Oolong TeaChina

Shui Xian Tea

Narcissus · Shui Hsien

WoodyFloralMineral

Shui Xian is one of the oldest and most widely grown Wuyi rock teas, named for the narcissus flower it is said to resemble.

Shui Xian tea — loose leaves
Oolong TeaFloral · Roasted · Complex
Medium body
Tea TypeOolong TeaFloral · Roasted · Complex
OriginFujian (Wuyi), China
OxidationHighRoast: Medium
BodyMedium
CaffeineMedium30–50 mg / cup

Flavor Profile

What does Shui Xian taste like?

Shui Xian is one of the oldest and most widely grown Wuyi rock teas, named for the narcissus flower it is said to resemble. The leaves are large and dark, and the cup carries a woody, mineral backbone with floral orchid notes and a smooth, lingering sweetness. Roasted examples add warm toasty depth, while the underlying 'yanyun' rock character keeps the finish clean and structured.

Flavor NotesStrongest first
Woody5 / 5
Floral4 / 5
Mineral3 / 5
Roasted2 / 5

Bar length reflects the relative prominence of each flavor note (dominant first), not a laboratory measurement.

Origin

Fujian (Wuyi), China

Shui Xian is grown throughout the Wuyi mountains and is a parent cultivar for many other rock teas.

The birthplace of tea, producing every major tea style from green to dark.

Fujian (Wuyi), China

Brewing Guide

How to Brew Shui Xian

Tea Amount3 g
Water250 ml
Temperature95–100°C
Steep1–2 min
Re-steep3–6 times

Brewing parameters are a starting point and can be adjusted to taste.

Caffeine

Caffeine in Shui Xian

Medium

Typical brewed serving

30–50mg per cup

Shui Xian 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.

Keep Exploring

If you like Shui Xian

Side by Side

Want to see how Shui Xian compares?

Put Shui Xian next to Da Hong Pao and compare flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing side by side.

FAQ

Shui Xian Tea FAQ

Quick answers about Shui Xian tea, drawn from its flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing profile.

What is Shui Xian tea?

Shui Xian is one of the oldest and most widely grown Wuyi rock teas, named for the narcissus flower it is said to resemble. It is also known as Narcissus and Shui Hsien.

Does Shui Xian tea have caffeine?

Yes. Shui Xian is a medium-caffeine tea, typically 30–50 mg per brewed serving.

What does Shui Xian tea taste like?

Shui Xian is known for a profile led by Woody, Floral, and Mineral, with a medium body.

How do you brew Shui Xian 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 Shui Xian tea bitter?

Bitterness is not a defining note of Shui Xian; its profile centers on Woody, Floral, and Mineral.