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
Fuding Gong Mei is a traditional Chinese white tea produced in Fuding, Fujian Province, one of the most respected regions for fine white teas. It is made from the Da Bai (Large White) tea cultivar, known for its large, down-covered buds and smooth, sweet flavor. Gong Mei, meaning “Tribute Eyebrow,” takes its name from the slightly curved shape of the processed leaves and its historical association with imperial tribute teas. Unlike Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen), which is made only from buds, or White Peony (Bai Mudan), made from a bud and one or two leaves, Gong Mei is typically produced from more mature spring leaves. This gives it a deeper color, fuller body, and richer aroma, while still preserving the characteristic smoothness and purity of white tea. The tea undergoes minimal processing - mainly natural withering and gentle drying - which allows it to retain its original structure and natural compounds. The result is a tea with amber liquor, a warm honeyed aroma, and a smooth, mellow taste featuring notes of dried fruit, wood, and wildflowers. Over time, Gong Mei develops beautifully with aging, gaining depth, sweetness, and a soft woody character. It’s appreciated both fresh and matured, offering a comforting, grounding tea experience with a naturally calming energy, or “Cha Qi.”
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf shows beautifully aged character - long, slightly curved leaves in shades of deep brown and gold, interwoven with silvery buds. The aroma is rich and warm, filled with notes of honey, dried fruit, and aged wood, carrying a gentle hint of vanilla and spice developed through years of natural maturation. When placed in a preheated teapot, the fragrance deepens, revealing tones of baked apple, resin, and forest honey, with a soft earthy sweetness that evokes the calm of time.
The infusion is clear and amber-red, dense and luminous. Its aroma combines dried fruit, caramelized sugar, and light woody accents, forming a complex and comforting bouquet. In taste, Fuding Gong Mei 2015 is smooth, round, and layered. The liquor unfolds gradually - from deep honey and dried apricot to warm wood, spice, and a hint of plum. The texture is thick and velvety, leaving a sense of warmth and inner calm. The aftertaste is long, mellow, and slightly sweet, with lingering notes of fruit and wood and a soothing, meditative energy. This aged Gong Mei reflects the mastery of Fuding’s white tea tradition — mature, balanced, and deeply harmonious, a tea that speaks softly yet profoundly with the passage of time.
GASTRONOMY
Fuding Gong Mei 2012, with its mature, honeyed depth and smooth, warming texture, offers excellent gastronomic versatility. Its rich, layered profile pairs best with dishes that emphasize balance, warmth, and natural sweetness. It harmonizes beautifully with roasted poultry, duck, or pork dishes glazed with honey or citrus, where the tea’s soft wood and fruit notes complement caramelized flavors. It also pairs well with mild cheeses, mushroom-based dishes, and rice or root vegetables, enhancing earthy tones and bringing balance to richer textures. For desserts, Fuding Gong Mei 2015 pairs elegantly with caramel pastries, baked fruits, nuts, and dark chocolate, where its natural sweetness and aged complexity create harmony and refinement. Served warm, it reveals depth and warmth; slightly cooled, it becomes a gentle, aromatic companion to sophisticated, comforting cuisine. This tea’s mature character and calm energy make it an ideal choice for pairing with dishes of subtle richness and emotional depth.