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Huangshan Mao Feng

黄山毛峰, Yellow Mountain Fur Peak

8.2/10 editor's score

One of China's most famous green teas, grown near Huangshan, the Yellow Mountain, in Anhui. Fine downy buds give a light, sweet cup.

SpringLightFamous tea
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Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Huangshan Mao Feng, top-down

What you need

2.5 g leafHuangshan Mao Feng
250 ml water75 to 85°C
Steep 2:003 steeps
LiquorPale yellow-green
Served inGaiwan (lidded bowl)

At a glance

One of China's most famous green teas, grown near Huangshan, the Yellow Mountain, in Anhui.

CaffeineLow to medium~20 to 40 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit8.5 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestLate March to AprilThe earliest, most prized buds.
Pairs withSteamed vegetables, Light fish, Rice dishesLess good with strong spice
Grown atMountain gardens around HuangshanHuangshan, Anhui
Served inGaiwan (lidded bowl)Porcelain bowl, lid and saucer

About Huangshan Mao Feng

What sources say about the taste

Sources describe the best Mao Feng as early spring buds that local growers liken to orchid buds, with a sweet, light character 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

HuangshanAnhuiCHINA
Region
Around Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), southern Anhui 1
Name
"Yellow Mountain Fur Peak", for the white hairs and peak shape 1
Pick
One bud and the next leaf 1
Best season
Before Qingming in early April 1

More from Huangshan and China.

History and culture

Mao Feng is a regular on China's Famous Tea lists 1.

Editor's score

8.2/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 8.0Origin & heritage: 9.0Availability: 8.0Value: 8.0Beginner-friendliness: 8.5Versatility: 7.0Flavour 8.0Heritage 9.0Availability 8.0Value 8.0Beginners 8.5Versatility 7.0
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Huangshan Mao Feng~20 to 40 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

The best teas are picked in early spring before Qingming 1. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, local Huangshan seedling bushes.

How it is made
01Plucking

A bud and one leaf.

02Kill-green

Pan-fired.

03Rolling

Light rolling.

04Drying

Baked dry.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafSlender, slightly twisted yellow-green buds with down.
LiquorPale yellow-green.
After steeping
Wet leafTender, whole buds and leaves.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Steamed vegetables
  • Light fish
  • Rice dishes

Best avoided

  • Strong spice

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and smells.
  • Green tea fades fastest: aim to finish it within 3 to 6 months of opening.
  • Unopened sealed packs can go in the fridge. Let them reach room temperature before opening.
Grades and fakes

Graded by tenderness and bud count; the special grades are mostly buds.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Look for a harvest year and pre-Qingming if you want the best.
  2. Avoid dull, dusty leaf.
FAQ
What does Mao Feng mean?

"Fur peak": the fine hairs on the buds and the pointed shape.

Find it inGreen teasTeas from ChinaHuangshanSpringLightFamous tea

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Huangshan Maofeng". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huangshan_Maofeng
  2. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.