Two traditional Chinese ceramic tea cups filled with freshly brewed green tea, placed on a bamboo tea tray. The vibrant green tea leaves float in the warm infusion, with steam gently rising. A classic clay teapot sits in the softly blurred background.

A Guide to Famous Chinese Green Teas: Taste, Appearance, and Quality

Written by: Qiao Fan

March 7, 2025

Time to read 6 min

Introduction

Green tea is one of China's most prominent and oldest tea categories. As a non-fermented tea, it retains a vibrant green color, a refreshing and mellow taste, and is packed with antioxidants known for their anti-aging and anti-cancer properties.

This article introduces some of the finest Chinese green teas, including West Lake Longjing (Xihu Longjing), Biluochun, Liu’an Guapian, Huangshan Maofeng, and Anji Baicha. These teas are among China’s most renowned, with some dating back to the Tang Dynasty’s Tea Classic (Cha Jing) by Lu Yu.

1. West Lake Longjing (Xihu Longjing) – The Queen of Chinese Green Tea

West Lake Longjing, one of China's top ten famous teas, is a pan-fired green tea primarily produced in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province , around areas such as Shifeng, Longjing, Wuyun Mountain, and Tiger Run (Hupao) . Among them, Shifeng Longjing is regarded as the best quality.

Distinct Features

Green Color – Bright, tender green appearance.
Fragrant Aroma – A fresh, sweet chestnut-like fragrance.
Sweet and Mellow Taste – A delicate balance of umami and sweetness.
Beautiful Shape – Flat, smooth, and straight leaves.

Harvesting and Grading

Pre-Qingming Longjing (Mingqian Longjing) – Picked before the Qingming Festival (early April) , considered the rarest and most premium grade , often referred to as "Daughter’s Red."
Pre-Grain Rain Longjing (Yuqian Longjing) – Harvested before Grain Rain (mid-April) , known as a high-quality but slightly more affordable option.

A rustic ceramic bowl filled with high-quality loose-leaf green tea, with delicate curled leaves. Some tea leaves are scattered on a wooden surface, adding to the natural aesthetic.

A traditional Chinese porcelain teacup filled with vibrant green tea, with delicate tea leaves floating in the infusion.

A high-quality Longjing will display "one bud, one leaf" (Yi Qi Yi Qiang) , with the tea buds standing upright in water when brewed.

Quality Indicators

Appearance: Flat, smooth, straight leaves, tender green and glossy. Higher grades have smaller, delicate leaves, while lower grades may be larger and darker.
Leaf Bottom: Tender, uniform buds and leaves. When brewed, the tea leaves expand fully into a plump shape.
Tea Liquor: Spring Longjing has a clear, light yellow-green color, a refreshing chestnut aroma, and a smooth, sweet aftertaste. Lower-quality summer and autumn Longjing have a darker yellow hue and may taste slightly bitter.

Sacred Lily Shui Xian Oolong Tea

2. Biluochun – The Spring Spiral Chinese Green Tea

Biluochun, also known as "Dongting Biluochun," originates from Dongting Mountain, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. It is another top ten famous tea of China and is renowned for its curly shape, fresh floral aroma, and mellow taste.

A traditional Chinese porcelain bowl with blue floral patterns, filled with fresh loose-leaf green tea.

A delicate porcelain teacup with intricate blue floral designs, filled with freshly brewed green tea. The cup sits on a rustic wooden surface, with a small ceramic tea canister in the softly blurred background, creating a serene and traditional tea-drinking ambiance.

Unique Characteristics

Curled Shape – The leaves resemble tight spirals (hence the name “Biluochun,” meaning "Spring Snail").
Silver-Green Color – Covered with fine white fuzz, giving it a delicate, high-quality appearance.
Floral and Fruity Aroma – Due to the intercropping of tea trees and fruit trees, Biluochun naturally absorbs floral and fruity scents.

Quality Indicators

Appearance: One bud, one leaf, tightly curled into spirals, covered in fine white hairs. Fake or lower-quality Biluochun may appear yellowish or unevenly curled.
Leaf Bottom: Tender, uniform, and soft, with a consistent shape and color.
Tea Liquor: Superior Biluochun has a slightly yellowish liquor, while lower-grade versions may appear too green. It carries a refreshing floral and fruity aroma, a smooth texture, and a sweet aftertaste.

Lapsang Souchong

3. Liu’an Guapian – The Unique Sunflower-Seed Shaped Chinese Green Tea

Liu’an Guapian, also known as Liu’an Melon Seed Tea, is a special green tea from Lu’an, Anhui Province, and is classified as a Chinese intangible cultural heritage tea.

Unlike other green teas, Liu’an Guapian is made entirely of single tea leaves, without buds or stems, giving it a distinct shape resembling sunflower seeds.

Unique Characteristics

Unique Processing Method – Sun-dried, then repeatedly pan-roasted using traditional techniques.
Flat, Even Leaves – Unlike most green teas, Liu’an Guapian does not contain buds or stems.

Quality Indicators

Appearance: Flat, oval-shaped leaves, deep green in color with a slight white sheen.
Leaf Bottom: Soft, tender yellow-green leaves with an even shape.
Tea Liquor: Light jade-green in early harvests; later harvests produce darker green infusions. Nutty, floral, and slightly toasty aroma with a refreshing, smooth finish.

A traditional Chinese porcelain teacup with blue floral patterns, filled with freshly brewed green tea, with delicate tea leaves floating on the surface.

A modern double-walled glass cup filled with freshly brewed green tea, showcasing delicate tea leaves gracefully unfurling in the golden infusion.

Jasmine Green Tea

4. Huangshan Maofeng – The High Mountain Chinese Green Tea

Huangshan Maofeng, a semi-roasted, semi-pan-fired green tea, is produced in Huangshan, Anhui Province. This tea is highly prized for its delicate aroma and sweet, lingering taste.

Unique Characteristics

Tender Tea Buds – Covered in fine white hairs, giving the tea a soft appearance.
Elegant Shape – Slender, pointed leaves with a bright green hue.
High-Mountain Floral Fragrance – Sweet and delicate, with a slight nutty undertone.

Quality Indicators

Appearance: Slender, needle-like leaves with a bright green hue.
Leaf Bottom: Soft, tender leaves with a consistent shape and thickness.
Tea Liquor: Light yellow-green color with a fresh, floral fragrance and a sweet, smooth aftertaste.

A rustic ceramic bowl filled with high-quality loose-leaf green tea, showcasing its long, slender, and neatly arranged leaves.

Two traditional Chinese porcelain teacups with blue floral patterns, filled with steaming freshly brewed green tea, placed on an intricately carved wooden tea tray.

5. Anji Baicha – The Rare White-Leaf Chinese Green Tea

Anji Baicha is a green tea, not a white tea, despite its name. It is produced in Anji County, Zhejiang Province, using a rare tea cultivar that turns white during early spring due to a unique genetic mutation.

Unique Characteristics

White Tea Buds – Young leaves appear pale white , but turn light green after processing .
Delicate Taste – Naturally sweet, fresh, and smooth , with a high amino acid content .

Quality Indicators

Appearance : Slender, slightly flattened leaves , light green with a golden sheen .
Leaf Bottom : Transparent, soft, and tender, with clearly visible leaf veins .
Tea Liquor : Bright, clear, and golden-green , with an elegant sweetness and lingering freshness .

A traditional Chinese porcelain teacup with delicate branch patterns, filled with freshly brewed green tea, with tea leaves floating in the golden infusion.

A traditional Chinese porcelain teacup filled with freshly brewed green tea, with delicate tea leaves gently floating in the golden infusion.

Osmanthus Flower Tea

Conclusion

China’s famous green teas each have unique flavors, aromas, and textures. Whether you enjoy the nutty sweetness of Longjing, the floral aroma of Biluochun, or the rich, smooth taste of Liu’an Guapian, there is a perfect green tea for every preference.

By understanding these teas’ appearance, brewing methods, and quality indicators, you can fully appreciate their distinctive flavors and select the best green tea for your taste.

FAQs

What Does Green Tea Taste Like?

Green tea has a fresh, vegetal, slightly sweet, and sometimes nutty or floral flavor. The taste varies depending on the type of green tea and how it is processed. For example:

Longjing (Dragon Well) has a sweet, chestnut-like flavor.
Biluochun has a floral and fruity aroma.
Sencha (a Japanese green tea) has a grassy, umami-rich taste.

If brewed incorrectly, green tea can become bitter due to over-steeping or using water that is too hot.

What Are the Health Benefits of Green Tea?

Green tea is rich in antioxidants, catechins, and polyphenols, which contribute to several health benefits:

Boosts metabolism and aids in weight loss.
Improves brain function and may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Supports heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
Enhances skin health and slows aging due to its high antioxidant content.
Strengthens the immune system and fights inflammation.

Does Green Tea Contain Caffeine?

Yes, green tea contains caffeine, but less than coffee and black tea. On average, a cup of green tea has 30-50 mg of caffeine, compared to 95-200 mg in coffee.

If you are sensitive to caffeine, opt for low-caffeine green teas such as: