Introduction:Want to understand which tea gardens produce the most authentic flavors of the Daye Ye variety in Phoenix Dancong? This article takes you deep into Shitoujiao Tea Garden in Fenghuang Town, Chaozhou, exploring this high-quality tea-growing area at nearly 900 meters above sea level, shrouded in clouds and mist. We analyze how its yellow soil and alpine ecosystem create its unique tea aroma. At the same time, we trace the origins of Phoenix Dancong, the characteristics of the Daye Ye variety, and the story of a local tea farmer who returned home to promote native cultivars—offering you a comprehensive understanding of this classic oolong tea, from origin to flavor.
Phoenix Dancong is renowned for its delicate and varied aromas, with Daye Ye standing out among many tea enthusiasts for its thick leaf texture and bold fragrance. But to taste the version closest to traditional flavors, the choice of tea garden is crucial. Step into Shitoujiao Tea Garden in Fenghuang Town, Chaozhou, located at about 900 meters above sea level and adjacent to the Fenghuang Reservoir. With year-round cloud cover, a humid climate, and mineral-rich yellow soil, it forms an ideal environment for tea tree growth.
Most of the tea trees in Shitoujiao Tea Garden are over 40 years old and have grown completely naturally, without pruning or artificial regulation. These old tea trees have branches covered with thick moss—a distinct characteristic of alpine ancient tea trees. The Daye Ye cultivated in such a pristine environment boasts a richer and more layered flavor.
When talking about the history of Phoenix Dancong, one must mention the uniquely blessed tea-growing region of Fenghuang Mountain. Located in Chaozhou, the Fengshan mountain range enjoys fresh air and a warm, humid climate, with an average annual temperature of about 20°C and annual rainfall reaching 2,100 millimeters—making it an ideal place for cultivating high-quality oolong tea. In 1982, Phoenix Dancong was honored as one of China’s "Three Famous Teas," and it remains beloved by tea drinkers worldwide to this day.
This tea-growing region encompasses over 20,000 acres of tea gardens, including many ancient tea trees aged 200 to 400 years, and even the legendary "Songzhong Tea King" tree, said to be 600 years old. These ancient tea trees are important genetic sources for varieties like Daye Ye. Their genes and adaptability form the foundation of their unique aromas and flavor profiles.
The Daye Ye variety introduced here is actually a medium-leaf tea tree, a natural hybrid offspring of the Shuixian lineage. Its leaves are thick, slightly hairy, and dark green in color. Mature leaves are about 11.2 centimeters long and 3.8 centimeters wide, taking on a plump oval shape. This structure allows Daye Ye to more easily accumulate aromatic compounds during processing, also giving the tea liquor a rich and layered mouthfeel.
With the guidance of tea farmer Mr. Li, we were able to gain a deeper understanding of the charm of this tea. Hailing from a small village in Fenghuang Town, Chaozhou, Mr. Li grew up immersed in the culture of tea picking, processing, and tasting, developing a particular fondness for Dancong tea. After graduating from university, he chose to return to his hometown, dedicating himself to promoting native cultivars of Phoenix Dancong—not only seeking a path for his own tea garden but also hoping to let more people experience true alpine flavors.
The Daye Ye oolong tea he recommends is completely different from many market products that are highly fragrant but lack depth in taste. Even with its lofty aroma, it perfectly harmonizes with the mellow richness of the tea liquor, complementing each other without overshadowing, showcasing the balance and layering that high-quality Dancong tea should have. This characteristic is the result of the dual influence of the tea garden’s natural environment and the tea tree variety.
The aroma of Daye Ye is often described as carrying a natural orchid or honey fragrance, with a distinct aftertaste and a lingering throat sensation. The formation of this flavor profile is not only due to the genetic traits of the variety itself but also closely related to the tea garden’s altitude, soil, and climate. The alpine environment of Shitoujiao Tea Garden slows down the tea leaves’ growth, aiding in nutrient accumulation and the precipitation of aromatic compounds.
If you’re interested in the Daye Ye variety within Phoenix Dancong, it’s recommended to start by understanding the tea garden environment and production techniques, then further appreciate the subtle differences. Whether brewing it yourself or tasting samples directly from the tea farmer, you can gain a deeper sense of the unique charm of this classic oolong tea.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
