Tai Ping Hou Kui is one of China’s most distinctive green teas, famous for its strikingly large, flat leaves and its crisp, sweet freshness. Harvested in early April from decades-old tea gardens at about 300 meters near Huangshan Mountain, these leaves are carefully hand-fried to halt oxidation, then roasted in stages at progressively lower temperatures. Afterward, each leaf is pressed flat between fabric and wooden blocks, giving Hou Kui its iconic orchid-leaf shape before a final low-temperature roast preserves freshness.
The result is a tea with a gentle sweetness and clean vegetal depth, offering 3–5 rewarding infusions. Expect a smooth body, lingering floral tones, and a clarity that showcases both the terroir of Hou Gang village and the skill of its makers.
Hou Kui is also wrapped in folklore: because the trees once grew on steep cliff sides, legend tells that farmers trained monkeys to climb and pluck the leaves for them. While today’s harvesters are entirely human, the tea still carries that air of rarity and adventure in every cup.
Origin: Hou Gang Village, Huangshan, Anhui, China
Harvest: Early April, First Flush
Cultivar: Local Tai Ping Hou Kui varietal
Elevation: ~300m
Brewing Tip: Use cooler water (~80–85°C) and longer steeps to coax out its sweetness and layered vegetal notes without bitterness.