Wuyi Rock Tea

Wuyi Rock Tea

Wuyi Rock Tea is a protected geographical indication product.

Wuyi Rock Tea is a protected geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Wuyi Rock Tea is produced in the Wuyi Mountain area in northern Fujian Province and is considered the finest among Chinese oolong teas. It is one of China's Top Ten Famous Teas.

　　Wuyi Mountain features many cliffs and precipices. Tea farmers make use of rock hollows, crevices, and cracks, building stone walls along the edges to cultivate tea, earning it the reputation of a "potted-style" tea garden. There is a saying that "there is tea on every rock, and no tea grows without rock," which is why the tea is named as such. Wuyi Rock Tea is mainly divided into two production areas: the Famous Rock Area and the Dan Rock Area.

　　Among rock teas, the most famous varieties include Da Hong Pao, Bai Ji Guan, Tie Luo Han, and Shui Jin Gui. Other varieties include Gua Zi Jin, Jin Yao Chi, and Ban Tian Yao.

　　Oolong tea produced in Wuyi Mountain is generally referred to as Wuyi Rock Tea. Depending on the production location, it is further categorized into Zheng Yan Tea, Ban Yan Tea, and Zhou Tea. Zheng Yan Tea refers to tea produced in the central area of Wuyi Rock, known for its high quality, rich flavor, and distinct rock charm. Ban Yan Tea refers to tea produced in the peripheral areas of Wuyi Mountain, with slightly less pronounced rock charm compared to Zheng Yan Tea. Zhou Tea broadly refers to tea produced along the banks of Wuyi Rock, which is of even lower quality.

　　Wuyi Mountain is located at the southeastern foot of the northern section of the Fujian Wuyi Mountain Range, covering an area of 70 square kilometers, and is reputed as the "most spectacular in the southeast." The area features interconnected peaks, crisscrossing valleys, and the meandering Nine Bend Stream, with a mild climate that is warm in winter and cool in summer, and abundant rainfall. The annual precipitation is around 2,000 millimeters. The geology is typical Danxia landform, with many cliffs and precipices. Tea farmers make use of rock hollows, crevices, and cracks, building stone walls along the edges to cultivate tea, earning it the reputation of a "potted-style" tea garden. This has given rise to the saying "there is tea on every rock, and no tea grows without rock," from which the tea gets its name. Based on growing conditions, it is divided into Zheng Yan, Ban Yan, and Zhou Tea. Zheng Yan is the most renowned. Produced in high-altitude areas such as Hui Yuan Pit, Niu Lan Pit, Da Keng Kou, Liu Xiang Jian, and Wu Yuan Jian—collectively known as the "Three Pits and Two Streams"—it boasts a fragrant, mellow taste. Ban Yan Tea, also called Minor Rock Tea, is produced in lower-altitude areas such as Qing Shi Yan, Bi Shi Yan, Ma Tou Yan, Shi Zi Kou, and along the Nine Bend Stream, slightly inferior to Zheng Yan. Tea grown in sandy soil tea gardens along the Chong Xi and Huang Bai streams, on the banks of Wuyi Rock, is classified as Zhou Tea.

　　Wuyi Rock Tea is a type of oolong tea, belonging to semi-fermented green tea. It features lush green leaves with red edges, presenting a striking appearance; its deep orange-yellow liquor shines like agate. It offers a rich rock charm, pleasant floral aroma, and a refreshing, sweet aftertaste. It combines the mellowness of black tea with the fragrance of green tea, making it a rare tea that embodies the "alive, mellow, clear, and fragrant" qualities. After drinking Wuyi Rock Tea, one enjoys lingering fragrance on the palate, a sweet aftertaste in the throat, bright yellow liquor, vibrant leaves with red edges, and a lasting fragrance even after seven infusions—qualities that have captivated tea lovers and made it a bestseller both domestically and abroad.

　　Wuyi Rock Tea is governed by the standardized national standard "New National Standard for Wuyi Rock Tea GB/T18745-2006," which strictly defines its production area scope, classification, requirements, testing methods, inspection rules, as well as labeling, packaging, transportation, storage, and product quality. Only oolong tea produced in Wuyishan City, Fujian Province, using unique traditional processing techniques can be called Wuyi Rock Tea. Wuyi Rock Tea products are divided into five types: Da Hong Pao, Ming Cong, Rou Gui, Shui Xian, and Qi Zhong. Among them, Da Hong Pao is the most precious.