Bi Luo Chun (Green Snail Spring) is a premium Chinese green tea originating from Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, with its core growing region situated in Dongting Mountain near Taihu (Lake Tai).

It holds the esteemed status of a Chinese Geographical Indication product.

Centuries ago, this loose-leaf green tea was reserved as an imperial tribute, and today it is celebrated for its exceptional aroma.

The name itself captures its essence: Bi denotes its jade-green color, Luo refers to the tight, spiral shape of the leaves, and Chun signifies its spring harvest.

Harvest Types

Although harvested annually in spring, Bi Luo Chun is categorized into early and late tea based on the tea plant variety and budding period.

Early Tea (March)

• Picked from clonally propagated cultivars introduced from other regions, such as Fuding Dahao and Longjing.
• Cultivated in Dongting Mountain.
• Processed using traditional local methods.
• Represents carefully selected, high-quality varieties, analogous to specialty fruits like Sunlight Rose grapes.

Late Tea (April)

• Comes from native, seed-propagated tea trees (botanically known as the Qunti Xiaoye Zhong variety).
• Buds later than early tea.
• This is the tea Emperor Kangxi (1661–1722) officially named Suzhou Dongting Bi Luo Chun Green Tea.

Appearance & Trichomes

Locals affectionately call this tea “Juan Mao Mao Cha”—literally “curly fuzz”—referring to the fine white hairs that coat the curled leaves.

As shown in our unretouched product images, these silvery trichomes are clearly visible.

Scientifically known as trichomes (or "tea fuzz"), these tiny structures on the buds and young leaves are:

• Rich in amino acids and aromatic compounds
• Vital to the tea's signature fragrance and complex flavor

Authenticity & Grades

Genuine Bi Luo Chun Tea must exhibit an abundance of these delicate trichomes, making it one of the few teas that cannot be machine-harvested.

• Highest grade: ~80,000 individual buds to produce 1 jin (≈500 g) of dry tea
• First-grade premium: ~50,000 precise pickings (one bud, one leaf standard)
• Second-grade: 20,000–30,000 precise pickings

In short: the higher the grade, the greater the proportion of buds to leaves.

This meticulous, hand-made process is central to understanding Bi Luo Chun's value.

Traditional tea trees (which command a premium) combined with immense manual labor define its pricing.

Brewing Instructions

Given the critical role of tender buds, brewing Bi Luo Chun (Green Snail Spring) requires care.

To achieve a clear, vibrant infusion:

• Use water heated to 80–85°C (176–185°F)
• Maintain a tea-to-water ratio of roughly 1:50
• Employ the “top-drop” method: pour hot water first, then add the leaves

Our Offering: Bi Luo Chun – Spring Harvest

Sourced from traditional tea trees in Dongting Mountain, this batch of Bi Luo Chun Green Tea (Green Snail Spring) – Spring Harvest is crafted with 5,000–6,000 buds and young leaves per jin of dry tea.

When brewed:

• The liquor is clear yet visibly flecked with fine trichomes
• Offers a fresh, elegant taste with a characteristic Huigan—a pleasant sweetness that quickly emerges and lingers after a subtle initial note
• The tea glides smoothly over the palate, providing a clean, refreshing sensation and layered depth

About Me

I am Chen Junhua, a tea master at a physical teahouse affiliated with Chinese Tea Group and a nationally certified Level 1 Tea Taster.

It is my genuine pleasure to invite you to savor this Bi Luo Chun Green Tea—a tea born in the mist-clad, picturesque landscapes of Jiangnan.

Explore Higher Grades of Bi Luo Chun or Other Chinese Teas:

• Our teahouse offers a wider selection than our online store
• Feel free to reach out to our customer service team for personalized consultation
• We welcome custom orders and can provide small samples before larger purchases

While some nuances of Chinese tea appreciation are challenging to translate, we remain dedicated to sharing the authentic flavors and rich cultural heritage of Chinese tea with enthusiasts across the world.