In the world of Wuyi Rock Tea, there stands a towering figure renowned for "guarding the genes of rock tea" – Master Luo Shengcai. As a dedicated inheritor of traditional Wuyi Rock Tea craftsmanship, he has devoted decades to the field. Not only is he a representative inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage Wuyi Rock Tea (Dahongpao) Production Technique, but he has also spent his life searching for, protecting, and cultivating rare ancient varieties of Wuyi Rock Tea. From "Tie Luohan" (Iron Arhat) to "Shuijingui" (Golden Water Turtle), and from "Bai Jiguan" (White Cockscomb) to "Bantian Yao" (Half-Sky Demon), he has revived numerous endangered old tea varieties, earning him the title "Living Encyclopedia of Rare Wuyi Rock Tea Varieties" among tea connoisseurs.
Today, Tongxinshe Teahouse is honored to bring tea lovers a limited-edition treasure crafted by Master Luo Shengcai – "Xiannvsanhua" (Fairy Scattering Flowers). This rock tea, carrying the genes of century-old tea trees and the ingenuity of traditional craftsmanship, is both a tribute to Wuyi Rock Tea’s heritage and a rare gem for tasting and collection.
"Xiannvsanhua" (Variety Code: TM001; Scientific Name: C. sinensis cv. Xiannvsanhua) is no ordinary rock tea. Its origins trace back to century-old mother trees in the core production area of Wuyi Rock Tea. Classified as a clonal variety, it belongs to the shrub type, medium-leaf category, and mid-maturing cultivar. It is native to Mashikeng of Tianyou Peak in Wuyi Mountain, while tea trees of the same variety in Guilin Rock and Yuhua Cave are equally renowned, collectively forming the precious gene pool of "Xiannvsanhua".
The mother tree alone reveals its uniqueness: with a history of over 100 years, it grows vigorously, reaching 2.8 meters in height and nearly 2 meters in crown width. Its thick, grayish-white trunk stands tall and sturdy, bearing the marks of time. The tree has an open posture with sparse but well-arranged branches; leaves grow slightly obliquely upward, featuring a neat, elegant oval shape, approximately 9.1 cm in length, and a leaf color ranging from green to yellowish-green – like jadeite moistened by mountain mist. A closer look at the leaves shows they are slightly flat with a subtly raised surface, distinct main veins, slightly sunken secondary veins, and straight leaf edges. The leaf serrations are dense, shallow, and sharp, the leaf texture thick and crisp, and the leaf apex blunt – every detail exudes the vitality of the mountains. Even the buds, leaves, and flowers have unique characteristics: young shoots are yellowish-green or slightly purple, like shy fairies; the blooming corollas are about 4.0 cm in diameter, with 6-7 petals surrounding a slender style that splits deeply into 3 lobes. Their elegant shape perfectly matches the name "Xiannvsanhua" (Fairy Scattering Flowers).
Beyond its rare genetic background, the drinking value of "Xiannvsanhua" lies in its excellent growth traits. The buds and leaves have strong fertility; although the bud density is slightly sparse, the buds are plump and robust, with exceptional tenderness retention – meaning the tea tree can maintain the freshness of its buds and leaves for a longer period, laying an excellent foundation for making high-quality rock tea. According to Master Luo Shengcai’s experience, the optimal harvest period for spring tea of "Xiannvsanhua" is in late April each year. At this time, the buds and leaves have accumulated nutrients throughout the winter, boasting the richest internal substances – the golden moment to capture its aroma and taste. What makes it even more precious is its strong cutting propagation ability, yet its strict requirements for growth environment mean it can only survive in specific rock areas of Wuyi Mountain, ensuring "Xiannvsanhua" remains a scarce, limited-production treasure.
When boiling water is poured into the gaiwan (lidded bowl) containing "Xiannvsanhua", a wisp of sweet orchid fragrance first lingers at the nose, followed by the unique "rock rhyme" (the distinctive mineral and earthy aroma of Wuyi Rock Tea) – calm and unassuming. Sipping the tea, the taste is mellow and smooth, with a clear sweetness; after swallowing, a quick sweet aftertaste spreads in the throat, and the lingering finish carries a faint fragrance of flowers and fruits. Even after brewing, the tea leaves retain a fresh yellowish-green color with distinct veins, fully demonstrating the vitality of the century-old tea tree.
For tea lovers, "Xiannvsanhua" crafted by Master Luo Shengcai is more than just a cup of rock tea – it is a story of Wuyi Rock Tea’s inheritance and a rare gustatory treasure. Currently, this limited-edition rock tea is available at Tongxinshe Teahouse. Whether for personal tasting or as a collectible gift, it is an opportunity not to be missed. After all, being able to savor a rare rock tea that combines century-old genetic heritage and masterful craftsmanship is truly a blessing in the world of tea.