Zhengyan Da Hong Pao
Wuyi Mountains, Fujian, China (Zhengyan Core Zone)
From the protected core zone of Wuyi—true 'rock essence' with mineral depth, roasted warmth, and the famous yan yun (rock rhyme).
The Story
Zhengyan means 'true rock'—tea grown in the protected core zone of Wuyi Mountain where tea plants grow from cracks in ancient volcanic rock. This terroir creates yan yun, the 'rock rhyme' or 'rock melody' that defines authentic Wuyi oolong: a mineral depth and lingering sweetness unique to these peaks. Da Hong Pao from the zhengyan zone is increasingly rare as demand outstrips the limited supply from this small area. The original Da Hong Pao mother trees still exist but no longer produce tea for sale.
Flavor Notes
Perfect For
- Serious gongfu practice
- Understanding terroir
- Cold evenings
- Tea collectors
- Proving what rock rhyme means
Pairs Well With
Related Variants
How to Brew
Our recommended approach for the best cup
Water Temperature
205°F
(96°C)
Amount
8g per 100ml (gongfu)
Steep Time
20-30 sec first steep, flash steeps later
Resteeps
8-12 steeps
Recommended Vessel
Yixing clay pot dedicated to rock oolongs
Brewing Tips
Zhengyan oolongs demand high leaf ratio and very hot water. The first steep is a rinse to wake the leaves. Flash steeps bring out different layers—stone, chocolate, fruit, flower. Chase the yan yun: that mineral sensation that lingers long after swallowing.