Warm Up This Winter with 5 Best Chinese Teas

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, a cup of hot tea becomes more than a drink — it’s comfort, warmth, and calm in your hands.

In Chinese culture, tea isn’t only about flavor; it’s a way to live in harmony with the seasons. The ancient saying goes: “Drink red tea in winter, green tea in summer.” During cold months, our bodies crave warmth and nourishment. Teas that are oxidized or aged — like dark tea, aged white tea, and oolong — have a mellow, rich nature that gently warms from within and soothes the stomach.

Here are five of the best Chinese teas for winter, each with its own story, aroma, and way of bringing warmth into your life.

1. Jasmine Liu Bao — A Perfect Harmony of Strength and Softness

Shop now → Jasmine Liu Bao Dark Tea (Triple Scented)

Liu Bao is a traditional dark tea from Guangxi Province, known for its deep red liquor and smooth, earthy flavor. In the 19th century, Chinese workers carried Liu Bao to Southeast Asia, where it naturally fermented during long, humid voyages. The result was a tea praised for its “betel nut aroma” and its ability to refresh and soothe after a long day.

Today, Jasmine Liu Bao reimagines this classic by blending aged Liu Bao with the elegant scent of jasmine flowers. The jasmine lifts the earthiness, making the tea sweeter, smoother, and beautifully balanced.

The first sip feels like a quiet breath of spring in winter — floral, silky, and deeply comforting.

Perfect for: Those who often feel cold, stressed, or fatigued.
Flavor notes: Soft jasmine, warm wood, and a hint of sweetness that lingers.

2. Liu Bao Lao Cha Po — The Taste of Home and Comfort

Try it here → Lao Cha Po Wild Aged Liu Bao Tea

"Lao Cha Po,” which translates to “Old Lady’s Tea,” is a heartwarming creation that began as a family tradition in rural Guangxi. It’s made from mature leaves picked after the first frost — rich, thick leaves that are full of tea polysaccharides and amino acids. These nutrients are known to help regulate blood sugar, fight fatigue, and calm the mind.

When brewed, Lao Cha Po offers a soft, mellow sweetness with no bitterness at all. It’s the kind of tea that feels like a hug from someone who truly cares for you.

Perfect for: Those with a weak stomach, cold constitution, or long working hours.
Brewing tip: This tea is forgiving and easy — brew, simmer, or steep longer as you wish. The older it gets, the sweeter and rounder the flavor becomes.

Each cup is a reminder of the warmth found in simple, honest things — the kind made by hand, with care, for family.

3. Aged White Tea — Gentle Sweetness that Warms the Heart

Explore → 2014 Aged Shou Mei White Tea

White tea ages like good wine. There’s an old Chinese saying: “One year as tea, three years as medicine, seven years as treasure.” As it matures, the caffeine and polyphenols decrease while soothing compounds like amino acids and flavonoids increase — transforming the tea into something gentle, sweet, and deeply nourishing.

The 2014 Aged Shou Mei from Fuding is one such treasure. Its amber liquor is rich and silky, with notes of honey and dried fruit. It warms the stomach, moistens the throat, and eases the dryness that often comes with cold weather.

Why it’s perfect for winter:

• Gentle on the stomach: Its mild character makes it easy to enjoy even on an empty stomach.

• Moisturizing and comforting: Helps relieve dry throat and seasonal cough.

• Long-lasting: One pot can last you the whole day, growing sweeter with each refill.

Whether you brew it lightly for a refreshing taste or simmer it slowly for depth, aged white tea brings calm and warmth with every sip.

4. Pu-erh Ripe Tea — A Deep, Earthy Embrace

Included in → iTeaworld 2025 New Year Aged Tea Gift Set

From the misty mountains of Yunnan comes Pu-erh, China’s most famous aged tea. Ripe Pu-erh (also known as Shou Pu-erh) is fermented to develop its rich, earthy aroma and naturally warming character.

The reddish-brown tea soup glows like embers in the cup — smooth, thick, and deeply grounding. It helps warm the spleen and stomach, aid digestion, and dispel internal dampness.

Tips for beginners:

• Don’t be fooled by “older is better” — proper storage matters more than age.

• Avoid very strong brews before bedtime; Pu-erh can be gently energizing.

• Choose trusted sources to avoid musty or mixed-quality teas.

For those who enjoy coffee’s depth but crave something gentler, Pu-erh offers that same cozy satisfaction without the jitter.

5. Zhangping Shui Xian — The Perfume of Autumn

Shop → Zhangping Shui Xian Oolong Tea

Among oolong teas, Zhangping Shui Xian stands apart — not only for its floral aroma but also for its unique square “brick” shape. Originating in Fujian, this rare tea compresses Shui Xian leaves into small squares that preserve freshness and fragrance.

When steeped, it releases notes of osmanthus, orange blossom, and sweet wood. The scent lingers like autumn air drifting through a garden.

Brewing guide:

• Use a gaiwan or teapot (avoid thermos cups, which trap the fragrance).

• Water temperature: 90–100°C.

• Steep 10–15 seconds for the first infusions; extend slightly for later brews.

Enjoy it in the afternoon, when energy dips and the world feels heavy — one cup of Zhangping Shui Xian can lift your mood better than an entire playlist of upbeat songs.

Tea, the Season, and the Soul

As written in The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon: “In autumn and winter, preserve your inner warmth; let the lungs and spirit be nourished.” Tea has always been part of that rhythm — a bridge between body and nature, between the external chill and internal calm.

When you sip tea mindfully, you’re not just drinking leaves and water. You’re absorbing sunlight from distant mountains, the patience of aging, and the quiet art of balance.

Discover Authentic Chinese Tea with iTeaworld

iTeaworld was born from over 20 years of dedication to Chinese tea craftsmanship. Founded in 2022 for a global audience, iTeaworld believes that good tea should be authentic, transparent, and traceable — from its origin and tea master to its unique processing method.

Whether you’re discovering oolong, white, dark, or red tea, our mission is to make it easy for tea lovers everywhere to understand and enjoy the true taste of China.

☕ Explore our winter tea collection and discover your new favorite.

Final Sip

As autumn fades into winter, a warm cup of tea does more than heat your hands — it quiets your mind and fills your heart.
Wherever you are in the world, let every sip be a connection to the mountains, rivers, and stories of China.

iTeaworld — Bringing the true taste of Chinese tea to the world.