What is Shan Tuyet Tea? The Ancient Snow Tea of Vietnam

If you're exploring the world of Vietnamese tea, you've likely come across the name Shan Tuyet—a tea shrouded in mystery, tradition, and exceptional quality. But what exactly is Shan Tuyet tea, and why is it so highly regarded among tea connoisseurs?

In this guide, we'll take you on a journey to the misty mountains of Northern Vietnam to uncover the story behind this rare and ancient tea.

What Does "Shan Tuyet" Mean?

Shan Tuyet (Vietnamese: Chè Shan Tuyết) translates to "Snow Tea" or "Mountain Snow Tea."

The name comes from the tea's natural habitat: the high-altitude mountains of Northern Vietnam, where morning mist and occasional snow blanket the ancient tea trees. The young tea buds are often covered in fine white hairs, giving them a silvery, snow-like appearance—hence the poetic name.

But Shan Tuyet is more than just a beautiful name. It represents a rare variety of tea harvested from some of the oldest tea trees in the world.

The Origin: Ancient Tea Trees of Ha Giang

Shan Tuyet tea grows in the remote mountains of Ha Giang Province, in the far north of Vietnam near the Chinese border. This region is home to wild, ancient tea trees that are estimated to be 200 to 500 years old—and some even older.

Unlike modern tea plantations with neatly trimmed bushes, these tea trees grow naturally in the forest, reaching heights of 5 to 20 meters. The trees thrive at altitudes between 1,200 and 2,000 meters, where the cool climate, mineral-rich soil, and natural biodiversity create the perfect conditions for exceptional tea.

Why Are These Trees So Special?

• Deep root systems: Ancient trees absorb nutrients and minerals from deep within the soil, resulting in a more complex and rich flavor.

• Natural resilience: These trees have survived centuries without pesticides or fertilizers, making them naturally robust and healthy.

• Limited harvest: Each tree produces only a small amount of tea per year, making Shan Tuyet one of the rarest teas in the world.

• Hand-picked at dawn: Local farmers harvest the tea leaves early in the morning, selecting only the finest buds and young leaves using the traditional "one bud, two leaves" method.

The Unique Flavor Profile of Shan Tuyet Tea

Shan Tuyet tea is known for its distinctive, multi-layered flavor that sets it apart from other teas.

Green Shan Tuyet (like our Tinh Loc)

• Aroma: Fresh, floral, with hints of orchid and mountain herbs

• Taste: Smooth, slightly sweet, with a delicate vegetal note

• Aftertaste: Long-lasting sweetness (hui gan) that lingers on the palate

• Body: Light to medium, refreshing and clean

Black Shan Tuyet (like our Binh Son)

• Aroma: Rich, malty, with notes of honey and dried fruit

• Taste: Full-bodied, smooth, with natural sweetness and a hint of cocoa

• Aftertaste: Warm, lingering sweetness with subtle spice

• Body: Medium to full, velvety and satisfying

Both varieties share a characteristic natural sweetness and smooth texture, thanks to the ancient trees and traditional processing methods.

Green vs. Black Shan Tuyet: What's the Difference?

Both green and black Shan Tuyet come from the same ancient tea trees. The difference lies in the processing method:

Both types retain the signature smoothness and natural sweetness that make Shan Tuyet tea so beloved.

Why is Shan Tuyet Tea So Rare?

Several factors contribute to the rarity and exclusivity of Shan Tuyet tea:

1. Limited growing area: Only a few remote regions in Northern Vietnam have the right conditions and ancient trees.

2. Small harvest volumes: Each ancient tree produces only a limited amount of tea per year.

3. Hand-picked only: The steep, forested terrain requires manual harvesting, making production labor-intensive.

4. Seasonal availability: Shan Tuyet is typically harvested in spring and autumn, with limited batches per season.

5. No mass production: True Shan Tuyet cannot be replicated on commercial plantations; it must come from the ancient trees.

This scarcity makes Shan Tuyet a premium, sought-after tea among collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.

How to Prepare Shan Tuyet Tea

To fully appreciate the complexity and depth of Shan Tuyet tea, proper preparation is key.

Modern Brewing Method

Traditional Gong Fu Method

For a more immersive experience, try the Gong Fu Cha method:

• Tea Amount: 5 grams

• Water Temperature: 85-90°C

• First Infusion: 20-30 seconds

• Subsequent Infusions: Add 10-15 seconds per infusion

• Number of Infusions: 4-6 (or more)

This method allows you to explore the evolving flavors and aromas across multiple infusions.

👉 Learn more: The Perfect Preparation of Vietnamese Tea: A Complete Guide

Where to Find Authentic Shan Tuyet Tea

At Lùm Tea, we source our Shan Tuyet tea directly from the ancient tea forests of Ha Giang. Our teas are:

• Hand-picked at dawn from century-old trees

• Pesticide-free and lab-tested for purity

• OCOP certified for quality and authenticity

• Limited batches to ensure exceptional quality

Explore our Shan Tuyet collection:

• Tinh Loc – Green Shan Tuyet Tea: Fresh, floral, and naturally sweet

• Binh Son – Black Shan Tuyet Tea: Rich, malty, and full-bodied

Final Thoughts: A Tea Worth Discovering

Shan Tuyet tea is more than just a beverage—it's a connection to centuries of tradition, a taste of Vietnam's wild mountain landscapes, and a testament to the art of tea-making.

Whether you choose the fresh, delicate notes of green Shan Tuyet or the rich, warming flavors of black Shan Tuyet, you're experiencing one of the world's most unique and rare teas.

Ready to taste the legend? Explore our Shan Tuyet tea collection and bring a piece of Vietnam's ancient tea culture into your home.