Zhang Ping Shui Xian is a special Chinese oolong that immediately stands out because of its shape. Instead of loose, rolled tea leaves, this tea is pressed into small square blocks. During brewing, the leaves slowly unfurl and release the tea's various aromas.

This oolong comes from Zhangping in the Chinese province of Fujian, a region with a long tea tradition. The combination of the Shui Xian cultivar, the processing method and the compact shape gives this tea its own character.

What is Zhang Ping Shui Xian?

Zhang Ping Shui Xian is a pressed oolong tea from Zhangping in Fujian. The tea is made from leaves of the Shui Xian tea plant.

After the various steps in oolong production, the leaves are pressed into small square shapes. This makes Zhang Ping Shui Xian stand out among many other oolongs, which are usually sold as loose or rolled leaves.

Why is this oolong pressed into blocks?

The compact shape is characteristic of Zhang Ping Shui Xian. A block consists of compressed tea leaves that gradually open up during brewing.

It is especially interesting to watch the compact block slowly transform into large, open tea leaves when you brew the tea several times for short periods.

What does Zhang Ping Shui Xian taste like?

Zhang Ping Shui Xian is known for its aromatic character. Depending on the harvest and processing, floral, soft and lightly sweet notes may come to the fore.

As with many high-quality oolongs, the flavor profile changes over successive infusions. This makes the tea particularly suitable for calmly discovering over several brewing sessions.

What is Shui Xian?

Shui Xian is a well-known Chinese tea cultivar mainly associated with oolong from Fujian. The name is also used for other oolong teas from this province.

Zhang Ping Shui Xian stands out, among other things, because of its local production method and its characteristic square, pressed shape.

How do you brew Zhang Ping Shui Xian?

You can prepare this tea in several ways. For a classic preparation, you can start with water at approximately 90 °C and let the tea steep for a few minutes.

However, Zhang Ping Shui Xian is particularly well suited to several shorter infusions in a gaiwan or small teapot. You can use the same leaves several times and gradually adjust the steeping time with each subsequent infusion.

The block needs some time to fully unfurl. That is precisely what makes it interesting to follow the development of its aroma and flavor during the different infusions.

Who might enjoy this oolong?

Zhang Ping Shui Xian is interesting for anyone who wants to explore beyond the best-known green and black teas. For oolong enthusiasts too, its pressed form is a special way to discover another Chinese tea tradition.

Anyone who enjoys brewing tea multiple times and discovering changes in aroma and flavor between infusions will find plenty to explore in this tea.

Discover Zhang Ping Shui Xian at Mingtea

Would you like to discover this special pressed oolong for yourself? View our Brick Oolong Zhang Ping Shui Xian or discover more in our oolong tea collection.