Chaozhou Dancong Tea: A Millennia-Old Fragrance, Shared with the World

Chaozhou Dancong Tea Garden

Millennia of Heritage: Unique Fragrance from Every Tree, Distinct Character in Every Sip

Tea cultivation in Chaozhou dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty. For nearly a millennium, Dancong tea has been celebrated as the "perfume of teas" for its unique qualities, combining the freshness of green tea, the sweetness of black tea, and the soothing warmth of oolong tea.

Among its varieties, Fenghuang Dancong stands out as a prestigious hallmark. As a national geographical indication (GI) product, Fenghuang Dancong boasts over 900 years of cultivation history. Its rarity stems first from its production method—each tea plant is harvested and processed individually, with techniques passed down through generations. This centuries-old practice has given rise to its unique charm, where "every tree has its own fragrance" and "every tea has its own character."

To date, over a hundred aroma types of Chaozhou Dancong have been identified. From the mellow richness of Milan Xiang (Honey Orchid) and the elegant subtlety of Huangzhi Xiang (Orange Blossom), to the distant allure of Zhilan Xiang (Iris Orchid), the sweet notes of Guihua Xiang (Osmanthus), and the recent breakout popularity of Yashi Xiang (Duck Shit Fragrance)—this highly personalized flavor profile makes Dancong tea a standout in the oolong tea world. Its market spans all provinces of China, with particular popularity in the Yangtze River Delta region, including Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou.

Artistry and Dedication: Three Thresholds, Ten Hours of Perseverance

The value of Fenghuang Dancong tea lies equally in its meticulous production process.

Harvesting follows the "three no-pick" principle: no picking on rainy days, no picking before the morning dew evaporates, and no picking after sunset. Every leaf must be plucked at the perfect moment.

In tea processing, Fenghuang Dancong retains the traditional methods of "charcoal roasting and hand-sorting." The entire process takes approximately ten hours, with each step testing the experience and patience of the tea master.

It is this unwavering dedication that gives Fenghuang Dancong its distinctive qualities: a rich aroma, a bright amber liquor, a smooth and mellow taste, a strong sweet aftertaste, and a lingering fragrance. As local tea artisans often say, "The first cup makes you fall in love, the second leaves you longing, and the third binds you forever."

A New Era: From a Chaoshan Specialty to a Treasure Shared with the World

As a brand both ancient and "young," Chaozhou Dancong is now seizing historic opportunities for integrated development across its entire industry chain. The latest data shows that as of the end of 2025, tea cultivation in Chaozhou covered 297,300 mu (approximately 19,820 hectares), with primary production valued at 9.52 billion yuan. The brand influence of Fenghuang Dancong tea consistently ranks among the top in China.

From a solitary tea plant in the Southern Song hills to a cultural ambassador on the international diplomatic stage—the thousand-year journey of Chaozhou Dancong is a vivid testament to the enduring vitality of Chinese tea culture. It carries the nostalgic memories of the Chaoshan people and, with an open embrace, invites the world to savor the fragrance of China. (Text by Na Yue; Photos via Chaozhou Fabu)