A starting point for Chinese tea
Chinese tea,
clearly explained.
Read the name on your packet.
Find a practical way to brew it.
English guides · Chinese names · Carefully checked explanations
Start with the name on your packet
Which tea do you have?
Find the name in English, pinyin or Chinese. If the label is unfamiliar, read the packet words first →
Use English, pinyin or Chinese names, or try “tea gift”.
From your first packet to your next purchase
One question at a time.
Choose the guide that fits
what you need to do next.
Browse every practical guide →
How to brew Chinese tea in a mug
Choose a basket, strainer or glass method—no gaiwan required.
Fix a disappointing first cup
Too bitter, strong or weak? Choose one change for the next brew.
Buy your first Chinese tea
Compare real sampler formats, dated prices, tea net weights and shipping conditions.
How to store Chinese tea after opening
Check the pouch or tin, closure and conditions before chilling.
Start with your packet
Six names to start with
6 tea guides to begin with.
Names, brewing and storage in one place.
Longjing
Dragon Well 龙井
Read the origin claim, then find a sensible starting point for a glass of tea.
02
Zhengshan Xiaozhong
Lapsang Souchong 正山小种
Check whether your packet is smoked or unsmoked before deciding what to expect.
03
Jasmine tea
Moli huacha 茉莉花茶
Understand the tea base, the jasmine scent and why flowers may be missing.
04
Tieguanyin
Tie Guan Yin · Iron Goddess of Mercy 铁观音
Compare floral, roasted and aged styles, then choose a brewing and storage method.
05
Da Hong Pao
Dahongpao · Big Red Robe 大红袍
Understand Wuyi rock tea, blends and roasting, with a practical first brew.
06
Jin Jun Mei
Jinjunmei · Golden Eyebrow 金骏眉
Meet the Tongmu-linked bud black tea and learn what the name and leaf colour can tell you.
Before your first cup
A familiar name can hide a difference.
Does Longjing always mean West Lake?
Check the origin claim before comparing packets.
Read the distinction →ProcessingIs every Lapsang Souchong smoky?
Look for smoked or unsmoked in the description.
Know what to ask →IngredientsWhy are there no flowers in my jasmine tea?
Learn what scenting means, then check the tea base.
Understand your tea →How we work
A useful starting point.
With the conditions explained.
Each guide explains the tea names, a way to start brewing, storage conditions and what the sources actually support. We keep research records and distinguish source information from editorial brewing suggestions. Each tea guide includes an update date.
Brewing suggestions are labelled as editorial starting points. They have not been taste-tested by TeaPlain; follow your packet's instructions and adjust for your tea and vessel.
This English collection currently covers 366 teas. Explore the English category overviews and individual guides in the tea encyclopedia →
Photograph: Longjing tea, by Difference engine / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and converted to WebP under the same licence. A representative photograph, not a TeaPlain tasting sample or proof of origin.
