Li Shan (Pear Mountain) Oolong
Li Shan, Taiwan
From Taiwan's highest tea gardens—even more refined than Alishan, with an ethereal quality that borders on the transcendent.
The Story
Li Shan (Pear Mountain) reaches 2,600 meters, making it one of the highest tea-growing regions in the world. Gardens were carved into former fruit orchards, and some say you can still taste the pear trees' influence in the tea. With only two harvests per year (spring and winter) due to the extreme elevation, Li Shan is rare and precious. The slow growth at high altitude concentrates amino acids, creating unparalleled sweetness and complexity.
Flavor Notes
Perfect For
- Serious gongfu practice
- Special occasions
- Advanced tea enthusiasts
- Quiet contemplation
- Understanding high mountain terroir
Pairs Well With
Related Variants
How to Brew
Our recommended approach for the best cup
Water Temperature
195°F
(90°C)
Amount
6g per 100ml (gongfu)
Steep Time
30-45 sec first steep, extending gradually
Resteeps
8-12 steeps
Recommended Vessel
Porcelain gaiwan
Brewing Tips
The first few steeps can be quite short—the leaves release flavor easily at this elevation-quality. Notice how the pear and honey notes shift to more orchid-floral in later steeps. This is tea as meditation.