Teas of China

This unit offers a comprehensive introduction to Chinese tea – not as a commodity, but as a desirable, artisan product crafted by people, place and time. You’ll travel across provinces and dynasties to explore how tea evolved: from imperial tribute to everyday necessity, from the earliest green teas to rock oolongs and aged puer.

You’ll learn how terrain and technique give rise to China’s six traditional tea categories. You’ll encounter the stories behind the most famous teas and understand why cultivar and leaf shape matter. This unit invites a deeper understanding of cultivation and processing that leads to a more meaningful connection with the teas you drink.

Eleven carefully selected teas are sent out to represent region, style and cultivar. You’ll have the opportunity to join a live online tutorial, guided by Chinese tea expert Juyan Webster. Though not assessed, this shared tasting helps you develop a sensory vocabulary, supported by the downloadable Tea Journal.

Total Learning Time
This Teas of China unit in World Tea Diploma typically takes around 18 – 22 hours to complete. It depends on your pace and commitment. Teas of China is more substantial than the other units and has a total of 4 hours in Live Tasting Sessions. You won’t spend all the remaining time with the online content, it includes independent tasting activities, making notes in your Tea Journal, MCQs and developing your Final Project. It’s a flexible qualification designed to fit around your schedule.

On completion
A final multiple-choice quiz completes the unit. Once passed, you’ll earn a digital badge demonstrating your understanding of famous teas of China – ideal for tea educators, sommeliers, buyers, and anyone seeking deeper insight into the origins and legacy of the birthplace of tea.  

Qualification
This is a core unit in the World Tea Diploma