The History: The “Single Bush” Perfume
Phoenix Dancong is a unique family of oolong teas from the Phoenix Mountains in Guangdong Province. Its history dates back over 900 years, with some ancient trees from the Song Dynasty still producing tea today!
The name “Dancong” literally means “single bush.” Traditionally, these teas were harvested and processed from individual, genetically distinct tea trees, each with its own unique aroma. This resulted in a dizzying array of “fragrance types” that are all natural—no flowers or oils are ever added.
Geography: The Volcanic Slopes of Chaozhou
The “terroir” of Dancong is the Phoenix Mountain (Fenghuangshan) range near Chaozhou.
- Volcanic Soil: The mountains are ancient volcanoes, providing a soil rich in minerals that gives the tea its characteristic “mountain charm” (Shan Yun).
- Altitude: The best teas (High Mountain / Gao Shan) grow above 1,000 meters, where the cool air and mist slow the growth of the leaves.
- The City of Chaozhou: The local culture is inseparable from the tea. Chaozhou is the birthplace of Gongfu Cha, the traditional, high-leaf-to-water ratio brewing method.
Decoding the Aroma Types
Dancong is classified by its fragrance. There are over 10 traditional types, but these are the most famous:
- Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit Scent): Don’t be fooled by the name! Legend says the farmer named it this to prevent people from stealing his secret. It is actually a beautiful, creamy floral tea (Honeysuckle).
- Mi Lan Xiang (Honey Orchid): The most popular variety. It tastes exactly like its name—sweet honey and floral orchids.
- Xing Ren Xiang (Almond Scent): Known for its distinct nutty, marzipan-like finish.
- Tong Tian Xiang (Heavenly Scent): A powerful ginger-flower aroma that is said to “reach the heavens.”
How to Identify Quality
Dancong is a “difficult” tea to brew—it is naturally quite bitter and astringent if not handled correctly. Quality tea balances this intensity with sweetness.
| Feature | High-Quality (Premium) | Lower-Quality (Mass Market) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Long, wiry, dark leaves; uniform and unbroken. | Short, broken, or dusty leaves. |
| Aroma | Explosive, natural fragrance that fills the room. | Faint, artificial, or “green” smelling. |
| Liquor | Clear, bright gold or orange; oily texture. | Dull yellow or cloudy. |
| Taste | Complex, layered, with a strong aftertaste (Huigan). | Flat, thin, or permanently bitter. |
Reputable Brands & Where to Buy
Dancong is highly artisanal. Avoid generic “Phoenix Oolong” sold in grocery stores.
Reputable Specialized Brands:
- Chaozhou Local Producers: Look for Song Cha or Phoenix Star.
- International-Friendly Online Shops:
- Bitterleaf Teas: They spend significant time in Chaozhou sourcing incredible Dancongs.
- The Tea Hong: Offers highly specialized, high-mountain Dancongs with detailed tasting notes.
- Teavivre: A good source for classic “Honey Orchid” and “Duck Shit” at various price points.
- Yunnan Sourcing: Despite the name, they have a solid selection of Guangdong oolongs.
Phoenix Dancong is often called the “Perfumier’s Tea.” It is challenging to brew but incredibly rewarding. For your first experience, I recommend a Honey Orchid (Mi Lan Xiang)—it is the most forgiving and provides that classic Dancong sweetness.