Wuyi Rock Tea

Wuyi Rock Tea is a semi-fermented oolong produced in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian. It gets its name because the tea trees grow in the rocky crevices of the Danxia landform, giving the tea its unique flavor known as “rock bone and floral fragrance.” Only tea grown within the administrative region of Wuyishan City can be called “Wuyi Rock Tea.” Other regions, such as Anxi, do not produce rock tea.

Minbei Oolong: From Ancient Roots to Modern Classics

Northern Fujian (Minbei) Oolong Collection

Northern Fujian is one of the birthplaces of oolong tea. As early as the Song Dynasty, Jian’ou’s Beiyuan Imperial Tea Garden was famous for its Dragon-Phoenix Tribute Tea, laying the foundation for oolong craftsmanship. Jian’ou still preserves century-old Shui Xian bushes and Dwarf Oolong, the mother plant of Taiwan’s Qingxin Oolong. Its Shui Xian and Rou Gui share similarities with Wuyi rock tea but offer better value. This collection also includes the rare, highly aromatic Ruixiang, along with two Wuyi classics: the Qizhong, known as the genetic pool of all rock teas, and the “King of Rock Tea,” Da Hong Pao.

A Beginner’s Journey into Wuyi Rock Tea

Mainstream Wuyi Rock Tea Collection

If you’re looking for an entry-level Wuyi Rock Tea, this set is ideal. It features three classics—Da Hong Pao, Shui Xian, and Rou Gui—with sub-varieties to deepen your understanding:

  • Da Hong Pao: From pure cultivars (Qi Dan, Que She) to blended versions, showing different balances.
  • Shui Xian: Young trees vs. old bush varieties, highlighting the unique aged “cong” flavor.
  • Rou Gui: Core rocky vs. semi-rock areas, showcasing its signature spicy, bold character.

All are sourced from Wuyi Mountain’s semi-rock areas, preserving authentic flavor while making it beginner-friendly.

Discover Wuyi’s Rare Heritage Oolongs

Wuyi Rock Tea Rare Cultivar Collection

Tie Luohan, Bai Ji Guan, Shui Jin Gui, and Ban Tian Yao are rare Wuyi rock teas that embody the purest expression of Wuyishan’s terroir. Unlike classics such as Shui Xian, Rou Gui, or Da Hong Pao, they come from original group-variety trees, preserving the oldest rock tea heritage.

This set is for those who have explored mainstream Wuyi teas and wish to go deeper. It features the four historic cultivars—Tie Luohan, Ban Tian Yao, Bai Ji Guan, and Shui Jin Gui—alongside today’s prized fragrant varieties, Rui Xiang and Jin Mudan. Together, they highlight Wuyi’s rich spectrum of flavor, from ancient tradition to modern innovation.

Da Hong Pao – The King of Wuyi Oolong

Da Hong Pao is one of the most renowned oolong teas in China and the signature representative of Wuyi Rock Tea. According to legend, during the Ming Dynasty a scholar recovered from illness after drinking this tea. In gratitude, he draped a big red robe over the bushes, giving the tea its name “Big Red Robe.”

Traditionally, Da Hong Pao is divided into three types: the original mother trees (now protected and no longer harvested), pure-bred Da Hong Pao (such as Qidan, genetically identical to the mother trees), and modern blended Da Hong Pao—the most common today. Blended Da Hong Pao is typically made from several rock tea cultivars: Shuixian adds smooth depth, while Rougui contributes a spicy backbone and strength.

The liquor is silky and refined, with a rich, lingering aroma, making it the perfect starting point for exploring the “art of balance” in Wuyi Rock Tea.

Rou Gui (Cinnamon Oolong)

Wuyi Rougui is one of the signature varieties of Wuyi Rock Tea, famous for its sharp and long-lasting cinnamon aroma.

Zhengyan Rougui, grown in core areas such as Niulankeng and Huiyuan Keng (“Three Pits and Two Gullies”), benefits from mineral-rich soils and year-round mist. The tea is thick and smooth, with a refined, cool fragrance often layered with floral or fruity notes (such as milky or peachy hints). It can be brewed for 12 or more infusions.

Banyan Rougui, from surrounding areas like Qingshi Rock and Bishiyan, grows in less ideal conditions. While its mineral depth is weaker, the cinnamon aroma is more pronounced, with quicker sweetness and shorter aftertaste. It usually lasts 6–8 infusions and is a good entry choice for those on a budget or new to rock tea.

For those wanting to explore the true varietal character of Rougui, Jian’ou High Mountain Rougui is a highly recommended starting point.

Shui Xian – Wuyi Narcissus Oolong

Wuyi Shuixian is a signature rock tea, famed for its rich, smooth body and “rocky floral” aroma. Originating in the Qing Dynasty from wild Jianyang tea trees, it is the only small-tree cultivar among Wuyi teas.

Age matters: Old Shuixian trees (50+ years) absorb more minerals from deep roots and develop a fresh “bush aroma” through co-growth with moss and bamboo. Higher amino acids and sugars, and lower polyphenols, make the liquor richer, smoother, and less astringent.

Brewing: Old trees suit medium-fire charcoal roasting to enhance woody notes, while new-growth leaves use light roasting to preserve orchid aromas. Old Shuixian brews 12–15 infusions with a long, sweet finish.

Rare Rock Tea

Wuyi Mountain’s diverse environment, combined with old group-variety trees and new cultivars, has created a wide range of rock teas.
The Four Famous Bushes

  • Tie Luohan: Full-bodied, strong rock rhyme.
  • Bai Ji Guan: Light color, elegant taste.
  • Shui Jin Gui: Golden liquor, sharp aroma.
  • Ban Tian Yao: Gentle fragrance, smooth character.

Modern Varieties

  • Rui Xiang: Floral, fruity, layered.
  • Jin Mudan: Rich, with floral-fruity creaminess.

Sep 11 – 24: Wuyi Rock Tea 20% OFF

Save More, Taste More: 20% Off & Free Rock Tea Sample

Purchase a product with a 20% discount (excluding samples) and receive a free sample of Wuyi Rock Tea. Please indicate your desired sample in your order; otherwise, we'll give you a random sample.