I’m Jon from Tongxin She Teahouse.
For years, I have travelled to Fenghuang Mountain in Chaozhou in pursuit of fine tea, wandering across the slopes of Wudong in search of rare cultivars hidden away from the mainstream. The varieties of Fenghuang Dancong are abundant. While Ya Shi Xiang and Mi Lan Xiang are widely recognised, many distinctive fine cultivars with profound character remain unknown to most tea lovers. Today, I am delighted to introduce our new Fenghuang Dancong release for 2026 — Golden Monkey Dancong sourced from Shihu, Wudong, a scarce, lesser-known Dancong variant.
Many tea lovers may wonder: What is Monkey Variety Dancong?
Officially named Wu Ye Dancong, Monkey Variety Dancong is a classic cultivar of Chaozhou Fenghuang Dancong. It is often confused with Da Wu Ye. Though they belong to the same Wu Ye lineage, they are distinct varieties.
It earns the name Wu Ye, meaning dark leaf, as its leaves are deep green, nearly black; dark shades are referred to as “wu” in the local dialect. The folk name “Monkey Variety” carries a story from the tea village. The tea farmer who first cultivated these tea plants was known locally as Ah Hou, meaning Monkey. Gradually, this strain of Wu Ye Dancong became affectionately known as Monkey Variety among villagers.
Dating back to 1958, the cultivar was introduced from Lizai Ping on Wudong Mountain and cultivated in Shangjiao Village, Fenghuang Town. After decades of natural growth and careful tending, it evolved into a representative premium Dancong of the region.
Our newly launched Golden Monkey Dancong grows on the high mountain terrain of Shihu, Wudong. Mist lingers over these peaks one thousand metres above sea level. Distinct temperature fluctuations between day and night, alongside weathered rocky soil, nurture vigorously growing tea bushes. Rooted deep within rock crevices, the tea trees absorb the essence of mountain mist, forming the distinct mountain charm unique to Wudong. Unlike lowland Monkey Variety Dancong widely available on the market, the high-altitude growing environment lends richer, more layered aroma and refined complexity.
The dry tea features tight, plump strips with a rich dark lustre. As boiling water pours into the gaiwan, fragrance surges instantly. Elegant orchid aroma rises first, bright and vivid without being overpowering. Beneath it unfolds sweet honey blossom scent. Most remarkably, the liquor reveals a natural ripe peach fruit sweetness, pure and unadulterated by artificial flavouring.
The liquor delivers a sweet, smooth entry wrapped in lasting honey rhyme, with an exceptionally silky texture and minimal astringency. Multiple aromas interweave and evolve infusion after infusion, creating abundant layers. After swallowing, a gentle sweetness rises slowly from the throat, with lingering fragrance remaining on the palate and inside the cup for a long time.
Within the bustling tea market, popular varieties continuously emerge. Lesser-known rare cultivars often bring unexpected delights to tea enthusiasts. This Golden Monkey Dancong from Shihu, Wudong harmonises floral notes, honey rhyme and charming fruit aroma. It is ideal for seasoned tea lovers who enjoy exploring distinctive Dancong and savouring evolving flavour profiles.
We welcome all tea lovers to brew and taste it, and experience the captivating grace of this rare high-mountain cultivar from Wudong.