China's Famous Teas (中国名茶) or The Ten Great Chinese Teas (中国十大名茶) is a list of ten notable Chinese teas. Contrary to popular belief, there is no steadfast list. The list varies considerably depending on the area where it is compiled and the current trend of tea consumption.[1]
The list below, however, is considered the most top ten famous teas by the Chinese Ranking Association in 1959: Xi Hu Longjing, Dongting Bi Luo Chun, Anxi Tie Guan Yin, Huang Shan Mao Feng, Wuyi Yan Cha, Jun Shan Yin Zhen, Qimen Hong Cha, Liuan Gua Pian, Yunnan Pu'er and Bai Hao Yin Zhen.[2]
Different sources cite different teas, but the following table compiles twenty different such lists and ranks the teas upon recurrence.
| Tea Name | Pronunciation | Occurrences | English | Origin | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 西湖龙井 | Xi Hu Longjing | 20 | Dragon Well | Hangzhou, Zhejiang | Green tea |
| 洞庭碧螺春 | Dongting Bi Luo Chun | 20 | Green Spiral | Suzhou, Jiangsu | |
| 安溪铁观音 | Anxi Tie Guan Yin | 20 | Iron Goddess | Anxi, Fujian | Oolong tea |
| 黄山毛峰 | Huang Shan Mao Feng | 17 | Yellow Mountain Tip | Huangshan, Anhui | Green tea |
| 武夷岩茶 | Wuyi Yan Cha | 16 | Red Robe | Wuyi, Fujian | Oolong tea |
| 君山银针 | Junshan Yin Zhen | 14 | Silver Needle | Yueyang, Hunan | Yellow tea |
| 祁门红茶 | Qimen Hong Cha | 12 | Keemun Black | Qimen, Anhui | Black tea |
| 六安瓜片 | Liuan Gua Pian | 11 | Liuan Leaf | Jinzhai, Anhui | Green tea |
| 云南普洱 | Yunnan Pu'er | 10 | Puer tea | Simao, Yunnan | Post-fermented tea |
| 白毫银针 | Bai Hao Yin Zhen | 10 | White Silver Needle | Fuding, Fujian | White tea |
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Chinese tea has a long history and wild varieties. China famous teas are separated into two groups: Traditional famous teas and Historical famous teas. The Ten Great Chinese Teas are the treasures among the vast varieties of teas. At the same time, China famous tea owns a high reputation in the international arena.
There are no particular concepts to judge whether the tea is great or not. However, there are some basic characteristics a 'great tea' must be followed: each of them should have its own unique style, mainly in the color, fragrance, taste and the shape of the tea.
Here are some descriptions about two most famous teas which are well-known among individuals.
West Lake (Xihu) Longjing, the China's most famous tea, is produced in the mountains around the West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. West Lake is famous not only due to its sense of beauty, but also the acclaimed Longjing tea around the world. West Lake (Xihu) Longjing has thousands of years of history. It is renowned starting from the time of the Tang dynasty. Longjing tea has sharpened and flat leaves. The color of the leaves is green with yellow. After brewing, the tea aroma can last for a long time; the color becomes almond green, clear and bright. When drinking with it, the fresh tastes will surely attract you. People praise Longjing tea as 'the gold bud' and 'the world unparalleled'. It becomes the China's national tea. [3]
It is one of the most famous green tea in China, produced in Tai Lake, Dongting mountain, Suzhou, Jiangsu province. Bi Luochun leaves appear slender, curled, verdurous and tiny fluffies can be observed. When brewing the high quality Bi Luochun, we can first get water and then add the tea in, the leaves are still going to slowly sink. Dongting Bi Luochun is distinctive and world famous. It is not only sells well in the domestic market, but also is exported to Japan, the United States, Germany, Singapore and other countries as advanced gifts.
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