Chinese Teas

Oolong Teas

Oolong tea is believed to have originated in the Wuyi Mountains along the Western border of Fujian province, and has been exported from there since the eighteenth century. These mountains are noted for their ninety-nine grotesque cliffs and thirty-six peaks, all of which are said to be covered with green tea bushes.

Though oolong tea is now also manufactured elsewhere, this area is still one of the biggest producers. Wu-yi Yen (Wuyi Yan, Wuyi Cliffs) tea is a large general category for several kinds of oolong. They are easy to recognize from the appearance of the leaves during infusion. The stout, crinkled leaves, when immersed in water, become bright green in the center and slowly turn red around the edges, the result of their partial fermentation. The most famous kinds are Wuyi Shui Hsien, Mingcong Qizhong (Famous Rare Orchid), Dahongpao, and Rougui. Wu-yi Yen teas are also sold under such names as Wuyi Chen Chung (Zhenzhong), Wuyi Liu Hsiang (Liuxiang), Wuyi Min Chung (Mingzhong), and Wuyi Chi Chung (Qizhong).

• Dahongpao (Scarlet Robe)

• Fonghwang Tan-chung (Fenghuang Dancong or Select)

• Liubao, the Energizer

• Pu-erh (p'u-erh, Pu'er), a Famous Medicinal Tea

• Shui Hsien (Shuixian, Water Sprite)

• Ti Kwan Yin (Tieguanyin), Tea of the Iron Bodhisattva

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