2026 Wu Sandi Shui Xian 吴三地水仙
Tea Profile
Type: Wuyi Rock Tea (Yancha, High Mountain area)
Location: Wu Sandi Village (吴三地), Yangzhuang Township, Wuyishan, Fujian, China
Altitude: Approx. 800-1200m
Harvest Date: May 2026
Cultivar: Shui Xian (水仙)
Age of Tea Bushes: Over 40 years
Roasting Level: Two times charcoal roasting, with a medium-light roast level.
The Story of This Tea
Our Wu Sandi Shui Xian comes from Wu Sandi, a secluded high-mountain village deep within the Wuyishan Nature Reserve. This is why we named it Wu Sandi Shui Xian, after its place of origin.
Wu Sandi Village is particularly well known for its old-bush Shui Xian. The village is home to extensive communities of old Shui Xian tea trees, many of which are over 60 years old, creating a distinctive and precious growing environment for traditional old-bush Shui Xian.
The tea trees grow in a high-altitude mountain environment with a wonderfully wild and natural character, far removed from the noise of urban life. They breathe the fresh mountain air and draw nourishment from the pure spring water flowing through the mountains. As a result, Wu Sandi Shui Xian has a very distinctive high-mountain character, with a unique sense of terroir reflected in the tea liquor.
This tea does not come from the traditional Zhengyan core area. Instead, it belongs to what we call the high-mountain (Gaoshan) area. Its most distinctive characteristics are its pronounced high-mountain character and the rich, elegant floral fragrance of the Shui Xian cultivar itself.
For our 2026 Wu Sandi Shui Xian, we invested considerable care and attention in the charcoal-roasting process.
The tea naturally has a very expressive fragrance. In addition to the characteristic aroma of the Shui Xian cultivar, it also carries an intense and captivating magnolia fragrance. To preserve these aromatic qualities while achieving the right level of roasting, we approached every stage of the charcoal-roasting process with great care.
If the roasting temperature is too high, the tea's vibrant floral fragrance can gradually transform into a more mature, mellow roasted aroma. However, if the heat is too gentle, we risk leaving the tea insufficiently roasted, preventing it from developing the body, structure, and depth we want in the liquor.
Therefore, the roasting temperature must be carefully controlled throughout the process, finding the right balance between preserving the tea's expressive floral fragrance and developing the desired roasted character.
We are now very pleased with the result. The tea retains its distinctive magnolia fragrance while offering a well-structured liquor, satisfying body, and the unmistakable character of its high-mountain origin.
If you enjoy Shui Xian with an expressive floral fragrance, prominent magnolia notes, and a fresh, lively character in the liquor, I would genuinely recommend trying our 2026 Wu Sandi Shui Xian.
Aroma and Flavour
Wu Sandi Shui Xian is an elegant tea with remarkable delicacy and depth.Its aroma is led by notes of orchid and magnolia, complemented by subtle woody undertones and honeyed stone fruit. The liquor is a beautiful golden amber, smooth on the palate, with refined sweetness and a gentle mineral touch. Its lingering aftertaste unfolds gracefully, like mist drifting through the mountains.
- Aroma: Orchid, magnolia, gentle wood, and honey
- Flavor: Sweet floral notes with light roasted nuts, minerals, and a hint of apricot
- Texture: Silky and rounded, with high-mountain clarity
- Aftertaste: Lingering orchid and mineral sweetness with soft cooling yun 韵
- Steeping Endurance: 7 to 9 infusions
Brewing Guidelines
Gong Fu Style
- Teaware: Zhuni 朱泥 or Hongni 红泥 Yixing teapot, or porcelain gaiwan for clarity
- Ratio: 6 – 8 g per 100 ml water
- Water: 95 – 100 °C, ideally low-TDS (soft) spring water
- Infusions: Quick rinse, then 5 s / 8 s / 12 s for the first three rounds, increasing gradually thereafter
Western Style
- Teaware: Porcelain or glass teapot; a small Zini 紫泥 pot adds warmth and depth
- Ratio: 3 – 4 g per 250 ml water
- Water: Around 95 °C
- Steeping: 2 – 3 minutes for the first brew; extend time for subsequent steeps (up to 3 resteeps)
Why Choose This Tea
Our Wu Sandi Shui Xian embodies the pure natural character of Wuyi’s high-mountain region, its pristine ecological growing environment, and the craftsmanship of traditional charcoal roasting.
It is distinguished by its elegant orchid fragrance and sweet high-mountain character. Its pure, natural aroma and fresh, clean mouthfeel come together beautifully in every cup, revealing another unique and captivating expression of Wuyi Rock Tea beyond the traditional Zhengyan core area.
This is an elegant tea that showcases the craftsmanship of high-mountain Shui Xian and the distinctive character of its terroir. The liquor is clear and refined, with a delicate yet layered fragrance, a smooth and refreshing mouthfeel, and a long, lingering aftertaste that leaves a lasting impression.