Wuyi Rock Tea – Selected Shui Xian

High-Grade Wuyi Rock Tea – Selected Shui Xian (Yancha Oolong)

Our selected, high-grade Shui Xian is a classic Wuyi Rock Tea (Yancha) sourced from the protected tea gardens of the Wuyi Mountains, a UNESCO-recognised terroir renowned for producing some of China’s most expressive oolong teas. Grown among mineral-rich cliffs and rocky soil, this traditional cultivar captures the unmistakable yan yun (rock rhyme) that defines authentic Wuyi oolong.

This Shui Xian Oolong Tea is a semi-handcrafted Wuyi Rock Tea made from large-leaf, tall-bush Shui Xian trees, carefully processed to highlight the cultivar’s natural elegance and its distinctive varietal and production aromas.

We currently have the 2024 harvest available.

Origin & Terroir

This Shui Xian is cultivated in the core Wuyi Mountain area, where misty elevations, dramatic rock formations, and mineral-dense soil shape the tea’s deep, grounded character.

The Wuyi Mountains, also known as Wuyishan, are a renowned mountain range in Nanping Prefecture, northern Fujian Province, China, situated close to the border with Jiangxi Province.

The unique environment imparts a natural structure and resonance that cannot be replicated outside the region, making Wuyi Yancha highly prized by oolong connoisseurs worldwide.

Traditional Craftsmanship

Carefully harvested only under favourable weather conditions, the fresh leaves are crafted using time-honoured Wuyi techniques. They undergo extended withering, precise oxidation, hand rolling, and slow charcoal roasting over many hours. This meticulous process enhances depth, smoothness, and aromatic complexity while preserving the tea’s natural mineral backbone.

Tasting Profile

• Aroma: Warm roasted notes layered with subtle floral and woody tones.

• Flavour: Full-bodied and smooth, with gentle sweetness balanced by distinctive mineral depth.

• Liquor: Amber-orange, rich and clear, finishing with a long-lasting, rocky aftertaste (yan yun).

Appearance of Dry Leaf

The dry leaves are dark, tightly twisted, and glossy, hallmarks of well-crafted Wuyi rock tea. Once infused, the leaves unfurl fully, releasing a deep, comforting aroma that reflects careful roasting and skilled processing.

How to Brew

• Tea-to-water ratio: 5 g per 150 ml

• Water temperature: 95–100 °C

• Steep time: 20–30 seconds for the first infusion, increasing gradually

• Method: Ideal for gongfu brewing; supports many flavourful infusions

Key Features

• Tea Type: Wuyi Rock Oolong (Yancha)

• Cultivar: Shui Xian, a traditional, aromatic Wuyi variety

• Origin: Wuyi Mountains

• Processing: Medium to deep charcoal roast

• Character: Mineral-driven, smooth, and long-lasting

Why Choose Wuyi Shui Xian Oolong Tea

Wuyi Shui Xian Oolong Tea offers a refined introduction to classic Yancha, balancing roast warmth with floral nuance and unmistakable rocky minerality. Its depth, clarity, and evolving flavour make it an excellent choice for both seasoned oolong drinkers and those exploring Wuyi rock tea for the first time.