2024 Spring Zhang Ping Shui Xian Oolong Tea

Zhangping, nestled in the southwestern part of Fujian Province, is celebrated as a tea haven in China. Its fertile soil and ideal climate provide perfect conditions for cultivating tea, complemented by abundant wild tea resources that make it one of Fujian’s three major wild tea bases. The area’s terraced tea plantations, some dating back centuries, stand as a testament to its rich tea culture. Tea cultivation in Zhangping began as early as the Yuan Dynasty, flourishing during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

In 1910, tea artisan Liu Yongfa introduced the Shui Xian tea variety from northern Fujian and later, around 1920, innovated the now-iconic Zhangping Shui Xian (漳平水仙) pressed tea cakes. Over generations, this unique tea has developed a distinctive character: a delicate, orchid-like fragrance intertwined with the sweet richness of osmanthus, offering a refined and long-lasting aroma.

The meticulous production process involves eight steps: picking, withering, cooling, shaking, fixing, rolling, pressing (a signature step), and baking. During pressing, tea leaves are placed in wooden molds, compressed into neat square shapes, and wrapped in tea paper for final shaping. Each small tea cake, weighing 8 to 10 grams, reflects the dedication and craftsmanship of Zhangping’s tea artisans. The tea evolved from round to square cakes through continuous refinement, settling on its now-recognizable 1cm-thick, 4cm-square design.

This particular batch of Zhangping Shui Xian tea was harvested and processed on May 8, 2024, during the spring season. Its elegant aroma of orchids and osmanthus, coupled with a refreshing yet full-bodied taste, has made it increasingly popular. Revered for its heritage and uniqueness, Zhangping Shui Xian tea continues to gain favor among tea enthusiasts and stands as a shining star in Fujian’s tea tradition.