New to Chinese Tea?
You do not need to know anything. You only need a few minutes and a little curiosity.
Chinese tea is simpler than you think.
There are no rules you must follow. No ceremony you must perform. Just leaves, hot water, and a willingness to notice what happens.
The teas we have chosen here are gentle, forgiving, and quietly beautiful. They are where we would begin if we were starting today.
Three Teas to Begin
Silver Dawn White
The gentlest introduction. Honey sweetness, no bitterness, impossible to oversteep. Brew at 85°C for three minutes.
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Spring Jade Green
China's most famous green tea. Chestnut sweetness, fresh grass, clean finish. The taste of spring in a cup.
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Orchid Pearl Oolong
Floral and creamy, with a natural sweetness that surprises first-time oolong drinkers. Resteeps beautifully.
View TeaFive Types of Chinese Tea
White Tea
Bai ChaThe least processed. Delicate, sweet, subtle. Closest to the natural leaf.
Green Tea
Lu ChaUnoxidized. Fresh, vegetal, clean. The oldest form of tea.
Oolong Tea
WulongPartially oxidized. The widest range of flavor — from floral to roasted.
Black Tea
Hong ChaFully oxidized. Deep, warm, malty. Known as red tea in China.
Pu-erh Tea
Pu ErFermented. Earthy, smooth, complex. Improves with age.
How to Brew Your First Cup
Boil Water
Use fresh, filtered water. Let it cool slightly after boiling — about 30 seconds for green tea, immediately for black.
Add Leaves
One teaspoon per cup. Do not worry about precision — you will learn your preference over time.
Steep
Green tea: 2 minutes. Oolong: 3 minutes. Black: 3–4 minutes. Use a timer — it helps.
Drink
That is all. Notice the taste. Notice the warmth. This is the beginning.