan, at elevations of approximately 1600 meters, the exceptional growing conditions impart a rich, robust flavor and complex layers of taste. The plucking standard of one bud and two leaves ensures a smooth, full-bodied texture, with notes of caramel, malt, and honey.

Reasons to Recommend:

• Core Production Area: Grown in Fengshan Town, Fengqing County, Yunnan, where the average annual temperature ranges from 18°C to 22°C, with significant daily temperature variations. The annual precipitation is 1200-1700 mm, characterized by a climate where "morning and evening mists blanket the land on clear days, and clouds shroud the mountains on rainy days."
• A National Gift: In 1986, Queen Elizabeth II was presented with Yunnan black tea as a national gift during her visit to China.
• Unique Tea Variety: Sourced from the large-leaf tea trees of Yunnan, known for their rich, enduring flavor and high tolerance for multiple infusions. The large-leaf variety has a longer growth cycle (2-3 years), with large, pointed leaves that contain higher levels of water extract and other compounds.
• High-Mountain Tea Gardens: Since ancient times, high mountains shrouded in mist have produced premium teas. This tea thrives in such environments, where lush vegetation and organic-rich soil, combined with extreme daily temperature fluctuations, enhance the accumulation of flavorful compounds in the leaves.

Oxidation Level: Fully oxidized
Roasting Level: None
Tea Garden Soil: Yellow soil
Processing Time: Spring 2024
Best Before Date: 24 months
Tea Variety: Yunnan Big Leaf

Introduction:
This Guangxi black tea is carefully selected from the autumn harvest of 2023. Plucked from ancient tea trees in high-altitude gardens in Longsheng Town, Guangxi, at elevations of approximately 800 meters, the exceptional growing conditions impart a rich, robust flavor and complex layers of taste. The plucking standard of primarily one bud and two leaves ensures a smooth, sweet taste with a delightful aroma, satisfying the palates of black tea enthusiasts.

Reasons to Recommend:

• High-Mountain Tea Gardens: Sourced from the mountainous regions of Guangxi, at an elevation of 800 meters near Guilin. High mountains are known for producing premium teas. These tea trees, grown for many years, have deep roots and lush leaves, absorbing abundant nutrients and minerals.
• Century-Old Tea Trees: Harvested from ancient tea trees over 100 years old, located in remote mountainous areas. These sexually propagated century-old trees, each covering an area of 6-8 square meters, are picked only once a year, resulting in a sweet, enduring flavor with low astringency.
• Organic Management: No chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or growth promoters are used. The tea garden is managed through organic practices, preserving ecological balance and enhancing the tea's quality, taste, and aroma.

Oxidation Level: Medium oxidation
Roasting Level: Medium roast
Tea Garden Soil: Red soil
Processing Time: Autumn 2023
Best Before Date: 36 months
Tea Variety: Fenghuang Dancong

Wild Souchong Black Tea uses wild tea leaves from mountains in Guangxi Province. It uses a special tea-making method of traditional Lapsang Souchong technique. Wild Souchong Black Tea maintains the taste of Lapsang Souchong, while it has a richer flavor. Lapsang Souchong is the earliest black tea and it is called black tea originator. It has a history of 400 years. Lapsang Souchong is baked by pine needles or pine wood. As a result, it has very strong fragrance. Also, due to the bake technique, the color of the tea is grey black and the color of tea soup is dark amber.

Wild red tea, produced in the Damingshan area of Shanglin County, Nanning, Guangxi. The tea gardens are primarily located at an altitude of 900 meters.Wild red tea grows in a pristine ecological environment with abundant vegetation. Due to the absence of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, its yield is limited, with only one spring tea harvest per year. It is processed using the traditional Lapsang Souchong Tea Process (non-smoked). It boasts a rich and unique floral aroma, with a sweet and refreshing taste, bright orange-yellow liquor, and evident golden rings.