Oolong TeaChina

Tie Guan Yin Tea

Iron Goddess · Ti Kwan Yin

FloralCreamyFresh

Tie Guan Yin is China's most popular oolong, rolled into tight jade-green balls that unfurl over many infusions.

Tie Guan Yin tea — loose leaves
Oolong TeaFloral · Roasted · Complex
Medium body
Tea TypeOolong TeaFloral · Roasted · Complex
OriginFujian (Anxi), China
OxidationLowRoast: Low
BodyMedium
CaffeineMedium30–50 mg / cup

Flavor Profile

What does Tie Guan Yin taste like?

Tie Guan Yin is China's most popular oolong, rolled into tight jade-green balls that unfurl over many infusions. Modern light styles are intensely floral — orchid and lilac — with a signature creamy mouthfeel and a fresh, green edge. Traditional roasted versions add warm toasty depth. The tea rewards short repeated steeps and is forgiving to brew.

Flavor NotesStrongest first
Floral5 / 5
Creamy4 / 5
Fresh3 / 5
Sweet2 / 5

Bar length reflects the relative prominence of each flavor note (dominant first), not a laboratory measurement.

Origin

Fujian (Anxi), China

Anxi county in Fujian is the original home of Tie Guan Yin.

The birthplace of tea, producing every major tea style from green to dark.

Fujian (Anxi), China

Brewing Guide

How to Brew Tie Guan Yin

Tea Amount3 g
Water250 ml
Temperature90–95°C
Steep1–2 min
Re-steep4–6 times

Brewing parameters are a starting point and can be adjusted to taste.

Caffeine

Caffeine in Tie Guan Yin

Medium

Typical brewed serving

30–50mg per cup

Tie Guan Yin is a medium-caffeine oolong tea. A typical brewed serving contains about 30–50 mg of caffeine.

Values can vary depending on quantity, brewing time, serving size, and preparation method.

Styles & Harvests

Styles of Tie Guan Yin

Light & Floral

Modern qingxiang style: green, intensely floral, creamy.

Floral · Creamy · Fresh

Traditional Roast

Nongxiang style: warmer, toasty, with caramelized depth.

Roasted · Sweet · Nutty

Charcoal Roast

Slow charcoal-fired style with dark, mineral warmth.

Roasted · Smoky · Earthy

Keep Exploring

If you like Tie Guan Yin

Side by Side

Want to see how Tie Guan Yin compares?

Put Tie Guan Yin next to Da Hong Pao and compare flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing side by side.

FAQ

Tie Guan Yin Tea FAQ

Quick answers about Tie Guan Yin tea, drawn from its flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing profile.

What is Tie Guan Yin tea?

Tie Guan Yin is China's most popular oolong, rolled into tight jade-green balls that unfurl over many infusions. It is also known as Iron Goddess and Ti Kwan Yin.

Does Tie Guan Yin tea have caffeine?

Yes. Tie Guan Yin is a medium-caffeine tea, typically 30–50 mg per brewed serving.

What does Tie Guan Yin tea taste like?

Tie Guan Yin is known for a profile led by Floral, Creamy, and Fresh, with a medium body.

How do you brew Tie Guan Yin tea?

Use about 3 g of tea per 250 ml of water at 90–95°C, steeping for 1–2 minutes. It can be re-steeped 4–6 times.

Is Tie Guan Yin tea bitter?

Bitterness is not a defining note of Tie Guan Yin; its profile centers on Floral, Creamy, and Fresh.