Zhangping Shui Hsien 6 bags
Zhangping Shui Hsien is a distinctive oolong tea produced in Zhangping, Fujian Province. It is made from the Shui Hsien tea cultivar and is best known for being individually pressed into small square cakes, traditionally wrapped in paper.
Zhangping Shui Hsien is widely recognised as the only traditional oolong tea produced in a compressed form. Unlike most oolong teas, which are presented as loose or tightly rolled leaves, it is individually pressed into small square cakes and traditionally wrapped in paper. This distinctive shape helps preserve the tea’s fragrance while also making each cake a convenient portion for brewing.
Its production combines characteristics of both southern and northern Fujian oolong craftsmanship. The leaves undergo withering, tossing, partial oxidation, rolling, pressing and drying, creating a tea that balances fresh floral fragrance with a smooth and rounded body.
When brewed, the compact cake gradually loosens and the leaves slowly unfold. Zhangping Shui Hsien produces a clear golden to light amber liquor with a rich yet elegant aroma. The flavour is smooth, fresh and gently sweet, with notes of orchid, gardenia, honey, ripe fruit and soft cream, followed by a clean and lingering finish.
Compared with heavily roasted Wuyi Rock Tea, Zhangping Shui Hsien generally has a brighter, softer and more floral character. Its natural fragrance remains expressive over multiple infusions while the pressed leaves provide a fuller texture than many lightly processed oolongs.
Tasting Notes:
Orchid, gardenia, honey, ripe fruit, soft cream, smooth, floral, gently sweet and lingering finish
Wellness Notes:
Naturally rich in tea polyphenols
Contains naturally occurring antioxidants
An aromatic and refreshing tea suitable for daily drinking
A good choice for those who enjoy smooth and floral oolong teas
Tea Form:
Individually pressed square tea cake
Store:
Keep at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture and strong odours
Brewing Temperature:
90–95°C
Brewing Amount:
1 tea cake
Brewing Time:
Around 20–30 seconds for the first infusion
Brewing Suggestion:
Place one whole tea cake into a teapot or gaiwan and rinse briefly with hot water. Allow the cake to loosen naturally rather than breaking it apart. Gradually increase the brewing time as the leaves fully unfold.
How Is It Different from Wuyi Old Tree Shui Hsien?
Although both teas are made from the Shui Hsien cultivar, they come from different growing areas and are processed in different styles.
Wuyi Shui Hsien is a type of Wuyi Rock Tea from the Wuyi Mountains. It is usually produced as loose, twisted leaves and commonly undergoes a deeper roasting process. Its flavour is generally fuller, warmer and more mineral, with notes of aged wood, roasted nuts, orchid and the distinctive Yan Yun, or “rock rhyme.”
Zhangping Shui Hsien is pressed into small square cakes and is usually lighter in oxidation and roasting. It places greater emphasis on fresh floral fragrance, natural sweetness and a softer, creamier texture.
In simple terms, Wuyi Shui Hsien is deeper, more roasted and mineral, while Zhangping Shui Hsien is brighter, more floral and gently sweet.
How Is It Different from Tie Guan Yin?
Zhangping Shui Hsien and Tie Guan Yin are both Fujian oolong teas, sometimes taste quite similar, but they are made from different tea cultivars and have noticeably different appearances and flavour profiles.
Tie Guan Yin is made from the Tie Guan Yin cultivar and is generally rolled into compact, ball-shaped leaves. Light-style Tie Guan Yin is known for its fresh orchid aroma, bright green character and clean, creamy finish.
Zhangping Shui Hsien is made from the Shui Hsien cultivar and pressed into square cakes. It generally has a fuller and softer body, with richer floral, honeyed and ripe-fruit notes. The tea may also display a gentle creamy or lightly baked character.
In simple terms, Tie Guan Yin is usually fresher, brighter and more delicate, while Zhangping Shui Hsien is rounder, sweeter and more full-bodied.
