Oolong Tea evolved from the tribute teas of the Song Dynasty, such as Dragon Ball and Phoenix Cake, and was created around 1725 during the Qing Dynasty's Yongzheng era. At that time, Oolong tea was still called Green Tea. Historical documents contain evidence that Oolong tea belongs to the green tea category, as well as articles on its efficacy and effects. The classification of Oolong tea is primarily due to the distinct flavors formed by the specific characteristics of tea plant varieties, with significant quality differences depending on the region. According to "Tea of Fujian" and "Folk Legends of Fujian Tea," during the Qing Dynasty's Yongzheng era, in Nanyan Village, Xiping Township, Anxi County, Fujian Province, there was a skilled hunter and tea farmer. Because he was dark and robust, the villagers called him "Oolong." One spring, Oolong went up the mountain to pick fresh tea leaves with a tea basket hanging from his waist and a hunting rifle on his back. At noon, he chased a mountain deer and completely forgot about processing the fresh tea leaves he had picked.

The next morning, the whole family hurriedly processed the "green tea" picked the previous day. Unexpectedly, the leaves left overnight had developed red edges and emitted a refreshing fragrance. When processed using the steps for making green tea, the resulting tea had an exceptionally rich and fragrant taste. Through continuous experimentation, steps such as withering, shaking, partial fermentation, and baking were developed, ultimately creating the new high-quality tea category known as Oolong tea—essentially green tea that had undergone partial fermentation.

Of course, this is just a legend about Oolong tea. Oolong tea is representative of Chinese tea, a semi-fermented tea known for its transparent amber liquor. However, Oolong tea is a general term that can be further divided into many subcategories. Examples include Shui Xian, Huangdan (Golden Osmanthus), Ben Shan, Mao Xie, Wuyi Rock Tea, Dong Ding Oolong, Rou Gui, Qi Lan, Luohan Chenxiang, Fenghuang Dancong, Fenghuang Shui Xian, Lingtou Dancong, Se Zhong, and Tieguanyin, which pairs well with seafood, among many others.

In fact, Oolong tea itself is one of the six major tea categories. The answer to which tea category Oolong tea belongs to merely explains the different names for green tea. Only by understanding the Gongfu tea steps for Tieguanyin can one gain more insight into Oolong tea knowledge.