About this tea

Phoenix Dancong is a special style of oolong tea produced in Chaozhou’s Fenghuang “Phoenix” Mountain, a coastal region of Guangdong, in Southeastern China. This region is an ancient tea growing area celebrated for its mineral-rich soils, misty and foggy climate in a mountainous and rocky forested landscape. Chaozhou is home to a diverse range of aromatic oolong tea cultivars developed through generations of selective cultivation, breeding and grafting.

The teas in this region of Chaozhou are mainly referred to as Dancong Oolong (single tree or single trunk oolong) and share similar aromas with various fruits and flowers like: tuberose, orchids, ginger flowers, citrus blossoms, honey, peaches, fruits and flowers. Some of the Dancong Oolong strains, like the Song Zhong, are named after legendary stories and farmer’s fables.

The last Song Emperor Zhao Bing (1278-1279 AD) had to flee to southern China when he was pursued by the Mongols. He arrived in Chaozhou and got thirsty for tea. His assistant plucked some tree leaves and made some tea for him. The Song Emperor drank it and found the taste to be so amazing that he proceeded to name this tea tree after himself as “Song Cha.”

The tea tree seeds were spread out in Chaozhou by the local people who called the tea tree variety “Song Zhong.” The people in Chaozhou planted more of these selected “Song Zhong” tea tree seeds in the surrounding mountains due to the Song Emperor’s endorsement and praise for this tea more than 750 years ago. Today, the Song Zhong strain of Dancong is said to have descended from this very old genetic variety.

The taste of Song Zhong is very differentiated. Its floral aromas of gardenia blossoms and ripe nectarines are balanced with a moderate and creamy roast. Song Zhong is one of the oldest strains of Dancong and is sought after by connoisseurs.