China is the birthplace of tea. Over thousands of years, it has developed a complete tea system that includes green tea, black tea, white tea, yellow tea, oolong tea, dark tea, and China’s unique scented teas. Each category carries its own flavor, aroma, and stories. From the refreshing brightness of green tea to the rich depth of dark tea, different processing methods, cultivars, and growing regions create a wide world of taste.
For beginners, trying teas at random can be time-consuming and costly. To help you get started more efficiently, we selected ten classic teas from China’s seven major tea categories. They represent the most iconic and approachable flavors for anyone beginning their journey into Chinese tea.
1. Green Tea
Green tea is the oldest and most widely consumed category in China. It is grown across many regions and exists in three main types based on drying method: pan-fired, baked, and sun-dried. Longjing and Huangshan Maofeng almost perfectly showcase the essential features of pan-fired and baked green teas, while sun-dried green tea is mostly used to produce dark teas.
Brewing: Use a gaiwan or glass cup, tea-to-water ratio of 1:50, water temperature 80–85°C, steep for 10–15 seconds.
Best time to drink: Morning or early afternoon for a refreshing lift.
① Longjing – The Benchmark of Pan-Fired Green Tea
Longjing is one of China’s most famous green teas. Known for its emerald color, delicate aroma, sweet and mellow taste, and elegant flat shape, it is often regarded as the crown of China’s top teas. West Lake Longjing was once given as a national gift to foreign guests.
The leaves are flat and smooth, releasing a distinctive aroma reminiscent of pan-fried beans or fresh peas. The flavor is bright and clean with a lingering sweetness and virtually no bitterness. Today, Longjing is mainly produced in Hangzhou’s West Lake, Qiantang, and Yuezhou regions.
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② Huangshan Maofeng – A Classic Baked Green Tea
Huangshan Maofeng is one of the most iconic baked green teas, originating from the Yellow Mountain region in Anhui. It was created around 1875 by tea merchant Xie Zheng’an. In 2022, its processing technique was listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage item.
Huangshan Maofeng has slender, slightly curved leaves that resemble a sparrow’s tongue. The color is a soft green with a hint of yellow. Its aroma is delicate, often showing notes of orchid or roasted chestnut. The taste is light, sweet, and refined, yet layered, with a clear and lasting sweetness after swallowing. It has long been cherished by tea enthusiasts in China and around the world.
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2. Oolong Tea
Among China’s traditional tea categories, oolong tea covers the widest range of flavors. Depending on the oxidation level and roasting intensity, oolong aromas can range from light floral notes to deeper caramel tones. Its taste can be fresh and bright or rich and roasted.
To help you understand the spectrum, we recommend Anxi Tieguanyin and Da Hong Pao. They sit at opposite ends of the oxidation and roasting scale. If you prefer a floral yet balanced flavor, Phoenix Dancong is also a wonderful choice.
Brewing: Use a gaiwan or Yixing teapot, tea-to-water ratio 1:20. Steep the first three infusions for 10–15 seconds with boiling water, then gradually extend by 5–10 seconds.
Drinking notes: Great in the morning or during work breaks. Avoid drinking at night.
① Anxi Tieguanyin – The Signature of Southern Fujian Oolong
Tieguanyin, discovered during the Qing Dynasty in Anxi County of Fujian, is loved for its distinctive “Guanyin Yun,” a unique resonance in both aroma and taste. Its name is said to come from the Qianlong Emperor, who was impressed by the tea’s dark, glossy leaves and graceful fragrance.
Tieguanyin is commonly divided into three styles:
● Light Aroma (Qingxiang): High floral fragrance, clear and refreshing.
● Traditional Roasted (Nongxiang): Warm, rich aroma with caramel or fruit notes; smooth and full-bodied.
● Aged (Chenxiang): Mature, mellow, sweet, ideal for aged-tea lovers.
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② Da Hong Pao – The King of Wuyi Rock Tea
Da Hong Pao is the star of Wuyi rock tea. Most Da Hong Pao on the market today is blended from high-quality Wuyi cultivars.
Its signature traits are its mineral “rock rhyme” and long-lasting floral aromas such as orchid, osmanthus, peach, and even creamy notes. The liquor is smooth and full, offering a rich and layered flavor.
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3. Black Tea
China is the birthplace of black tea. As a fully oxidized tea, its flavor varies widely depending on the tea cultivar and processing method. We recommend two classics: Keemun, made from small-leaf varieties, and Yunnan black tea, made from large-leaf varieties. If you enjoy smoky flavors, authentic Lapsang Souchong is also worth exploring.
Brewing: Use a gaiwan at a 1:30 or 1:50 ratio. Steep the first three infusions for 10–15 seconds with 95–100°C water, then extend slowly.
Drinking notes: Avoid drinking on an empty stomach. It pairs well with milk, honey, or lemon. The warm, bright color of the liquor makes it especially comforting in autumn and winter.
① Keemun Black Tea – The Queen of Black Tea
Keemun is celebrated alongside Darjeeling and Uva as one of the world’s three most aromatic black teas. It earned international fame in the 19th century and quickly became beloved by the British royal family. It remains a key element of traditional English afternoon tea.
Keemun is known for its rich and layered aroma, blending floral notes (orchid, rose), fruity tones (apple), and honeyed sweetness (caramel, malt). The liquor is smooth, full, and naturally sweet.
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② Yunnan Ancient Tree Black Tea (Dianhong)
Dianhong represents China’s large-leaf black teas. It was created in 1939 during wartime, when traditional tea production areas were disrupted. Tea master Feng Shaoqiu successfully produced black tea using Yunnan’s large-leaf cultivar, which quickly gained global popularity.
Dianhong is appreciated for its honeyed or floral aromas, thick texture, complexity, and impressive endurance over multiple infusions.
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4. Ripe Pu-erh Tea – A Representative of Dark Tea
Dark tea undergoes a second fermentation with the help of microorganisms. Among the major dark tea styles, ripe Pu-erh from Yunnan is one of the smoothest and most approachable for beginners. Its pile-fermentation process transforms the tea into a mellow, thick, and silky brew with no bitterness. Over time, it develops aromas such as jujube, aged wood, or herbal notes.
Ripe Pu-erh is gentle on the stomach, making it suitable for sensitive drinkers. Moderate long-term consumption may help with digestion and fat metabolism.
Brewing: Use a gaiwan or Yixing teapot at a 1:20 ratio. Rinse quickly with boiling water. Steep for 8–10 seconds for the first few infusions, then extend gradually.
Drinking notes: Ideal for autumn and winter, and excellent with rich or oily foods.
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5. White Peony – A Classic White Tea
White tea is processed only through withering and drying, keeping much of its natural flavor. It is typically divided into four grades: Silver Needle, White Peony, Gongmei, and Shoumei.
White Peony ranks second. Its mix of green leaves and silvery buds looks like a flower, and when brewed, the bud sits on the open leaf like fresh blossoms. The flavor is lightly sweet and floral, with notes of orchid, osmanthus, or soft vegetal aromas. Aged White Peony becomes smoother and richer.
How to Brew:
Use a gaiwan or Yixing teapot at a 1:20 ratio. Steep the first three infusions for 30–40 seconds with boiling water, then extend by 30 seconds each round. Aged tea can also be brewed in a thermos or simmered.
When to Drink:
Great for summer and autumn. It pairs well with lemon, orange, or floral additions like rose or chrysanthemum.
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6. Junshan Silver Needle – A Rare Treasure Among Yellow Teas
Junshan Silver Needle is the highest grade of Chinese yellow tea and has been an imperial tribute since the Tang Dynasty. Its unique “yellowing” process creates the signature golden liquor and softens any bitterness. The dry leaves carry a sweet young-corn aroma. Once brewed, the warm aroma resembles roasted chestnut, and as it cools, a gentle honey note appears. The liquor is smooth and clean. Though not widely known overseas, it remains an essential part of China’s tea heritage.
How to Brew:
Use a gaiwan or glass cup at a 1:50 ratio. Steep the first three infusions for 10–15 seconds with water at 80–85°C, then extend by 5–10 seconds as you go.
When to Drink:
Best in the morning or after meals to aid digestion and ease fatigue. Avoid drinking it on an empty stomach.
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7. Jasmine Green Tea – The Most Popular Scented Tea
Scented teas are unique to China. Fresh flowers are layered with tea leaves, allowing the leaves to absorb the floral fragrance naturally. Among them, jasmine tea is the most widely produced and most loved, usually made with green tea as the base. The more rounds of scenting it undergoes, the stronger and more integrated the jasmine aroma becomes.
This jasmine green tea is scented three times, giving it a bright, rich floral fragrance. The flavor is smooth and refreshing, with a balanced harmony of tea and jasmine. It is ideal for daily drinking, especially for those who enjoy pronounced floral notes.
How to Brew:
Use a gaiwan or glass cup at a 1:50 ratio. Steep the first three infusions for 10–15 seconds with water at 80–85°C, then extend by 5–10 seconds as needed.
When to Drink:
Perfect for mornings or afternoons. It helps you stay focused while also relaxing the mind.
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If you want to try all 10 teas at once, you can choose our Top 10 Chinese Teas, specially designed for beginners. Each tea is carefully selected, and we offer two options: a standard set and a gift set.If you just want to explore a variety of Chinese teas, go for the standard set.If you’re looking for a gift, the gift set comes with a beginner-friendly bone china gaiwan.
We hope these ten teas give you a solid foundation for understanding the core flavors of Chinese tea and inspire you to explore deeper. With these classics as your starting point, you’re far more likely to find the tea that truly speaks to your taste and becomes a long-term favorite.