Da-Hong Pao tea, valued at around $1.2 million per kg, is the most expensive tea in the world. It is grown in the Wuyi mountains of China's Fujian province and has been designated a national treasure due to its scarcity. During former US President Richard Nixon's official visit to China, Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic of China, presented him with 200 grams of Da-Hong Pao, a symbol of peace and friendship between the two countries.

Its history dates back to the Ming dynasty and is a type of oolong tea. The name Da-Hong Pao translates to "Big Red Robe," and legend has it that the Chinese emperor of the Ming Dynasty donated his robe in order to obtain a jar of this oolong tea to help his ailing mother.

The best Da-Hong Pao tea comes from the mother trees, of which there are only six on the planet. In 2005, 20 grams of Da-Hong Pao tea from the mother plants sold for around $30,000, setting a new auction record.

Did you know?

The Wuyi city government insured the six Da Hong Pao mother trees in 2006 for 100 million RMB (approximately $15.7 million USD).

Current Price: $1.2 Million per Kg

Country of Origin: Wuyi Mountains, Fujian Province, China

Type of Tea: Oolong

The second one in the 10 most expensive teas in the world that Toplist would like to introduce to you is Panda Dung Tea. Panda tea, also known as panda dung tea, is a type of tea that is fertilized by panda dung and grown in the Ya'an mountainous region of Sichuan, China.

An Yanshi, an entrepreneur in southwest China, pioneered the use of panda dung from nearby breeding centers as organic fertilizer and sold the first batch of this unusual brew for around $3,500 for 50 grams, or about $200 (£130) a cup.. An Yanshi claims that the tea is healthy because pandas only eat wild bamboo and absorb only about 30% of the nutrients, and that it promotes "the culture of recycling and using organic fertilizers". Panda dung is thought to have numerous health benefits due to its high antioxidant content. Panda Dung tea costs around $70,000 per kilogram.

Did you know?

When Panda Dung Tea first became known, its creator, An Yanshi, defended the steep price by claiming that the majority of the profits would be diverted into an environmental fund and that future batches would be cheaper.

Current Price: $70,000 per kg

Country of Origin: Ya’an Mountains, Sichuan, China

Type of Tea: Green Tea

The third one in the 10 most expensive teas in the world that Toplist would like to introduce to you is PG Tips Diamond Tea Bag. PG Tips, a well-known tea brand from the United Kingdom, released a special diamond-encrusted tea bag in 2005. The PG Tips Diamond Tea Bag was created to benefit the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and to commemorate the company's 75th anniversary.

The PG Tips Diamond Tea Bag was created by the jewelry chain Boodles. The tea bag was encrusted with 280 diamonds but still functioned and was filled with genuine Silver Tips Imperial Tea.

Did you know?

The PG Tips Diamond Tea Bag was adorned with 100 2.56 carat diamonds on the bag's sides, another 100 on the inside, and 80 diamonds on the bag's white gold "string."

Current Price: $15,000 per bag

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Type of Tea: Oolong (bag filled with Silver Tips Imperial Tea)

There is affordable, lower-quality Pu-erh tea, just like some of the more expensive teas on this list. The best, special grade Pu-erh, on the other hand, can fetch up to $10,000 per kilogram. Pu-erh is a fermented tea, and its age, like wine, influences its quality and price.

There are two types of Pu-erh production: traditional, slower production known as shng (raw) pu-erh and modern, accelerated production known as shóu (ripe) pu-erh. Microbial fermentation is encouraged in both methods, giving the Pu-erh tea a more complex flavor.

Did you know that?

Making authentic Pu-erh is so important that the Chinese government has designated it as a protected origin product. To be labeled Pu-erh, a tea must be made from the large-leaf subspecies Camellia sinensis var. assamica and grown in Yunnan Province.

Current Price: Up to $10,000 per kg

Country of Origin: Yunnan Province, China

Type of Tea: Fermented Dark Tea

The fifth one in the 10 most expensive teas in the world that Toplist would like to introduce to you is TWG Yellow Gold Tea Buds. While some of the teas on this list are more expensive, TWG's Yellow Gold Tea Buds are the most opulent. This rare yellow tea is adorned with 24K gold flakes, which adds to its high price. Yellow Gold Tea Buds can only be obtained from TWG, which is based in Singapore. The tea, on the other hand, can be ordered online. Yellow Gold Tea Buds are currently selling for S$582 per 50 grams (approximately $431).

According to reports, Yellow Gold Tea Buds are harvested on a single mountain on a single day each year. TWG uses golden scissors to cut only the tea buds from the top of the tree.

Did you know that?

TWG Yellow Gold Tea Buds are sun-dried and heat-treated, giving the tea leaves a yellowish hue and a soft flowery flavor.

Current Price: $8,615 per kg

Country of Origin: China

Type of Tea: Yellow Tea

Vintage Narcissus tea, also known as Shui Xian in China, is another expensive tea. Narcissus Tea is a tea variety grown on Mount Wuyi that is famous for its elegant, orchid-like aroma. Wuyi Narcissus Oolong Tea is one of China's most well-known oolong teas.

Mount Wuyi has three oolong tea varieties: DaHongPao, Rou Gui, and Narcissus tea. The aroma of narcissus tea is similar to that of an orchid. The aroma of orchids will become more noticeable as tea trees age. Even from 30 meters away, it is said to be possible to smell the aroma of a 50-year-old narcissus oolong tea.

Unfortunately, the Narcissus Tea is so weak that most narcissus tea cannot survive more than 30 years, making Narcissus Tea that lasts longer than 30 years rare and valuable. The 53-year-old narcissus oolong tea was once sold for $4,300 per 100g.

Narcissus Tea arrived in Taiwan with immigrants 200 years ago. As a result, Taiwan, in addition to Mount Wuyi, is another source of Narcissus Oolong Tea.

Did you know?

"Shui Xian" translates to "water sprite," which is why the tea is known as Narcissus in English, a reference to the Greek mythological figure of the same name.

Current Price: $6,500 per kg

Country of Origin: Wuyi Mountains, Fujian Province, China

Type of Tea: Oolong

Tieguanyin, Tie Guan Yin, Ti Kwan Yin are all names for Tieguanyin. Ti Kuan Yin, also known as the Iron Goddess or Mercy, is a Chinese oolong tea from the Fujian province of Anxi. Fujian is an important tea province and the birthplace of many famous Chinese teas. Fujian is the origin of Chinese white teas such as Silver Needle and Pai Mu Tan, black Lapsang Souchong, and well-known WuYi rock teas such as Red Robe.

Tieguanyin is both a type of Chinese oolong tea and the name of a tea cultivar. Tieguanyin, like all true teas, is derived from the Camellia sinensis tea plant. It can be made with tieguanyin or other tea cultivars. Some Tieguanyin teas are even a blend of various tea cultivars. Tieguanyin oolong from Anxi should always be authentic. Other areas are now producing this tea as well. Although it has a similar shape and flavor, it is not considered authentic. Other teas that are very similar to tieguanyin include maoxie oolong, huangjingui oolong, and benshan oolong.

This tea is also unique in that it belongs to a very broad category of teas. They can be more or less oxidized, roasted, or both, and each has a unique flavor profile. The only thing they have in common is that their leaves are all shaped like small, tightly rolled balls and they don't have any branches. When brewing Taiwanese high mountain teas, for example, you will notice a bud and a few leaves attached to a branch. Tieguanyin consists solely of leaves.

Tieguanyin can be harvested during the spring, summer, autumn, and winter seasons. Winter harvesting is extremely rare. Tieguanyin is best harvested in the spring and autumn. The best Tieguanyin varieties cost around $3,000 per kilogram.

Did you know that?

Tieguanyin tea is named after the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin, who is also known as Kannon in Japan and Gwan-eum in Korea.

Current Price: $3,000 per kg

Country of Origin: Anxi, Fujian Province, China

Type of Tea: Oolong

The eighth one in the 10 most expensive teas in the world that Toplist would like to introduce to you is Silver Tips Imperial. Silver Tips Imperial is India's most expensive tea. On the Makaibari estate, the rare tea is only harvested on clear, full-moon nights when the planets align to produce optimal harvest conditions. This special tea costs around $1,850 per kilogram.

During the picking season, which lasts from March to October, Makaibari's farmers use a celestial calendar to determine the best time to pick Silver Tips Imperial leaves. During the harvest season, the plants can only be picked four or five times. This extremely limited supply raises the price of Silver Tips Imperial.

Did you know that?

Silver Suggestions Because Makaibari's farmers believe that sunlight alters the aroma and consistency of the tea, Imperial must be picked at night and completed before the sun rises.

Current Price: $1,850 per kg

Country of Origin: Darjeeling, West Bengal, India

Type of Tea: Oolong

Gyokuro is regarded as one of Japan's highest grades of green tea. Because gyokuro is one of the most expensive types of Japanese green tea, its high quality comes at a high cost. Gyokuro is regarded as one of Japan's highest grades of green tea.

Gyokuro is a dark green tea that is slightly sweet and has a refreshing aroma when brewed. Gyokuro costs around $650 per kilogram. Gyokuro retains its rich green color because it is grown in partial shade rather than full sun, as other types of Japanese green tea are. The tea leaves are shielded from sunlight for at least 20 days prior to harvesting, which increases production costs. Gyokuro is prepared differently than other types of green tea. To extract the best flavor, it is usually steeped at a lower temperature.

Did you know that?

Shading the Gyokuro increases the levels of the amino acid theanine and the alkaloid caffeine in the leaves, giving Gyokuro its signature light sweet flavor.

Current Price: $650 per kg

Country of Origin: Japan

Type of Tea: Green Tea

Tienchi Flower Tea is a popular herbal tea known for its health benefits. The flower grows in Yunnan Province, China, and is rare because it only blooms once every three years. Tienchi Flower Tea currently costs around $200 per kilogram.

Tienchi flowers are sun-dried after harvesting. Tea merchants tightly pack them to preserve the fragrance and active ingredients of the flowers. It is also critical to avoid moisture, which can easily lead to mold growth.

Tienchi Flower Tea, like ginseng, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Tienchi Flower Tea is popular in China during the summer months due to its refreshing flavor.

It has many similarities with ginseng in terms of taste and health benefits. Aside from dried flower tea, products such as Tienchi flower extract and Tienchi health supplement are available on the market.

Brewing it with hot water is simple. Within minutes, you can have a refreshing and healthy drink. Scroll down to learn how to brew Tienchi flower tea in detail.

Did you know that?

Some of the health benefits of drinking Tienchi Flower Tea include increased energy, better sleep, improved skin and liver health, and increased oxygen levels.

Current Price: $200 per kg

Country of Origin: Yunnan Province, China

Type of Tea: Herbal Tea