Shui Xian - Floral Style - 花香水仙 (2023)
Tea Profile
Type: Wuyi Rock Tea (Yancha 岩茶)
Location: Qing Shi Yan (青狮岩), Wuyishan National Park, Fujian Province
Harvest Date: May 2023
Roasting Level: Medium roast (中火)
The Story of This Tea
In Wuyishan, nearly 90 percent of Shui Xian bushes are around 30 to 40 years old. During the 1980s, tea was not as commercially valued as it is today. Local farmers sold fresh tea leaves directly to state-owned enterprises, and because the Shui Xian cultivar produced abundant yields, it became widely planted across the region. Over time, Shui Xian evolved into the most common and beloved household tea in Wuyishan, affectionately known as the “Housekeeping Tea” among locals.
Shui Xian is cherished for its plump leaves, fragrant character, and unique orchid aroma. This particular 2023 harvest from Qing Shi Yan represents the high-quality expression of the cultivar. Grown in the mineral-rich soil of Wuyishan National Park and roasted to a balanced medium level, it embodies the perfect blend of floral fragrance, sweetness, and strength. The tea reveals a silky texture and strong mineral backbone, offering both power and elegance in the cup.
Aroma and Flavour
This Shui Xian opens with a distinctive orchid fragrance that defines the cultivar. The medium charcoal roast adds depth without masking the floral charm, creating a smooth, balanced infusion. The liquor is bright and clear, delivering a floral-sweet taste with a touch of roasted warmth. A strong mineral note underpins the body, giving the tea its signature Wuyi rock character.
- Aroma: Orchid fragrance with light roasted sweetness
- Flavor: Floral and sweet with soft roasted undertones
- Texture: Silky, smooth, and mineral-rich
- Aftertaste: Lingering floral sweetness with cooling clarity
- Steeping Endurance: 8–10 infusions with stable floral intensity
Brewing Guidelines
Gong Fu Style
- Teaware: Zhuni 朱泥 or Hongni 红泥 Yixing teapot for warmth, or porcelain gaiwan for clarity
- Ratio: 7–8 g per 100 ml water
- Water: 95–100 °C spring water
- Infusions: Quick rinse, then brew 8–10 infusions, extending steeping time gradually
Western Style
- Teaware: Porcelain or glass teapot
- Ratio: 3–4 g per 250 ml water
- Water: 95 °C
- Steeping: 2–3 minutes for the first infusion. Resteep 2–3 times as desired
Why Choose This Tea
This 2023 Qing Shi Yan Shui Xian is a classic Wuyi Rock Tea that captures the essence of the Shui Xian cultivar. With its strong orchid fragrance, silky texture, and balanced medium roast, it expresses both floral delicacy and mineral strength. Whether you are discovering Wuyi oolongs or deepening your appreciation for the Shui Xian variety, this tea offers an authentic and elegant experience true to its mountain origin.