Phoenix Mountain Dan cong Oolong Tea(ya shi xiang)

Ya Shi Xiang – The Legendary Dan Cong Oolong Tea from Phoenix Mountain

Ya Shi Xiang, known as “Duck Shit Aroma,” is a rare and highly prized variety of Phoenix Dan Cong Oolong Tea grown in the Phoenix Mountains (Fenghuang Shan) of Guangdong Province, China. Despite its eyebrow-raising name—originating from the mineral-rich, yellowish-brown soil once jokingly called “duck shit”—this tea surprises with its elegant floral aroma, silky texture, and long, sweet finish.

🌿 Aroma That Defies Its Name

Ya Shi Xiang offers a complex and layered fragrance that includes orchid, honey, and stone fruit, along with subtle toasted and mineral notes. This makes it one of the most aromatic teas in the Dan Cong family and a favorite among oolong connoisseurs worldwide.

🏞️ From the Misty Phoenix Mountain Terroir

This tea grows between 800–1,200 meters above sea level in the granite-rich soils of Phoenix Mountain. The unique terroir features:

• Over 2,000mm of annual rainfall

• Day–night temperature shifts of 15–20°C

• Acidic red soil with pH 4.5–5.5

• Centuries-old tea trees, some over 300 years old

The result is a tea with deep complexity, natural sweetness, and lingering fragrance.

🔧 Traditional 10-Day Dan Cong Crafting Process

Ya Shi Xiang undergoes a meticulous, handcrafted transformation over 10 days:

• Sun Withering: 20–30 minutes of early-morning exposure

• Shade Resting: Controlled cooling for enzyme development

• Hand-Tossed Oxidation: 8–12 rounds over three days to develop floral notes

• Charcoal Roasting: Slow drying over olive wood charcoal at 80–120°C for 48 hours

💚 Health Benefits

Laboratory testing reveals:

• 28% tea polyphenols – support heart health and reduce inflammation

• 5% caffeine – provides gentle energy and mental clarity without the jitters

• High geraniol content – a floral compound with natural stress-reducing properties

🍽️ Perfect Pairings & Occasions

This Dan Cong Oolong is versatile and elegant, making it ideal for:

• Afternoon tea sessions with dim sum or light pastries

• Pairing with spicy Sichuan cuisine to balance heat

• Meditation or journaling sessions to enhance mindfulness

• Gifting during traditional Chinese tea ceremonies

🍵 Brewing Instructions

Recommended Brewing Method: Gongfu style

• Teaware: Gaiwan (100ml) or Yixing clay teapot

• Leaves: 7g

• Water temperature: 95–100°C (203–212°F)

• Rinse: 5 seconds

• Infusions: 10–15 seconds per brew, up to 8–10 infusions

The first steep unveils floral top notes, while later brews reveal roasted almond and honeyed sweetness.

📦 Storage Tips

To preserve the delicate floral aroma and aging potential of Ya Shi Xiang, store it in a:

• Cool, dry, airtight container

• Away from light, moisture, and strong odors

• Ideal containers: tinted tins, vacuum-sealed pouches, or unglazed clay jars

Properly stored, Dan Cong Oolong Tea can improve in complexity over time, offering an evolving flavor profile for years to come.