For centuries, the aroma of Teochew tea has permeated Guangdong’s misty mountains, crossed oceans, and rooted itself in global Teochew communities. Beyond mere refreshment, it represents a cultural blend – weaving history, artisanal mastery, and philosophical depth that still enchants the world.
Tea’s story in Teochew began over 2,000 years ago. Legend traces its origins to Shennong, the mythical Chinese emperor who discovered tea’s detoxifying properties. By the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), tea transformed from medicine to cultural staple. Poets and rituals honored this refined drink. Teochew’s fertile soils nurtured exceptional teas. Mist-shrouded peaks like Fenghuang Mountain created ideal conditions. The subtropical climate cultivated Phoenix Dancong oolong. This premium tea boasts floral aromas and honeyed richness.
The Art of Gongfu Tea: Traditional Brewing Techniques
At the heart of Teochew tea culture lies Gongfu Tea (工夫茶), a brewing ritual that elevates tea-making to an art form.
Gongfu tea, rooted in centuries-old tradition, emphasizes meticulous attention to tea ware, leaf quality, water purity, and precise brewing methods. The process begins with a compact teapot—no larger than a clenched fist—paired with delicate teacups resembling half a ping-pong ball in size.
Key Steps in Gongfu Tea Preparation:
- Vessel Preparation: Boiling water is poured into the teapot until it overflows, serving to both warm and sanitize the vessel before discarding the initial rinse. This step ensures optimal temperature retention and hygiene.
- First Infusion: The first brew is swiftly poured away, primarily to awaken the tea leaves and eliminate impurities, aligning with traditional hygiene practices.
- Even Distribution: When serving, three cups are arranged together. The tea is poured in a rhythmic, to-and-fro motion across all cups simultaneously, ensuring uniform flavor intensity—a hallmark of Gongfu tea artistry.
- Symbolic Gesture: Cups are filled only two-thirds full, reflecting reverence for the tea and respect for the drinker, inviting appreciation of the tea’s aroma and depth.
Phoenix Dancong: The Jewel of Teochew
Phoenix Dancong is Teochew’s crown jewel.
The name “Dancong” means “single bush,” reflecting the tradition of harvesting leaves from individual tea trees to preserve their distinct flavors.Phoenix Dancong is produced in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, which is also the hometown of oolong tea.
Located at 23.92° north latitude, it is a suitable latitude for tea planting. The main peak of the mountain is about 1,400 meters above sea level and covers an area of about 250,000 mu.
The mountain is surrounded by clouds and fog all year round. The temperature is suitable, and the soil is fertile. The superior natural environment provides good growth conditions for tea plants.
Phoenix Dancong is produced from Fenghuang Mountain and its sub-mountains. The geographical attributes include Fenghuang Town, Raoping County, and so on, which belong to Chaozhou City.
Because of its natural aroma, strong aftertaste, and long-lasting resistance to bubbles, Phoenix Dancong enjoys a high reputation. These oolongs are renowned for their floral fragrances—orchid, osmanthus, and orange blossom—accompanied by a lingering sweetness. Each sub-variety, such as Mi Lan Xiang (Honey Orchid) or Huang Zhi Xiang (Yellow Twig), reflects the unique terroir and meticulous craftsmanship behind its creation.
Teochew Tea as a Social Bond
In Chaozhou, tea brewing and tea tasting are not only cherished daily customs but also vibrant social rituals. Whenever friends and family visit, locals warmly invite them to join in the tea experience. Gathered around the tea table, everyone enjoys sipping tea while engaging in lively conversation, sharing stories and laughter.
Dancong translates to “single bush” in Chinese. This name honors the practice of picking leaves from individual trees. Each harvest maintains the plant’s unique flavor profile. Phoenix Dancong grows exclusively in Chaozhou, Guangdong. This region birthed China’s oolong tea tradition.
Innovation & Sustainability: Tradition Meets Tomorrow
Young entrepreneurs in China are reimagining Teochew tea culture through new-generation tea brands that blend heritage with modern trends. These brands have not only captured the domestic market but also set benchmarks for cultural innovation and sustainability. Here are three standout examples:
Yinggehun : The “Soul of Teochew” in a Cup
Founded in 2019, Yinggehun has become a cultural phenomenon by merging Teochew Gongfu tea rituals with trendy milk tea. Their flagship product, White Peach Snow Cream , combines Phoenix Dancong oolong with fresh milk and peach blossom notes, selling over 5 million cups annually
Cha Yueshan : Single-Bush Tea, Modern Appeal
This niche brand focuses exclusively on Phoenix Dancong, appealing to Gen Z with minimalist aesthetics and a “slow tea” philosophy. Despite launching only 3-4 new products yearly, their Hai Stone Flower Dancong Milk Tea became a viral hit, achieving **¥300,000 monthly revenue per 20㎡ store **
Final Sip
Teochew tea is more than a drink—it’s a living narrative of resilience, artistry, and unity. As the world embraces mindful consumption, this ancient tradition offers a timeless lesson: Slow down, savor each cup, and let the leaves whisper their thousand-year t
