Quick Answer
Tieguanyin is an oolong tea. According to English Wikipedia, it originated in Anxi, Fujian, China, in the 19th century and is named after the Buddhist bodhisattva Guanyin. Modern Anxi Tieguanyin is mostly made in a lightly oxidized style close to green tea, while Taiwan’s Muzha Tieguanyin keeps the traditional roasting, giving a nutty, roasted aroma and reddish-brown liquor. In bubble tea, Tieguanyin’s roasted notes pair well with milk, so it is often made into Tieguanyin milk tea and Tieguanyin lattes.
Two Styles of Tieguanyin
Summarized from the English Wikipedia article “Tieguanyin”:
| Comparison | Modern Anxi Tieguanyin | Taiwan Muzha Tieguanyin |
|---|---|---|
| Oxidation | Light, close to green tea | Traditional |
| Roasting | Little | Roasted |
| Flavor | Fresh, floral | Roasted, nutty |
| Liquor | Pale | Reddish brown |
Wikipedia also notes that Anxi Tieguanyin was traditionally roasted more heavily and only shifted to a lighter style in modern times. For how roasting works, see What Is Charcoal Roasted Oolong?
What Type of Tea Is Tieguanyin?
Tieguanyin is an oolong, a partly oxidized tea. Tea types depend on oxidation and processing, so Four Seasons Spring, Tieguanyin and roasted oolong can taste very different even though they are all oolongs; see What Is Four Seasons Spring Tea?
How to Use Tieguanyin in Bubble Tea
| Drink | How it’s made |
|---|---|
| Straight Tieguanyin | Iced or hot, highlighting the roasted aroma |
| Tieguanyin milk tea | Tieguanyin tea + non-dairy creamer or fresh milk |
| Tieguanyin latte | Tieguanyin tea + fresh milk, optionally with milk foam |
| Tieguanyin bubble milk tea | Add brown sugar boba; the roasted and brown sugar notes complement each other |
Follow the product package for brewing temperature, time and leaf amount, and test in your store.
Tang Sugar Tieguanyin Products
Tang Sugar supplies Tieguanyin oolong leaves (600 g bags), Tieguanyin oolong filter-free bags, Tieguanyin oolong brewing bags and Tieguanyin brewing bags. See our tea products or request samples.
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FAQ
What kind of tea is Tieguanyin?
Tieguanyin is an oolong tea that originated in Anxi, Fujian, China; it is a partly oxidized tea.
Is Tieguanyin a black tea or a green tea?
Neither; Tieguanyin is an oolong. Modern Anxi Tieguanyin is lightly oxidized with a green-tea-like freshness, but it is still classified as oolong.
What is the difference between Muzha and Anxi Tieguanyin?
According to English Wikipedia, modern Anxi Tieguanyin is mostly lightly oxidized and lightly roasted with a fresh aroma, while Taiwan’s Muzha Tieguanyin keeps the roast, with a nutty aroma and reddish-brown liquor.
What drinks is Tieguanyin good for?
Its roasted aroma pairs well with milk, so it is often made into Tieguanyin milk tea and lattes, and it also works as straight tea.
What does Tieguanyin mean?
Tieguanyin means “Iron Goddess of Mercy”. The name refers to Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion in Buddhism, and the tea is often called Iron Goddess oolong in English.
How do I choose Tieguanyin for a bubble tea shop?
Shops usually buy commercial packs from tea suppliers. Choose by equipment: whole leaves for traditional brewing, filter-free bags to skip straining, and brewing bags for tea espresso machines. Tang Sugar supplies Tieguanyin oolong leaves (600 g bags), filter-free bags and brewing bags; see our tea products or request samples.
How do you brew Tieguanyin?
Temperature, time and leaf amount depend on each product’s package instructions. Brew a test batch, adjust for sweetness, ice and milk, then write the settings into your SOP. For tea bag formats, see Filter-Free Tea Bags vs Brewing Bags.
Does Tieguanyin contain caffeine?
Yes. Tieguanyin is made from tea plant leaves and contains caffeine; the amount depends on the leaves, dose and steeping time. See How Much Caffeine Is in Bubble Tea?
Further Reading
- What Is Charcoal Roasted Oolong?
- What Is Four Seasons Spring Tea?
- Which Tea Leaves Are Best for Milk Tea?
Sources
- Wikipedia: Tieguanyin
- Tang Sugar product list (March 2026 edition)
