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Meng Ding Huang Ya

蒙顶黄芽, Mengding Huangya

7.1/10 editor's score

A yellow tea of buds from Meng Shan in Sichuan, reputed to be where tea was first cultivated. Mellow, sweet and smooth.

Yellow teaBudsSichuan
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Meng Ding Huang Ya, top-down

What you need

3 g leafMeng Ding Huang Ya
250 ml water75 to 85°C
Steep 2:302 steeps
LiquorPale yellow
Served inGaiwan (lidded bowl)

At a glance

A yellow tea of buds from Meng Shan in Sichuan, reputed to be where tea was first cultivated.

CaffeineLow to medium~15 to 35 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit7.5 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestEarly springBuds picked early.
Pairs withLight pastries, Steamed fish, NutsLess good with strong flavours
Grown atMeng MountainMeng Shan, Ya'an, Sichuan
Served inGaiwan (lidded bowl)Porcelain bowl, lid and saucer

About Meng Ding Huang Ya

What sources say about the taste

Sources say yellow tea adds a sweltering step to green tea making, which gives the leaves a slight yellow colour 2.

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

Meng Shan, Ya'anSichuanCHINA
Region
Meng Mountain (Meng Shan), Sichuan 1
Type
Yellow tea 1
Legend
First seven tea bushes planted here 1
Tribute
Monks sent 360 leaves to the emperor each spring 1

More from Meng Shan, Ya'an and China.

History and culture

Legend says Wu Lizhen planted seven tea bushes on Meng Mountain in the Han dynasty 1.

From the Tang to the Qing, monks picked tea here for the emperor 1.

Editor's score

7.1/10

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: 4.5Value: 6.0Beginner-friendliness: 7.5Versatility: 6.0Flavour 8.0Heritage 9.0Availability 4.5Value 6.0Beginners 7.5Versatility 6.0
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
Green tea (average)~28 mg
Meng Ding Huang Ya~15 to 35 mg

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

Harvest calendar

A bud-only spring tea. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Local Camellia sinensis of Meng Shan 1.

How it is made
01Plucking

Buds.

02Kill-green

Low heat.

03Sweltering

Encased to yellow 2.

04Drying

Gentle.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafFlat, straight golden-green buds.
LiquorPale yellow.
After steeping
Wet leafTender buds.

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

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Light pastries
  • Steamed fish
  • Nuts

Best avoided

  • Strong flavours

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

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque tin or pouch, away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells.
  • Keep it out of the fridge unless fully sealed, to avoid condensation.
  • Most loose tea is at its best within a year. Note the harvest date on the tin.
Grades and fakes

Graded by bud evenness.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Meng Shan also makes Ganlu (green) and Shihua 1.
  2. True yellow tea is rare 2.
FAQ
Is Meng Shan really the first tea mountain?

It is reputed to be, by legend 1.

Find it inYellow teasTeas from ChinaMeng Shan, Ya'anYellow teaBudsSichuan

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Mengding Ganlu tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mengding_Ganlu_tea
  2. Wikipedia, "Yellow tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_tea
  3. 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.