The Most Famous White Teas in China

White tea, with its delicate flavor and minimal processing, has long been one of my favorite types of tea. Originating from China, white tea holds a special place in the tea world due to its unique history and production.

In this blog, I want to take you on a journey to explore some of the most famous white teas in China—their origins, production methods, primary regions, health benefits, and the best ways I’ve found to enjoy them.

1. The History of White Tea

The story of white tea is a rich one, dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 C.E.) in Fujian province. When I learned that during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 C.E.), white tea was even presented to the emperor as a tribute, it deepened my appreciation for its long-standing prestige.

Originally, white tea was crafted by steaming fresh buds, removing their outer leaves, and grinding them into a fine powder, much like matcha. This powder was then whisked into hot water to create an exquisite tea—a process that reminds me of the meticulous care that goes into traditional tea preparation.

2. The Unique Production Process of White Tea

What sets white tea apart for me is its minimal processing, which preserves its natural antioxidants and delicate flavors. Making white tea involves just three steps: picking, withering, and drying. I find it fascinating that this simplicity actually enhances the tea’s purity and health benefits.

*This image was generated by AI

The young buds and leaves are carefully hand-picked, withered in the sun or indoors, and finally dried. This minimal approach results in a tea that feels as pure as it tastes, making it a true gem among teas.

3. Major White Tea Producing Regions in China

3.1 Fujian Province

As a tea enthusiast, I’ve come to see Fujian as the heartland of Chinese white tea. The province’s unique terroir—its hilly landscape and temperate climate—creates the perfect conditions for white tea. The areas of Fuding福鼎 and Zhenghe政和 within Fujian are particularly noteworthy.

• Fuding福鼎: Known as the “home of Chinese white tea,” Fuding produces some of my favorite white teas, including Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen), White Peony (Bai Mu Dan), and Shou Mei. Fuding’s white teas are refreshing and high in antioxidants, with a brightness in flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere.
• Zhenghe政和: Zhenghe’s approach to white tea production results in a mellower flavor than Fuding’s. Here, tea leaves are withered under shade before sun-drying, creating a smooth taste that’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon tea session.

3.2 Yunnan Province

In southwestern China, Yunnan produces an intriguing white tea called Moonlight White (Yue Guang Bai白月光). 

• From the appearance, the most notable difference between Moonlight White and other Fujian white teas is that the underside of the leaves is black, while the top is white.
• As for the flavor, Moonlight White offers a richer aroma, with notes of floral, fruity, and honey scents that stand out.

While its cultivation is widespread, the main production area is in Pu'er City, known for its rich tea-growing heritage. I love how its flavors evolve with each sip, making it a unique choice.

4. Characteristics and Benefits of Famous Chinese White Teas

• Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen白毫银针): This tea is often called the king of white teas, and for good reason. Made from young buds, it has a delicate, sweet flavor that I savor. Its high antioxidant content also makes it a great choice for skin health and immune support.

• White Peony (Bai Mu Dan白牡丹): With its blend of buds and leaves, White Peony has a fuller, slightly floral and fruity flavor. I enjoy it for its cardiovascular benefits and subtle sweetness.

• Gong Mei贡眉: Gong Mei is a milder white tea made from mature buds and leaves. It has a smooth, mellow flavor with a hint of sweetness. Known for its gentle aroma and antioxidant properties, it supports immune health and provides a refreshing, relaxing experience.

• Shou Mei寿眉: Known as “Longevity Eyebrow,” Shou Mei has a stronger flavor profile and can be aged for complexity. I appreciate its comforting, rich taste—perfect for unwinding.

5. Best Brewing Methods for White Tea

Through experience, I’ve learned some essential tips for brewing white tea to bring out its best flavors:

5.1 Grandpa Method (Easy and Casual)

The Grandpa method is the simplest way to brew tea. It’s the method most people use, especially when they’re in a hurry or just looking to enjoy a quick cup.

• Tea Amount: About 2 grams, or adjust depending on your preference.
• Tea-to-Water Ratio: Roughly 1:50, but feel free to adjust based on how strong you want it.
• Water Temperature: Use near-boiling water, but I recommend the "backward" tea method. Start with hot water, then add tea. This helps prevent the hot water from hitting the leaves too harshly.
• Steps:
  1. Put the tea leaves into a large cup.
  2. Pour in about 95°C hot water and let the leaves float and expand.
  3. Drink about 1/3 to 2/3 of the tea, then top it up with hot water. Each refill brings out new flavors, and you can keep this going for hours.

This method doesn’t require a lot of attention, making it perfect for a relaxed tea session. The taste gradually softens with each steep, and you get to enjoy the tea at your own pace.

5.2 Gongfu Tea Method (Formal and Precise)

The Gongfu tea method is all about ceremony and getting the most out of each infusion. It’s ideal for a peaceful setting where you can focus on the flavors.

• Tea Amount: 3-5 grams, depending on your teapot size and personal preference.
• Tea-to-Water Ratio: Around 1:50 to 1:60.
• Water Temperature: For Silver Needle, I suggest 90°C. For White Peony, go for around 95°C, and for Shou Mei or Gongmei, you can use near-boiling water (close to 100°C).
• Steps:
  1. Add the tea leaves to a gaiwan or a small teapot.
  2. Pour in the hot water, swirling it gently to help the leaves open up.
  3. For the first infusion, steep for 10-20 seconds if you want a fresh, light taste. If you prefer something richer, extend the steeping to 30 seconds for a deeper flavor.
  4. Adjust the steeping time with each infusion. Gradually increase the time if you want stronger tea.

This method lets you enjoy each steep’s unique taste, offering both freshness and depth with each cup.

5.3 Thermal Flask Method (Convenient and Practical)

If you’re looking for something more convenient, the thermal flask method is a great choice. It’s perfect for keeping your tea hot without having to brew it constantly. But, I’d recommend skipping this method for Silver Needle or White Peony since the high, steady temperature can overwhelm their delicate flavors. It works better with aged or thicker-leafed white teas.

• Tea Amount: 5 grams, or adjust based on your flask size.
• Tea-to-Water Ratio: Around 1:50.
• Water Temperature: For aged white teas or thicker leaves, 90°C to 95°C works great. For more delicate teas, use a lower temperature to avoid over-brewing.
• Steps:
  1. Place the tea leaves in the thermal flask.
  2. Add hot water (around 90°C to 95°C).
  3. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.
  4. Refill with hot water and continue steeping. The tea can be brewed multiple times.

This method is all about convenience, especially if you need tea ready at any moment. While it might not be ideal for super delicate teas, it works wonders for stronger, more robust types of white tea.

No matter which method you choose—the Grandpa style for its casual ease, the Gongfu style for its detailed attention, or the thermal flask for its practicality—each one offers something different. Find what works best for you, and enjoy the rich, delicate flavors of white tea however you prefer.

6. Best Time to Enjoy White Tea

In traditional Chinese medicine, white tea is known for its cooling properties, making it an ideal choice for hot afternoons when I’m looking for something refreshing. It’s particularly great to sip on mid-morning or early afternoon, as it can help calm the mind and boost energy without being too stimulating.

While it’s enjoyable throughout the day, I find it especially soothing after meals, as its light, delicate flavor aids digestion. Of course, its mild nature also makes it perfect for unwinding in the evening, offering a relaxing end to my day.

7. Pairing White Tea with Food

I like to pair white tea with light foods that won’t overpower its subtle flavors. Some of my favorites include:

• Fruits: Berries, peaches, and citrus work wonderfully.
• Light Pastries: Scones and shortbread add a nice touch.
• Salads: Crisp salads with light vinaigrette complement white tea well.
• Seafood: Lightly seasoned seafood dishes, such as steamed fish or shrimp, make an excellent match.

Final Thoughs

White tea, with its rich history and distinctive production process, continues to captivate me. From the famous Silver Needle to the humble Shou Mei, each variety offers a unique taste and health benefits. By understanding the best ways to brew and enjoy white tea, I’ve discovered a deeper appreciation for its delicate flavors.

So, if you’re ready to explore, I invite you to try high-quality Chinese white tea and experience this remarkable tea for yourself.

Each year, we serve thousands of satisfied tea enthusiasts in our tea house, and we're excited to share these exceptional teas with tea lovers worldwide at Orientaleaf.com.

Discover our premium White tea selection>>>, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for updates and exclusive offers.

Brew Pro, Buy Smart