Chinese Tea Classifications

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Teas are classified by color, grade and method of processing. By method of processing, Chinese tea can be classified into Green Tea, Oolong Tea, Black Tea, Scented (or Flower) Tea, and Compressed Tea. Different processing methods result in different degree of oxidization of the tea leaves, thus resulting different tea colors.

Green Tea

Tea leaves have been dried without fermentation or oxidation. Green Tea requires less processing, the leaves remain green in color and delicate aromas.

Oolong Tea

Tea leaves have been semi-fermented. The oxidization time is shorter than Black Tea. Oolong Tea has characteristics between Green and Black Tea. It is as clear and fragrant as Green Tea, yet as strong and hearty as Black Tea.

Black Tea

Tea leaves have been fully fermented. Black Tea requires more processing, including exposure to heat, light and crushing. Black tea has strong flavors come from the fermentation process.

Scented (or Flower) Tea

Scented Tea is made by smoking tea leaves with fragrant flowers. The most famous Scented (Flower) Tea is Jasmine Tea produced in Southern China - Fujian province.

Compressed Tea

Mass of tea leaves have been compressed into shape like a round steamed bun, produced in Yunnan and Sichuan province of China.

10 Most Famous Chinese Teas

The following Chinese teas are often listed as 10 most famous Chinese teas by various references.

Dragon Well

“Long Jing” in Chinese, one of the most popular green tea from the region of of West Lake in Hongzhou, located in Zhejiang province. It is known for it's wonderful aroma, unique nutty taste, and pleasant jade-green color.

Spring Snail

“ Bi Luo Chun” in Chinese, one of the famous green tea from the mountains of Dongting in Jiangsu province. The name comes from the snail-like shape of the tea leaves.

Fur Peak

"Mao Feng" in Chinese, one of the famous green tea from Huangshan mountains of Anhui province. It has the high quality falor with a low key sweetness, lovely yellowish green color.

Mellon Seed

"Gua Pien" in Chinese, one of the famous green tea from Liu'an county of Anhui province. It's delicate flat green leaves produce an extremely smooth tea beverage with refreshingly aroma.

Iron Goddess of Mercy

"Tie Guan Yin" in Chinese, one of the most popular Oolong tea from Anxi county in Fujian province. The dry leaves of this tea is heavier than other Chinese tea, thus it's named "iron". It has unique, alluring fresh flavors with a sweet, lingering aftertaste.

Big Red Robe

"Da Hong Pao" in Chinese, one of the famous heavily roasted Oolong tea from Wuyi Shan in Fujian province. The tea produces a richly fragrant reddish gold color beverage and is fascinating to drink. The full, robust flavor leaves a silky smooth and long lasting finish.

Jun Mountain Silver Needle

"Jun Shan Yin Zhen" in Chinese, one of the famous tea from Jun Mountain in Hunan province. It belongs to the subclass of Green Tea (White Tea). The tea has a hearty yellow color, with a distinctive flavor comes from charcoal roasting that is ideal to go with foods having strong flavors.

White tipped Silver Needle

"Bai Hao Yin Zhen" in Chinese, one of the famous tea from Yunnan province. It belongs to the subclass of Green Tea (White Tea). The tea produce an exquisite, delicate brew with a pale yellow color and a fresh, sweet fragrance.

Keemun

"Qi Men" in Chinese, one of the most famous black tea in China from Qimen county in Anhui province. It has distinctive fragrance and a winey and fruity taste with depth and complexity. Keemun has become one of the favorite black tea in England and Europe.

Dian Black

"Dian Hong" in Chinese, a very well know black tea in China from Yunnan province. It has an appearance of strong and tight shape with golden color on the tip. It has a strong and thick flavor combined with a subtle spice hint.

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