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Shui Xian

水仙, Wuyi Narcissus

7.8/10 editor's score

A Wuyi oolong cultivar, "Narcissus", with broad leaves and a deep amber cup. Old-bush Lao Cong Shui Xian is prized for its woody depth.

Rock teaWoodyOld bush
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Shui Xian, top-down

What you need

3 g leafShui Xian
250 ml water95 to 100°C
Steep 2:002 steeps
LiquorDeep amber
Served inYixing clay teapot

At a glance

A Wuyi oolong cultivar, "Narcissus", with broad leaves and a deep amber cup.

CaffeineMedium~30 to 50 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit7.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSpringMain picking.
Pairs withBraised pork, Nuts, MushroomsLess good with light salads
Grown atWuyi rock slopesWuyi Mountains, Fujian
Served inYixing clay teapotSmall clay pot, tiny cups

About Shui Xian

What sources say about the taste

Sources say old Lao Cong bushes give a woody aroma called "cong wei" 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

Wuyi MountainsFujianCHINA
Region
Wuyi Mountains, Fujian 1
Cultivar
Wuyi Narcissus 1
Lao Cong
Bushes at least 50 years old 1
Regular bushes
Da Zong Shui Xian 1

More from Wuyi Mountains and China.

History and culture

Lao Cong Shui Xian can come from bushes up to 200 years old 1.

Older bushes give a distinct woody aroma, "Cong Wei" 1.

Editor's score

7.8/10

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: 8.0Origin & heritage: 8.5Availability: 7.5Value: 8.0Beginner-friendliness: 7.0Versatility: 7.0Flavour 8.0Heritage 8.5Availability 7.5Value 8.0Beginners 7.0Versatility 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
Shui Xian~30 to 50 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

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

Harvest calendar

Wuyi rock teas are made in spring. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

The Shui Xian (Wuyi Narcissus) cultivar 1.

How it is made
01Plucking

Mature leaves.

02Oxidation

Medium-high.

03Shaping

Twisted strips.

04Roasting

Charcoal roast.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafLarge, dark twisted leaves.
LiquorDeep amber 1.
After steeping
Wet leafBroad leaves.

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

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Braised pork
  • Nuts
  • Mushrooms

Best avoided

  • Light salads

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

Lao Cong (old bush) versus regular Da Zong 1.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Old-bush claims are hard to check.
  2. Roast level matters.
FAQ
What is Lao Cong?

Tea from old bushes, at least 50 years old 1.

Find it inOolong teasTeas from ChinaWuyi MountainsRock teaWoodyOld bush

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Shui Xian". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shui_Xian
  2. 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.