1. Traditional Chinese Fresh Tea Brands
1.1. Longjing Tea – Hangzhou Tea Company
Hangzhou Tea Company is one of the most famous brands producing Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, a renowned green tea from Zhejiang province. Established in 1949, the company has played a significant role in preserving the traditional craftsmanship of Longjing tea while expanding its reach in international markets.
✔ Famous Product Lines:
- Shi Feng Longjing – Grown at the highest elevation of Longjing tea gardens, known for its nutty and sweet flavor.
- Mingqian Longjing – Harvested before the Qingming Festival, this premium tea is fresh, smooth, and aromatic.
✔ Why It’s Popular:
- Recognized as the most authentic producer of Longjing tea.
- The brand ensures high-quality handpicked tea leaves for a smooth, delicate taste.
- Exported to the US, UK, and Germany, making it accessible to international tea lovers.
1.2. Biluochun Tea – Suzhou Dongting Tea Company
Suzhou Dongting Tea Company specializes in Biluochun tea, a high-end Chinese green tea famous for its floral aroma and delicate appearance.
✔ Famous Product Lines:
- Dongting Biluochun – Produced in the Dongting Mountain region, where tea leaves are hand-rolled into tiny spirals.
- Spring Harvest Biluochun – This early-harvested tea has an intensely sweet and fresh flavor.
✔ Why It’s Popular:
- Award-winning green tea with international recognition.
- Rich in antioxidants, making it a favorite among health-conscious consumers.
- Known for its silky texture and fruity aftertaste.
1.3. Huangshan Maofeng Tea – Huangshan Tea Company
Huangshan Tea Company is one of the leading producers of Huangshan Maofeng, a premium green tea from Anhui province.
✔ Famous Product Lines:
- Cloud and Mist Maofeng – Offers a light floral aroma with a hint of chestnut.
- Traditional Hand-Rolled Maofeng – Preserves the classic tea-making techniques, ensuring an authentic taste.
✔ Why It’s Popular:
- Grown in high-altitude tea gardens, enhancing its delicate flavor.
- Its light sweetness and mellow taste make it easy to drink.
- A top choice for Western tea enthusiasts exploring Chinese green teas.
2. Premium Chinese Fresh Tea Brands
2.1. Taetea (Dayi) – The Leading Puerh Tea Brand
Taetea, also known as Dayi, is the most prestigious brand in the Puerh tea industry, offering a variety of fermented and fresh Puerh teas.
✔ Famous Product Lines:
- Dayi Raw Puerh – Freshly produced and designed for long-term aging.
- Dayi Ripe Puerh – Aged for a shorter period, offering a rich, earthy taste.
- Limited-Edition Aged Puerh – Some batches are over 20 years old, attracting tea collectors.
✔ Why It’s Popular:
- Most well-known Puerh tea producer in China.
- Used by both casual drinkers and tea collectors.
- The brand has global distribution, making it a trusted source of authentic Puerh tea.
2.2. Wuyi Star – The Leader in Wuyi Rock Tea
Wuyi Star is a high-end tea brand specializing in Wuyi rock teas (Yancha), including the famous Da Hong Pao.
✔ Famous Product Lines:
- Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) – The legendary Wuyi oolong tea known for its mineral-rich, roasted flavor.
- Rou Gui (Cinnamon Oolong) – A Wuyi oolong with a spicy, cinnamon-like aroma.
- Shui Xian (Water Sprite Oolong) – Offers a smooth, floral taste with roasted undertones.
✔ Why It’s Popular:
- Authentic source of Wuyi oolong teas, with centuries of expertise.
- Famous for intense flavors and complex aftertaste.
- Frequently featured in international tea competitions.
2.3. Fuding White Tea – The Benchmark for White Tea
Fuding White Tea is known for producing some of the finest white teas, including Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) and White Peony (Bai Mudan).
✔ Famous Product Lines:
- Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) – Made from the youngest tea buds, offering a light, honey-like sweetness.
- Aged White Peony (Bai Mudan) – Known for its rich, fruity aroma and smooth texture.
✔ Why It’s Popular:
- Gold standard for white tea, with superior freshness.
- Valued for anti-aging and calming properties.
- Highly sought after by health-conscious tea drinkers worldwide.
3. Modern Chinese Fresh Tea Brands
3.1. Tenfu Tea – A Global Tea Brand
Tenfu Tea is a modern Chinese tea brand with over 1,000 stores worldwide and a strong focus on high-quality fresh teas.
✔ Famous Product Lines:
- Tenfu Longjing Tea – A more accessible version of the premium Longjing tea.
- Jasmine Green Tea – A refreshing floral tea, popular in international markets.
- Herbal and Fruit-Infused Green Teas – Blends of traditional Chinese teas with modern flavors.
✔ Why It’s Popular:
- Offers a variety of teas, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced tea drinkers.
- Known for consistent quality and affordability.
- Has a strong global presence, with stores in the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
3.2. CHALI – Revolutionizing Chinese Fresh Tea
CHALI is an innovative tea brand that brings traditional Chinese fresh tea into modern tea bags and cold-brew formats.
✔ Famous Product Lines:
- Cold Brew Green Tea – Designed for modern tea lovers who prefer quick and refreshing tea options.
- Pyramid Tea Bags with Loose-Leaf Tea – Combines convenience with high-quality ingredients.
✔ Why It’s Popular:
- Makes traditional Chinese tea accessible to younger generations.
- Perfect for busy professionals who want authentic flavors with convenience.
- Widely available online and in retail stores.
3.3. HeyTea – The Trendsetter in Chinese Fresh Tea Beverages
HeyTea is one of the most popular modern tea brands, known for fresh tea-based drinks, including cheese tea and fruit-infused teas.
✔ Famous Product Lines:
- Cheese Oolong Tea – A creamy, modern take on traditional oolong tea.
- Fresh Jasmine Green Tea with Peach – A refreshing, lightly sweet tea infused with real peach slices.
✔ Why It’s Popular:
- Innovates traditional Chinese teas into trendy tea-based beverages.
- Appeals to younger generations with Instagram-worthy presentation.
- Expanded globally, with stores in Singapore, the US, and the UK.
Conclusion
Chinese fresh tea brands range from traditional heritage producers like Hangzhou Tea Company and Taetea to modern innovators like CHALI and HeyTea. Whether it’s premium green teas, aged Puerh, or contemporary tea-based drinks, Chinese fresh tea continues to captivate global tea enthusiasts.
As the demand for authentic Chinese fresh tea grows, these brands are leading the way, ensuring that high-quality, handpicked tea leaves remain a staple in tea culture worldwide.
