Auction-Level Hao Ji Cha (号级茶)

Auction-Level Hao Ji Cha (号级茶)

For Discerning Collectors of Antique PuEr Tea

Hao Ji Cha refers to auction-grade PuErh teas produced by private tea merchants before the late 1950s, during the final years of the Qing dynasty through the early years of the Republic and post-war period. These rare teas, often known as antique teas, represent the pinnacle of aged PuErh and are highly prized by connoisseurs and collectors worldwide.

Due to volatile market prices, rarity, and authenticity concerns, these items are not listed for direct purchase.
If you're seriously considering acquiring a Hao Ji Cha piece, please contact us directly for inquiry.

Prices shown (if any) are for deposit or indication purposes only.

What Is Hao Ji Cha?

The name "Hao Ji Cha" (号级茶) translates roughly to "branded-grade tea," a term used for PuErh produced by private tea houses (or "Hao") prior to the nationalisation of the tea industry in China. These teas were:

- Hand-stone pressed into 357g round cakes （The actual weight is around 330g due to aging)
- Usually wrapped in bamboo leaf bundles (Qi Zi Bing), without modern cotton wrappers
- Packaged without outer paper, but includes inner leaf slips (neifei) with the name of the tea house and slogans
- Stored naturally in Guangdong, Hong Kong, or Southeast Asia, which significantly impacts their aging profile and market value

Notable Hao Ji Cha Brands

Some of the most collectible labels include:

Fu Yuan Chang 福元昌 (Red, Blue, Purple Label)
- Song Pin Hao 宋聘号 (Red, Blue Label)
- Tong Qing Hao 同庆号 （龙马、双狮）
- Tong Xing Hao 同兴号 （向质卿）
- Tong Chang Hao 同昌号 （黄文兴）
- Jing Chang Hao 敬昌号
- Che Shun Hao 车顺号
- Ding Xing Hao 鼎兴号
- Yang Pin Hao 杨聘号
… and others

The Origin of Hao Ji Cha — Yiwu, Yunnan

Most known Hao Ji Cha teas were made with leaves sourced from Yiwu, the spiritual home of PuErh. In the late Qing and early Republican periods, Yiwu was the commercial heart of Yunnan’s tea industry. Private merchants established renowned tea houses, exporting PuErh both domestically and internationally.

These teas, aged naturally for over half a century, are now regarded as cultural treasures. Their mellowed flavors, historical packaging, and rarity make them the most sought-after aged teas at auctions, often fetching six-figure prices (USD) per piece.

Serious Inquiries Only

Due to extreme scarcity and fluctuating collector demand, no direct sales are available on this page.
If you’re looking to acquire specific labels (e.g. Fu Yuan Chang, Song Pin Hao, Tong Qing Hao) or would like to request a private sourcing consultation, we invite you to reach out to us via WhatsApp +65 81108189 or our contact page.