Xiaoqing Tieguanyin is a unique tea-making process in Southern Fujian that uses specialized air conditioning for tea production to cool the leaves, controlling the temperature and humidity in the room where the leaves are withered. The leaves are left until the next day, and if they meet the quality requirements by noon, the fixation process begins.

The Xiaoqing process results in Tieguanyin tea with a more glossy green appearance, a fresher and more aromatic fragrance compared to traditional Tieguanyin, a lighter green and translucent liquor, and a more refreshing taste. The term "Xiao Zheng" in the industry also refers to this process.

Anxi Tieguanyin, due to differences in production techniques, has evolved from traditional tea to the popularity of light fermentation processes. The light fermentation technique later branched into three categories: Zheng Chao (high-fired), Xiaoqing (light-green), and Tuo Suan (sour). Xiaoqing further衍生 into two subcategories: "Xiaoqing偏向 Zheng" and "Xiaoqing偏向 Suan".

Characteristics of Xiaoqing Tieguanyin

1. Appearance: The dry tea generally appears dark green with high liveliness in color, offering good visual appeal. The brewed leaves typically range from dark green to yellowish-green.

2. Fragrance: Xiaoqing tea has a clear lid aroma. High-grade varieties may have either a bold or subtle style, but both are easily perceptible—the best have an elegant fragrance. In recent years, teas with extremely sharp and overpowering lid aromas have disappeared. The highest grade teas encountered have a very delicate and subtle fragrance, with a penetrating aroma. However, such teas are extremely rare and not recommended for pursuit. Overall, Xiaoqing tea easily achieves a clear and high-reaching lid aroma, making it most easily accepted by tea drinkers.

1) Xiao Zheng: The aroma is closer to the Zheng Chao style;

2) Xiao Suan: After rinsing the leaves, the wet leaf base will have a noticeable sour fragrance, which is generally pleasant; the sourness disappears after the first infusion, and the tea liquor does not taste sour.

3. Taste: Xiaoqing tea liquor often has a rich aroma. The liquor color is green with a yellow tint, which is visually appealing. The taste is also relatively rich, with high-quality products characterized by softness, fineness, and smoothness, suitable for slow sipping and appreciation. After drinking, the aftertaste is sweet and refreshing, but it cannot compare to Zheng Chao tea. Occasionally, some Xiaoqing teas may have a sweet liquor, but this is rare. — The Xiaoqing process easily achieves high aroma and细腻 tea liquor, making it quite appealing and currently dominant in the market.

4. Production Process: The tea is picked and then processed from noon to evening the next day. Tea processed closer to noon is called Xiao Zheng, while that processed later in the afternoon is called Xiao Suan.