Phoenix Dancong tea is produced in the Phoenix Mountains of Fenghuang Town, Chaozhou, and is renowned for its aroma, earning it the nickname “drinkable perfume.”

Huangzhi (Yellow Twig) Aroma

Also known as Huangzhi or Yellow Twig, this type has a Gardenia flower scent that is long-lasting and naturally reminiscent of gardenias, making it one of the more fragrant varieties of Dancong tea.

The Huangzhi aroma is the most widely cultivated floral type in the Phoenix tea region, with several strains such as Songzhong Huangzhi, Da Baiye, Laoshenweng, Dadian Songzhong, Shitou Huangzhi, Zongsuojia, Te Xuan Huangzhi, and Da Wuye. The recently popularized Yashi (Duck Sh*t) aroma also belongs to the Huangzhi type.

Zhilan (Cymbidium) Aroma

When brewed, Dancong tea of the Zhilan aroma type releases a natural Cymbidium Orchid fragrance. There are multiple strains:

The Eight Immortals Dancong has a high and sharp aroma that can resemble osmanthus when properly made, and it is one of the main strains cultivated in the Phoenix tea region.

Songzhong Zhilan has a clear and lasting Cymbidium orchid fragrance.

Bamboo Leaf Dancong has narrow leaves resembling bamboo leaves and a high and sharp Cymbidium orchid fragrance.

Jilongkan Dancong has an open tree shape like a bamboo cage used for keeping chickens and a clear and lasting aroma. In 2015, the mother tree's leaves were auctioned on Taobao at a starting price of 68,000 RMB per catty.

Brothers Tea Dancong, named after two mother trees whose branches intertwine like close brothers, has a clear and high Zhilan aroma.

Mi Lan (Honey Orchid) Aroma

This type has a honey-like, orchid aroma.

Xiangan Sweet Potato Dancong has a sweet and fragrant aroma similar to cooked white sweet potatoes when brewed.

White Leaf Dancong has leaves that are more yellow-green than other tea trees; the local tea farmers call this color “white.” It possesses a honey and orchid scent. White Leaf Dancong is the most widely planted variety in Fenghuang Town and has the highest production volume, commonly referred to as Mi Lan Aroma Dancong in the market. For many overseas Chinese from Chaozhou, the taste of Mi Lan Aroma may evoke memories of home.

Osmanthus Aroma

Osmanthus Dancong is a group of Dancong teas originally planted by monks in a local temple during the early Qing Dynasty. In the summer of 1958, the captain of a local production team discovered aging tea trees that were about to die and propagated a batch of tea seedlings using short shoot cuttings, preserving this aromatic type.

The tea has tightly coiled, lustrous loach-yellow-colored leaves, bright orange-Yellow Tea liquor, and a natural osmanthus fragrance that is both rich and elegant.

Yulan (Magnolia) Aroma

Yulan Dancong has a natural magnolia flower fragrance that is rich and enduring. This high-quality strain can produce highly fragrant Dancong tea even in lower elevations and is widely grafted in villages across Fenghuang Town.

Red Bride Umbrella Dancong, also known as “Niangzi Umbrella,” has a tree posture resembling a bride holding an umbrella.

Cizhu Xiang Dancong, named after the village Cizhuban in Fenghuang Town, has a delicate and rich magnolia flower aroma.

Jasmine Flower Aroma

Jasmine Flower Aroma Dancong has a natural jasmine flower scent that is pure. The tea liquor is bright golden yellow, the flavor is rich and mellow, and it is durable for multiple infusions. Tea lovers who enjoy Jasmine tea should definitely give it a try.

Evening Primrose Aroma

Evening Primrose Aroma Dancong has a natural evening primrose flower fragrance that is rich and long-lasting, with a strong aftertaste and good durability for multiple infusions. One of the mother trees' tea leaves was directly purchased by overseas Chinese for export.

Osmanthus Flower Aroma

The mother tree is 150 years old and has a natural osmanthus flower scent. The aroma is pure, the tea liquor is bright golden yellow, the flavor is rich and mellow, and it is durable for multiple infusions. Tea lovers who enjoy osmanthus tea might want to give it a try.

Almond Aroma

Almond Aroma Dancong has tightly coiled, gray-brown leaves with an almond scent and a sweet and smooth flavor.

Jueduozi Dancong is widely grown in Fenghuang Town due to its small, deep, and sharp serrated leaf edges, resembling small iron saws. It has a pure aroma with a scent similar to almonds, a sweet and smooth flavor, and a strong aftertaste.

Cinnamon Aroma

Cinnamon Aroma Dancong has a shape that is straight and solid, a dark lustrous color with a hint of brownish yellow, and a strong scent reminiscent of the Chinese herb cinnamon. The tea liquor is bright orange-yellow, the flavor is full-bodied and sweet, and it is durable for multiple infusions. Tea lovers who enjoy Wuyi Cinnamon might appreciate the difference in taste.

With oolong tea, the emphasis is on the “aroma.” After reading about these top ten aromatic types of Dancong tea, do you feel your nose tingling?