Chinese Tea
Chinese tea traces its roots back over 5,000 years, where it was prized not only as a daily drink but also for its therapeutic properties, ceremonial use, and even as currency. Our collection celebrates this rich heritage with a curated range of loose leaf and bagged teas, packed fresh to honour tradition and taste.
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Arctic Fire Tea
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Celestial Jasmine Tea
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Chun Mee Tea
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Cinnamon and Plum Green Tea
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Formosa Oolong Poppy Tea
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Organic Keemun Tea
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Yunnan Green Tea
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Peach Green Tea
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Jasmine Jade Ring Green Tea
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Formosa Oolong Dung Ting Tea
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China Oriental Beauty Oolong Tea
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Yunnan China Black Tea Superior
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What is Chinese Tea?
Chinese Tea has a legacy stretching back over 5,000 years. It began as a medicinal infusion and evolved into a cherished daily ritual, with varieties that range from delicate green teas to rich, fermented pu erh tea.
Grown in diverse regions across China, from the misty mountains of Fujian to the sun-drenched slopes of Yunnan, each tea reflects the land, climate, and culture of its origin. Today, Chinese Tea is not only a cultural cornerstone but also a global favourite appreciated for its flavour, variety, and health benefits.
Chinese Tea Origins and History
Legend attributes the discovery of tea to Emperor Shen Nong in 2737 BC, when wild leaves drifted into his pot of boiling water. What began as a chance event evolved into one of the most enduring traditions in Chinese culture. Tea became widely consumed during the Tang Dynasty (618–907), when Lu Yu wrote The Classic of Tea, the first manual on cultivation and preparation.
The Song Dynasty (960–1279) elevated tea drinking to an artistic and spiritual practice, including the early roots of Gongfu Cha, the Chinese tea ceremony.
Gongfu Cha is a ritualised method of preparation that embodies harmony, respect, and mindfulness. Using Yixing clay teapots, small infusions are brewed with care, allowing drinkers to savour each pour for its subtle evolution in flavour. It is a shared experience that fosters connection, still practised in both formal and everyday settings.
During the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), the shift to loose leaf tea spurred new techniques and varietals. By the 16th century, European traders introduced Chinese tea to the West, making it a global commodity.
Today, China remains one of the world’s foremost tea producers, offering celebrated styles such as Green, Oolong, White, and Pu erh. Each reflecting centuries of refinement and cultural significance.
Most Popular Types of Chinese Tea
Top Chinese Teas
- Green Tea: Famous for its delicate flavor and many health benefits. Tea enthusiasts prize Chinese green teas. For example, they love ‘Longjing’ or Dragon Well Tea for their freshness. They have a sweet, mellow taste.
- Oolong Tea: Occupies the middle ground between green and black teas. Chinese Oolong has many famous varieties. These include ‘Monkey Picked Oolong Tea‘ and ‘Da Hong Pao‘. They are known for their complex flavors and fragrant finishes.
- Black Tea: In China, it’s called ‘hong cha’ (red tea). Teas like ‘Keemun‘ and ‘Lapsang Souchong Tea Bags‘ have rich, malty flavors. They have gained global fame for their depth.
- White Tea: Revered for its subtlety and natural sweetness. White teas, such as ‘White Peony Tea‘, are minimally processed, offering a lighter, delicate experience.
- Pu erh Tea: This fermented tea is unique to China’s Yunnan province. It comes in two types – raw (‘Sheng’) and ripened (‘Shou’). It’s valued for its earthy taste and purported medicinal properties.
- Yellow Tea: A rarer tea with a unique processing method that imparts a smooth, mild flavour. Examples include ‘Huo Shan Huang Ya Yellow Tea‘ and ‘Huoshan Huangya’.
- Herbal Tea: Not technically tea, as it does not come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Chinese herbal teas are made with various flowers, fruits, and herbs. Popular examples include ‘Chrysanthemum Tea‘, ‘Goji Berry’, and ‘Hawthorn’.
There is a vast selection of teas to choose from. There is something for every palate and occasion. This makes Chinese tea a beloved drink worldwide. So next time you enjoy a cup of Chinese tea, take a moment to appreciate its deep history and cultural importance.
How to Make Chinese Tea
The ideal way to prepare Chinese Tea depends on the variety. Here’s a basic guide:
- Green and White Teas: Use water at 80–85°C and steep for 1–3 minutes.
- Oolong Teas: Use water around 90–95°C and steep for 3–5 minutes.
- Black Teas (Hong Cha): Use water just off the boil and steep for 3–4 minutes.
- Pu erh Teas: Rinse the leaves briefly before brewing. Use boiling water and steep for 4–6 minutes.
Use 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 200 ml of water. Chinese teas are often enjoyed plain, but feel free to experiment with steeping time and water temperature to find your preferred cup.
What Does Chinese Tea Taste Like?
Chinese Tea offers a spectrum of flavour. Green teas like Dragon Well (Longjing) are sweet, grassy, and nutty. Oolong teas are layered with floral or roasted notes.
Keemun black tea is malty and smooth, while Pu erh is famously earthy and mellow. White teas like White Peony are subtle, with a creamy, honey-like finish. Each tea presents a unique profile, influenced by its terroir and processing.
Chinese Tea Caffeine Content
Caffeine levels vary by type:
- Green Tea: 25–35 mg per 8 oz cup
- Oolong Tea: 30–50 mg
- Black Tea: 40–70 mg
- Pu erh Tea: 30–80 mg
- White Tea: 15–30 mg
- Herbal infusions (like chrysanthemum or goji berry): Naturally caffeine-free
Health Benefits of Chinese Tea
Chinese teas are celebrated not only for their depth of flavour but also for their natural health-supporting properties. From centuries of traditional use to modern research, these infusions have been valued for their role in promoting overall wellness. Depending on the type, they offer a wide range of potential benefits:
- Heart health – Antioxidant compounds in green and black teas, such as catechins and theaflavins, may support cardiovascular function and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
- Digestive support – Oolong and Pu erh teas are often enjoyed after meals for their ability to support gut health and aid digestion.
- Focus and mental clarity – Natural caffeine paired with L-theanine in green and white teas may enhance concentration and promote calm focus without overstimulation.
- Immune system support – Polyphenols and trace minerals found across many Chinese teas may help strengthen the body’s natural defences.
- Anti-inflammatory properties – Certain flavonoids and amino acids in Chinese teas have been associated with reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Skin and ageing – The antioxidants in white and green teas may support skin health and help minimise visible signs of ageing.
Each style of tea, from delicate white teas to fermented Pu erh, offers its own profile of beneficial compounds. When enjoyed regularly as part of a balanced lifestyle, Chinese tea becomes more than a daily ritual; it becomes part of a wellness practice passed down through generations.
Explore Related Teas
Interested in discovering more teas rooted in Chinese heritage and flavour? You may also enjoy exploring:
- Yunnan Tea – Famous for bold Pu erh and complex black teas
- Zhejiang Tea – Known for bright green teas like Dragon Well
- Hunan Tea – Characterful styles with deep oxidation traditions
- Fruit Tisanes – Naturally caffeine-free blends often used in Chinese herbal practice
- Pu erh Tea Collection
- Loose Leaf Tea
These collections continue the story of Chinese tea, offering variety, depth and discovery in every cup.