Anxi has always been famous for Tieguanyin. Some tea enthusiasts even think that Anxi only produces Tieguanyin. In recent years, with the increasing development of the internet and education from knowledgeable tea experts, more people have gradually learned about other varieties such as Benshan, Huangjingui, and Maoxie. However, most people do not have a good impression of these varieties because they are often sold as counterfeit Tieguanyin.

In the past, many people emphasized "How to Distinguish Tieguanyin, Huangjingui, Benshan, etc.," elevating Tieguanyin while贬低 other varieties. But in fact, when other varieties are well-made, they can be just as excellent as Tieguanyin.

Elevating Tieguanyin while贬低 other varieties only causes high-quality Tieguanyin to deviate further from the price curve, while other varieties struggle to develop. Only by showcasing the characteristics and advantages of each tea, allowing people to choose based on their own tastes and form their own consumption preferences, can we eliminate the practice of passing off inferior products as genuine ones. Enough said—let’s look at the teas:

【Benshan】

Benshan is one of the varieties most frequently used to imitate Tieguanyin. Due to its pronounced tea flavor, many friends who prefer stronger tastes often favor Benshan. High-quality Benshan oolong tea has a tea aroma similar to Tieguanyin, and the taste of the tea soup is also somewhat similar. There is a saying: "Benshan king, Tieguanyin water" and "Benshan charm."

Benshan leaf shape:

【Maoxie】

Maoxie tea originated from Daciulun, Fumei, Anxi County. It is a clonal variety. The advantage of Maoxie tea is its high and rich aroma. Maoxie is not as well-known as Benshan, and it is rarely seen on the market (of course, it is still often disguised as Tieguanyin). It is also sometimes blended with Tieguanyin for sale.

Maoxie leaf shape:

【Meizhan】

Originated from Lutian, Anxi. It is a clonal variety. Known for its elegant and subtle fragrance, it is said that "Meizhan stands out among hundreds of flowers." Currently, there is limited information available.

Meizhan leaf shape:

【Ruanzhi】

Ruanzhi Oolong, also known as Xiao Oolong, is virtually unheard of in the current market. However, after crossing the sea, it has gained great fame on the other side of the strait—Taiwan. Ruanzhi Oolong is a type of Qingxin Oolong and is used to make Baozhong tea. It is known as one of Taiwan's two famous teas, alongside "Dongding Oolong."

Ruanzhi leaf shape: