Qi Lan Tea
Rare Orchid · Chi Lan
Qi Lan, 'rare orchid', is a fragrant Wuyi rock tea prized for its orchid-blossom aroma layered over the classic mineral rock character.
Flavor Profile
What does Qi Lan taste like?
Qi Lan, 'rare orchid', is a fragrant Wuyi rock tea prized for its orchid-blossom aroma layered over the classic mineral rock character. Compared with the more roasted Rou Gui or Shui Xian, Qi Lan often shows a brighter floral lift with honeyed sweetness and a clean, cooling finish. It is a favorite among drinkers who want Wuyi structure without heavy charcoal roast dominating the cup.
Bar length reflects the relative prominence of each flavor note (dominant first), not a laboratory measurement.
Origin
Fujian (Wuyi), China
Qi Lan is a traditional Wuyi yancha cultivar, grown across the Zhengyan core zone and surrounding Wuyi mountains.
The birthplace of tea, producing every major tea style from green to dark.
Brewing Guide
How to Brew Qi Lan
Brewing parameters are a starting point and can be adjusted to taste.
Caffeine
Caffeine in Qi Lan
Typical brewed serving
Qi Lan is a medium-caffeine oolong tea. A typical brewed serving contains about 30–50 mg of caffeine.
Values can vary depending on quantity, brewing time, serving size, and preparation method.
Fit
Who is Qi Lan for?
New to tea?
A friendly starting point — forgiving to brew and easy to enjoy on the first cup.
When to drink it
Comfortable at any time of day.
Flavor direction
Medium-bodied, leads with floral notes — a oolong tea with floral, honeyed, mineral character.
Keep Exploring
If you like Qi Lan
Side by Side
Want to see how Qi Lan compares?
Put Qi Lan next to Shui Xian and compare flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing side by side.
FAQ
Qi Lan Tea FAQ
Quick answers about Qi Lan tea, drawn from its flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing profile.
What is Qi Lan tea?
Qi Lan, 'rare orchid', is a fragrant Wuyi rock tea prized for its orchid-blossom aroma layered over the classic mineral rock character. It is also known as Rare Orchid and Chi Lan.
Does Qi Lan tea have caffeine?
Yes. Qi Lan is a medium-caffeine tea, typically 30–50 mg per brewed serving.
What does Qi Lan tea taste like?
Qi Lan is known for a profile led by Floral, Honeyed, and Mineral, with a medium body.
How do you brew Qi Lan tea?
Use about 3 g of tea per 250 ml of water at 95–100°C, steeping for 1–2 minutes. It can be re-steeped 3–6 times.
Is Qi Lan tea bitter?
Bitterness is not a defining note of Qi Lan; its profile centers on Floral, Honeyed, and Mineral.