{"product_id":"tai-ping-hou-kui-pre-qing-ming","title":"2026 TAIPING HOUKUI (Monkey King) | Pre Qing Ming Green Tea","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\" class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(2, 98, 242);\"\u003eThis Taiping Hokui is a gem of a pre Qing Ming tea that you experience with all your senses!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"entry-content-header\"\u003eTasting Experience:\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003eGang Yang Village, Huangshan, Anhui, China\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pre-Qing Ming 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultivar:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shidacha (柿大茶)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma: \u003c\/strong\u003eOrchid, fresh greens\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGarden Manager:\u003c\/strong\u003e Su Qianyi\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e  30°05' N, 118°09′ E\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e---------------------------\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrewing Guide:  3\u003c\/strong\u003eg tea \/ 240ml @ 90\u003cspan\u003eºC, 120\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e--------------------------\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(5, 103, 250);\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat is Taiping Houkui?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003csection data-turn=\"assistant\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-2\" data-turn-id=\"request-WEB:2a7e4b04-b1dc-4624-b429-da2a84efd92e-2\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-turn-start-message=\"true\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-3\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-id=\"b1acc3d8-fe62-4c71-a404-3a29cfcf9dd7\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"131\" data-start=\"30\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"71\" data-start=\"30\"\u003eNative name(s): 太平猴魁 (Tàipíng Hóukuí)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"74\" data-start=\"71\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"129\" data-start=\"74\"\u003eCultivar(s): 柿大茶 (Shì Dà Chá, “Persimmon Big Leaf”)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"906\" data-start=\"145\"\u003eTaiping Houkui is a a fairly modern yet very intriguing style of Chinese green tea distinguished. At the tea bar, we sometimes describe it as the \"schnitzel\" of tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"906\" data-start=\"145\"\u003eThe first thing that strikes you about Taiping Houkui is the most unusual appearance:  long, flat leaves that can reach remarkable lengths, formed by two leaves embracing a single bud. The finished leaves are deep green, and they are slightly transluscent when you look through them into the light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"906\" data-start=\"145\"\u003e\u0026lt;Important recommendation\u0026gt; Eat one of these leaves! They are crunchy, packed with flavour and very satisfying.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"906\" data-start=\"145\"\u003eThe brew is clear and pale green, releasing floral and herbal notes and a lingering sweet mouthfeel. \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"1724\" data-start=\"908\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrief History of Taiping Houkui\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTaiping Houkui is actually a relative newcomer by Chinese tea standards. Tea has been grown around Huangshan since the Ming dynasty, but the Houkui style we know today only really took shape in the mid-1800s, with growers and producers refining it into something distinct by the early 1900s. A lot of that credit goes to people like Wang Kuicheng, who tightened up how leaves were picked and processed — essentially elevating what had been a loose regional style into something with real identity and consistency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFrom there, its reputation grew quickly. It earned a place among China's most celebrated teas and picked up recognition at various exhibitions along the way. But what's interesting is that this isn't a tea with ancient imperial roots or centuries of court patronage behind it. It's something that grew out of local experimentation — farmers and craftspeople figuring out what worked, then passing it on. That origin gives it a different kind of character: less mythologized, more grounded.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"1724\" data-start=\"908\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Cultivar of Taiping Houkui: Shidacha\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eThe tea's character starts with the plant itself. Shidacha (柿大茶) is a large-leaf variety native to Anhui, and it's not interchangeable with anything else — the broad leaves are what make Houkui's distinctive long, flat shape possible in the first place. Swap in a smaller-leaf cultivar and you lose both the structure and much of what makes it taste the way it does. Theanine and glutamate are behind that soft umami sweetness, caffeine gives it just enough backbone, and compounds like linalool and geraniol are responsible for the orchid fragrance that makes this tea so immediately recognisable. The variety and the flavour are inseparable.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"1724\" data-start=\"908\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandcrafting of Taiping Houkui\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eMaking Houkui is genuinely demanding work, which is part of why it holds national intangible cultural heritage status in China. It starts with careful picking — one bud, two leaves, selected for consistent size and shape. The leaves are then withered, pan-fired to stop oxidation, and pressed by hand into that flat, elongated form. The pressing has to be done with real attention: the leaves need to be aligned properly and pressed repeatedly to hold their shape without breaking. After that, a final drying locks everything in — the structure, the aroma, the clarity in the cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThere are machine-made versions out there, and they can look the part. But the handmade process does something to the flavour that machines haven't been able to replicate. With Houkui, how it's made is part of what it is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5540\" data-start=\"5525\" data-section-id=\"yph3lp\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReferences:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col data-end=\"7071\" data-start=\"5542\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"5624\" data-start=\"5542\" data-section-id=\"1qggeko\"\u003eTaiping houkui; Wikipedia; n.d.; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taiping_houkui\" class=\"decorated-link\" rel=\"noopener\" data-end=\"5622\" data-start=\"5578\"\u003ehttps:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taiping_houkui\u003cspan class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cuse fill=\"currentColor\" href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-e650466a.svg#304883\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"5790\" data-start=\"5625\" data-section-id=\"a5w5fn\"\u003eTaiping Houkui Tea – Origin, History; Chinese Tea Pedia; 2023; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/chineseteapedia.com\/taiping-houkui-tea-origin-history-brewing-method-and-health-benefits\/\" class=\"decorated-link\" rel=\"noopener\" data-end=\"5788\" data-start=\"5691\"\u003ehttps:\/\/chineseteapedia.com\/taiping-houkui-tea-origin-history-brewing-method-and-health-benefits\/\u003cspan class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cuse fill=\"currentColor\" href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-e650466a.svg#304883\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"5975\" data-start=\"5791\" data-section-id=\"l03dfp\"\u003eDiscrepancy on the flavor compound affect the quality of Taiping Houkui tea; Elsevier (Food Chemistry X); 2024; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S2590157524004358\" class=\"decorated-link\" rel=\"noopener\" data-end=\"5973\" data-start=\"5906\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S2590157524004358\u003cspan class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cuse fill=\"currentColor\" href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-e650466a.svg#304883\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"6158\" data-start=\"5976\" data-section-id=\"1i2nopq\"\u003eNational Intangible Cultural Heritage — Making Technique of Taiping Houkui; Anhui Government\/Xinhua; 2025; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/english.ah.gov.cn\/AboutAnhui\/Culture\/HuiCulture\/565435741.html\" class=\"decorated-link\" rel=\"noopener\" data-end=\"6156\" data-start=\"6086\"\u003ehttps:\/\/english.ah.gov.cn\/AboutAnhui\/Culture\/HuiCulture\/565435741.html\u003cspan class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cuse fill=\"currentColor\" href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-e650466a.svg#304883\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"6349\" data-start=\"6159\" data-section-id=\"c2z6lz\"\u003eNational Intangible Cultural Heritage — Making Technique of Taiping Houkui; All China Women’s Federation; 2025; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.womenofchina.cn\/womenofchina\/culture\/heritage\/2506\/0646-1.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" class=\"decorated-link\" rel=\"noopener\" data-end=\"6347\" data-start=\"6274\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.womenofchina.cn\/womenofchina\/culture\/heritage\/2506\/0646-1.htm\u003cspan class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cuse fill=\"currentColor\" href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-e650466a.svg#304883\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"6469\" data-start=\"6350\" data-section-id=\"1joc0bc\"\u003eTaiping Houkui – ChinaTeaGuru; China Tea Guru; 2025; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chinateaguru.com\/tea-benefits\/taiping-houkui.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" class=\"decorated-link\" rel=\"noopener\" data-end=\"6467\" data-start=\"6406\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.chinateaguru.com\/tea-benefits\/taiping-houkui.html\u003cspan class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cuse fill=\"currentColor\" href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-e650466a.svg#304883\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"6575\" data-start=\"6470\" data-section-id=\"dz5b5m\"\u003eTaiping Houkui; Taste All China; 2026; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteallchina.com\/chinese-tea\/taiping-houkui.html\" class=\"decorated-link\" rel=\"noopener\" data-end=\"6573\" data-start=\"6512\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.tasteallchina.com\/chinese-tea\/taiping-houkui.html\u003cspan class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cuse fill=\"currentColor\" href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-e650466a.svg#304883\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"6737\" data-start=\"6576\" data-section-id=\"a9cltw\"\u003eTaiping Houkui: Taste China’s Legendary Monkey King Tea; Orientaleaf; 2025; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/orientaleaf.com\/blogs\/tea-101\/taiping-houkui-monkey-king-green-tea-guide?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" class=\"decorated-link\" rel=\"noopener\" data-end=\"6735\" data-start=\"6655\"\u003ehttps:\/\/orientaleaf.com\/blogs\/tea-101\/taiping-houkui-monkey-king-green-tea-guide\u003cspan class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cuse fill=\"currentColor\" href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-e650466a.svg#304883\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"6905\" data-start=\"6738\" data-section-id=\"1y36hrf\"\u003eResearch on the Development of Tea Culture Tourism Products—A Case Study of Taiping Houkui; ResearchGate; 2022; \u003ca class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\" data-end=\"6903\" data-start=\"6853\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/366852366\u003cspan class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cuse fill=\"currentColor\" href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-e650466a.svg#304883\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"7071\" data-start=\"6906\" data-section-id=\"11zzomw\"\u003eIn pics: National intangible cultural heritage — making technique of Taiping Houkui; People’s Daily; 2025; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.people.cn\/n3\/2025\/0620\/c90000-20330380.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" class=\"decorated-link\" rel=\"noopener\" data-end=\"7071\" data-start=\"7017\"\u003ehttps:\/\/en.people.cn\/n3\/2025\/0620\/c90000-20330380.html\u003cspan class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cuse fill=\"currentColor\" href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-e650466a.svg#304883\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mt-3 w-full empty:hidden\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"O-FIVE RARE TEA BAR","offers":[{"title":"40g (Tin)","offer_id":20522388848728,"sku":"O5-038","price":35.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"80g","offer_id":20522388914264,"sku":"O5-038","price":65.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1kg (Special Order)","offer_id":52067557638455,"sku":null,"price":500.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2059\/0699\/files\/IMG_3952.jpg?v=1777501785","url":"https:\/\/www.o5tea.com\/products\/tai-ping-hou-kui-pre-qing-ming","provider":"O5 RARE TEA BAR","version":"1.0","type":"link"}