How do you brew Junshan Silver Needle?

Brew Junshan Silver Needle at 175-180°F (80-82°C). For gongfu style, steep 45-60 seconds; Western style, 2-3 minutes. Use Tall glass — the buds should stand upright, then float and sink with each steep with 2-3g per 200ml. Expect 4-5 infusions.

Where is Junshan Silver Needle from?

Junshan Silver Needle is produced in Junshan Island, Dongting Lake, Hunan. Early spring, buds only. The most famous yellow tea in China.

How much does Junshan Silver Needle cost?

Entry-level Junshan Silver Needle costs $20-40 / 100g (standard). Premium grades run $60-150+ / 100g (true Junshan Island origin).

How do you brew Junshan Silver Needle?

Brew Junshan Silver Needle at 175-180°F (80-82°C). For gongfu style, steep 45-60 seconds; Western style, 2-3 minutes. Use Tall glass — the buds should stand upright, then float and sink with each steep with 2-3g per 200ml. Expect 4-5 infusions.

Where is Junshan Silver Needle from?

Junshan Silver Needle is produced in Junshan Island, Dongting Lake, Hunan. Early spring, buds only. The most famous yellow tea in China.

How much does Junshan Silver Needle cost?

Entry-level Junshan Silver Needle costs $20-40 / 100g (standard). Premium grades run $60-150+ / 100g (true Junshan Island origin).

Yellow Tea ← All famous teas

Junshan Silver Needle 君山银针

Mellow, honeyed, sweet, smooth

Junshan Island, Dongting Lake, HunanCaffeine: LowBeginner: ★★★★☆

Water Temp

175-180°F (80-82°C)

Infusions

4-5

Harvest

Early spring, buds only. The most famous yellow tea in China.

Entry Price

$20-40 / 100g (standard)

Flavor Profile

Taste & Aroma

AromaFaint honey, fresh hay, soft floral

TasteExceptionally mellow and smooth — green tea's freshness with a round, honeyed, almost buttery character and no grassy edge

ColorPale golden, bright and clear

BodyLight to medium, silky

Brewing Guide

How to Brew It

Water

175-180°F (80-82°C)

Vessel

Tall glass — the buds should stand upright, then float and sink with each steep

Gongfu Time

45-60 seconds

Western Time

2-3 minutes

Ratio

2-3g per 200ml

Infusions

4-5

Read the general brewing guide →

Buying Guide

How to Buy Junshan Silver Needle Without Getting Scammed

The Chinese tea market is vast and unregulated. Here's exactly what to look for — and what to run from.

Entry Level

$20-40 / 100g (standard)

Premium / Collector

$60-150+ / 100g (true Junshan Island origin)

Quality Check

Whole silver buds covered in down. The telltale yellow character — mellow, honeyed, no grassiness — only comes from the men huang (sealing the yellow) step. If it tastes like a green tea, the defining step was skipped.

Common Scams

Much 'yellow tea' sold today never underwent the sealing-yellow step and is really green tea. Ask specifically for genuine men huang-processed Junshan Yinzhen.

Search keywords that find the real thing

Junshan YinzhenJunshan Silver Needleyellow teaChinese yellow teaHunan yellow tea

For the general principles behind every one of these checks — harvest dates, origin specificity, red flags — read our complete buying guide.

History

Where It Comes From

The most celebrated yellow tea, grown on Junshan Island in Dongting Lake and served as imperial tribute since the Tang Dynasty. The buds famously stand upright in a glass during brewing — a performance that made it a court favorite. Genuine yellow tea is now extraordinarily rare.