Bi Luo Chun Green Tea: A Guide to China’s Tiny Spring Snail Tea

Have you ever considered trying Bi Luo Chun Chinese green tea, only to pause and wonder what this tea actually is? If so, you’re not alone. With its poetic name, legendary origins, and distinctive appearance, Bi Luo Chun green tea often sparks curiosity among tea lovers.

To help you decide whether this iconic tea is right for you, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about Bi Luo Chun green tea, including its history, flavor profile, growing regions, and brewing method. After all, this celebrated Chinese and Taiwanese green tea is widely regarded as one of the finest spring green teas in the world.

What Is Chinese Bi Luo Chun Green Tea?

Bi Luo Chun green tea is one of the most famous and prestigious Chinese green teas, prized for its early spring harvest, delicate aroma, and tightly rolled leaves. It is also known as “Tiny Spring Snail” green tea, a name inspired by the snail-shaped coils of the tea leaves and the season in which they are harvested.

⚠️ Important clarification:
Bi Luo Chun is not an oolong tea. It is a non-oxidized green tea. The term “snail” refers only to the shape of the leaf, not the level of oxidation.

Bi Luo Chun is especially revered in China for both its historical legends and its refined sensory experience.

The Legend of Bi Luo Chun Green Tea

The legend of Bi Luo Chun green tea is one of the most colorful stories in Chinese tea history. According to folklore, a young tea picker in ancient China ran out of space in her basket while harvesting. To carry more leaves, she tucked them inside her clothing. Warmed by body heat, the tea leaves released an intense and captivating fragrance.

Because of this overpowering aroma, the tea was originally nicknamed “Scary Fragrance.” During the Qing Dynasty, the Kangxi Emperor tasted the tea and found the name inelegant. He renamed it Bi Luo Chun, meaning Green Snail Spring, giving the tea its refined and poetic identity.

Later, the tea scholar Zheng Jun ranked Bi Luo Chun as one of the finest Chinese green teas in his famous tea encyclopedia Cha Shuo, cementing its legendary status.

Growing Region of Chinese Bi Luo Chun Green Tea

Traditional Chinese Bi Luo Chun green tea is grown in Jiangsu Province, specifically near Dongting Mountain on Lake Tai (Taihu). This region is known for its misty climate, fertile soil, and interplanting of tea bushes with fruit trees—conditions that contribute to Bi Luo Chun’s natural floral and fruity aroma.

Appearance of Bi Luo Chun Green Tea

• Dry leaves: Dark green, tightly rolled into small spiral coils

• Brewed liquor: Pale green, almost transparent, with a luminous clarity

The delicate appearance of the brewed tea contrasts beautifully with the vibrant energy of its aroma.

Taste Profile of Chinese Bi Luo Chun Green Tea

The flavor of Bi Luo Chun green tea is light yet complex. It is highly aromatic, with notes that many describe as:

• Floral

• Fresh

• Slightly fruity

• Smooth and sweet with minimal bitterness

This refined profile makes Bi Luo Chun a favorite among green tea connoisseurs.

Taiwan Sanxia Bi Luo Chun Green Tea

In addition to Chinese Bi Luo Chun, Taiwan also produces a notable Bi Luo Chun green tea, primarily in the Sanxia District of New Taipei City. This tea was introduced to Taiwan in the early 20th century and has since become a cherished local specialty.

Taste

Taiwan Sanxia Bi Luo Chun green tea is slightly more delicate and mellow than its Chinese counterpart, offering a soothing and gentle drinking experience.

Aroma

The aroma is naturally sweet, often carrying subtle chestnut and nutty notes, making it especially comforting.

Production Method

Taiwanese Bi Luo Chun follows a traditional Chinese-style green tea process:

• Pan-firing to halt oxidation

• Hand-rolling into spiral shapes

• Gentle drying to preserve aroma

This method gives the tea its signature oriental character and clean finish.

How to Brew Bi Luo Chun Green Tea

To brew Bi Luo Chun green tea properly and preserve its delicate flavor:

• Use 3 grams of tea per 100 ml of water

• Heat water to 75–80°C (167–176°F)

• Steep for 20–30 seconds

• Decant fully before serving

Avoid boiling water, as it can scorch the leaves and cause bitterness. Bi Luo Chun can be re-infused multiple times, with each infusion revealing new aromatic layers.

Final Thoughts on Bi Luo Chun Green Tea

Whether you choose traditional Chinese Bi Luo Chun green tea or the softer Taiwan Sanxia Bi Luo Chun, both offer an elegant and refreshing green tea experience rooted in centuries of tradition.

With its legendary history, refined aroma, and delicate flavor, Bi Luo Chun green tea is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a premium spring green tea that embodies craftsmanship, culture, and calm.

If you’re a lover of green tea, Bi Luo Chun is truly worth exploring.