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Tai Ping Hou Kui

太平猴魁, Taiping Houkui

7.5/10 editor's score

Huge flat green tea leaves from the foot of Huangshan in Anhui, pressed into blades with "two knives and one pole". A China famous tea.

Famous teaBig leafAnhui
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Tai Ping Hou Kui, top-down

What you need

3 g leafTai Ping Hou Kui
300 ml water80 to 85°C
Steep 2:002 steeps
LiquorPale jade
Served inGaiwan (lidded bowl)

At a glance

Huge flat green tea leaves from the foot of Huangshan in Anhui, pressed into blades with "two knives and one pole".

CaffeineLow to medium~20 to 40 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit7.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSpring (April to May)Picked in spring.
Pairs withSteamed fish, Tofu, Light pastriesLess good with heavy spice
Grown atFoot of HuangshanHuangshan, Anhui
Served inGaiwan (lidded bowl)Porcelain bowl, lid and saucer

About Tai Ping Hou Kui

What sources say about the taste

Sources note the oven-made leaves are deep green with red veins underneath 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
Foot of Huangshan, former Taiping Prefecture 1
Best villages
Houkeng, Hougang, Yanjiachun 1
Plant
Shi Da Cha large-leaf variety 1
History
Grown since the Ming dynasty 1

More from Huangshan and China.

History and culture

Harvested for emperors during the Qing dynasty 1.

It won "King of Tea" at the China Tea Exhibition 2004 1.

Editor's score

7.5/10

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: 8.5Origin & heritage: 9.0Availability: 5.5Value: 6.5Beginner-friendliness: 7.0Versatility: 6.0Flavour 8.5Heritage 9.0Availability 5.5Value 6.5Beginners 7.0Versatility 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
Tai Ping Hou Kui~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

A spring green tea. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Shi Da Cha, a large-leaf variety found only in Anhui 1.

How it is made
02Kill-green

Heated.

03Pressing

Pressed flat on mesh.

04Drying

Oven-dried 1.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafLong flat dark green blades, red veins.
LiquorPale jade.
After steeping
Wet leafVery long whole leaves, up to 15 cm 1.

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

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Steamed fish
  • Tofu
  • Light pastries

Best avoided

  • Heavy 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

The best come from Houkeng, Hougang and Yanjiachun 1.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Falsification is rampant 1.
  2. Neighbouring areas use the name for cheaper tea 1.
FAQ
Why so big?

It is made from the Shi Da Cha large-leaf variety; shoots reach 15 cm 1.

Find it inGreen teasTeas from ChinaHuangshanFamous teaBig leafAnhui

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Taiping houkui". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiping_houkui
  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.