Top 5 Chinese Green Teas Ranked by Tea Masters

Quick Answer:

• Long Jing (龙井) takes the top spot for its perfect balance of flavor, aroma, and cultural significance
• Bi Luo Chun (碧螺春) ranks second for its intense floral fragrance and delicate craftsmanship
• Budget ¥100–300/50g ($14–42) for genuine top-5 quality from origin regions
• Brew at 75–85°C in a glass cup to appreciate the leaf shape and liquor color

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China produces more green tea than every other tea category combined — roughly 70% of its total output. But which green teas actually stand out? We compiled rankings from Chinese tea evaluation organizations, Zhihu master-class discussions, and the China Tea Science Association (中国茶叶学会) to determine the definitive top 5.

These aren't obscure picks. They're the teas that Chinese tea masters consistently place at the top when asked "哪些绿茶最好" (which green teas are best). For a broader exploration, see our guide to Chinese green teas beyond Long Jing.

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1. Long Jing (龙井) — Dragon Well, Hangzhou

Best For: The definitive Chinese green tea experience

Long Jing holds the #1 spot for a reason that goes beyond flavor — it represents the pinnacle of Chinese green tea craft. Hand pan-fired in a hot wok, the flat, smooth leaves produce a liquor that's clear, bright yellow-green, and carries a distinctive 豆香 (chestnut/bean fragrance) that no other tea replicates.

The best Long Jing comes from West Lake (西湖) in Hangzhou, specifically from the core production areas: Shifeng (狮峰), Longjing Village (龙井), Meijiawu (梅家坞), Yunqi (云栖), and Hupao (虎跑).

Image: TeaVivre

Pros:

• Perfect balance of sweetness, body, and aftertaste — the complete package
• Flat leaf shape makes it visually distinctive and easy to evaluate quality
• Extensive grading system helps buyers understand what they're purchasing

Cons:

• Genuine West Lake Long Jing production is tiny — most "Long Jing" on the market is from surrounding Zhejiang
• Premium 明前 (pre-Qingming) harvest commands ¥1,000+/50g, pricing out casual buyers

Price: ¥150–400/50g for genuine Zhejiang ($21–56 USD) | West Lake 明前: ¥500–2000+/50g

Our Long Jing deep dive covers the origin regions in detail.

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2. Bi Luo Chun (碧螺春) — Green Snail Spring, Suzhou

Best For: Those who prize aroma above all else

Bi Luo Chun from Dongting Mountain in Suzhou, Jiangsu is China's most fragrant green tea. The tiny, tightly spiraled leaves are covered in fine white down (白毫) and release an explosive floral-fruity aroma — a result of being grown between plum, loquat, and peach orchards. Chinese tea evaluation texts consistently describe it as 花果香 (flower-fruit fragrance).

Image: TeaVivre

Pros:

• The most intensely aromatic Chinese green tea — nothing else compares
• Tiny leaf size and fine down indicate hand-picked, early-spring harvest
• Sweet, clean flavor with virtually no bitterness

Cons:

• Genuine Dongting Bi Luo Chun is extremely limited — annual production is only about 150 tons
• The white down makes it look "cloudy" in the cup, which some beginners misinterpret as poor quality

Price: ¥200–500/50g ($28–70 USD) | Premium Dongting origin: ¥800–2000+/50g

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3. Huang Shan Mao Feng (黄山毛峰) — Yellow Mountain Fur Peak

Best For: Everyday quality green tea with exceptional smoothness

From the misty peaks of Huang Shan (Yellow Mountain) in Anhui province, Mao Feng is prized for its 兰花香 (orchid fragrance) and incredibly smooth mouthfeel. The high-altitude, fog-covered growing conditions slow leaf growth, concentrating amino acids that create natural sweetness.

Pros:

• Exceptionally smooth — one of the least astringent Chinese green teas
• Orchid-like aroma that develops beautifully with each steeping
• More affordable than Long Jing or Bi Luo Chun for comparable quality

Cons:

• The flavor is subtle — can feel "too light" for those accustomed to bold teas
• The best grades (特级) are hand-picked single buds with one leaf, making them expensive

Price: ¥80–250/50g ($11–35 USD) | Premium 特级: ¥300–600/50g

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4. Liu An Gua Pian (六安瓜片) — Melon Seed, Anhui

Best For: The most unique processing method among Chinese green teas

Liu An Gua Pian from Lu'an, Anhui is the only top Chinese green tea made entirely from leaves — no buds. The leaves are shaped like melon seeds (hence the name) and undergo a unique fire-basket roasting (拉老火) process where craftsmen hold baskets of tea over charcoal at 150°C+. The result is a rich, toasty flavor profile unlike any other green tea.

Pros:

• Unique roasted character — nutty, toasty, with a hint of smokiness
• The no-bud, leaf-only approach means more complex, fuller-bodied flavor
• Excellent value — less famous internationally, so prices haven't inflated as much

Cons:

• The roasted flavor profile isn't what most people expect from "green tea"
• Less visually impressive than Long Jing or Bi Luo Chun

Price: ¥80–200/50g ($11–28 USD) | Premium: ¥250–500/50g

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5. An Ji Bai Cha (安吉白茶) — Anji White Tea, Zhejiang

Best For: Maximum umami and sweetness with minimum bitterness

An Ji Bai Cha rounds out the top 5 as the newest entry to China's famous green tea pantheon. Despite the name "white tea," it's a green tea made from a unique cultivar that produces albino-like pale leaves in early spring. These leaves have the highest amino acid content (6–8%, vs. 2–4% for typical green teas) and very low catechins, producing a cup that's extraordinarily 鲜爽 (fresh and umami-rich).

Image: TeaVivre

Pros:

• The highest natural amino acid content of any Chinese green tea
• Almost zero bitterness — the most palate-friendly green tea for newcomers
• Beautiful pale jade liquor and elegant leaf shape

Cons:

• Very short harvest window (late March to early April) limits availability
• Loses freshness faster than other green teas — consume within 3–4 months

Price: ¥150–400/50g ($21–56 USD) | Premium 明前: ¥500–800/50g

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How to Brew Top Chinese Green Teas

The Chinese method for green tea is simpler than most Westerners expect:

Tea	Water Temp	Leaf/Water Ratio	Steep Time	Method
Long Jing	80°C	3g/150ml	2–3 min	Glass cup, pour water first
Bi Luo Chun	75°C	3g/150ml	1–2 min	Glass cup, add leaves to water
Huang Shan Mao Feng	85°C	3g/150ml	2–3 min	Glass cup or gaiwan
Liu An Gua Pian	85°C	4g/150ml	2–3 min	Gaiwan recommended
An Ji Bai Cha	80°C	3g/150ml	1–2 min	Glass cup, pour water first

For the complete brewing guide, read our Gongfu brewing method.

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FAQ

What is the number one Chinese green tea? Long Jing (Dragon Well) from Hangzhou's West Lake region is universally ranked #1 by Chinese tea masters and evaluation organizations. Its combination of flavor, aroma, cultural significance, and craftsmanship has no equal in the green tea category.

Why is Chinese green tea so expensive? Three factors drive price: harvest timing (明前/pre-Qingming tea costs 3–5x more), origin specificity (West Lake Long Jing vs. generic Zhejiang Long Jing), and hand-processing (machine-made is cheaper but lower quality). Our pricing guide explains the economics in detail.

How can I tell if my Chinese green tea is authentic? Look for: appropriate leaf shape for the variety, fresh vegetal aroma (not stale or musty), clear liquor color, and proper packaging with origin certification. Read our fake tea identification guide for specifics.

Should I use a gaiwan or glass cup for Chinese green tea? Glass cup is traditional and preferred for most Chinese green teas — it lets you watch the leaves unfurl and the liquor color develop. A gaiwan works too, especially for Liu An Gua Pian and repeated infusions. Either is correct.

How long does Chinese green tea stay fresh? Most Chinese green teas are best within 6 months of harvest and should be consumed within 12 months. Store sealed, in the refrigerator or freezer for maximum freshness. The exception is Liu An Gua Pian, which can be lightly aged.

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Related Reading

• Beyond Long Jing: 10 Chinese Green Teas You Should Know
• Long Jing (Dragon Well): China's Most Famous Green Tea
• Caffeine in Chinese Tea: What the Research Shows

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— The Chinese Tea Trends Team