Which Are China’s Top 10 Famous Teas?

One common label associated with the legion of teas from China is “China’s Top 10 Famous Teas” or 中国十大名茶. There are several versions of this list but what is often considered the authoritative list is that which was published in Hangzhou in 1959.

Without further ado, let us look at that list:

1)   Xihu Longjing (西湖龙井) Green Tea

Any list of the best known Chinese tea starts with Longjing, more specifically Xihu Longjing since there is a wide variety of Longjing on the market.

The most famous tale associated with Longjing is that of the 18 trees in Shifeng demarcated by Emperor Qianlong for royal consumption. Qianlong was by no means the only leader to be beguiled by Longjing with a list of captive fans that looks like a who’s who of Chinese history including Mao Zedong, Sun Yat-sen and Zhou Enlai.

Today though, Xihu Longjing only makes up less than 10% of Longjing produced although many Zhejiang grown Longjing claim to be from Xihu.

Forget bargain hunting and price comparison, try the real Xihu Longjing and you will know why no matter which version of China’s Top 10 Famous Tea, not only does Longjing appear, it is the first name on the list.

2)   Dongting Biluochun (碧螺春) Green Tea

If Longjing is the undisputed number one, few will challenge Dongting Biluochun for the second place on any list. Where Longjing leaves are flat, Biluochun has small curls, hence the name which can be translated as Green Spires Spring. Where Longjing has a beany fragrance, Biluochun has a fruity fragrance.

In short, if you only have room for 2 green teas in your cupboard, you could do worse than try these 2.

Legend has it that Biluochun was originally named “The Frightening Fragrance” (吓煞人香). Emperor Kangxi (Qianlong’s grandfather) tried the tea, loved it but felt the name was macabre. Hence he gave it the more refined name of Biluochun or green spires spring after the color, shape and season of the tea.

3)   Xinyang Maojian (信阳毛尖) Green Tea

There are many types of Maojian in China (20? 50?) but none more famous than Xinyang Maojian and Dujun Maojian. Mao refers to the ‘downy fur’ present in tender leaves of certain cultivars while jian refers to the tippy shape of the leaves.

Xinyang Maojian is a relatively new creation from a historic tea producing region that had fallen on hard times (see more here).

For nearly a decade though, it has enjoyed repute and popularity for its chestnut fragrance and strong ‘huigan’.

4)   Junshan Yinzhen (君山银针) Yellow Tea

From the province of Hunan comes what is sometimes regarded as the only ‘true’ yellow tea- Junshan Yinzhen.

While other types of yellow teas such as Huoshan Huangya and Mengding Huangya were resurrected versions of teas that had previously ceased production (there were many in light of wars, civil wars and the Cultural Revolution), Junshan Yinzhen had been produced since the Tang Dynasty.

It is beloved for its delicate taste and lovely leaves, every bit as exquisite as its name (translated as Silver Needles).

5)   Huangshan Maofeng (黄山毛峰) Green Tea

How much of a difference can one man make? Read the story of Xie Zheng An and the creation of Huangshan Maofeng here.

Today the fame of Huangshan has spread globally- being officially named a UNESCO heritage site in 1990- and with it that of Huangshan Maofeng as well.

6)   Lushan Yunwu (庐山云雾) Green Tea

This historic tea has an ethereal name, Lushan Misty, reflective of the environment where it was grown. The mist and clouds provide a natural shade against the sunlight allowing the tea leaves to accumulate higher amino acid content, much like what gyukuro makers tried to mimic.

7)   Wuyi Yancha (武夷岩茶) Oolong Tea

With the staggering variety of oolong tea from the wonderful Wuyi Mountain, it seems quite impossible to pick just one. As such, the hundreds of varieties that make up Wuyi Yancha are collectively listed here.

The two most common varieties are Shuixian and Rougui while famous varieties include Dahongpao, Baijiguan, Tieluohan and Shui Jin Gui.

8)   Liuan Guapian (六安瓜片) Green Tea

One of the more unique green teas around, it goes against convention by using matured leaves instead of younger, tender shoots. In fact it is the only green tea in China that is made with pure leaves, no buds or stems.

The result is a refreshingly, light and brisk green tea that deserves a second look from any green tea lover.

9)    Anxi Tieguanyin(安溪铁观音) Oolong Tea

For many people, this is the quintessential oolong tea. With a unique blend of ‘huigan’ that meshes nectar-like sweetness with a dash of sourness, Tieguanyin is probably the oolong equivalent of Longjing in terms of repute and prestige.

Forget about the green type of Tieguanyin or the cheap restaurant teas, look for the traditional Tieguanyin and prepared to be captivated.

10)   Qimen Hongcha(祁门红茶)

Qimen Hongcha, often Anglicized as Keemun is probably the best known Chinese black tea. Lower grade versions of Keemun made its way into English Breakfast Tea and other blends but the best Qimen Hongcha stand talls on its own merit.

In recent years, with the rise in interest (and value) of black tea within China, grades of Qimen Hongcha started to improve with bud teas being produced as opposed to the traditional commercial grade 1 bud to 2 leaves.