China has one of the world’s oldest and richest drinking cultures, with thousands of years of history behind its teas, herbal infusions, and traditional beverages. From delicate green teas enjoyed by scholars to medicinal herbal drinks used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Chinese drinks are deeply connected to culture, health, and daily life. Whether you love tea, want natural wellness drinks, or are curious about traditional flavors, these beverages offer something unique. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 Chinese drinks (tea, herbal, and traditional), highlighting their taste, origin, health benefits, and why they are loved across generations.
1. Green Tea (绿茶 – Lǜ Chá)
Green tea is the most popular and widely consumed tea in China, known for its fresh aroma, light color, and refreshing taste. Famous varieties include Longjing (Dragon Well) from Hangzhou, Biluochun from Jiangsu, and Huangshan Maofeng from Anhui. Green tea is minimally processed, which helps preserve natural antioxidants like catechins, making it highly valued for health benefits such as boosting metabolism, improving heart health, and supporting brain function. In Chinese daily life, green tea is often enjoyed without sugar or milk, allowing drinkers to appreciate its natural grassy, nutty, or slightly sweet flavor, making it a perfect drink for both relaxation and wellness.
2. Black Tea (红茶 – Hóng Chá)
Chinese black tea, called “red tea” in China because of its reddish brew, is bold, smooth, and aromatic. Famous types include Keemun (Qimen) from Anhui, Dianhong from Yunnan, and Lapsang Souchong from Fujian. Unlike green tea, black tea is fully oxidized, giving it a richer flavor with notes of honey, fruit, chocolate, or even smoky aromas. Black tea is popular in the morning because it contains more caffeine than green tea, providing a gentle energy boost. It is also known for aiding digestion and warming the body, making it especially popular in colder regions and during winter.
3. Oolong Tea (乌龙茶 – Wū Lóng Chá)
Oolong tea sits between green and black tea, offering a wide range of flavors from light and floral to deep and roasted. Famous oolongs include Tieguanyin from Fujian, Da Hong Pao from Wuyi Mountains, and Dong Ding from Taiwan-style Chinese tea traditions. Oolong tea is semi-oxidized, which creates complex layers of taste, often described as fruity, creamy, or mineral-like. It is commonly enjoyed using the traditional gongfu tea ceremony, where small teapots and cups are used to highlight aroma and flavor. Many people drink oolong for its benefits in digestion, weight management, and mental focus.
4. Pu-erh Tea (普洱茶 – Pǔ’ěr Chá)
Pu-erh tea is a unique fermented tea from Yunnan Province, known for its deep, earthy flavor and smooth, mellow finish. It comes in two main types: raw (sheng) and ripe (shou). Raw pu-erh ages naturally over many years, developing complex flavors, while ripe pu-erh is artificially fermented for quicker results. Pu-erh is often pressed into cakes or bricks, making it easy to store and age. In China, it is believed to help reduce cholesterol, support digestion, and detox the body, which is why it is commonly served after heavy meals.
5. Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶 – Jú Huā Chá)
Chrysanthemum tea is a popular herbal drink made by steeping dried chrysanthemum flowers in hot water. It has a light, floral aroma and a naturally sweet, cooling taste. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, chrysanthemum tea is believed to “cool the body,” making it especially popular in summer or for people who feel overheated. It is often used to reduce sore throats, relieve eye strain, and calm the mind. Many people like to combine it with goji berries or rock sugar for extra flavor and health benefits, making it both tasty and soothing.
6. Goji Berry Tea (枸杞茶 – Gǒu Qǐ Chá)
Goji berry tea is made by soaking dried goji berries in hot water, creating a mildly sweet and fruity drink. Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are famous in Chinese medicine for supporting vision, boosting immunity, and improving overall vitality. This tea is especially popular among people who work long hours in front of screens, as it is believed to protect eye health. Unlike strong teas, goji berry tea is caffeine-free, making it suitable for drinking anytime, even at night.
7. Ginger Tea (姜茶 – Jiāng Chá)
Ginger tea is a warming traditional drink made by boiling or steeping fresh ginger slices in hot water. It has a spicy, slightly sweet flavor that instantly warms the body. In Chinese culture, ginger tea is often used to prevent colds, improve blood circulation, and ease stomach discomfort. It is especially popular during winter, after getting wet in the rain, or when feeling cold or tired. Many people add brown sugar, honey, or red dates to make the taste smoother and more comforting.
8. Red Date Tea (红枣茶 – Hóng Zǎo Chá)
Red date tea is made from dried jujube dates, known as “hongzao” in Chinese. This drink has a naturally sweet, caramel-like flavor and is often combined with longan, goji berries, or ginger. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, red dates are believed to nourish the blood, improve energy, and calm the mind. Women often drink red date tea to reduce fatigue and improve skin health. It is caffeine-free, gentle on the stomach, and perfect as a daily wellness drink.
9. Herbal Cooling Tea (凉茶 – Liáng Chá)
Cooling tea is a traditional herbal drink from southern China, especially Guangdong and Hong Kong. It is made from a mix of medicinal herbs such as honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, licorice root, and self-heal plant. Despite its name, it can be served hot or cold, but its main purpose is to “cool internal heat” according to TCM. Cooling tea is often used to prevent sore throats, acne, mouth ulcers, and heat-related discomfort. The taste is slightly bitter, but many people believe the health benefits make it worth drinking regularly.
10. Soy Milk (豆浆 – Dòu Jiāng)
Soy milk is one of the most common traditional Chinese drinks, especially for breakfast. Made by blending soaked soybeans with water and boiling the mixture, it has a creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor. Soy milk is often enjoyed hot with fried dough sticks (youtiao) or steamed buns. It is rich in plant protein, calcium, and vitamins, making it a healthy alternative to dairy milk. In China, it can be sweetened with sugar or enjoyed plain or even slightly salty, depending on regional taste.
Conclusion
The top 10 Chinese drinks (tea, herbal, traditional) show how rich and meaningful Chinese beverage culture truly is. From famous teas like green tea, oolong, and pu-erh to herbal favorites like chrysanthemum, ginger, and red date tea, each drink has its own story, flavor, and health benefit. Whether you are looking for relaxation, energy, or natural wellness, Chinese drinks offer a perfect balance of taste and tradition. Try adding these drinks to your daily routine and experience the beauty of Chinese culture one cup at a time.