Taiping Houkui Tea

Essential Info

Shipping & Returns

Product Overview

This Taiping Houkui green tea is harvested before the Grain Rain (Guyu) solar term in spring 2025 from the misty highlands near Taiping Lake in Huangshan, Anhui Province. Carefully picked from plump spring buds and tender leaves, it is hand-crafted using the traditional “pinching and flattening” method. The dry leaves are large, flat, and straight, with pointed tips and a vibrant green hue covered in delicate downy hairs. As one of China’s top ten famous teas, Taiping Houkui is celebrated for its distinctive leaf shape—broad and spear-like—and its refined balance of elegance and strength. Both a drinking pleasure and a visual delight, it is a collector’s favorite among green teas.

Taste & Aroma

Taiping Houkui is famed for its graceful orchid fragrance. Upon brewing, a refreshing floral aroma rises gently from the cup, soft yet penetrating. The taste is crisp and mellow, with a distinct sweetness that lingers on the tongue and resonates in the throat. Grown in high-altitude cloud-covered regions, this tea absorbs the pure essence of mountain mist and forest air, resulting in a layered flavor that is both calming and invigorating. The infused leaves are lush, supple, and unfold into elegant, whole leaf formations, enhancing the enjoyment of both taste and appearance.

Health Benefits

As a non-fermented green tea, Taiping Houkui is rich in polyphenols, amino acids, and vitamin C. These natural compounds offer antioxidant and detoxifying properties, support metabolism, and may help relieve fatigue. It is considered cooling in nature, making it especially suitable for spring and summer. Regular consumption may help improve concentration, ease digestion, soothe the throat, and refresh the body, making it a fine balance between enjoyment and wellness.

Brewing Guide

With its large and delicate leaves, Taiping Houkui requires a gentle brewing method to preserve both its fragrance and integrity. The following is recommended:

• Tea-to-Water Ratio: Use about 3g of tea per 150ml (5 oz) of water
• Water Temperature: Around 85°C (185°F) to bring out the orchid aroma without scalding
• Brewing Method: 
  • Use a tall glass or upright porcelain cup; pour water first, then add the tea
  • Let steep for 50–60 seconds in the first infusion, then gently swirl the cup to help the leaves unfold
  • Extend the steeping time by 10–15 seconds with each subsequent infusion
• Re-steeping: Suitable for 3 to 4 infusions while maintaining a fresh and vibrant taste
• Recommended Vessels: A clear tall glass or upright gaiwan enhances the aesthetic of the unfurling leaves