Introduction
Ever wondered how many types of tea there really are in China? Most people can name green tea or black tea — maybe even Pu-erh — but few realize that Chinese tea is officially divided into six major types.
Each category has its own processing method, flavor, and health profile. Whether you’re new to Chinese tea or a lifelong drinker, this guide explains what makes each type unique — and why ripe Pu-erh stands out as the ultimate daily wellness tea.
1. Green Tea (绿茶)
Unfermented · Cooling · Fresh and grassy
Famous types: West Lake Longjing, Biluochun, Huangshan Maofeng, Xinyang Maojian
Processing: Picking → Kill-green → Rolling → Drying
Health Benefits:
- High in EGCG antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress
- Supports heart and brain health
- May reduce inflammation and stroke risk
Best for: Those who overheat easily, spend long hours at the computer, or seek mental clarity.
Brewing Tip: Use 80°C water to preserve freshness and prevent bitterness.
2. White Tea (白茶)
Lightly Fermented · Cooling · Sweet and mellow
Famous types: Silver Needle, White Peony, Gongmei, Shoumei
Processing: Picking → Natural withering → Drying
Health Benefits:
- Promotes youthful skin and cellular renewal
- Gentle on the stomach and calming to the mind
- “One-year tea, three-year medicine, seven-year treasure.”
Best for: Sensitive drinkers, elderly tea lovers, and wellness seekers.
3. Yellow Tea (黄茶)
Light Fermentation · Neutral · Smooth and delicate
Famous types: Junshan Yinzhen, Mengding Huangya, Huoshan Huangya
Processing: Fixation → Smothering (sealed oxidation) → Drying
Health Benefits:
- Supports digestion and gut balance
- Gentle antioxidant properties
- Rare and prized for its silky mouthfeel
Best for: Those who love green tea’s freshness but prefer something smoother.
4. Oolong / Wulong Tea (青茶 / 乌龙)
Semi-Fermented · Mildly Warming · Aromatic and full-bodied
Famous types: Tieguanyin, Wuyi Rock Tea, Phoenix Dancong
Processing: Sun-wilting → Oxidation → Fixation → Rolling → Roasting
Health Benefits:
- Boosts metabolism and fat burning
- Balances blood sugar and supports digestion
- Improves skin and heart health
Best for: Tea connoisseurs, beauty seekers, and those looking for energy balance.
5. Black Tea (红茶)
Fully Fermented · Warming · Sweet and smooth
Famous types: Keemun, Dianhong, Jin Jun Mei, Lapsang Souchong
Processing: Withering → Rolling → Full oxidation → Drying
Health Benefits:
- Strengthens cardiovascular health
- Naturally energizing without caffeine crashes
- Comforting and aromatic
Best for: Beginners, cold-natured drinkers, and those seeking cozy warmth.
6. Dark Tea / Pu-erh Tea (黑茶 / 普洱茶)
Post-Fermented · Warming · Earthy and Gut-Friendly
Famous types: Anhua Dark Tea, Liu Bao, Ripe Pu-erh (Shou Cha)
Processing: Microbial fermentation and aging after drying
Health Benefits:
- Supports digestion and gut microbiome
- Helps lower cholesterol and balance blood sugar
- Rich in probiotics, theabrownins, and polysaccharides
Best for: Those with digestive or metabolic concerns, or looking for a tea to enjoy daily.
Why I Drink Ripe Pu-erh Every Day
Among all six Chinese teas, Ripe Pu-erh (Shou Pu’er) is the one I return to daily.
Here’s why it stands out:
- Gentle on the stomach — smooth, never acidic
- Steady, calm energy without caffeine spikes
- Ages gracefully, developing richer flavors over time
- Naturally aids digestion and fat metabolism
Unlike green tea or coffee, Pu-erh doesn’t just wake you up — it balances and grounds you.
👉 Explore our Ripe Pu-erh Collection — small-batch, ancient-tree teas aged to perfection for smoothness, clarity, and calm.
🫖 Chinese Tea Comparison Chart
| Tea Type | Fermentation | Nature | Taste | Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Tea | Unfermented | Cooling | Fresh, grassy | Antioxidant, detox, stroke prevention |
| White Tea | Slightly fermented | Cooling | Light, sweet | Skin, metabolism, nourishment |
| Yellow Tea | Light fermentation | Neutral | Mellow, smooth | Gut health, antibacterial |
| Oolong | Semi-fermented | Mild warming | Rich, aromatic | Fat burning, heart, digestion |
| Black Tea | Fully fermented | Warming | Sweet, thick | Cholesterol, heart, energy boost |
| Ripe Pu-erh | Post-fermented | Warming | Smooth, earthy | Gut health, metabolism, anti-aging |
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Tea
1. What are the six main types of Chinese tea?
Green, White, Yellow, Oolong, Black, and Dark (Pu-erh) Tea — each defined by fermentation level and oxidation.
2. What is the healthiest tea to drink daily?
Ripe Pu-erh, rich in natural probiotics, supports digestion, heart health, and metabolism.
3. What’s the difference between raw and ripe Pu-erh?
Raw Pu-erh is naturally aged; Ripe Pu-erh is fermented for a smooth, earthy flavor and daily drinkability.
4. Which tea aids digestion most?
Ripe Pu-erh and Liu Bao are best for digestion and gut balance.
5. How should Pu-erh be stored?
Keep in a cool, ventilated space away from sunlight — proper aging enhances depth and smoothness.
6. Can Pu-erh help with weight management?
Yes — compounds like theabrownins may boost fat metabolism and reduce cholesterol.
✨ Start Your Pu-erh Journey
Experience the calm focus and digestive wellness that Pu-erh offers.
Explore Tea & Leaf’s Ripe Pu-erh Collection — ancient-tree teas naturally aged for balance and longevity.
