ORIGIN
Fuding, located in northeastern Fujian Province, is one of China’s most famous tea regions and the birthplace of the country’s finest white teas. Nestled among the misty Taimu Mountains, the area enjoys a mild subtropical climate, mineral-rich soil, and high humidity — ideal conditions for producing teas of exceptional purity and sweetness. With elevations ranging from 600 to 1,200 meters, the tea gardens of Fuding are often surrounded by clouds and soft mountain light, allowing the leaves to develop a delicate aroma and smooth, balanced taste. Fuding is best known for its white teas, especially Bai Hao Yin Zhen (Silver Needle) and Bai Mu Dan (White Peony), both crafted from the local Da Bai cultivar that gives these teas their signature softness and gentle fragrance. The region is also a center for high-quality green and jasmine teas, where fresh spring leaves are often used as the base for the traditional Mo Li Zhen Zhu Cha (Jasmine Pearl Tea). Tea cultivation in Fuding dates back more than a thousand years, and the area holds official Geographic Indication (GI) protection for its white teas, reflecting its heritage and quality. Teas from Fuding are prized for their clarity, sweetness, and natural balance — a true expression of mountain terroir and traditional craftsmanship. They embody the refined harmony between nature and human skill that defines Fujian’s tea culture and continues to inspire tea lovers around the world.
ABOUT
Bai Hao Yin Zhen, also known as Silver Needle, is one of China’s most prestigious and refined white teas, originating from Fuding and Zhenghe in Fujian Province. It is crafted exclusively from young, unopened tea buds harvested in early spring, each covered with a fine layer of silvery-white down that gives the tea its name and distinctive appearance. The production of Bai Hao Yin Zhen is highly selective and entirely manual - only the most tender buds are plucked over a short harvest window of a few days each year.
The tea undergoes minimal processing, consisting mainly of natural withering and slow drying, which preserves the integrity of the buds and their delicate chemistry. This gentle method results in a tea that reflects the pure essence of the leaf and the environment in which it grows. When brewed, Bai Hao Yin Zhen yields a pale golden liquor with a light, ethereal aroma of fresh flowers, honey, and melon. The taste is soft, clean, and subtly sweet, with a silky texture and lingering freshness that leaves the mouth cool and bright. Teas from Fuding tend to have a lighter, more floral and sweet profile, while those from Zhenghe are slightly deeper and richer in body. Both express the elegance and natural purity that define the highest craftsmanship of Chinese white tea. Bai Hao Yin Zhen is often regarded not only as a beverage but as an experience of clarity and refinement - a quiet reflection of nature’s simplicity and balance.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf of Bai Hao Yin Zhen consists of slender, needle-shaped buds covered in fine silvery-white down, giving them a soft, velvety texture and elegant shimmer. The aroma is delicate and pure, with notes of fresh flowers, honey, and melon, carrying the freshness of early spring. When placed in a preheated teapot, the fragrance deepens and warms, revealing tones of sweet hay, vanilla, and soft fruit. A gentle floral sweetness rises with the steam, creating a calm and graceful atmosphere.
The infusion is clear and pale golden in color. Its aroma is light yet expressive — combining floral, honeyed, and slightly vegetal notes with a refreshing, clean brightness. In taste, Bai Hao Yin Zhen is smooth, soft, and subtly sweet. The liquor reveals layers of white blossom, young pear, and light honey, balanced by a cool mineral undertone. The texture is silky and round, leaving a sense of clarity and serenity on the palate. The aftertaste is long and pure, with gentle sweetness and cooling freshness that lingers softly. Bai Hao Yin Zhen embodies the essence of white tea — elegant, refined, and full of quiet vitality, offering a cup that feels both delicate and profoundly alive.
GASTRONOMY
Bai Hao Yin Zhen pairs beautifully with light, refined cuisine, where its floral sweetness and smooth texture can shine without competition. Its gentle character enhances subtle flavors while cleansing the palate with elegance. It complements delicate seafood, such as steamed fish, scallops, or shrimp, bringing out their natural sweetness. The tea also pairs gracefully with fresh salads, rice dishes, and mild cheeses, where its soft floral notes and clean finish create balance and freshness. For desserts, Bai Hao Yin Zhen harmonizes with almond pastries, white chocolate, light fruit tarts, or pear-based sweets, where its honeyed aroma adds a refined, fragrant dimension. Served warm, it enhances softness and depth; served slightly cooled, it becomes a refreshing and elegant accompaniment to modern or traditional high cuisine.