Unlike green or black teas, each oolong tea can have a completely different aroma and flavor, even if it comes from the same region. Some varieties, like the famous Phoenix Dancong from Guangdong, are even known for their “one bush, one aroma” tradition. If you count in all the local cultivars and heritage types, there are probably over 1,500 different kinds. So… where should a beginner begin?

Where does Oolong tea mainly come from?

We can first focus on the most famous oolong teas from each major tea-growing region. There are four core oolong-producing regions in China: Southern Fujian (Minnan), Northern Fujian (Minbei), Guangdong (Phoenix Dancong), and Taiwan Oolong. Each region has its own tea-making traditions and flavor profiles, so trying one or two signature teas from each area gives you a great introduction.

1. Start with Southern Fujian (Minnan)

Teas from here are known for their floral and fruity notes, with a bright, refreshing flavor. A great place to begin is Tie Guan Yin, one of the most popular oolong teas in China. It comes in two main styles:

Light fragrance (清香型) – floral, smooth, very approachable.

Stronger roast (浓香型) – richer, slightly toasted, and more layered.

Both are great, but the light style is especially good for beginners. 

2. Explore Guangdong’s Phoenix Dancong Oolong

Dancong oolongs aren’t as “green and clean” as Tie Guan Yin, nor as intense as Wuyi oolongs. They strike a nice balance: bold aroma, smooth body. The most popular ones are:

Mi Lan Xiang (Honey Orchid Aroma) – floral, fruity, with a hint of honey.

Ya Shi Xiang – silly name, incredible tea. Bright, complex, and lasts through many infusions.

 Mi Lan Xiang

3. Northern Fujian (Minbei) – The Bold Ones

This region is home to famous Wuyi rock teas like Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe), Rou Gui (Cinnamon), and Shui Xian (Water Sprite). These teas are heavily roasted, mineral-rich, and very flavorful. That said, they can be a bit intense for newcomers, so it’s totally okay to save these for later once you’ve gotten used to lighter oolongs.

What flavor rule does oolong tea follow?

The lighter the oxidation and roasting, the closer it tastes to green tea—fresh, smooth, and delicate.

The heavier the oxidation and roasting, the bolder the flavor—more toasty, rich, and complex in aroma.

How to choose oolong tea for beginners?

1. For Green Tea Lovers: Try Light Tie Guan Yin

If you normally drink green tea, start with the light fragrance Tie Guan Yin. It’s floral, slightly sweet, never bitter, and very forgiving to brew. It’s also affordable, which makes it perfect for daily drinking and learning.

2. For Black Tea Fans: Try Oriental Beauty

Prefer black tea? Then give Oriental Beauty a try. It’s naturally sweet, with zero bitterness, and has a unique aroma that black teas don’t offer. The only downside? It’s usually on the pricier side, since it needs specific growing conditions and a bit of bug activity (really!).

1. Want Something Floral? Try Scented Oolong Teas

If you’re hesitant about pure tea leaves, Chinese traditional scented oolong teas are also a great way in. These are made by naturally infusing tea leaves with real flowers like jasmine or osmanthus. Options like Jasmine Tie Guan Yin or Osmanthus Oolong offer a more fragrant, approachable experience for first-timers.

                       Jasmine Tie Guan Yin                             Osmanthus Oolong

How to Tell If an Oolong Tea Is High Quality?

With green or white tea, there’s a pretty straightforward rule: the best teas usually come from core growing regions, use the most tender buds (like a single bud or a bud with one leaf), and are picked early in the season — especially early spring (or “pre-Qingming” in Chinese). The later the harvest, the more the quality tends to drop.

But oolong tea is a bit different. In places like Fujian and Guangdong, oolong tea is usually picked once the leaves are open — not as buds — so there’s no real “leaf grade” system like with green tea. So how do we judge the quality of oolong tea?

Here are the main factors:

1. Where It’s Grown

Just like with wine, the region matters — a lot. The best teas always come from core production zones, where the climate, soil, and tea-making traditions are the strongest. These teas also tend to be the most expensive.

For Phoenix Dancong, the top-tier teas come from Wudong Village.

For Wuyi Rock Tea (Yancha), the best are from the “Zhengyan” core area, especially within the famous Three Pits and Two Gullies (三坑两涧). 

Wuyi Rock Tea Oolong Comparison Set

2. Spring Tea is Best

Spring harvests usually produce the highest quality oolong teas. Autumn tea is decent, but generally not as aromatic or complex.

There’s also winter tea, but it typically only comes from lower elevation areas. While it may have a lovely aroma, it’s usually not considered “top-tier” in terms of depth and aging potential.

Oolong Tea Comparison Set of Different Seasons

3. Higher Elevation Usually Means Better Tea — But Not Always

As a general rule, the higher the elevation, the better the quality of oolong tea. Tea grown at higher altitudes tends to develop more complex flavors and stronger aromas, thanks to the cooler temperatures and slower growth.

However, this isn’t true for all types of oolong. For example, with Wuyi Rock Tea (Yancha), elevation is less important than location. What truly matters is whether the tea is grown in the core “Zhengyan” area of Wuyi Mountain — especially in the famous “Three Pits and Two Gullies” (San Keng Liang Jian), where the unique rocky terrain and mineral-rich soil create the signature "rock rhyme" (yan yun) that defines top-quality Wuyi tea.

Oolong Tea Comparison Set of Different Altitudes

4. Age of the Tea Trees

The age of the tea bushes can also make a difference. Older trees (over 70 years) tend to produce more complex, layered teas compared to young bushes (under 30 years). That said, not everyone prefers old-tree tea — it’s more about what you enjoy. But in terms of market value, old-tree teas are definitely more expensive.

Oolong Tea Comparison Set of Tree Ages

5. Proximity to Core Growing Zones

Even if a tea isn’t from the exact “core” location, being nearby helps. The closer the tea garden is to the heart of the region, the more likely the microclimate and soil will resemble the best areas — and the higher the quality and price. This applies to oolong, green, and other types of tea as well.

6. Roasting Method: Charcoal vs. Electric

Roasting is a huge part of what makes oolong tea special — and how it’s roasted really matters.

Charcoal roasting is traditional, done by hand, and takes time and skill.

Electric roasting is faster and more industrial.

In both Fujian and Guangdong, the best teas are usually charcoal roasted, which gives them a deeper, more rounded flavor — and a higher price tag too.