Chinese Tea for Beginners
A simple introduction to Chinese tea categories, flavors, and how to start brewing at home.
Guide
Start with Familiar Flavors
If you are new to Chinese tea, begin with approachable styles. Green teas like Longjing are fresh and vegetal. White teas like Bai Mudan are gentle and sweet. For something floral and creamy, try a light oolong such as Tie Guan Yin.
Guide
Understand the Eight Categories
Chinese tea is traditionally grouped into green, white, yellow, oolong, black, dark, pu'er, and scented teas. Each category has distinct processing, oxidation, and flavor characteristics.
Guide
Keep Brewing Simple
Use water just off the boil for black and pu'er teas, and cooler water around 80°C for green and white teas. Start with 2 grams of leaf per 100 ml of water and steep for 2–3 minutes.
Guide
Taste Broadly
The best way to learn is to compare. Try teas from different regions and categories side by side to discover what you enjoy most.