A close-up of traditional ceramic cups filled with golden yellow tea, placed on a wooden tray. In the background, a bowl of loose tea leaves adds to the warm and inviting tea-drinking atmosphere.

An Introduction to Famous Yellow Teas

Written by: Qiao Fan

March 7, 2025

Time to read 4 min

Introduction

Yellow tea is known for its tender buds and leaves, delicate aroma, mellow taste, and its characteristic "yellow leaves and yellow infusion." It is a lightly fermented tea, rich in tea polyphenols and other nutrients.

Due to the high retention of natural substances in the fresh leaves, yellow tea is renowned for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, which set it apart from other types of tea.

Below are some of the most representative yellow teas :

1. Junshan Yinzhen – The Silver Needle of Junshan

Junshan Yinzhen, also known as Baihe Tea (White Crane Tea), is produced on Junshan Island in Dongting Lake, Yueyang, Hunan Province. It is one of China’s top ten famous teas. The tea gets its name from its needle-like shape. Due to its robust buds, which are uniform in size with an orange-yellow inner color wrapped in a layer of white fuzz, it has earned the elegant nickname "Gold in Jade."

Harvesting & Production

The picking process for Junshan Yinzhen is highly selective, and tea leaves can only be harvested within 7–10 days after the Qingming Festival (early April). The first spring buds are used, and nine specific conditions prohibit harvesting, including:

Rainy or frosty weather
Bug-damaged buds
Thin or hollow buds
Curved buds
Buds that have opened or turned purple
Buds that do not meet the size requirements

A transparent glass cup filled with golden yellow tea, placed on a wooden saucer with delicate loose tea leaves beside it. Traditional Chinese teaware in the background adds to the warm and authentic tea-drinking ambiance.

A small porcelain cup filled with golden yellow tea, placed on a woven mat with loose tea leaves beside it. In the background, a wooden bowl containing more dried tea leaves adds to the serene and traditional tea-drinking setting.

Quality Indicators

Appearance: High-quality Junshan Yinzhen has round and full buds, tight and straight tea leaves, golden-yellow body, and a layer of fine silver fuzz.
Leaf Base: After brewing, tender yellow buds appear bright and uniform. The best tea stands upright in water, while inferior tea sinks quickly.
Tea Liquor & Taste: The infusion is bright orange-yellow, with a fresh aroma, mellow taste, and a smooth, sweet aftertaste.

One of the most fascinating features of Junshan Yinzhen is the "three rises and three falls" effect during brewing, where the tea buds float up and down in the cup, creating an elegant visual experience.

2. Mengding Huangya – The Yellow Buds of Mengding

Mengding Huangya is a famous imperial tribute tea from history. It is produced in Meng Mountain, Sichuan Province, and has been praised in literature: "In music, green waters are well known; among teas, Mengding remains an old friend."

Harvesting & Production

This tea follows the classic "yellow leaves, yellow liquor" characteristic of yellow tea.

It is typically harvested around the Spring Equinox, and only plump single buds or buds with one partially opened leaf are selected.
Strict picking rules ("Five Not to Pick") prohibit harvesting of:
- Purple buds
- Buds damaged by pests
- Dew-covered buds
- Thin buds
- Hollow buds

Mengding Huangya undergoes a complex processing method that enhances its mellow taste.

A traditional Chinese porcelain teacup filled with golden yellow tea, placed on a wooden tea tray with loose tea leaves scattered around. The intricate blue and white design on the cup enhances the authentic tea-drinking ambiance.

Quality Indicators

Appearance: Flat, straight, and tender yellow buds, evenly shaped with a slightly glossy surface.
Leaf Base: Bright yellow, fresh, and uniform buds and leaves.

Tea Liquor & Taste: The infusion is clear yellow, bright, and smooth, with a sweet floral aroma and a fresh, mellow taste.

3. Huoshan Huangya – The Yellow Buds of Huoshan

Also called "芽茶" (Bud Tea), Huoshan Huangya originates from Huoshan County, Anhui Province. The best-quality tea comes from four famous regions :

Jinjishan
Jinshantou
Jinzhu Ping
Wumijian

This tea has a rich history, dating back to the Tang Dynasty, when Princess Wencheng brought it to Tibet. Today, Huoshan Huangya is not only popular in China but is also exported to countries such as Germany and the United States.

Two small ceramic cups filled with golden yellow tea, placed on a rustic wooden surface with loose tea leaves in the background. The setting highlights a traditional and serene tea-drinking experience.

Harvesting & Production

Harvested around the Qingming Festival, with one-month picking periods.
The ideal pick is one bud with two leaves or slightly opened two leaves.
Strict picking standards ("Three Consistencies, Four No-Picks"), requiring uniform size and color, and avoiding:
1. Open buds
2. Pest-damaged buds
3. Frost-damaged buds
4. Purple buds

The five-step processing method includes:

Pan-frying
First drying
Resting and spreading
Second drying
Final roasting

A beautifully designed blue and white porcelain teacup filled with golden yellow tea, placed on a wooden tray in a warm, cozy setting. The soft lighting enhances the serene and traditional tea-drinking ambiance.

Two small ceramic cups filled with vibrant golden tea, placed on a rustic wooden board with a few loose tea leaves scattered beside them. The warm, dim lighting creates a tranquil and traditional tea-drinking ambiance. You said:

Quality Indicators

Appearance: Straight, slightly curved tea leaves resembling sparrow tongues, with fine white fuzz.
Leaf Base: Bright yellow, tender, and uniform, with soft leaf texture.
Tea Liquor & Taste: Light yellow-green infusion, clear and bright with three distinct aromas:
- Floral fragrance
- Refreshing scent
- Subtle chestnut aroma

The tea has a mellow, thick, and refreshing aftertaste, with high durability for multiple brews.

4. Guangdong Dayeqing – The Big Leaf Yellow Tea

Also called "Dayeqing", this tea originates from Guangdong Province, particularly in Shaoguan, Zhaoqing, and Zhanjiang. It is a representative variety of large-leaf yellow tea and is made from the large-leaf tea trees of Yunnan.

Harvesting & Production

The picking standard is one bud with two or three leaves.
The tea undergoes a unique five-step process, including:
1. Withering
2. Fixation (Kill-green)
3. Rolling
4. Sealed "Yellowing" (Fermentation Step)
5. Final Drying

Three traditional ceramic cups filled with golden yellow tea, neatly arranged on a wooden tea tray. The setting reflects a serene and authentic tea-drinking experience.

Unlike other yellow teas, Guangdong Dayeqing is first withered, then fixed (kill-green), and finally rolled and sealed for fermentation. This enhances its mellow and rich flavor.

A beautifully arranged traditional Chinese tea set on a rustic wooden tray, featuring a large bowl of golden yellow tea, two small cups with tea leaves, and two white ceramic gaiwans. The top-down perspective highlights the symmetry and elegance of the tea-drinking ritual.

A close-up of a white ceramic cup filled with golden yellow tea, with delicate loose tea leaves floating inside. In the background, several other cups with dried tea leaves are arranged on a wooden surface, showcasing a traditional tea-tasting setup.

Quality Indicators

Appearance: Fat and compact tea leaves, covered with fine white fuzz, appearing fresh yellow-green.
Leaf Base: Plump, complete, and soft yellowish leaves.
Tea Liquor & Taste:
1. Bright orange-yellow infusion, clear and glossy.
2. A clean, long-lasting fragrance.
3. Rich, thick, and smooth taste with a lingering sweetness.

Conclusion

Yellow tea, with its unique fermentation process and rich health benefits, stands out among traditional Chinese teas. Whether it’s the delicate sweetness of Junshan Yinzhen, the floral richness of Mengding Huangya, the fresh chestnut aroma of Huoshan Huangya, or the mellow smoothness of Guangdong Dayeqing, each yellow tea offers a distinctive taste experience.

By understanding the harvesting process, quality characteristics, and unique flavors of each variety, tea lovers can appreciate the depth and elegance of yellow tea culture.