Shui Xian Oolong Tea, also known as Shui Hsien Tea (Narcissus), originated during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty (1821–1850), with its core production area in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian Province.

Traditional Crafting and Classic Status

Grown in weathered rocky soils and crafted using traditional Wuyi Oolong techniques, Shui Xian is recognized as a classic variety among Wuyi Rock Oolongs. It is commonly called “Wuyi Shui Xian” or “Shui Xian Rock Tea.”

 “Fragrance in the South, Body in the North”

Fujian’s two major Oolong tea systems are famously described as “fragrance in the south, body in the north”:

• Southern Anxi Oolongs, such as Tie Guan Yin, are prized for their aroma.
• Northern Wuyi Rock Oolongs are celebrated for their rich, smooth, full-bodied liquor.

Shui Xian Tea (Shui Hsien Tea) exemplifies this “northern body” style. Tea enthusiasts often describe it as having a full, rounded liquor with subtle mossy and woody notes.

Unique Symbiotic Plants

During their annual visits to the tea-growing areas, our tea masters spoke with local farmers and discovered that Shui Xian tea trees often coexist with three characteristic symbiotic plants:

• Lvsī Chuiman – a moss growing on the branches
• White scaly lichen – its woody aroma is used as a natural ingredient in famous perfumes such as Chanel No.19 and Miss Dior
• Ferns

Ecological Significance and Challenges

Farmers have mixed feelings about these plants:

• Positive aspects: They are a sign of the Wuyi Mountains’ pristine, diverse ecology, characterized by limited direct sunlight, a humid climate, and pollution-free conditions. Their metabolic compounds are absorbed by the tea trees, subtly influencing the tea’s aroma.
• Negative aspects: They compete with the tea trees for nutrients, reducing leaf yield.

Appreciating Shui Xian Oolong

To truly appreciate Shui Xian Tea, it must come from an authentic origin and thrive in a well-preserved ecological environment. In young teas (1–2 years), the liquor naturally carries varying degrees of mossy and woody notes.

Product Highlights

This Shui Xian Oolong Tea – Classic Wuyi Rock Tea – Shui Hsien (Narcissus) is harvested from an ecological tea garden at 300 meters above sea level. It is one of the most frequently repurchased teas in the Chinese Tea Group’s physical tea houses, and we are proud to bring it to our online store to share its unique charm with tea lovers worldwide.