Zhongshan First Flush Ya Shi Xiang Dancong Oolong — Duck Shit Aroma | Mid-Mountain Terroir

A Different Mountain, A Different Character — Zhongshan First Flush Ya Shi Xiang

Not all Phoenix Mountain teas are the same. Zhongshan (中山) — the mid-mountain growing zone of the Fenghuang range — produces a Ya Shi Xiang with its own distinct personality: warmer days balanced by cool nights, mineral-rich red clay soil, and a microclimate that coaxes out a floral bouquet that is brighter, more honeyed, and more immediately approachable than its high-altitude counterparts.

This is first flush (头采) — the earliest spring picking, when the leaves are at their most tender and the aromatics are freshest. A tea that rewards the curious and delights the connoisseur.

Zhongshan Terroir — Mid-Mountain, Full Character

At 400–600m elevation, Zhongshan sits in the heart of the Phoenix Mountain growing zone. The mid-altitude position means longer sun exposure than the high peaks, producing a tea with a warmer, rounder sweetness alongside the signature Ya Shi Xiang floral lift. The red clay soil adds a subtle mineral depth that lingers in the finish.

• Altitude: 400–600m — mid-mountain, optimal sun and mist balance
• Soil: Mineral-rich red clay — adds depth and a gentle earthiness
• Climate: Warm days, cool nights — builds natural sweetness in the leaf
• Character: Brighter, more honeyed, and more approachable than high-altitude versions

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Vibrant floral bouquet — honey, orchid, and a hint of ripe stone fruit
• Taste: Smooth and naturally sweet, with a bright floral mid-palate
• Mouthfeel: Creamy and round, with a satisfying body
• Finish: Clean, refreshing aftertaste with a lingering floral sweetness
• Complexity: 6–8 infusions, each evolving gently

Harvest & Origin

• Harvest: Spring 2026 — first flush, hand-picked at peak tenderness
• Growing Zone: Zhongshan (中山), Phoenix Mountain (Fenghuang Shan)
• Altitude: 400–600m
• Origin: Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, China
• Variety: Ya Shi Xiang (鸭屎香) Dan Cong — Single Bush Oolong

Brewing Guide — Gongfu Style

• Tea: 5–7g per 150ml
• Water: 95–98°C (203–208°F)
• Rinse: Quick 5-second rinse — discard to open the leaves
• 1st steep: 20–30 seconds
• Subsequent steeps: Add 10–15 seconds each
• Infusions: 6–8 times
• Vessel: Gaiwan or small clay teapot

Mid-mountain roots. First flush freshness. The approachable face of Phoenix Dancong.