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Li Shan Oolong

梨山, Lishan

7.6/10 editor's score

One of Taiwan's most sought-after high-mountain oolongs, from the Lishan area in the central mountains. Fresh, sweet and clean.

High mountainFruityPrized
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Li Shan Oolong, top-down

What you need

3 g leafLi Shan Oolong
250 ml water90 to 95°C
Steep 3:002 steeps
LiquorPale gold
Served inGaiwan and small cups

At a glance

One of Taiwan's most sought-after high-mountain oolongs, from the Lishan area in the central mountains.

CaffeineMedium~25 to 45 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit8.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSpring (mid-year) and winterSpring gaoshan [1].
Pairs withFresh fruit, Light pastries, Steamed seafoodLess good with heavy spice
Grown atAbove 1,000 m, often much higherLishan, Taichung, Taichung
Served inGaiwan and small cupsGongfu style, many short steeps

About Li Shan Oolong

What sources say about the taste

Sources group Lishan with Alishan and Yu Shan as high-mountain teas: sweet, fresh and low in bitterness 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

Lishan, TaichungTaichungTAIWAN
Region
Lishan, central mountains of Taiwan 1
Category
High-mountain (gaoshan) oolong 1
Elevation
Above 1,000 m 1
Picks
Spring and winter 1

More from Lishan, Taichung and Taiwan.

History and culture

Lishan is one of the classic names among Taiwan's high-mountain teas 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 →

1086Flavour & complexity: 9.0Origin & heritage: 8.0Availability: 6.0Value: 6.0Beginner-friendliness: 8.0Versatility: 7.0Flavour 9.0Heritage 8.0Availability 6.0Value 6.0Beginners 8.0Versatility 7.0
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
Li Shan Oolong~25 to 45 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

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

Harvest calendar

Picked twice a year like other high-mountain teas 1. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Qingxin oolong 2.

How it is made
01Plucking

By hand 1.

02Withering

Aroma develops 1.

03Oxidation

Light.

04Rolling

Tight balls.

05Drying

Light finish.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafLarge, tight, glossy green balls.
LiquorPale gold.
After steeping
Wet leafThick, glossy leaves.

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

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Fresh fruit
  • Light pastries
  • Steamed seafood

Best avoided

  • Heavy spice

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

Graded by altitude and season.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Li Shan is expensive and often imitated.
  2. Expect a high price for the real thing.
FAQ
Why is Li Shan expensive?

Small high-altitude harvests and strong demand.

Find it inOolong teasTeas from TaiwanLishan, TaichungHigh mountainFruityPrized

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "High-mountain tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-mountain_tea
  2. Wikipedia, "Taiwanese tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwanese_tea
  3. 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.