Oolong Tea - Wuyi Rock Tea

Wu Yi Rock Tea is a category of oolong teas grown in the Wu Yi Mountains region of northern Fujian, China. Rock Tea or Yan Cha in Chinese refers to its unique growing environment of Wu Yi Mountains which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 and consist of limestone cliffs and mineral rich soil and many streams and livers. The park is approximately 70 square kilometres and most of the famous "36 peaks and 99 crags" and numerous water-ways. Base on tea growing locations, the site is divided into four areas: Zheng Yan (i.e. true rock, the centre area) producing the best and true rock teas; Ban Yan (i.e. half rock, the boundaries of the park); Zhou Yan (on the edge of the park next to the rivers and sides of the roads at lower elevations); Wai Shan (outside the national park). This region is also famous for several black teas such as Lapasang Souchong or Wuyi Wild Qi Zhong.

There are hundreds of tea plant varietals and cultivars planted in these rock gaps and surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation.  Some famous varietals such as Da Hong Pao, Tie Luo Han, Bai Ji Guan and Shui Jin Gui and other popular ones like Shui Xian, Rou Gui. Each type of Rock Tea has its own unique characteristics, from the appearance of the leave, the style and nuance of productions creating this highly sophisticated classical category among the world of tea and producing warm and complex aromas and flavours. The prestige of Wu Yi Rock Tea is simply something every tea drinker must experience. A good-quality Rock Tea is described as "Rock Bone & Floral Fragrance" interpreting as the "Yan Yun".  Most Rock Oolong Teas will benefit from storing for between 2 – 3 years and they will gain a smoothness and balance flavour.