Botanical Dossier
Da Hong Pao vs Shui Xian
Da Hong Pao
Oolong Tea · China
Roasted · Mineral · Fruity
Shui Xian
Oolong Tea · China
Woody · Floral · Mineral
| Attribute | Da Hong Pao | Shui Xian |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Oolong Tea | Oolong Tea |
| Origin | China | China |
| Region | Fujian (Wuyi) | Fujian (Wuyi) |
| Flavor | Roasted · Mineral · Fruity | Woody · Floral · Mineral |
| Body | Strong | Medium |
| Caffeine | Medium (~30–50 mg) | Medium (~30–50 mg) |
| Oxidation | High | High |
| Roast | High | Medium |
| Brewing temp | 95–100°C | 95–100°C |
| Steep time | 1–2 min | 1–2 min |
| Re-steep | 4–6 times | 3–6 times |
Sensory Dissection
Flavor
Da Hong Pao
Da Hong Pao is the most famous of the Wuyi 'rock teas' (yancha), grown on mineral-rich cliffs and traditionally charcoal-roasted. The cup is deep and layered: roasted stone fruit, dark mineral, and a warm cacao-like finish with a distinctive 'yanyun' rock rhyme minerality. It is bold yet smooth, and resteeps many times with evolving character.
Shui Xian
Shui Xian is one of the oldest and most widely grown Wuyi rock teas, named for the narcissus flower it is said to resemble. The leaves are large and dark, and the cup carries a woody, mineral backbone with floral orchid notes and a smooth, lingering sweetness. Roasted examples add warm toasty depth, while the underlying 'yanyun' rock character keeps the finish clean and structured.
Preparation Protocol
Brewing
Da Hong Pao
- Water temperature
- 95–100°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 1–2 min
- Re-steep
- 4–6 times
Shui Xian
- Water temperature
- 95–100°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 1–2 min
- Re-steep
- 3–6 times
Biochemistry
Caffeine
Da Hong Pao
Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Shui Xian
Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Craft & Microclimate
Origin
Da Hong Pao
China · Fujian (Wuyi)
The original Da Hong Pao bushes grow in the Wuyi mountains of northern Fujian.
Shui Xian
China · Fujian (Wuyi)
Shui Xian is grown throughout the Wuyi mountains and is a parent cultivar for many other rock teas.
Curator's Recommendation
Which one might you prefer?
There is no superior tea here — only distinct sensory journeys. Use your flavor memory and current mood to choose.
Choose Da Hong Pao if you like:
- Roasted
- Mineral
- Fruity
Choose Shui Xian if you like:
- Woody
- Floral
- Mineral
Keep Exploring
Related teas to explore
Similar teas from both sides of this comparison.
