Tea, once a simple beverage, has evolved into a symbol of status and identity. In contemporary society, rare tea leaves are often more valuable than gold, becoming the coveted elixirs of the elite, known as “tea luxury” or “茶奢” in Chinese. Have you ever wondered about the most expensive teas in China, some of which are beyond the reach of even the wealthiest individuals? In this exploration, we delve into the realm of Chinese tea, unveiling the top ten most expensive teas that showcase the rich cultural heritage and economic significance of this ancient beverage.
- Guizhou Duyun Maojian (贵州都匀毛尖)
- Highest Auction Price: 666,000 RMB/kg
- In 2011, at the Duyun Maojian new tea auction, a special edition known as “Duyun Maojian Special Edition Treasure Tea King” fetched an astonishing 10,000 RMB for 150 grams, equivalent to 666,000 RMB per kilogram. Duyun Maojian, also known as “White Down Silver Needle,” is one of the top ten famous teas in China, hailing from Duyun City in Guizhou Province.
- Anxi Tie Guan Yin (安溪铁观音)
- Highest Auction Price: 670,000 RMB/kg
- Considered a premium oolong tea, Iron Goddess of Mercy or Tie Guan Yin, achieved an auction price of 670,000 RMB per kilogram in a spring auction in 2012. Known for its unique flavor and fragrance, Tie Guan Yin is a prized possession among tea enthusiasts.
- Anhui Liu An Guapian (安徽六安瓜片)
- Highest Auction Price: 920,000 RMB/kg
- During an auction in April 2002, Liu An Guapian, a green tea historically presented as tribute to the imperial court during the Qing Dynasty, reached an astounding auction price of 92,000 RMB per kilogram. In 2014, a set of Liu An Guapian sold on Taobao for a record-breaking 1,038,000 RMB, marking the highest price ever recorded for tea on the online platform.
- Chaozhou Fenghuang Dansong 1 (潮州凤凰单丛宋种1号)
- Highest Auction Price: 1,000,000 RMB/kg
- In April 2016, the Chaozhou Fenghuang Dansong 1 was auctioned for an impressive 1,000,000 RMB per kilogram. With an annual yield of around two pounds, this tea is considered a rare treasure, making it unattainable for the average consumer.
- Henan Xinyang Maojian (河南信阳毛尖)
- Highest Auction Price: 1,490,000 RMB/kg
- At the 2006 Xinyang Auction, the tea king “Blue Sky Jade Leaf” from Xinyang Maojian was auctioned for 74,500 RMB per jin (500 grams), equivalent to 1,490,000 RMB per kilogram. Xinyang Maojian, recognized as one of the top eight tea regions during the Tang Dynasty, holds a significant position in Chinese tea history.
- Anhui Huangshan Maofeng (安徽黄山毛峰)
- Highest Auction Price: 1,700,000 RMB/kg
- In June 2007, the Wang Mantian brand premium Huangshan Maofeng was auctioned for 8,500 RMB for 50 grams, reaching an astonishing price of 1,700,000 RMB per kilogram. Grown in the Huangshan region of Anhui province, this tea boasts a unique appearance and rich flavor, with a history dating back to the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty.
- Anhui Taiping Houkui (安徽太平猴魁)
- Highest Auction Price: 2,000,000 RMB/kg
- Since obtaining geographical indication status, the price of Taiping Houkui from Anhui has consistently risen. In May 2009, a 100-gram pack of Taiping Houkui was auctioned for an astonishing 200,000 RMB, equivalent to 2,000,000 RMB per kilogram. With a history of over three centuries, Taiping Houkui is considered the most precious wild tea tree variety among Taiping Houkui teas.
- West Lake Longjing Imperial Top 18 Trees (西湖龙井御前十八棵)
- Price: Priceless
- West Lake Longjing tea has always been hailed as the top among the ten famous teas in China. The “Imperial Top 18 Trees” are said to be personally designated by Emperor Qianlong, making their price immeasurable. Even the premium Longjing teas, excluding the Imperial Top 18 Trees, soared to over 100,000 RMB per kilogram in 2014.
- Yunnan Jingu Gongcha (云南金瓜贡茶)
- Highest Auction Price: 3,500,000 RMB/kg
- Renowned as one of the most famous Pu’er teas, Jinxui Tea King Xiang Zhuqing achieved the title of the “most expensive Pu’er tea” with an auction price of 35,000 RMB for 100 grams, equivalent to 3,500,000 RMB per kilogram. Classified as a national second-level cultural relic, Jingu Gongcha was stored in the Forbidden City until 2007, when it was brought back to Pu’er City.
- Wuyi Mountain Mother Tree Da Hong Pao (武夷山母树大红袍)
- Highest Auction Price: 10,400,000 RMB/kg
- The ancient tea trees of Wuyi Mountain’s Jiulongke, with an age exceeding 350 years, produce the legendary Da Hong Pao. A cultural treasure during the Qing Dynasty, only the emperor had the privilege of enjoying this tribute tea. In 1998, a wealthy individual acquired 20 grams of Da Hong Pao for a staggering 156,800 RMB. Subsequently, in 2005, 20 grams of Da Hong Pao fetched an even higher price of 208,000 RMB, equivalent to 10,400,000 RMB per kilogram. With only six remaining mother trees, this tea has been declared a World Heritage and was banned from further harvesting by the government in 2006.
