DONG TING BI LUO CHUN
SPRING JADE SNAIL
GREEN TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Dongtingshan, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
Bi Luo Chun is one of the most renowned Chinese green teas, valued for its early spring harvest and exceptionally delicate leaf material, which contributes to its aromatic intensity and refined character. It originates from the Dongting Mountains in Taihu Lake, where a mild climate creates a unique growing environment. In the cup, it presents a bright, clear infusion with an expressive floral-fruity aroma, a soft and smooth texture, and a fresh, sweet finish with a light vegetal undertone. MORE
AROMA
Fruity, floral
TASTE
Vegetal, nutty
CULTIVAR: Qun Ti Zhong
HARVEST: Spring (Pre-Qingming), 2025
GREEN TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Dongtingshan, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
Bi Luo Chun is one of the most renowned Chinese green teas, valued for its early spring harvest and exceptionally delicate leaf material, which contributes to its aromatic intensity and refined character. It originates from the Dongting Mountains in Taihu Lake, where a mild climate creates a unique growing environment. In the cup, it presents a bright, clear infusion with an expressive floral-fruity aroma, a soft and smooth texture, and a fresh, sweet finish with a light vegetal undertone. MORE
AROMA
Fruity, floral
TASTE
Vegetal, nutty
CULTIVAR: Qun Ti Zhong
HARVEST: Spring (Pre-Qingming), 2025
GREEN TEA is one of the world's most studied and revered beverages for its cultural significance and impressive range of health benefits. Green tea is rich in bioactive compounds and supports both physical and cognitive well-being when consumed regularly and mindfully. Due to the tea leaves' special cultivars, climate, and quality, green tea is rich in amino acids, vitamins, and microelements. The highest-quality green teas are made from spring young buds and leaves, traditionally processed to prevent oxidation and keep the tea leaf in its original chemical composition. Research over the past few decades has discovered that green tea reduces the risk of heart disease, cleans the circulatory system, strengthens blood vessels, reduces blood pressure, lowers blood sugar, prevents the development of cancer cells, and relieves nervous tension.
Learn more about the BIOCHEMISTRY OF A TEA LEAF
SEED-GROWN TEA PLANT
This tea refers to a Qunzi Zhong, a "seed-grown tea plant". Unlike cloned or asexually propagated cultivars, which are created by cuttings or grafting from a single "mother" plant, Qunzi Zhong tea trees are grown from seeds. This results in a genetically diverse population of plants. Each seed-grown tea tree is unique, with slightly different characteristics. This genetic variety helps improve the resilience of the tea garden, making it more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Seed-grown trees usually develop stronger and deeper roots than cloned plants, allowing them to draw nutrients and minerals from deeper soil layers, often giving the tea a more complex and rich flavor profile. Qunzi Zhong represents the traditional way of tea cultivation. Because of the genetic diversity, teas made from Qunzi Zhong plants tend to offer more layered and nuanced flavors, reflecting a richer expression of the local terroir (soil, climate, and environment).
PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Pesticide-free gardening refers to a cultivation method in which no synthetic chemical pesticides are used at any stage of plant growth. Instead, this approach relies on biodiversity, ecological balance, and cultural practices to manage pests and diseases. Unlike conventional farming, which often depends on chemical intervention to control infestations, pesticide-free gardening emphasizes prevention through healthy soil, companion planting, and natural predators. This method fosters a more resilient and adaptive garden ecosystem. Without chemical inputs, beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and native bees thrive, contributing to pollination and pest control. Untouched by harsh agents, the soil remains alive with microbial activity, supporting deeper root systems and more vigorous plant development. Over time, this results in produce with purer, more expressive flavors, reflecting the health of the environment and the grower's intention.
Learn more about Pesticide-Free Gardening
EASTERN (PIN CHA) ★
Temperature: 75-85 °C
Amount: 3-5 grams per 120 ml of water
Steeping: 20-40 sec x 5+
WESTERN (INFUSION) ★
Temperature: 75-85 °C
Amount: 2-3 grams per 250 ml of water
Steeping: 1-2 min x 3
Learn more about TEA BREWING METHODS
Tea absorbs surrounding aromas and moisture. This type of tea oxidizes when it comes into contact with oxygen and loses its properties, including taste and aroma. Store it in a dry and cool place in airtight packaging. Avoid direct exposure to the sun and high temperatures.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
Learn more ABOUT TEA STORAGE
ABOUT
Bi Luo Chun is one of the most renowned Chinese green teas, valued for its early spring harvest and exceptionally delicate leaf material, which contributes to its aromatic intensity and refined character. Bi Luo Chun translates as "Spring Jade Snail," which refers to the tightly rolled, spiral-shaped tea leaves resembling tiny snails. The leaves are typically covered in a fine velvety fuzz, giving them a silvery-green appearance. Over time, it has become a reference point for delicate, aroma-driven green teas, valued for precision in plucking and clarity in expression.
The history of this tea dates back to the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), around the 18th century. There are many legends surrounding the origin of Bi Luo Chun, reflecting its long cultural presence and the strong impression it has made over time. Some stories suggest that its early name referred to an almost overwhelming aromatic intensity, while others describe how a more refined name later emerged, inspired by the tea’s appearance and season of production. There are also more poetic narratives, where the tea is associated with devotion and human connection, further enriching its cultural image.
As with many traditional teas, it is difficult to separate historical fact from interpretation, and these stories remain part of a broader cultural context rather than verified history. They offer a glimpse into how tea was perceived, valued, and integrated into daily life and imagination. In the end, beyond all legends, what remains essential is the tea itself. Its character is defined not by stories, but by origin, terroir, and the precision of its production. As once expressed by Lu Tong, “I am in no way interested in immortality, but only in the taste of tea.”
In 1940, Bi Luo Chun was officially recognized as one of China's top ten teas, elevating its status in the national market.
TERROIR
Authentic Bi Luo Chun is grown in the Dongting Mountain region of Jiangsu province, near Lake Taihu. This area is characterized by its unique microclimate, a combination of warm weather, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil, which makes it ideal for tea cultivation. The tea is harvested from small-leaved tea bushes traditionally found at altitudes ranging from 400 to 600 meters. The geographic conditions contribute significantly to the quality of this tea. The altitude allows for cooler temperatures, which helps produce tender, sweet leaves that retain their aromatic qualities.
Qun Ti Zhong is not a single, standardized tea variety but rather a genetically diverse group of seed-grown tea plants traditionally found in older tea gardens. Unlike modern clonal cultivars, which are propagated for uniformity and predictable performance, Qun Ti Zhong represents a natural population with significant variation in leaf size, shape, chemical composition, and growth behavior. The diversity within the population contributes to a more complex aromatic profile, as different plants express slightly different biochemical characteristics. This is one of the reasons why traditionally produced Bi Luo Chun can show layered floral, fruity, and vegetal nuances rather than a single dominant note.
Nowadays, Bi Luo Chun market is very large, while production in the Dongting Mountains remains extremely limited and cannot meet overall demand. As a result, a significant volume of tea with the same name available on the market originates from other provinces, particularly Sichuan, Zhejiang and Yunnan. These teas may differ from Dongting Bi Luo Chun in appearance, aroma, and taste, such distinctions are often difficult for consumers to identify. The most defining characteristic of true "Spring Jade Snail" is its subtle fruity aroma, which is widely associated with the presence of fruit trees in the tea gardens. Notably, the harvest period coincides with the flowering of these trees, which is believed to influence the aromatic profile of the tea.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf of Bi Luo Chun is composed of fine, tightly curled buds covered with silvery down, giving them a soft, delicate appearance. The color ranges from light green to silvery gray, and the aroma is fresh and vibrant, with notes of spring flowers, young fruit, and sweet grass, reflecting its early spring harvest. When placed in a preheated teapot, the fragrance deepens, releasing warm and floral tones. Hints of apricot blossom, chestnut, and green plum appear, balanced by a subtle freshness reminiscent of mountain air and morning dew.
The infusion is bright and clear, with a light jade-green hue. Its aroma combines floral sweetness, fruity freshness, and a gentle vegetal base, forming a lively and elegant bouquet. On the palate, Bi Luo Chun is smooth and refreshing, with soft sweetness and delicate umami. The taste develops gradually - from light floral and fruity notes toward tender nutty and green bean tones, creating balance and harmony. The aftertaste is long and clean, leaving a cooling, slightly sweet sensation and a gentle fragrance that lingers.
Bi Luo Chun is one of the most renowned Chinese green teas, valued for its early spring harvest and exceptionally delicate leaf material, which contributes to its aromatic intensity and refined character. Bi Luo Chun translates as "Spring Jade Snail," which refers to the tightly rolled, spiral-shaped tea leaves resembling tiny snails. The leaves are typically covered in a fine velvety fuzz, giving them a silvery-green appearance. Over time, it has become a reference point for delicate, aroma-driven green teas, valued for precision in plucking and clarity in expression.
The history of this tea dates back to the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), around the 18th century. There are many legends surrounding the origin of Bi Luo Chun, reflecting its long cultural presence and the strong impression it has made over time. Some stories suggest that its early name referred to an almost overwhelming aromatic intensity, while others describe how a more refined name later emerged, inspired by the tea’s appearance and season of production. There are also more poetic narratives, where the tea is associated with devotion and human connection, further enriching its cultural image.
As with many traditional teas, it is difficult to separate historical fact from interpretation, and these stories remain part of a broader cultural context rather than verified history. They offer a glimpse into how tea was perceived, valued, and integrated into daily life and imagination. In the end, beyond all legends, what remains essential is the tea itself. Its character is defined not by stories, but by origin, terroir, and the precision of its production. As once expressed by Lu Tong, “I am in no way interested in immortality, but only in the taste of tea.”
In 1940, Bi Luo Chun was officially recognized as one of China's top ten teas, elevating its status in the national market.
TERROIR
Authentic Bi Luo Chun is grown in the Dongting Mountain region of Jiangsu province, near Lake Taihu. This area is characterized by its unique microclimate, a combination of warm weather, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil, which makes it ideal for tea cultivation. The tea is harvested from small-leaved tea bushes traditionally found at altitudes ranging from 400 to 600 meters. The geographic conditions contribute significantly to the quality of this tea. The altitude allows for cooler temperatures, which helps produce tender, sweet leaves that retain their aromatic qualities.
Qun Ti Zhong is not a single, standardized tea variety but rather a genetically diverse group of seed-grown tea plants traditionally found in older tea gardens. Unlike modern clonal cultivars, which are propagated for uniformity and predictable performance, Qun Ti Zhong represents a natural population with significant variation in leaf size, shape, chemical composition, and growth behavior. The diversity within the population contributes to a more complex aromatic profile, as different plants express slightly different biochemical characteristics. This is one of the reasons why traditionally produced Bi Luo Chun can show layered floral, fruity, and vegetal nuances rather than a single dominant note.
Nowadays, Bi Luo Chun market is very large, while production in the Dongting Mountains remains extremely limited and cannot meet overall demand. As a result, a significant volume of tea with the same name available on the market originates from other provinces, particularly Sichuan, Zhejiang and Yunnan. These teas may differ from Dongting Bi Luo Chun in appearance, aroma, and taste, such distinctions are often difficult for consumers to identify. The most defining characteristic of true "Spring Jade Snail" is its subtle fruity aroma, which is widely associated with the presence of fruit trees in the tea gardens. Notably, the harvest period coincides with the flowering of these trees, which is believed to influence the aromatic profile of the tea.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf of Bi Luo Chun is composed of fine, tightly curled buds covered with silvery down, giving them a soft, delicate appearance. The color ranges from light green to silvery gray, and the aroma is fresh and vibrant, with notes of spring flowers, young fruit, and sweet grass, reflecting its early spring harvest. When placed in a preheated teapot, the fragrance deepens, releasing warm and floral tones. Hints of apricot blossom, chestnut, and green plum appear, balanced by a subtle freshness reminiscent of mountain air and morning dew.
The infusion is bright and clear, with a light jade-green hue. Its aroma combines floral sweetness, fruity freshness, and a gentle vegetal base, forming a lively and elegant bouquet. On the palate, Bi Luo Chun is smooth and refreshing, with soft sweetness and delicate umami. The taste develops gradually - from light floral and fruity notes toward tender nutty and green bean tones, creating balance and harmony. The aftertaste is long and clean, leaving a cooling, slightly sweet sensation and a gentle fragrance that lingers.
GREEN TEA
Explore more Green Teas from the AN SHIM TEA Collection.