The History: The “Monkey King” of Green Tea
Taiping Houkui is one of China’s most visually stunning and prestigious green teas. It was first created in the late 19th century in Taiping County (now Huangshan District) of Anhui Province.
The name “Houkui” is a combination of “Hou” (Monkey) from Houkeng village, and “Kui” (Leader/Chief), signifying its status as the “King” of teas. Legend says a farmer noticed a wild tea bush growing on a cliffside so steep only monkeys could reach it. He managed to get seeds from it and created this majestic tea. In 1915, it won the gold medal at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, alongside Keemun and Maofeng.
Geography: The Mists of Houkeng
Taiping Houkui is grown in a very small, specific area near Taiping Lake at the foot of the Yellow Mountain (Huangshan).
- Terroir: The best tea comes from Houkeng Village. The high altitude (700m+), cool mist from the lake, and nutrient-rich soil create a unique environment.
- The Unique Processing: Unlike other teas that are rolled, Taiping Houkui leaves are pressed flat between two layers of mesh cloth and dried. This preserves the leaf’s natural size (sometimes up to 10cm long!) and prevents it from curling.
Decoding the Grades
Taiping Houkui is graded by its “form” and its source. Because the production process is entirely by hand and extremely slow, true Houkeng tea is very rare.
1. Sourcing
- Houkeng (Core Area): The “Champagne” of Houkui. It has a distinctive orchid fragrance and a sweet “mountain charm.”
- Hougang & Yanjiachun: High-quality areas surrounding the core village.
2. Picking Standard
- Special Grade: One bud with two leaves, perfectly flat, straight, and uniform. The leaves should “sandwich” the bud, creating a “two knives and one pole” appearance.
How to Identify Quality
True Taiping Houkui is famous for its “Green Body and Red Vein.”
| Feature | High-Quality (Premium) | Lower-Quality (Mass Market) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Large, flat, straight leaves (7-10cm); vibrant green with a subtle red vein at the center. | Short, thin, or broken leaves; yellowish-green or brownish. |
| Aroma | Elegant, long-lasting orchid fragrance. | Grassy, flat, or artificially perfumed. |
| Liquor | Clear, bright yellowish-green. | Dull yellow or cloudy. |
| Taste | Sweet, mellow, with a “refreshing” floral aftertaste; zero bitterness. | Thin, watery, or harshly astringent. |
Reputable Brands & Where to Buy
Be wary of “Machine-made” Houkui. It looks perfect and flat but lacks the flavor of hand-pressed tea.
Reputable Specialized Brands:
- Monkey Brand (猴牌): The most famous historical brand for Taiping Houkui.
- International-Friendly Online Shops:
- Seven Cups: One of the few Western vendors with a direct relationship with the Houkeng village masters.
- Teavivre: Offers both hand-pressed and machine-pressed versions for different price points.
- Meimei Fine Teas: Excellent for small-batch, high-mountain spring harvests.
- The Tea Hong: Highly curated selections with a focus on traditional hand-pressing.
Taiping Houkui is a “gentle giant.” Despite its large size, it is incredibly delicate. For the best visual experience, brew it in a tall glass with 80°C water. Watch as the long leaves stand upright like a forest in the water—a sight as beautiful as the taste.