Shui Xian Dancong (水仙单丛)

Also known Narcissus, Water Sprite, and 水仙.

Shui Xian Dancong (水仙单丛) is a Wu Long tea that's grown in the Phoenix Mountain region.

Note: This page is about the Shui Xian (水仙) grown in the Phoenix Mountains. If you are looking for information about the similarly named Shui Xian Yancha (水仙岩茶) from the Wuyi Mountains, take a look here: Shui Xian Yan Cha.

Name

• 水 (pronounced Shui in Mandarin): means "water."
• 仙 (pronounced Xian in Mandarin): means "immortal" or "sprite."

When combined as 水仙, it typically refers to the Narcissus flower genus, which includes species like the daffodil.

Terroir

A Tale Of Two Shui Xian

Shui Xian tea grows in two main areas: the Wuyi Mountains and the Phoenix Mountains. Some think these teas are the same cultivar — grown in different places. While this may be true, I find it helpful to think of them as different things.

For one, the unique growing conditions (terroir) in each area give the tea leaves different flavors and characteristics. Also, the way they are processed in each region varies, which highlights or tones down different aspects of the tea’s flavor. While it may be true that they share a common origin, you would never really mistake a Shui Xian Yan Cha for a Shui Xian Dancong.

Flavor

Shui Xian Dancong features a sweet, creamy liquor that exudes an aroma of orchids. Depending on the type and time of roast, the intensity of toastedness will range from mildly nutty to outright smoky.

At it's best, Shui Xian can feature notes of brilliant cinnamon and woody incense, emphasizing the crucial role that excellent roasting plays in this class of teas.

Explore Further

• Tea: An Overview
• Table of Contents
• A Short History of Fenghuang Dancong