Guan Guan Cha

罐罐茶 貴州仡佬族原生傳統工藝綠茶

Single-batch Traditional Wild Green Tea Guan Guan Chá by the Rao Family

Guan Guan Chá (罐罐茶), “tea made in a little pot”, refers to the small clay pot in which the tea is gently simmered, often kept by the fire and returned to throughout the day.

Within our community, Guan Guan Chá has long been one of our most loved teas for its uniqueness rooted in Gelao culture, its long history in Shiqian, and a tea-making process that exists outside modern categories.

In the past, this tea was made by Grandma Rao (饒奶奶), who continued to forage for wild tea leaves and produce Guan Guan Chá in her kitchen well into her later years. After her passing at age 101, the tea is now made by the Rao Brothers, her nephews, who continue the tradition as it was practised and taught.

Grandma Rao was one of the respected elders of the Rao family in Shiqian, Guizhou. Her understanding of indigenous plants, fire, timing, and hand-feel shaped not only Guan Guan Chá but also profoundly influenced the Rao family’s wider approach to Tai tea—including our Wild Green Tai and Wild & Ancient Red Tai.

A Living Method Beyond Categories

Guan Guan Chá is one of the oldest tea-making traditions still practised in Guizhou. After natural withering, the processes of oxidation, rolling and frying unfold together, as the leaves are continuously tossed and turned by hand over wood-burning heat.

Rather than fitting neatly into modern classifications, Guan Guan Chá moves beyond the six defined tea types, embodying a natural union of Green, Yellow, Red and raw Pu’er tea.

Tasting Experience

Expect layered floral aromas with gentle earthy undertones. As the tea opens, deeper notes reminiscent of red tea and raw Pu’er emerge, carried by a refreshing, thirst-quenching mouthfeel and a soft, lingering finish characteristic of oxidised green tea (yellow tea). The experience unfolds gradually, revealing itself over time.

Full of vitality and warmth, this tea is especially suited after a meal. We recommend starting with 3–4g per brew, allowing for 10 or more infusions, giving the tea time to reveal its character.

A tea to slow down with — quietly joyful, lifted and energising, much like the time we spent with Grandma Rao in her courtyard.