Tian Jian (天尖茶): A Quiet Masterpiece from the Misty Mountains of Hunan

A Cup of Culture and Contemplation

High in the misty mountains of Hunan, China, tea leaves grow slowly, patiently, as if waiting for their moment to become something more than a drink to become a reflection of life itself.

Tian Jian (天尖茶) is not just a tea to be sipped, it is a tea to be remembered. It invites you to slow down, breathe, and connect. Rooted in centuries of tradition, it offers not only deep flavors but also a sense of peace in every pour.

Not Just Black, The Untold Story of Dark Tea

Among the many dark teas of China, Tian Jian (天尖茶) holds a particularly rare place. It is produced only once a year, during late spring to early summer (May–June), when the leaves are most suitable for fermentation. Skilled workers handpick the 3rd to 5th leaves, strong and mature enough to withstand aging — rather than delicate buds used in green or oolong teas. (谷雨), when the tea bushes are at their most vibrant. This strict seasonal timing ensures that only the highest-quality buds and leaves are selected, making Tian Jian a true expression of time, nature, and craftsmanship.

Although often mistaken for “Black Tea,” Tian Jian belongs to the rarer and more ancient category of Dark Tea (Hei Cha 黑茶) A class of fermented teas that evolve beautifully with time. Unlike black teas (known in Chinese as Hong Cha), which are fully oxidized and then dried, Dark Teas undergo post-fermentation — a natural aging process involving microbes that transform the flavor and texture over months and even years.

The result?
A tea that deepens over time, developing earthy aromas, woody warmth, and subtle sweetness. It’s a tea that doesn’t demand attention, but patiently rewards those who are willing to wait and listen.

A Journey Through Tian Jian's Vintages

Tian Jian 2009 

Harvested from wild tea trees that have grown for centuries on the high-altitude slopes of Gao Jia Shan (高家山) and Yun Tai Shan (云台山) in Henan province (河南省), this 2009 vintage has been aged for over 15 years. Its deep orange-red liquor is rich and full-bodied, with a mineral sweetness, soft malted notes, and a grounding earthiness.

Much like fine aged wine, mature Tian Jian becomes smoother and more refined with time — the tannins soften, the aromas deepen, and each sip offers a round, layered complexity that speaks of the years it has traveled.

Tian Jian 2013 

This 2013 harvest was grown on the misty mountains of Anhua County (安化县) the spiritual home of Dark Tea and meticulously crafted by seasoned tea masters using traditional post-fermentation techniques.

Over the years, its bold earthy core has softened into deep notes of aged bamboo and a subtle lingering sweetness. Each infusion reveals comforting layers of old wood and worn leather, creating a nostalgic experience, like turning the pages of a memory. A journey of patience, tradition, and the graceful evolution that only time can provide.

Tian Jian 2021 

Sourced from wild-growing tea trees in Gaoma’erxi Village (高马二溪村) in Hunan province (湖南省), this young Tian Jian follows ancient production methods, finishing with a delicate pinewood smoke.

Its flavor is savory and inviting smoky yet soft, with umami notes reminiscent of Japanese dashi, seaweed, and warm hearths. Though already enjoyable today, this tea carries great aging potential, promising new layers of depth with every passing year, a tea that matures as you do.

Health Benefits – As Understood in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Tian Jian is more than a sensory experience — it’s long been treasured for its restorative qualities:

• Expels dampness and balances internal moisture
• Supports digestion, especially after heavy meals
• Warms the body, making it ideal for cold hands and feet
• Rich in antioxidants due to microbial fermentation
• Promotes calmness, aiding focus and mental clarity

Mindful Living in a Cup

Tian Jian is a tea for those who wish to drink with intention. Every steep is an invitation to pause.
To let the water carry the years. To listen not just to the tea, but to yourself.

It teaches that beauty lies in slowness. That peace is brewed, not bought. And that sometimes, the most profound conversations happen in silence.

Experience the Tea of Time at Chaidim Tea HouseChaidim Tea House

292/5 Trimit Road, Talat Noi Subdistrict, Samphanthawong District, Bangkok 10100
Open daily from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Call: 081-110-5655

Let Tian Jian grow with you — sip by sip, year by year, at Chaidim.