China — tea

Fujian

Fujian is the world capital of oolong tea and white tea, home to three globally significant tea categories within one province. The Wuyi Mountains produce yancha (rock oolong) — arguably the world's most complex tea, with its unique mineral terroir called yanwei (rock taste). Anxi produces Tieguanyin, China's most famous oolong and the basis of gongfu cha culture across Southeast Asia. Fuding produces Bai Hao Yinzhen (Silver Needle) and Bai Mudan (White Peony) — the prestige white teas. All three UNESCO-adjacent tea cultures share this single province.

Year Rating Notes
2023 87 Very good spring; excellent Yancha and Fuding white tea.
2022 93 Exceptional year; finest Wuyi rock oolong in a generation.
2021 83 Very good conditions; classic Fujian terroir expression across all major styles.
2020 86 Excellent spring temperatures; Wuyi rock oolong showing outstanding mineral character.
2019 79 Good spring in Fujian; Tie Guan Yin and Da Hong Pao at classic quality.