Lishan Winter Oolong

Qingxin, meaning “green heart,” is Taiwan’s most classic and widely planted oolong cultivar. It is the variety many people have in mind when they speak about Taiwanese Wulong / Oolong, and it is also the traditional base for authentic Dongding teas. As tea cultivation expanded into Taiwan’s high mountains from the 1980s onward, Qingxin found its most celebrated expression in these alpine gardens.

High mountain terroir, winter clarity

The Lishan Winter Oolong comes from the famous high-altitude area of Lishan (Nantou, Taiwan). In the highlands, strong day–night temperature swings, frequent mist, and slower growth naturally shape a tea that is finer, cleaner, and sweeter in its structure. In winter, this effect is even more pronounced: the tea feels lighter and “cooler” — more crystal-clear, with a calm, refreshing character and an especially smooth finish.

Bouquet style: floral and bright

Lishan Winter Oolong is a lightly oxidized, bouquet-style high mountain oolong. Because the leaves are handled gently during processing, the tea stays bright and fresh in expression: the liquor is lighter in the cup, the florals are more vivid, and the mouthfeel remains silky and clean. Despite its lightness, it still offers the depth and endurance that a well-made oolong should have, with a long, lingering aftertaste that invites slow, mindful drinking.

Light oxidation, no roast

This winter tea is not roasted and only lightly oxidized. The result is purity and transparency: elegant fragrance, refined sweetness, and a stable structure that can also be stored well. With time, the aroma may shift gently toward softer, rounder tones while keeping its high-mountain freshness.

Harvest date: winter 2025
Aroma: floral, with notes of osmanthus and honey
Oxidation: approx. 20%
Roasting: none
Terroir: Lishan, Nantou, Taiwan
Preparation: In this blogpost you will find a description of how to brew Oolong tea.
Tip: This tea shows its full aroma best when it’s not drunk too hot. Let the liquor cool briefly in the cup — the floral notes become clearer and the sweetness more pronounced.
Also great for grandpa style: Lishan Winter Oolong stays smooth and productive, doesn’t turn bitter easily, and works beautifully in a large cup or pot. Simply let the leaves sink to the bottom and keep refilling with hot water.