China, renowned as the ancient cradle of tea, boasts a rich history and tradition surrounding this beverage. It also plays a crucial role in the global tea production and trade.

With its diverse geography, China has the perfect conditions to cultivate a wide variety of teas, making it the birthplace of the world’s six tea production methods. This tea diversity showcases China’s rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship, and plays a significant role in its economy.

The tea industry in China is a multibillion-dollar sector, providing employment and generating wealth at every stage of its production. Moreover, Chinese tea is an integral part of daily life and culture for millions of people worldwide, making it an invaluable asset to China’s economy and society.

In this article, we will dive into the world of Chinese teas, highlighting the main tea-producing regions and tea types, and offering a detailed and professional perspective for those looking to understand and appreciate the diversity and quality of Chinese teas.

Contents

The History of Chinese Teas

The history of tea in China spans millennia of culture and tradition, evolving from humble beginnings to becoming a major industry in the country. Here, we explore some of the most interesting and significant aspects that have influenced the history of tea.

Legend of Emperor Shennong

According to ancient legend, tea was discovered in the year 2437 B.C. by Emperor Shennong. It is said that while Shennong was boiling water outdoors, some tea leaves accidentally fell into his pot. After tasting the resulting infusion, he was impressed by its flavour and apparent medicinal properties.

legend of Emperor Shennong

Imperial Age

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.), tea became China’s national beverage. Lu Yu, known as the “Sage of Tea,” wrote the first book on this subject, “The Classic of Tea”, detailing the cultivation, preparation, and appreciation of this precious drink. This golden age of tea in China laid strong foundations for its culture and trade.

Modern Times

With the liberalisation of the Chinese economy in 1978, tea production experienced a renaissance. Investment in tea factories and gardens has enabled the production of high-quality teas that are now accessible, both domestically and for export.

This resurgence has brought Chinese teas to new levels of global recognition and appreciation, significantly contributing to the country’s economy.

Tea-Producing Regions in China

tea production in China

China’s vast geographical and climatic diversity supports a variety of tea-producing regions, each one with its own unique characteristics and distinctive types of teas.

Here, we explore some of the major tea-producing regions and their most notable teas:

Fujian

Located on China’s southeast coast, Fujian is the largest and most emblematic province in tea production. It is home to some of the world’s most refined and cherished teas, including white teas and oolongs.

The subtropical climate and misty mountains of Fujian create the perfect environment for producing high-quality tea. 

Common teas in Fujian Province

  • White Tea (Bai Hao Yin Zhen): Also known as Silver Needle, this tea is renowned for its young buds and delicate floral flavour. It is considered one of the purest and most prized white teas.
  • Oolong Tea (Da Hong Pao): This tea, whose name translates to “Big Red Robe,” is a heavily oxidised oolong with a robust and complex gustative profile. It is famous for its richness and depth of flavour.
tea fields in Fujian

Yunnan

Located in southwest China, this province is known as the birthplace of Pu-erh tea and is also known for its black teas. The region is characterised by its high altitude and cloud-covered mountains, creating ideal conditions for tea cultivation.

Common teas in Yunnan Province

  • Pu-erh Tea (Sheng and Shou Pu-erh): Sheng Pu-erh has aged for years to develop complexity and depth. Shou Pu-erh is a ripened tea that undergoes fermentation to accelerate ageing, offering a more earthy and mature flavour profile. In this post, you will discover the fascinating production process of Pu-erh tea and its different varieties.
  • Black Tea (Dian Hong): This black tea is known for its golden leaves and sweet, malty flavour. It is highly prized both in China and abroad.
Pu-erh tea from Yunnan

Zhejiang

Zhejiang, located on China’s east coast, is renowned for its high-quality green teas, especially Longjing. The region’s rolling hills and humid climate are perfect for tea cultivation. 

Common teas in Zhejiang Province

  • Green Tea (Longjing): Known as “Dragon Well“, this is one of China’s most famous green teas. Appreciated for its smooth and sweet flavour and its fresh and herbal notes, Longjing is a flat-leaf tea requiring meticulous production methods.

Jiangsu

Adjacent to Zhejiang, Jiangsu is also known for its green teas’ production, particularly Bi Luo Chun. The region offers a temperate climate and fertile soils, creating the optimal conditions for tea cultivation.

Common teas in Jiangsu Province

  • Green Tea (Bi Luo Chun): This tea is known for its spiral-shaped leaves and fresh, floral flavour. Bi Luo Chun is characterised by its delicacy and complex aromas, making it a favourite among green tea enthusiasts.

Hunan

This province in central-south China is famous for its yellow teas and some exceptional black teas. It has a warm and humid climate, perfect for producing these tea types.

Common teas in Hunan Province

  • Yellow Tea (Jun Shan Yin Zhen): Produced on Jun Shan Island, located in the Dongting Lake, this yellow tea is known for its unique production process, which includes a “yellowing” phase to develop its sweet and smooth flavour.

  • Black Tea (Qian Liang Cha): This black tea is compressed into large blocks. It is known for its strong and complex flavour, and it is particularly popular for its ageing capacity and ability to develop depth of flavour over time.

Anhui

Located in eastern China, Anhui is recognised for its high-quality green teas and some notable black teas. The mountains and rivers of Anhui create perfect microclimates for high-end tea cultivation.

Common teas in Anhui Province

  • Green Tea (Huangshan Maofeng): From the Huangshan Mountains, this green tea is famous for its floral aroma and delicate flavour. It is a small-leaf tea with a complex flavour profile and a clean finish.
  • Black Tea (Keemun): This black tea is known for its floral aroma and smooth, slightly smoky flavour. It is highly valued in English tea blends and is a key component of English breakfast teas.

Discover the wonderful Keemun black tea from Alveus and propose it in your store or business.

Keemun black tea from Alveus

Conclusion

In conclusion, China is the birthplace of tea cultivation and a dominant global player in its production and trade. 

The different regions of the country, each with their specific climatic and geographical conditions, enable the production of a wide variety of teas, each with its own distinctive characteristics and unique flavour profiles. 

The economic importance of tea in China is undeniable, as it sustains millions of workers and farmers and significantly contributes to the country’s exports and economic growth. 

For professionals of the tea world, understanding the richness and variety of Chinese teas is essential to enable you to offer customers an exceptional and satisfying experience. This knowledge contributes to the expansion of the range of products that you can offer and helps position a brand in the highly competitive global tea market.