Lijiang Snow White Tea, Earth Tea or Taibai Tea

Lijiang Snow Tea丽江雪茶, also known as Di Tea or Taibai Tea, resembles the petals of white chrysanthemums and is named for its snow-like white appearance. It grows in the mossy plant zones of high-altitude snow-covered mountains above 4,000 meters and is naturally wild; it cannot be cultivated artificially.

Historical Significance

Lijiang Snow Tea has a long history of consumption. As early as the Ming Dynasty, it was a treasured tribute of the Mu family chieftains. Today, several companies in Lijiang produce boxed products and beverages, making it a popular gift for tourists. Lijiang Snow Tea holds a notable place in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and “Bencao Gangmu Shiyi” records it as: “Snow Tea is not actually a tea but a naturally occurring grass bud. Locals harvest and roast it as a substitute for tea. It warms the stomach and has a bitter yet fragrant and delightful taste.”

Regional Distribution

Lijiang Snow Tea is found in Yunnan, Sichuan, and Shaanxi provinces, with notable production in Yunnan and Sichuan.

Ecological Environment

It generally grows in high-altitude mountainous regions. Snow Tea is produced in areas like Yulong Snow Mountain, Yak Mountain, and Yao Mountain, all of which are several thousand meters above sea level. It belongs to the lichen family.

Quality Characteristics

Snow Tea is a lichen plant resembling hollow grass buds, measuring 30 to 70 millimeters in length and 1 to 3 millimeters in diameter. It is very lightweight and resembles white chrysanthemum petals, hence its name. Lijiang Snow Tea, growing above 4,000 meters in snowy mountain moss zones, is wild and cannot be artificially cultivated. It is cool in nature, sweet in taste, and rich in snow tea acid, scale acid, horned lichen acid, mannitol, amino acids, various vitamins, and trace elements. It has been tested and is considered safe with no toxic side effects.

Health Benefits

Snow Tea is classified by color into White Snow Tea and Red Snow Tea. White Snow Tea primarily grows in snowy mountain areas at 4,000 meters and is relatively rare. It begins to sprout during snowfall, and when covered by snow, it grows tender leaves. White Snow Tea is resistant to brewing and can be enjoyed alone or as a blend. It is known for clearing heat, relieving summer heat, generating saliva to quench thirst, and clearing the liver and improving vision.

Red Snow Tea, also known as Golden Silk Tea, is found on the dry trunks of larches and firs at altitudes above 4,000 meters. When brewed, it has a bright red color similar to red wine. Rich in essential trace elements, Red Snow Tea is known for lowering blood lipids and cholesterol, clearing the heart and opening the mind, nourishing the blood and heart, and has significant effects on hypertension, coronary heart disease, obesity, and general weakness.