China is the birthplace of tea, with thousands of years of history and hundreds of regional varieties. But all teas — no matter how diverse — come from the same plant: Camellia sinensis. What makes them different is how they are processed.
Let’s explore the six major types of Chinese tea, each with its own story, character, and charm.
1. Green Tea — Fresh and Pure
Green tea is the least processed, preserving its natural color and antioxidants. Famous types include West Lake Longjing, Biluochun, and Huangshan Maofeng.
Taste profile: light, grassy, and refreshing.
Health benefits: rich in catechins that boost metabolism and immunity.
2. Black Tea — Bold and Aromatic
Known in China as Hong Cha (red tea), black tea undergoes full oxidation, giving it a deep amber color and rich aroma.
Famous types: Keemun, Yunnan Dianhong, and Lapsang Souchong.
Taste profile: smooth, malty, sometimes with honey or smoky notes.
Perfect for morning energy and digestion.
3. Oolong Tea — The Balance Between Green and Black
Partially oxidized, Oolong offers the complexity of black tea with the freshness of green tea.
Famous types: Tie Guan Yin, Da Hong Pao, and Phoenix Dan Cong.
Taste profile: floral, roasted, and multilayered.
Each infusion reveals new aromas — it’s a tea meant for contemplation.
4. Pu’er Tea — Aged and Earthy
Hailing from Yunnan province, Pu’er is fermented and aged, making it unique among teas.
There are two types: Raw (Sheng) and Ripe (Shou) Pu’er.
Taste profile: deep, woody, and mellow.
Health benefits: aids digestion, lowers cholesterol, and improves gut health.
5. White Tea — Gentle and Naturally Sweet
Made from young buds with minimal processing, White Tea is prized for its purity.
Famous types: Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) and White Peony (Bai Mu Dan).
Taste profile: light, floral, and slightly sweet.
Known as the “tea of tranquility,” it’s perfect for evening relaxation.
6. Yellow Tea — Rare and Elegant
Lightly fermented and slow-dried, Yellow Tea is rare and treasured for its smooth, mellow taste.
Famous types: Junshan Yinzhen and Mengding Huangya.
Taste profile: softer than green tea, with a subtle sweetness.
Each tea tells a story — of soil, climate, craftsmanship, and time.
At CN Tea Life, we bring you these stories in their purest form, directly from China’s renowned tea mountains to your cup.
