The idea for this collection came from noticing something simple but important: many American friends want to explore Chinese tea and try it for themselves, but often don’t know where to start. Some say Longjing is the best place to begin, others recommend Tieguanyin. The real magic of Chinese tea, however, is that just one or two teas can’t represent it. The full picture lies in the seven major tea categories: green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, dark tea, yellow tea, and China’s unique scented teas.
Each category has its own distinct flavors and techniques, and the differences within a single category can be huge. Take oolong, for example: from the light, floral Tieguanyin to the Phoenix Dancong and the heavily roasted Da Hong Pao, the flavor spectrum is vast. For American consumers, trying each tea one by one can be time-consuming, expensive, and confusing—they often don’t know which teas to start with.
This is why we created the “Top 10 Representative Chinese Teas”. The goal was simple: select the most iconic teas from each category so beginners can experience the full spectrum of Chinese tea flavors efficiently and at minimal cost.
- Green Tea: Longjing and Huangshan Maofeng were chosen as representatives of China’s two main green tea processing methods (pan-fired and baked) and as two of the most famous Chinese teas.
- Oolong Tea: The two oolongs selected are the most distinctive: Tieguanyin, representing southern Fujian; and Da Hong Pao, representing northern Fujian. Both are highly popular and widely discussed in China.
- Black Tea: China is the birthplace of black tea, and among hundreds of varieties, I selected Keemun (small-leaf) and Yunnan Dianhong (large-leaf) as the most typical and approachable examples.
- White Tea: White Peony was chosen for its tender one-bud-one-leaf combination, perfectly showcasing white tea’s soft, sweet character.
- Dark Tea: From the many dark teas, Yunnan ripe Pu-erh was selected for its recognizable flavor and beginner-friendly taste.
- Yellow Tea: Although less known overseas, Junshan Silver Needle is essential for understanding the full landscape of Chinese tea.
- Scented Tea: Jasmine tea naturally belongs here—an essential cup for anyone starting their journey into Chinese tea.
With these ten teas, anyone can experience the most representative flavors of Chinese tea.
We also realized that many beginners don’t know how to brew tea properly. To help, we created a “Beginner’s Guide to Chinese Tea”, covering five main sections:
1. Why Tea Matters in China – The cultural importance of tea.
2. The story of Chinese tea from myth to world heritage.
3. The Six Major Types of Chinese Tea – Origins, differences, and key techniques.
4. Why Chinese People Brew Tea with a Gaiwan – Insights into gongfu tea culture.
5. How to Brew Six Tea Types with a Gaiwan – Simple steps even beginners can follow.
6. Tea Etiquette – Traditions and details for enjoying tea at the table.
Buying this collection includes the guide, so beginners not only get to taste the teas but also understand the culture behind them.
Another challenge is that many beginners don’t have the right tea tools at home. In the Chinese tea system, the gaiwan set is the easiest and most effective way for newcomers to appreciate the flavors. That’s why we also offer the Top 10 Teas + Chaozhou Bone China Gaiwan Set.
- The tea set features a thin, fast-heating, comfortable-to-hold gaiwan made in Chaozhou, Guangdong—perfect for beginners.
- The full set includes: a gaiwan, a fairness cup, and three tasting cups.
- Each tea comes with a dedicated card describing its origin, flavor, processing, story, and recommended brewing method.
For us, this collection isn’t just a set of teas. It’s a way to help friends overseas experience Chinese tea in the simplest and most enjoyable way, to introduce the culture, the flavors, and the beauty of Chinese tea, all in a way that’s friendly, accessible, and easy to understand.
If you’d like to learn more about our products and available discounts, please click the link. Buy now and enjoy 20% off, end 12/31.
