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Oolong tea · Wrapped tea

Baozhong (Wenshan)

包種, Pouchong, Wenshan Baozhong

7.6/10 editor's score

A very lightly oxidised, twisted, unroasted oolong, between green tea and oolong. Wenshan Baozhong from Pinglin is one of Taiwan's ten most popular teas.

Light oolongFloralTaiwan

↓ Jump to brew guide About this tea Compare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Baozhong (Wenshan), top-down

What you need

250 ml water85 to 90°C

Steep 2:002 steeps

LiquorPale gold-green

Served inGaiwan and small cups

At a glance

A very lightly oxidised, twisted, unroasted oolong, between green tea and oolong.

CaffeineLow to medium~25 to 45 mg, our estimate

Beginner fit8.0 / 10From the editor's score

HarvestSpring, from late MarchSpring tea from about late March [1].

Pairs withFruit, Steamed fish, Light pastriesLess good with heavy roasts

Grown atHills south-east of TaipeiPinglin, New Taipei

Served inGaiwan and small cupsGongfu style, many short steeps

About Baozhong (Wenshan)

What sources say about the taste

Sources say at its best it gives a floral and melon fragrance with a rich, mild taste ¹.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

Oxidation: 8 to 12% ¹
Shape: Twisted strips, not balls ¹
Name: "The wrapped kind", from paper wrapping ¹
Pinglin: Over 80% of residents work in tea ²

History and culture

Farmers in Taiwan imported trees and techniques from Fujian in the 19th century ¹.

It has been produced since about 1885 ¹.

Editor's score

7.6/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg

Black tea (average)~47 mg

Baozhong (Wenshan)~25 to 45 mg

Green tea (average)~28 mg

Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo Clinic^C.

Harvest calendar

Spring Baozhong is the famous one ¹. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Local oolong cultivars of northern Taiwan.

How it is made

01Plucking

Spring leaves.

02Withering

Light.

03Oxidation

Very light, 8 to 12% ¹.

04Twisting

Twisted, not rolled ¹.

05Drying

Usually not roasted ¹.

Dry leaf and liquor

**Dry leaf**Long, twisted, deep green leaves with grey-white spots ¹.

LiquorPale gold-green.

After steeping

Wet leafWhole, bright green leaves.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

Fruit
Steamed fish
Light pastries

Best avoided

Heavy roasts

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

Airtight, opaque tin or pouch, away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells.
Keep it out of the fridge unless fully sealed, to avoid condensation.
Most loose tea is at its best within a year. Note the harvest date on the tin.

Grades and fakes

Wenshan and Nankang are the best known ¹.

How to spot a poor or fake one

Very little is grown today ¹.
Drink it fresh.

FAQ

Is Baozhong a green tea?

It sits between green and oolong, but is usually classed as oolong ¹.

Find it inOolong teas Teas from Taiwan PinglinLight oolongFloralTaiwan

Sources

Wikipedia, "Baozhong tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baozhong_tea
Wikipedia, "Pinglin District". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinglin_District
Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.