Throughout the many providences of China, there several different forms of Oolong Tea. From those grown in the Wuyi Mountains, to those in the Anxi County, the Phoenix Mountains of Guangdong, and the straits of Taiwan, there are numerous types and variations of the oolong tea that is consumed by the people in China and the world at large.
In this article, we are going to be talking about the 5 main types of tea found in Wuyi Mountains, also known as Yancha Oolong Tea or Wuyi oolong tea.
How many types are there?
As said earlier, there are 4 main regions, each with their own sub regions, all with their own variations of oolong tea. In the Yancha Oolong tea section alone, there are so many different tea variations and strains that one could drink a new version every day and would not reach the end for another 3 years.
Here, we will be breaking down the 5 Main tea variations in the Yancha area:
1. Da Hong Pao
2. Wuyi Rougui Tea
3. Wuyi Shui Xian Tea
4. Wuyi Ming Cong
5. Wuyi Wild Tea
1. Da Hong Pao
Literally translates to mean “Big Red Robe”, Da Hong Pao is arguably the most famous of the Yancha Oolong Teas. It has been given the title “The King of Wuyi Rock Tea” due to its incredibly high quality and unique style. The name “Da Hong Pao” comes from the legendary tale of a man falling ill passing the Wuyi Mountain on his way to Bejing. There, he met a monk who brew him a cup of tea that healed his affliction. First thanking the monk, the man was then told that he should thank the tea tree for his recovery. As a sign of gratitude for healing him, the man took off his large red robe and put it on the tree.
The tea is noted for having numerous health benefits such as anti-cancer and anti-aging qualities as well as antibacterial compounds (for upset stomachs)
2. Wuyi Rougui Tea
Rougui Tea, also known as Wuyi Rougui Tea, is one of the top 3 Wuyi Rock Teas in the region. It has a history of over 100 years and was named after the Rougui tea tree. The term “Rougui” translates to “cinnamon”, though the tree itself is not a cinnamon tree.
Rougui Tea has won the gold medal for the best oolong tea several times, being the general representative for the Yancha region. In the 20th century, it was exported out to various countries around the world including Hong Kong, Japan, Britain, Macao, and Southeast Asia, just to name a few.
The tea is well known for having a number of different fragrances: Woody, Creamy, Fruity, and Cinnamon. These fragrances are naturally occurring for the tea.
3. Wuyi Shui Xian Tea
Wuyi Shui Xian Tea is one of the three main types of Shui Xian Tea and is produced in the Fujian Province. Because it is found north of the Fujian Province, the tea is often also called “Min Bei Shui Xian” which roughly translates to “Northern Fujian Tea”.
Because of its unique environment, Wuyi Shui Xian tea is considered particularly high in quality and taste. First starting in 1821, Wuyi Shui Xian Tea is one of the most widely planted tea varieties even till now. The trees are reported to grow as high 5 meters tall and is one of the few arbor tea trees in the Wuyi Mountain.
4. Wuyi Ming Cong
Wuyi Ming Cong Tea is a variety blend bred through nature for several months. There are several versions of Ming Cong that are served throughout the region: Da Hong Pao, Tie Luo Han, Bai Ji Guan, and Shui Jin Gui. Because Da Hong Pao was so popular, it was actually placed in a separate category.
5. Wuyi Wild Tea
Wuyi Wild Tea Trees are tea trees that have no name while growing in the Wuyi Mountain. Still, for many, they are very high in terms of taste and overall quality. These tea trees are classified in three separate categories: Zhengyan, Banyan, and Zhoucha.