Hi, I'm Roy, a tea culture researcher from China.
I created RoyTea with one simple mission: to share the beauty of Chinese tea with the world.
Here, I don’t just review quality teas—I invite you to explore the stories, traditions, and lifestyle behind every cup.
1. The Origins of Tea
Tea originated in ancient China. Legend has it that over 5,000 years ago, Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea while tasting herbs.
Over time, tea evolved from a medicinal herb into a beloved daily beverage:
Tang Dynasty: Tea became widely popular; early tea rituals formed.
Song Dynasty: Tea art and presentation flourished.
Ming & Qing Dynasties: Brewing methods were refined, and tea utensils became more elegant.
Through the Silk Road, tea culture traveled across the world, introducing the charm of Chinese tea to global audiences.
2. The Six Major Types of Chinese Tea
Chinese teas are classified into six main types based on their production methods. Each type has its own unique taste and character:
☘️ Green Tea
Unfermented, fresh and light.
Examples: West Lake Dragon Well, Biluochun
Best for those who enjoy clean, natural flavors.
🍂 Black Tea
Fully fermented, smooth and mellow.
Examples: Keemun Black, Lapsang Souchong
Ideal for relaxation and emotional balance.
🌿 Oolong Tea
Semi-fermented, rich in aroma.
Examples: Tie Guan Yin, Da Hong Pao
Loved for its layered flavors and lingering aftertaste.
🌼 White Tea
Lightly fermented, delicate and sweet.
Examples: Silver Needle, White Peony
Gentle and calming, great for health and aging potential.
💛 Yellow Tea
Lightly fermented with a unique steaming process.
Examples: Junshan Silver Needle
Rare and soft in flavor.
🖤 Dark Tea (Hei Cha)
Post-fermented, ages beautifully.
Examples: Pu-erh Tea, Liu Bao Tea
Strong, earthy flavors; great for long-term storage.
3. The Journey of a Tea Leaf
From garden to cup, tea goes through a fascinating transformation:
Picking: Harvesting the right leaves at the right time.
Fixation: Stopping oxidation to preserve freshness.
Fermentation: Developing the flavor and character.
Drying: Locking in aroma and shelf stability.
Special Processes: Like "pile-fermentation" in dark tea or "yellowing" in yellow tea—key to each type's uniqueness.
4. How to Brew a Good Cup of Tea
Brewing techniques vary depending on the tea type. Here's a quick guide:
Tea Type Water Temp Steep Time Suggested Teaware
Green Tea 80–85°C 2–3 min Glass / Porcelain Pot
Black Tea 90–95°C 3–5 min Porcelain Pot
Oolong Tea 95–100°C 5–45 sec (Gongfu style) Gaiwan / Clay Teapot
White Tea 85–90°C 3–5 min Glass / Porcelain
Yellow Tea 80–85°C 2–3 min Porcelain Pot
Dark Tea 95–100°C 1–2 min Clay or Porcelain Pot
Brewing it right brings out the depth, aroma, and richness of the tea.
5. Tea Storage Tips
Proper storage keeps your tea fresh and flavorful:
Green/Yellow Tea: Store in a sealed container in the fridge.
Black/Oolong Tea: Keep in a cool, dry place, away from light.
White/Dark Tea: Allow for natural aging in a ventilated, dry area.
6. Tea & Wellness
Tea is not only enjoyable—it’s also beneficial for your health:
Green Tea: Antioxidant-rich, energizing, fat-burning
Black Tea: Warms the stomach, improves blood flow
Oolong Tea: Aids digestion, helps with weight loss
White Tea: Boosts immunity, anti-inflammatory
Dark Tea: Regulates gut health, lowers cholesterol
7. Tea as a Lifestyle
In China, tea is more than just a drink—it’s a way of life:
Philosophy: Harmony, respect, purity, tranquility
Social Bond: A symbol of connection in family and business
Art: A reflection of poetry, painting, and traditional aesthetics
8. Bringing Chinese Tea to the World
Chinese tea has inspired global tea traditions, from British afternoon tea to Japanese matcha ceremonies.
At RoyTea, I aim to be a bridge—sharing truly great Chinese teas with tea lovers everywhere.
Let’s Share a Cup 🍵
Thanks for reading.
Explore more in our Tea Culture section, and join me on this journey of taste, heritage, and mindfulness.