How do you brew Dian Hong (Yunnan Black)?

Brew Dian Hong (Yunnan Black) at 200°F (93°C). For gongfu style, steep 30-45 seconds; Western style, 3-5 minutes. Use Porcelain or clay teapot with 2.5g per 200ml (Western) or 5g per 100ml (gongfu). Expect 4-6 infusions.

Where is Dian Hong (Yunnan Black) from?

Dian Hong (Yunnan Black) is produced in Fengqing and Lincang, Yunnan. Spring and autumn. Uses the large-leaf Yunnan broad-leaf cultivar.

How much does Dian Hong (Yunnan Black) cost?

Entry-level Dian Hong (Yunnan Black) costs $8-15 / 100g (standard). Premium grades run $25-60 / 100g (pure golden tips/buds, ancient tree).

How do you brew Dian Hong (Yunnan Black)?

Brew Dian Hong (Yunnan Black) at 200°F (93°C). For gongfu style, steep 30-45 seconds; Western style, 3-5 minutes. Use Porcelain or clay teapot with 2.5g per 200ml (Western) or 5g per 100ml (gongfu). Expect 4-6 infusions.

Where is Dian Hong (Yunnan Black) from?

Dian Hong (Yunnan Black) is produced in Fengqing and Lincang, Yunnan. Spring and autumn. Uses the large-leaf Yunnan broad-leaf cultivar.

How much does Dian Hong (Yunnan Black) cost?

Entry-level Dian Hong (Yunnan Black) costs $8-15 / 100g (standard). Premium grades run $25-60 / 100g (pure golden tips/buds, ancient tree).

Black Tea ← All famous teas

Dian Hong (Yunnan Black) 滇红

Sweet potato, cocoa, rich, golden tips

Fengqing and Lincang, YunnanCaffeine: MediumBeginner: ★★★★☆

Water Temp

200°F (93°C)

Infusions

4-6

Harvest

Spring and autumn. Uses the large-leaf Yunnan broad-leaf cultivar.

Entry Price

$8-15 / 100g (standard)

Flavor Profile

Taste & Aroma

AromaSweet potato, dried fruit, cocoa, malt

TasteRich, thick, naturally sweet with prominent cocoa and sweet potato notes, minimal astringency

ColorDeep red-gold, bright, almost coppery

BodyFull, thick, almost syrupy

Brewing Guide

How to Brew It

Water

200°F (93°C)

Vessel

Porcelain or clay teapot

Gongfu Time

30-45 seconds

Western Time

3-5 minutes

Ratio

2.5g per 200ml (Western) or 5g per 100ml (gongfu)

Infusions

4-6

Read the general brewing guide →

Buying Guide

How to Buy Dian Hong (Yunnan Black) Without Getting Scammed

The Chinese tea market is vast and unregulated. Here's exactly what to look for — and what to run from.

Entry Level

$8-15 / 100g (standard)

Premium / Collector

$25-60 / 100g (pure golden tips/buds, ancient tree)

Quality Check

Golden tips throughout, the more golden tips, the higher the grade. Leaves are large and wiry. Dry aroma: intense malt and sweet potato. Liquor is deep red with a golden ring.

Common Scams

Low-tip content sold as high-grade. Dian Hong made from small-leaf cultivars lacks the characteristic richness. Pure golden tip versions at suspiciously low prices are usually imitation.

Search keywords that find the real thing

Dian HongYunnan black teagolden tips black teaYunnan red teaFengqing black tea

For the general principles behind every one of these checks — harvest dates, origin specificity, red flags — read our complete buying guide.

History

Where It Comes From

Developed in the 1930s in Fengqing, Yunnan, using the indigenous large-leaf tea trees that grow at high altitudes. Yunnan is the birthplace of all tea, and its ancient tea forests give Dian Hong a depth that other black teas can't match. One of the most forgiving and rewarding Chinese black teas.

Ideal For

Those who take milk in their black tea but want to graduate to drinking it plain. The natural sweetness and thick body make it satisfying without additions. Also makes incredible iced tea.