What are the different types of Chinese tea?
There are six great types — Green, White, Yellow, Oolong, Black and Dark Tea (which includes Pu-erh) — all from the same Camellia sinensis plant, differing in how the leaf is processed and oxidised.
Broadly: Green and White are the freshest and most delicate; Yellow is mellow and rare; Oolong sits in the middle, from floral to roasted; Black is warm, smooth and easy; and Pu-erh is Yunnan's aged, earthy speciality.
The Discovery Pack lets you taste right across them; see the full breakdown in All Tea.
What teas and products does Valley Green Tea sell?
We carry a full range of authentic Chinese tea — Green Tea, White Tea, Yellow Tea, Oolong Tea, Black Tea, Jasmine Tea, Dark Tea (Hei Cha), and a deep Pu-erh range in both raw (Sheng) and ripe (Shou), as loose leaf and pressed cakes.
We also stock teaware — gaiwans, Yixing pots, cups and gift sets — everything you need to brew properly.
What's the difference between raw and ripe pu-erh?
Raw (Sheng) pu-erh is made traditionally and ages slowly over years, moving from bright and brisk when young to deep and mellow when aged.
Ripe (Shou) pu-erh is fermented to reach that smooth, earthy, mellow character much sooner, so it's approachable straight away — often the easier starting point.
The Pu-erh Trial Pack lets you taste both and decide which you prefer.
Which pack is best for a complete beginner?
The Discovery Pack — it's the widest range in one box, so you can quickly find the styles you enjoy before buying anything full-size.
If you already know you're drawn to pu-erh, start with the Pu-erh Trial Pack instead.
How much tea should I buy to begin?
Start small. A sampler or tasting pack gives you plenty for many pots without over-committing — you'll drink your way through a handful of teas, learn what you love, and only then buy the full sizes worth keeping on your shelf.
Do I need special equipment to brew Chinese tea?
No — a simple cup or a gaiwan is all you need to start, and every product page has a step-by-step brewing guide.
When you're ready to go further, our Chinese tea sets and accessories make it easy.
Why buy from Valley Green Tea?
We're a Sydney-based family business that has been sourcing and selling authentic Chinese tea online in Australia for 18 years.
We buy direct from the tea farms, taste widely from high-end to everyday, and only list the teas that give the best value for the quality — the ones we'd happily drink ourselves. Buying at the source keeps them fresh and fairly priced.
Where is your tea from, how fresh is it, and do you ship Australia-wide?
Bought direct from the tea farms in China and carefully selected — we taste across grades and price ranges to find the best value for the quality.
It ships fresh and fast from our Sydney warehouse, Australia-wide and to NZ — with free shipping over $100.
Ready to explore the whole range? Browse All Tea, or pick a proven favourite from our Signature Teas.
