Da Wu Ye Dan Cong is an important variety of Phoenix Oolong Tea, originating from Phoenix Mountain, one of the four major producing regions of loose-leaf oolong tea.

In the local Chaozhou (Teochew) dialect, “Wu” means “dark,” hence Da Wu Ye is also known as “Big Dark Leaf.”

Understanding the Name

Da (Big)

The Da Wu Ye tea tree is classified as a medium-leaf variety in Chinese tea taxonomy.

Yet, among the many Phoenix Dan Cong cultivars, its leaves are relatively broad and thick, standing in sharp contrast to the smaller and more delicate varieties.

The character “Da” aptly captures this distinctive trait.

Wu (Dark)

“Wu” is the most expressive character in the name. Although literally translated as “black,” it refers instead to a deep green or glossy, inky hue.

This “dark” quality comes from two aspects:

• Varietal Traits: The leaves contain a high concentration of chlorophyll, giving them a deep green color.
• Processing: Through sun-withering, cooling, tossing, and finally charcoal roasting, the leaves develop reddish edges and a darker surface.

The finished dry leaves appear dark-brown, lustrous, and frosted in texture — a hallmark of refined craftsmanship.

Here, “Wu” is a complementary term, describing the tea’s glossy richness and high quality.

Ye (Leaf)

As the name suggests, it simply refers to the tea tree’s leaves.

Summary

In short, Da Wu Ye literally means “broad, dark, glossy leaves.”

Local tea farmers named it after its most visible traits — a practical and common practice within the Phoenix Dan Cong naming tradition.

Flavor Profile and Tea Style

Da Wu Ye (Big Dark Leaf) belongs to the light-aroma style of Phoenix Dan Cong Oolong Tea.

Its fragrance and taste closely resemble its terroir-relative from Phoenix Mountain — the famous Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit Aroma).

It offers elegant floral and creamy notes.

Because it grows at lower altitudes and yields a larger harvest, tea drinkers often view it as a more approachable alternative to Ya Shi Xiang.

Popularity and Local Recognition

According to years of sales data from Chinese Tea Group’s physical tea houses, Ya Shi Xiang remains highly popular among Chinese oolong teas, despite its higher price.

However, in the tea’s place of origin — Guangdong’s Phoenix Dan Cong region — local tea drinkers show the greatest preference for Da Wu Ye, valuing it for its excellent quality-to-price ratio.

It is regarded as the most widely recognized light-aroma Dan Cong tea among local connoisseurs.

Brewing and Tasting Notes

Our Da Wu Ye Dan Cong Oolong Tea (Big Dark Leaf) features deep green dry leaves with a sweet sugarcane fragrance interwoven with the freshness of gardenia blossoms.

When brewed, the liquor glows golden with a hint of green, releasing a sharp, uplifting aroma.

On the palate, floral notes and sugarcane sweetness unfold gracefully, leaving a refreshing and lingering aftertaste.