Chinese Tea: History, Culture, and Craftsmanship

Tea is more than just a drink in China—it’s a way of life. From ancient dynasties to modern-day tea ceremonies, Chinese tea has a rich history, deep cultural significance, and meticulous craftsmanship. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Chinese tea, exploring its origins, the different types, and what makes them so unique compared to other teas.

A Brief History

Legend has it that Chinese tea was discovered over 4,000 years ago by Emperor Shen Nong, who accidentally boiled a tea leaf in his water. The beverage soon gained popularity, spreading across China and eventually the world. Tea became deeply woven into Chinese culture, influencing everything from poetry and art to medicine and philosophy. The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD) saw the rise of loose-leaf tea, shaping how we enjoy Chinese tea today.

The Six Categories of Chinese Tea

Chinese tea is typically categorised into six main types, each with its own distinctive processing methods:

• Green Tea – Unoxidised and fresh, green tea is known for its grassy, vibrant flavours. Famous varieties include Longjing (Dragon Well) and Biluochun.
• White Tea – Lightly processed and naturally dried, white tea like White Peony and Silver Needle offers delicate, floral notes.
• Yellow Tea – A rare and slightly fermented tea, yellow tea undergoes a unique ‘sealed yellowing’ process that mellows its flavour.
• Oolong Tea – Partially oxidised, oolong tea bridges the gap between green and black tea, offering a complex flavour profile. Popular types include Tieguanyin (Ti Kuan Yin) and Da Hong Pao.
• Black Tea – Fully oxidised, Chinese black tea (called ‘hong cha’ or red tea in China) is bold and rich. Famous varieties include Keemun and Lapsang Souchong.
• Dark Tea (Pu-erh) – Fermented and aged, Pu-erh tea develops deep, earthy flavours over time, often improving with age like fine wine.

How Does Chinese Tea Differ from Japanese Tea?

While both Chinese and Japanese teas share ancient traditions, their processing methods create distinct differences in flavour and appearance. One key contrast is how the leaves are treated after plucking. Chinese tea is typically pan-fried to stop oxidation, giving it a roasted, nutty flavour, as seen in Dragonwell Longjing green tea. In contrast, Japanese tea is steamed, which preserves its vegetal, grassy notes.

Another major difference is in tea presentation. Chinese tea is usually enjoyed in loose-leaf form, allowing the leaves to unfurl fully, while Japanese teas are often finely processed, with some, like Matcha, being ground into powder for a frothy brew. The cultural aspects also differ—China’s Gongfu brewing focuses on multiple short infusions, whereas Japanese tea ceremonies emphasize harmony and aesthetics.

The Chinese Tea Process

Chinese tea undergoes a careful process from leaf to cup, varying based on the type of tea. The key stages include:

1. Plucking: Tea pickers harvest the freshest leaves by hand, often selecting just the top buds and young leaves.
2. Withering: Leaves are spread out to dry, reducing moisture and beginning the flavour development process.
3. Oxidation: Some teas, like black and oolong, undergo oxidation to develop their unique flavours.
4. Pan-Frying: Heat is applied to halt oxidation, preserving the desired characteristics of the tea and often providing a roasted, nutty flavour.
5. Rolling and Shaping: Leaves are hand-rolled or machine-shaped into various forms, enhancing their appearance and aroma.

Some teas go through an extra stage in the process: aging. Pu-erh tea, for example, is aged for years to develop deeper flavours.

Chinese Tea at Shibui

We offer a carefully curated selection of Chinese teas that showcase the depth and variety of flavours.

• Dragon Well (Longjing) Green Tea – A classic Chinese green tea with a smooth, nutty flavour and a hint of sweetness.
• Chun Mee Green Tea – A slightly tangy green tea with a distinctive plum-like taste and a refreshing finish.
• Gunpowder Green Tea – Tightly rolled green tea leaves that unfurl when brewed, delivering a bold, slightly smoky flavour.
• Jasmine Green Tea – A beautifully aromatic green tea infused with jasmine blossoms for a delicate floral taste.
• Jasmine Pearls Green Tea – Premium hand-rolled green tea leaves scented with fresh jasmine blossoms, creating a fragrant and smooth cup with a naturally sweet and floral taste.
• White Peony (Bai Mudan) White Tea – Light, floral, and naturally sweet, this white tea is perfect for those who enjoy a delicate brew.
• Silver Needle White Tea – A premium white tea made from young buds, known for its sweet, delicate, and smooth flavour.
• Silver Jasmine White Tea – A refined blend of white tea and jasmine, offering a fragrant, soothing brew.
• Ti Kuan Yin (Iron Goddess) Oolong Tea – A partially oxidized oolong with floral and creamy notes, offering a beautifully complex taste.
• Keemun Black Tea – A bold and rich black tea with hints of cocoa and dried fruit, perfect for a smooth morning brew.
• Yunnan Black Tea – A malty and full-bodied black tea with honey-like sweetness and subtle spice notes.
• Lapsang Souchong Black Tea – A distinctive black tea with a bold, smoky aroma and a rich, pinewood-infused taste.
• Golden Pu-erh Tea – A fermented tea with deep, earthy flavours that improve with age, offering a unique and robust experience.

Chinese tea is not just a beverage—it’s an experience steeped in history, tradition, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re new to Chinese tea or a seasoned enthusiast, we invite you to explore our collection and discover the flavours of tradition. We also have a Chinese Tea Collection with a selection of six of our Chinese teas - perfect for starting off your Chinese tea journey or for gifting.

So next time you brew a pot of Chinese tea, take a moment to appreciate the journey from leaf to cup—it’s one worth savouring.

We’d love to hear from you! Have you ever tried traditional Chinese tea, or do you have a favourite variety? Share your thoughts, experiences, or any questions in the comments below—we’re always up for a great tea conversation!