Top Grade Taiping Houkui Tea

A distinctive spring-harvested Taiping Houkui green tea from Anhui, with elegant orchid notes and a smooth, sweet finish

Taiping Houkui, also written as Tai Ping Hou Kui (太平猴魁), is one of China's most distinctive traditional green teas. Grown in the Huangshan region of Anhui Province, it is immediately recognisable by its unusually long, flat leaves and elegant appearance. Our Top Grade AAA Taiping Houkui offers a delicate floral aroma, fresh green character and a gentle natural sweetness, producing a smooth and refreshing infusion.

Taiping Houkui takes its name from the former Taiping County, now part of Huangshan, where this celebrated tea originated. The region's mountainous landscape, frequent mist and humid growing conditions provide an environment well suited to tea cultivation. Unlike many smaller-leaf Chinese green teas, Taiping Houkui is known for its large, carefully shaped leaves, which make it particularly striking when brewed in a tall glass or transparent teapot.

Harvested during spring, Taiping Houkui is traditionally made using tender shoots consisting of one bud and two young leaves. The selected shoots are carefully handled to preserve their shape before undergoing controlled heating, flattening and drying. These stages help prevent further oxidation while developing the tea's characteristic fragrance and long, flattened appearance. The finished leaves have a distinctive spear-like form, with green tones that become more apparent as they soften in hot water.

When brewed, this AAA grade selection produces a clear, pale jade-green infusion with a refined aroma of orchid blossom and fresh bamboo. Gentle chestnut-like notes add warmth to its fresh, vegetal flavour, while a soft natural sweetness develops towards the finish. The liquor is light and silky, with a clean, lingering aftertaste and little bitterness when prepared at the recommended temperature.

Taiping Houkui is particularly rewarding for those who appreciate the subtle differences between traditional Chinese green teas. Its large leaves, delicate floral fragrance and smooth character distinguish it from the more pronounced roasted chestnut notes of Longjing or the lighter vegetal qualities of Cloud Mist. It is a tea best enjoyed without milk or added flavourings, allowing its natural aroma and gentle sweetness to remain the focus.

Origin: Huangshan, formerly Taiping, Anhui Province, China
Tea Type: Taiping Houkui (Tai Ping Hou Kui) Green Tea
Grade: Top Grade AAA
Harvest: Spring
Traditional Plucking Standard: One tender bud with two young leaves
Processing: Carefully selected, heated, flattened and gently dried
Leaf Appearance: Long, flat, spear-shaped green leaves
Form: Loose leaf green tea
Available Sizes: 50g, 125g and 250g

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Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Delicate orchid blossom with fresh bamboo notes, gentle vegetal freshness and subtle natural sweetness
• Flavour: Smooth, mellow and lightly sweet, combining fresh green notes with a delicate chestnut-like warmth and floral undertones
• Liquor Colour: Clear, pale jade-green with a bright, delicate appearance
• Mouthfeel: Light, silky and refreshing, with gentle astringency and a clean, lingering sweet finish

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Brewing Recommendations

• Tea-to-water ratio: Approximately 2–3g of loose leaf tea per 200–250ml of water
• Water temperature: 80–85°C
• Steeping time: 2–3 minutes for the first infusion, adjusting according to your preferred strength
• Further infusions: Up to 3 infusions, increasing the steeping time gradually as the leaves release their flavour

Brewing Tip: A tall glass or transparent teapot is particularly well suited to Taiping Houkui, allowing you to appreciate the unusual length and shape of its leaves as they gradually open. Place the leaves gently into the vessel and pour water slowly along the side to avoid damaging them. Allow freshly boiled water to cool to 80–85°C before brewing, as excessively hot water can overpower the delicate floral notes and introduce unnecessary bitterness.

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Key Features

• Traditional Taiping Houkui (Tai Ping Hou Kui) green tea from Huangshan, Anhui Province, China
• Top Grade AAA selection made from carefully chosen spring-harvested leaves
• Traditionally produced using tender shoots with one bud and two young leaves
• Distinctive long, flat, spear-shaped leaves that make Taiping Houkui one of China's most recognisable green teas
• Carefully heated, shaped and dried to preserve the tea's fresh character and elegant leaf appearance
• Delicate orchid fragrance complemented by fresh bamboo and subtle chestnut-like notes
• Smooth, mellow flavour with gentle natural sweetness and a clean, refreshing finish
• Clear, pale jade-green infusion with a light, silky texture
• Particularly attractive when brewed in a tall glass or transparent teapot
• Suitable for multiple infusions when prepared at the recommended water temperature
• Available as loose leaf tea in 50g, 125g and 250g sizes

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Storage Tips

Taiping Houkui is best enjoyed while its delicate spring fragrance and fresh green character are well preserved. Store the tea in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, moisture and strong odours. Keep the leaves in an airtight, food-safe container to limit exposure to air and help maintain their distinctive floral aroma.

Because Taiping Houkui has unusually long, flat leaves, handle and store it carefully to avoid unnecessary breakage. A suitably sized container that allows the leaves to lie naturally is preferable to tightly packing them into a small tin or bag.

For longer storage, refrigeration may help preserve green tea freshness, provided the packaging is securely sealed against moisture and surrounding food odours. Allow the unopened container to return to room temperature before opening it to reduce the risk of condensation forming on the leaves.

Unlike teas traditionally intended for ageing, Taiping Houkui is generally appreciated for its fresh floral aroma, delicate sweetness and clean green flavour. Careful storage will help preserve these qualities.

Explore more traditional Chinese varieties in our green tea collection, including Longjing Dragon Well and Cloud Mist green tea.