2023 Qi Zhong Yancha - Zheng Yan Wuyi Rock Oolong Tea

Qi Zhong (奇种), also known as Cai Cha (菜茶), refers to a diverse family of seed-grown tea plants native to the Wuyi Mountains. Unlike single varieties, Qi Zhong represents the original population of wild tea trees that reproduce through natural pollination, resulting in unique characteristics for each individual plant. As the ancestral source of many modern Wuyi tea varieties, Qi Zhong holds a special place in the region’s tea heritage. Typically, Qi Zhong is blended with other teas to enhance flavor, but this particular tea is a pure Qi Zhong, allowing you to experience its distinct character in unblended form.

This Qi Zhong tea is medium-roasted, allowing its natural complexity to shine. The dry leaves are tightly twisted with a dark green and slightly brown hue. When brewed, the tea releases a subtle floral fragrance that is gentle and understated, while the flavor is smooth and full-bodied, with a sweet, refreshing aftertaste. The tea liquor is a bright, clear orange-yellow, indicating both purity and craftsmanship. This Qi Zhong tea offers an authentic taste of Wuyi’s ancient tea traditions, with its lasting sweetness and delicate throat feel making it an exceptionally smooth and enjoyable brew.

Harvested from Lian Hua Feng (Lotus Flower Peak), one of the 36 famous peaks in the Wuyi scenic area, this tea thrives in the mountain’s wild, untamed environment. Surrounded by lush bamboo groves and evergreen forests, Lian Hua Feng’s isolated and serene atmosphere allows Qi Zhong to grow naturally. The unique terroir, with its mineral-rich soil and cool climate, imparts depth and character to this tea.