Tea enthusiasts are well aware of the wide range of tea prices in the market today. While some teas can be quite affordable, priced at just a few US dollars per pound, others command staggering prices, reaching several million dollars per pound. The world of Chinese tea is no exception, with some of the most exquisite and rare teas fetching astronomical prices. In this article, we will explore the four most expensive Chinese teas and provide an insight into their unique qualities and the prices they command in both Chinese yuan (CNY) and US dollars (USD).
Longjing Imperial Tea Garden’s “Eighteen Trees”
Longjing tea, also known as Dragon Well tea, is perhaps one of the most renowned Chinese teas. Legend has it that the price of these tea trees can reach over 1 million CNY (approximately 142,000 USD) per kilogram. In reality, there are not many of these “Imperial Eighteen Trees” available in the market. When people think of West Lake, they naturally associate it with Longjing tea. During his third visit to Hangzhou, Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty designated the 18 tea trees in front of the Hu Gong Temple as “Imperial Tea,” giving rise to the legend of the “Eighteen Imperial Tea Trees.”
Wuyi Mountain’s “Mother Tree” Da Hong Pao
The “Mother Tree” of Da Hong Pao is located within the Wuyi Mountain Scenic Area, specifically in the Jiulongke region. It comprises three clonal varieties and six individual trees, each belonging to a distinct lineage with differing leaf types and budding periods. Da Hong Pao, known as the “King of Tea” due to its rarity and delightful aroma, is considered a national treasure.
Da Hong Pao’s processed tea leaves are tightly rolled, exhibiting a vibrant green-brown hue. The brewed tea presents a bright orange-yellow infusion with alternating red and green leaves, showcasing a distinctive beauty. Its most prominent feature is the rich and enduring orchid fragrance, known as “rock rhyme.” Da Hong Pao can endure multiple infusions while maintaining its fragrance. Its exceptional value in Chinese diplomacy was highlighted when Chairman Mao Zedong gifted four liang (approximately 160 grams) of Da Hong Pao mother tree tea leaves to President Richard Nixon during his 1972 visit to China. Not realizing the rarity of the Da Hong Pao mother tree, Nixon privately expressed dissatisfaction with Mao’s generosity. Premier Zhou Enlai later explained to Nixon, “The Chairman has already given away half of the country,” and revealed the origins of Da Hong Pao, leaving Nixon deeply impressed.
According to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee’s “World Heritage Convention,” the Da Hong Pao mother tree is designated as one of the “primary natural landscapes” and a component of the “cultural heritage and landscape” in the Wuyi Mountains, forming an integral part of the “World Cultural and Natural Heritage of Wuyi Mountains.” Additionally, the cliff carvings of “Da Hong Pao” in Jiulongke have been designated as a provincial-level cultural heritage site.
In 1998, during the first Wuyi Mountain Da Hong Pao Tea Culture Festival, Mr. Xu Rongmao, known as the “Mansion King” of Australia, acquired 20 grams of Da Hong Pao mother tree tea leaves at an auction for an astonishing 156,800 CNY (approximately 22,300 USD). On April 13, 2005, during the 12th Shanghai International Tea Culture Festival, 20 grams of Da Hong Pao mother tree tea leaves were auctioned for 198,000 CNY (approximately 28,100 USD). In 2005, during the 7th Wuyi Mountain Da Hong Pao Festival, another 20 grams of Da Hong Pao mother tree tea leaves were auctioned for an exorbitant 208,000 CNY (approximately 29,500 USD).
Xiangzhuqing Millennium Ancient Tea Trees
Xiangzhuqing is located in Jinxiu Village, Xiaowan Town, Fengqing County, at an altitude ranging from 1,750 to 2,580 meters. It is home to more than 2,000 acres of cultivated ancient tea trees and over 3,000 acres of wild ancient tea trees. The site is situated just a few kilometers northeast of the Lancang River, making it one of the northernmost ancient tea tree regions in the Lancang River basin.
The tea trees in Xiangzhuqing thrive in a pristine environment, nestled in high mountain valleys with dense primeval forests and a cool, temperate climate. When you taste the tea from this region, it has a refreshing, spring-water-like quality, a result of its exceptional natural habitat.
Xiangzhuqing seems to be a place filled with spiritual energy, with a dense concentration of ancient tea tree communities. These communities radiate out from the “Tea King,” surrounded by many other ancient tea trees, embracing the Tea King like a constellation. According to research, the ancient tea trees in Xiangzhuqing are the thickest and oldest cultivated ancient tea trees found on Earth, with an estimated age of over 3,200 years. The local population reverently refers to them as the “Exquisite Tea King.” As early as 2007, a single cake of Xiangzhuqing tea was auctioned for an astonishing 400,000 CNY (approximately 56,700 USD), equivalent to four times the price of gold.
Tiansheng’s “The World Has No Tea”
The name itself suggests that once you taste this tea, you may never want to drink any other tea again. It is said that this tea must grow at an altitude of over 1,000 meters, belongs to the pure breed of the “Red Heart Wuyi Yan Cha” (source of Tieguanyin), and is grown in rocky or stony soil, left to grow naturally.
It is rumored that the yearly production of this tea is less than 1,000 grams. This tea has been produced only once, and it’s likely that even if you have the money, you won’t be able to obtain it. Brewing just 7 grams of this tea will cost you around 10,000 USD. Those fortunate enough to taste this tea are truly blessed.
Price per pound: 720,000 CNY (approximately 102,000 USD)
Song Zhong 1
Ancient tea trees that can be honored with the name “Song Zhong” must meet three criteria: age, tea quality, and the “conventional usage” during historical population censuses (the name was already used in the past by the local population, and it was retained during censuses). Currently, the main types of Song Zhong fine tea trees in Phoenix Dancong include Wudong Central Bend Village Song Zhong Zhilanxiang, Da’an Village Song Zhong Zhilanxiang, and Song Zhong 1.
Regarding Zhilanxiang, in Mr. Huang Baizi’s book “Chinese Phoenix Tea,” the single tree referred to as “Zhilanxiang” grew in Gongtoufeng Village, to the north of Fengbei Guantoufeng, and it was over 100 years old. Additionally, the appendix of “Chaozhou Tea” includes nearly 40 single trees classified under the Zhilanxiang system. As such, the Zhilanxiang available on the market is not necessarily the same as “Song Zhong Zhilanxiang.”
Song Zhong 1 is a natural hybrid descendant of the original Wudongshan Central Bend Village “Old Song Tea” (over 900 years old, died in 1928). To differentiate it from “Song Tea,” it was named “Song Zhong.” Tea made from these two old tea trees is characterized by tightly rolled strips, a lustrous dark color, and a bright orange-yellow tea soup. It boasts strong returning sweetness, resilience in multiple infusions, and a pronounced aged flavor. Song Zhong 1 is highly valued and holds a revered status in the hearts of local villagers. Before plucking the fresh leaves from the Song Zhong 1 tree, tea farmers erect a shed, lay out red cloth, and conduct a worship ceremony to pay their respects. Only after the ceremony is the tea harvested.
Before 1958, Song Zhong 1 yielded around 8 jin (approximately 4 kilograms) of spring tea leaves. In 1959, the tree underwent three improvements (soil improvement, garden improvement, and tree improvement), which involved removing moss and lichen, trimming dead branches, relocating rocks, and expanding the garden base with added soil of over two feet in depth. This led to the robust growth of the tea tree. In 1963, 17.8 jin (approximately 8.9 kilograms) of spring tea was produced from Song Zhong 1, marking the highest historical record.
Subsequently, the yield of Song Zhong 1 gradually decreased each year. Tragically, in 1987, the tree was cut down by a mentally ill individual, leading to further reduced yields. It was only after effective measures were taken by the caretaker, Mr. Wen, that Song Zhong 1 began to recover gradually.
Lu Xueya’s “Mother Tree” Tea
Lu Xueya is one of China’s oldest historical teas, renowned as early as the Ming Dynasty. It is considered a precious gem among Chinese teas, a representation of high-grade green tea. Lu Xueya is one of the four famous teas in Fujian Province, alongside Tieguanyin in the south, Da Hong Pao in the north, and Lu Xueya and Gongfu Hongcha in the east. Lu Xueya has a rich cultural heritage and is regarded as a “historical fine tea.”
The ancient tea trees of Lu Xueya are now located on the mountaintop of Hongxue Cave in Tailaoshan National Geological Park in Fujian. According to legend, these trees were planted by the Princess Taimeinu and are considered the ancestors of Fuding white tea and Fuding white tea tips. Lu Xueya has been included in Fujian Province’s list of protected ancient trees.
Imperial Tribute Tea (Jingua Gong Tea, Imperial Tribute Tea Paste)
While some people may whimsically indulge in century-old Song Pin tea, enjoying Imperial Tribute Pu’er tea is an extravagant experience, far beyond the scope of mere beverages. Imperial Tribute Pu’er tea is an embodiment of history and culture, a special vehicle for those who savor the elegance of life, ponder history, and appreciate its unique taste. The “National Second-Class Cultural Relic” Imperial Tribute Tea, insured for a staggering 19.99 million CNY (approximately 2.83 million USD), truly stands as a treasure.
Imperial Tribute Tea Paste bears a similarly rich history and has left reference prices at auction houses. A box containing 105.6 grams of this precious paste sold for 1.008 million CNY (approximately 143,000 USD).
Mengding Mountain Shangqingfeng Immortal Tea
Mengding Mountain has been a famous tea-producing region since ancient times, cherished by a vast number of people. At the pinnacle of Mengding Mountain is Shangqing Peak, which is home to seven tea trees enclosed within a railing. These seven tea trees, known as the “Immortal Tea,” were exclusively used for imperial offerings and consumption, making them “official tribute” tea.
With a total of seven tea trees, if you pluck tea leaves for three days, how much tea can you obtain? Referring to the pricing of Longjing tea, you might not even get a single ounce. Do you understand? Essentially, the idea from ancient times was that you could only harvest such a small amount of tea from these trees. If you could harvest four liang (approximately 160 grams) of tea, you would be considered a deity.
Price: Unknown
These teas, which are difficult to obtain even with significant wealth, offer a unique and exceptional experience. Have you had the privilege of tasting any of these extraordinary teas?
In summary, the world of Chinese tea is rich and diverse, offering a wide range of flavors, aromas, and histories. These most expensive Chinese teas exemplify the pinnacle of tea craftsmanship and have transcended their role as beverages to become cultural treasures. While their prices may seem exorbitant, they are a testament to the art and dedication that goes into producing these rare and exceptional teas. Whether you are a seasoned tea connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of Chinese tea, exploring these exceptional teas is a journey worth embarking on, even if just once in a lifetime.
