The World of Oolong Tea: Exploring Five Iconic Varieties

Oolong tea, also known as Qing Tea, is a semi-fermented tea that lies between green tea and black tea in terms of fermentation. 

Characterized by its "green leaves with red edges," oolong tea combines the freshness of green tea and the richness of black tea, offering a smooth, unique taste. It is renowned for its ability to retain its fragrance and flavor through multiple infusions, earning the title "a tea that lasts seven brews." 

Furthermore, it is celebrated as a premium choice for its anti-aging and cancer-preventive properties. Here, we introduce five representative varieties for tea enthusiasts to savor.

Wuyi Da Hong Pao, hailing from the Wuyi Mountain region in northern Fujian, is considered the "King of Wuyi Tea" and one of China's Ten Famous Teas. As the leader of Wuyi Mountain's "Four Famous Bushes" (Da Hong Pao, Tie Luo Han, Bai Ji Guan, and Shui Jin Gui), it is prized for combining the floral fragrance of green tea with the mellow richness of black tea.

• History and Prestige :
  Da Hong Pao oolong tea trees are shrubs found on the steep cliffs of Jiulongke. With only four original bushes remaining, it is considered a rare treasure. It was introduced to Europe in the 18th century, where it was revered as the "elixir of life."

• Appearance and Flavor :
  The oolong tea leaves are tightly rolled, robust, and slightly twisted, often described as resembling a "dragonfly head." The leaves are greenish-brown with a glossy sheen, while the brewed leaves exhibit a bright, even surface with red edges. Its liquor is a vibrant orange-yellow, with a clear, bright appearance. Da Hong Pao boasts a unique orchid-like aroma and a full-bodied, refreshing taste with a sweet aftertaste.

Shui Jin Gui, named for its tea tree branches resembling a turtle's back, is another member of the "Four Famous Bushes" of Wuyi Mountain. Its leaves shine with a golden hue, resembling a golden turtle.

• Origin :
  This oolong tea grows on the rocky cliffs of Niulan Keng in Wuyi Mountain and is harvested in mid-May, focusing on selecting two or three leaves for optimal quality.

• Characteristics :
  Shui Jin Gui combines the richness of Tie Guan Yin and the freshness of green tea. Known as a "treasure of health," it has been praised in the international tea community as "the nectar of all things and a miraculous remedy." Its unique taste and exceptional health benefits make it a prized oolong tea for connoisseurs.

Anxi Tie Guan Yin, or "Red Heart Guan Yin," originates from Anxi County in Fujian Province. Renowned for its "Guan Yin Yun" (a distinct orchid-like aroma), it is celebrated as one of China's and the world's Ten Famous Teas.

• Appearance and Flavor :
  Premium Tie Guan Yin features tightly curled, robust tea leaves with a glossy, greenish appearance and a frost-like surface. Its liquor is golden and clear, with a prominent floral fragrance. High-quality varieties offer a refreshing taste with hints of orchid, peanut, or coconut aromas, leaving a lingering sweetness.

Phoenix Shui Xian oolong tea, mainly produced in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, is divided into three grades: Single Bush, Lang Cai, and Shui Xian. Among these, Phoenix Single Bush is the most distinctive, earning the reputation for its "beautiful shape, green color, fragrant aroma, and sweet taste."

• Craftsmanship :
  The fresh leaves of the Shui Xian oolong tea tree are processed through sunning, cooling, frying, rolling, and baking. Known for its natural floral fragrance and endurance for multiple infusions, Phoenix Shui Xian is a tea that "delights the senses with its aroma, flavor, and aftertaste."

• Appearance and Flavor :
  The tea leaves are large and oval-shaped, with tightly rolled, plump strips. The liquor is bright orange-yellow, with a rich, sweet flavor and strong floral aroma, making it a delightful choice for tea lovers.

High Mountain Oolong tea, also known as Soft-Stem Oolong or Jin Xuan Tea, is a semi-fermented tea primarily produced in Taiwan’s Nantou and Chiayi counties. It is harvested around the Qingming Festival, with standards requiring one bud and one or two leaves for the finest quality.

• Craftsmanship :
  High Mountain Oolong tea undergoes a meticulous process of withering, tossing, deactivation, heavy rolling, and roasting. The result is a tea with unparalleled clarity and smoothness, symbolizing Taiwan’s tea-making excellence.

• Appearance and Flavor :
  Premium High Mountain Oolong tea has tightly rolled, plump leaves with a greenish-yellow hue. The liquor is clear and slightly orange, with a smooth, sweet taste and a lingering floral or fruity aroma.

Oolong tea is a world of rich flavors and aromas, bridging the freshness of green tea and the depth of black tea. 

Whether savoring the "Rock Rhyme" of Wuyi teas or the floral elegance of Phoenix Shui Xian, each cup offers a glimpse into the centuries-old artistry of Chinese tea culture.