Eating in China
Chibi qingzhuan tea

Chibi qingzhuan tea

赤壁青砖茶Chì bì qīng zhuān chá

A compressed dark tea from Chibi, Hubei, made with piled fermentation. Its brown leaf brick brews an amber-red, mellow, full-bodied drink; 'qingzhuan' does not mean a green-tea infusion.

Order in Chinese

At the table

How to enjoy it

Let the tea cool slightly, then sip from the cup, leaving the leaves behind. If served in a pot or gaiwan, pour the infusion into a drinking cup; the leaves can be infused again.

A useful check

Contains caffeine and may be served very hot. This is not a caffeine-free herbal drink.

How it may vary

The representative cup is plain, without added sugar, milk or honey. Leaf selection, processing and brewing strength affect its taste.

Know what you’re trying.

Plain brewed tea; no fixed serving size.

Ingredients

The named tea leaves and water.

Origin & regional roots

Hubei

Associated with Hubei.

About this regional connection

Hubei: Chibi and the Yangloudong–Zhaoliqiao brick-tea tradition.

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Ask if they have it first

ASK IF IT'S AVAILABLE

请问你们有赤壁青砖茶吗?

Do you have this item?

A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ

Story & history

Chibi qingzhuan tea

This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.

Yangloudong and Zhaoliqiao are associated with Chibi's brick-tea craft and trade. Compact bricks made storage and transport easier.

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