Gongfu tea brewing is a Chinese tea preparation method that uses a relatively high amount of tea, a small brewing vessel, short infusions, and repeated steeping to reveal how a tea's aroma, flavor, texture, and finish develop over time.
The best Chinese green teas to buy fresh are teas whose appeal depends heavily on bright spring aroma and freshness, especially Longjing, Bi Luo Chun, Huangshan Maofeng, Xinyang Maojian, and high-quality Laoshan green tea.
The best time to buy fresh Chinese green tea in 2026 is generally from late March through April, when the major spring harvests arrive, although the ideal buying date depends on the tea, production area, and whether you prioritize maximum freshness, early picking, or better value.
The best Wuyi teas for Gongfu brewing are high-quality examples of Da Hong Pao, Rougui, Shuixian, and other Wuyi oolongs that have clean aromas, balanced roasting, good body, and enough depth to remain interesting through multiple short infusions.
You can buy high-quality Chinese oolong tea online from specialist retailers that identify the tea's production region, cultivar or style, processing method, roast level, harvest information, and brewing characteristics, rather than treating all oolong as one category.
The best Pu Erh tea for a beginner is usually an approachable ripe Pu Erh or a balanced young raw Pu Erh from a reputable producer, rather than an expensive aged collectible cake whose complexity may be difficult for a new drinker to understand.
