A journey through Chinese tea is a quiet one. It is an encounter with the land, the leaf, and the centuries of craft held within a single cup. At Tea Room SG, tea drinking is not a performance. It is a return to stillness. The tea leaves we serve come from old-growth trees, carrying the memory of their origin—the mists of Bulang Mountain, the quiet heights of Yiwu Mountain.
In this article, we offer a path into the six main categories of Chinese tea. This is not just a classification, but an invitation to understand their character. It is a foundation for true tea appreciation.Chinese Tea Culture and Tea Appreciation: Understanding the Categories of Chinese Tea
Each type of tea holds a different expression of time and place.
In Chinese culture, the categories of tea—green, white, yellow, oolong, black, and Pu’er—are more than labels. They represent the life of the plant through different stages of growth, harvest, and craft. To understand them is to appreciate not just their taste, but the quiet gestures of their making. This is a practice of presence, a core part of the traditional Chinese tea experience we honour.Green Tea – The Essence of Freshness
Delicate. Light. Clear.
The craft of green tea is one of preservation. Fresh tea leaves are gently steamed or pan-fired to stop oxidation, capturing their natural state as the earliest tea artisans intended. The resulting flavour is fresh, sweet, and sometimes floral, like the quiet beauty of spring rain on new buds. Well-known green tea varieties like Longjing (Dragon Well) and Bi Luo Chun offer a clean and refreshing introduction to Chinese tea.These teas showcase different green tea production styles, each with subtle variations highlighting the diverse expressions. Their bright profile is a moment of clarity in a cup, inviting a refreshing pause in the day.Oolong Tea & Its Place in Tea Appreciation
A Dance Between Green and Black.
The making of oolong tea is an art of partial oxidation. It creates a bridge between the lightness of green tea and the depth of black tea. The oolong leaves are withered, bruised, and then briefly oxidised. This process gives oolong tea a vast spectrum of flavours, from light and creamy to deep and roasted.Tieguanyin and the famous Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) are two celebrated examples, both originating from the mist-covered hills of Fujian, China. Oolong tea is made for multiple infusions. Each brew reveals something new—a hint of sweetness, a touch of earth, a roasted note that lingers.Black Tea – Bold and Grounded
Deep. Warming. Contemplative.
Fully oxidised, black tea has a full-bodied flavour and strength. It is known in China as red tea (红茶, hóngchá) for the colour of its liquor. Varieties like Keemun and Lapsang Souchong offer bold, malty undertones, sometimes with a distinctive smoky character. The dark liquid provides a grounding warmth, perfect for slow sipping and reflection.This is more than just a drink; it is a moment to rest and appreciate the complex flavors and rich aroma that make black tea a timeless classic. Often found in teahouses in plain sight, this tea is absolutely worth exploring for anyone seeking depth and character in their cup.White Tea – Subtle and Sweet
The Quietest of Teas. A Whisper of Sweetness.
White tea is the least processed of all. The fresh buds are simply plucked and withered in the sun, preserving their purity and delicate character. This minimal handling allows white tea to truly produce a light, refreshing beverage that captures the essence of the tea bush. The taste is light, delicate, and naturally sweet, making it highly recommended for those seeking a subtle yet satisfying cup.Silver Needle and White Peony are two revered examples of white tea that offer clarity and calm. Drinking white tea feels like a soft breath of air, perfect for sitting quietly and savoring a moment of peace.Pu’er Tea – A Tribute Tea with Rich History
Earthy. Transformative. Deep.
Pu’er tea is unique, undergoing a fermentation process that allows it to age gracefully, deepening its flavour over time. Originating from ancient tea trees in Yunnan Province, Pu’er has a rich history as a tribute tea during imperial dynasties. Known for its earthy, sometimes woody flavour, both raw (sheng) and ripe (shou) varieties offer distinct, prized experiences.Often brewed for multiple infusions, each pour deepens the flavour. True appreciation involves traditional brewing methods, letting the leaves open fully to release a smooth, grounded taste reflecting the soil and age of the leaves.Choosing Your Tea Chapter: A Note from Our Private Tea House
Let The Moment Choose The Tea.
Selecting a tea depends on your palate, time of day, and mood. Green tea offers clarity, black tea warmth, oolong complexity, and Pu’er a transformative experience. Unlike a busy cafe, our private tea sanctuary located in Orchard Plaza, offers a space to discover what you need. This philosophy is shared by respected peers like Tea Bone Zen Mind and Yixing Xuan Teahouse.
Each category requires a slightly different approach. The temperature, the steeping time, the teapots you use—all play a role. We often use Yixing teapots, which are porous and enhance the flavour with every use. Our teaware is chosen to match each tea’s character, ensuring the experience is pure.
Experience Premium Chinese Tea at Tea Room SG
