Snow buds green tea, also known as xue ya tea, like silver needle tea, snow buds consists mostly of buds, which have a downy appearance. Picked from Fujian Province, high-mountain varietal that grows inland away from the coast. Named for the white snow-colored buds, this tea is harvested early and well captures nuanced and sweet tastes of the spring season.

Compared to silver needle, the leaf tends to be more curled and wiry. Both the names "xue ya" and "snow buds" can also refer to a type of yellow tea as well white teas, including ones from Sichuan, Zhejiang, and Guizhou provinces.

This variety was developed in the 1980’s by blending some techniques from green tea and white tea production. It is usually described as having a delicate aroma; the flavor shares attributes in common with Chinese green teas, and lighter white teas with light crystal yellowish liquor.