Top 10 Famous Chinese Teas Explained (Part 2): From Junshan Silver Needle to Da Hong Pao

Continuing from Part 1, here we dive into five more legendary teas that complete the list of China’s Top 10 Famous Teas. This group includes rare yellow tea, aged dark tea, and some of the boldest oolongs in the world.

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6. Junshan Yinzhen (君山银针) – Silver Needle from the Isle of Kings

From Junshan Island on Dongting Lake in Hunan Province, this rare tea is the only yellow tea on the list.

• Type: Yellow tea

• Flavor: Soft, mellow, and slightly sweet with a lingering aftertaste

• Appearance: Needle-shaped buds with golden fuzz

• Rarity: Limited production; once an imperial tribute tea

It’s a gentle, subtle tea that’s revered among connoisseurs.

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7. Keemun Black Tea (祁门红茶)

Hailing from Qimen County in Anhui Province, Keemun is known as the “Burgundy of Teas” for its complex, wine-like profile.

• Type: Black tea

• Flavor: Floral, fruity, with hints of honey and orchid

• Features: Tight, thin leaves; reddish-brown liquor

• Famous for: Being a key ingredient in English Breakfast tea

Keemun is elegant and aromatic, suitable for both Western and Eastern brewing methods.

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8. Tie Guan Yin (铁观音) – Iron Goddess of Mercy

This semi-oxidized oolong tea from Anxi, Fujian has a legendary status among oolongs.

• Type: Oolong tea

• Flavor: Floral (orchid), buttery, with a long-lasting finish

• Processing: Repeated rolling and roasting

• Unique for: Its complex transformation across multiple infusions

The name refers to the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and the tea is considered both spiritual and indulgent.

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9. Baihao Yinzhen (白毫银针) – White Hair Silver Needle

From Fujian’s Fuding or Zhenghe counties, this is one of the finest white teas.

• Type: White tea

• Flavor: Delicate, sweet, and smooth

• Look: Covered in silvery white hairs, using only the tea buds

• Health benefits: High in antioxidants and low in caffeine

It’s ideal for slow sipping and pairs well with peaceful environments.

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10. Da Hong Pao (大红袍) – Big Red Robe

From the Wuyi Mountains in northern Fujian, this rock oolong (Yancha) is bold and legendary.

• Type: Oolong tea

• Flavor: Roasted, mineral, with notes of caramel and spice

• Origin myth: Once cured a Ming emperor’s mother

• Price: Some original mother-tree leaves have sold for thousands per gram

This tea represents the pinnacle of roasted Chinese oolongs and is loved by advanced tea drinkers.

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Conclusion

From rare yellow teas to ancient rock oolongs, these teas showcase the diversity and depth of Chinese tea heritage. Together with the five teas from Part 1, they complete a journey through China’s most revered leaves.

🍃 Discover more about these teas and how to enjoy them at:
👉 https://teateapot.com/blogs/chinesetea