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Shui Xian

Water Sprite oolong - one of Wuyi's oldest cultivars with a broad, smooth, honey-orchid character.

Type
Oolong Tea
Origin
China · Wuyi Mountains
Oxidation
heavy
Caffeine
medium
Brew temp
95–100°C
Brew time
1–2 min
Flavor notes
honey, orchid, woody

History

Shui Xian (Water Sprite or Narcissus) is one of the oldest and most widely planted cultivars in the Wuyi Mountains. The name may derive from the narcissus flower or from the Mandarin word for 'water immortal.' Shui Xian trees in Wuyi can grow very old - some ancient specimens are over 100 years old and produce exceptionally complex tea. Alongside Rou Gui, Shui Xian forms the backbone of Wuyi rock tea production. Where Rou Gui is bold and spicy, Shui Xian is smooth, broad, and honey-sweet.

Processing

Heavily oxidized (50–70%) and charcoal-roasted, similar to other Wuyi yancha. Shui Xian's large, thick leaves produce a broader, smoother character than Rou Gui's sharper profile. Old-tree (lao cong) Shui Xian from aged specimens is particularly prized for its woody depth and 'cong wei' (bush flavor) - a mossy, ancient character.

Tasting Notes

Appearance

Large, dark, twisted leaves - broader than Rou Gui. The liquor is a warm amber with an orange tinge.

Aroma

Honey, orchid, and aged wood - smoother and more rounded than Rou Gui. Old-tree versions add a distinctive mossy, ancient character.

Taste

Broad, smooth, and honey-sweet with orchid notes, aged wood, and the mineral rock rhyme. Less aggressive than Rou Gui - Shui Xian is the gentle giant of Wuyi tea. Old-tree versions are extraordinarily complex with a lingering 'cong wei' (bush flavor).

Brewing Guide

Western Style

  • Leaf: 3g per 200ml
  • Water: 95–100°C (203–212°F)
  • Time: 1–2 minutes
  • Infusions: 5–7 infusions

Gongfu Style

  • Leaf: 8g per 100ml
  • Water: 100°C (212°F)
  • Time: 10s first, +5s each subsequent
  • Infusions: 8–12 infusions

Step-by-step

  1. Boiling rinse. Flash-rinse with boiling water to open the large, twisted leaves. Tip: Shui Xian's large leaves need a moment to wake up.
  2. Hot, short infusions. 10-second infusions with boiling water, increasing gradually. Tip: The honey-orchid character blooms beautifully in early infusions.
  3. Explore the depth. 8–12 infusions reveal layers from honey-floral to woody-mineral. Tip: Old-tree Shui Xian's 'cong wei' often emerges in the middle infusions.

Health Benefits

  • Rich in minerals from the Wuyi rock terroir
  • Contains antioxidants from heavy oxidation
  • Moderate caffeine
  • Warming and comforting - traditionally used for cold weather
  • May support digestion

Food Pairings

  • Honey-glazed dishes and roasted meats
  • Aged cheeses - particularly gruyère
  • Dark chocolate with honey notes
  • Roasted root vegetables
  • Dried fruits and nuts

Buying Guide

What to look for

  • Large, dark, twisted leaves - broader than other Wuyi oolongs
  • Smooth, honeyed aroma without harsh roastiness
  • Ask about tree age - old-tree (lao cong) Shui Xian is premium
  • Zhengyan (core rock zone) origin

Quality indicators

  • Wuyi Mountains origin
  • Lao cong (old tree, 50+ years) designation for the deepest character
  • Zhengyan growing zone
  • Multiple charcoal roastings

Price range: $12–25 for standard, $30–60 for lao cong, $80+ for ancient tree zhengyan

Storage: Very stable - stores 2–5+ years. Some improve with aging.

Fun Facts

  • Some Shui Xian trees in the Wuyi Mountains are over 100 years old.
  • The 'cong wei' (bush flavor) of old-tree Shui Xian is one of the most sought-after characteristics in Chinese tea.
  • Shui Xian is one of the two 'kings' of Wuyi rock tea alongside Rou Gui.
  • The cultivar is also grown in Fujian's Zhangping region, where it's processed as a ball-rolled oolong - a completely different style.

Related Teas

Where to buy Shui Xian

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