Yan Cha (literally “rock tea”) is another famous variety of oolong tea, and is also one of China’s “Top 10 Teas”. It is named so because the tea trees are planted among the rock bumps and cracks of the Wuyi Mountain in China’s Fujian Province. There are several varieties of Yan Cha tea, each one named by selecting a single “excellent” solitary plant along with its surrounding clusters. Of the most famous of these clusters (varieties) is the well-known Da Hong Pao (“Big Red Robe”). Others include White Rooster Crest, Iron Buddha, Golden Water Turtle, and Imperial Mei Zhan.

The brownish green tea leaves are sleek and glossy, and after processing, take on a “burnt” appearance and a very strong scent. The tea liquor is reddish in color. It has a very distinctive flavor that is deep, rich, and earthy, followed by a long smooth finish with a hint of smokiness.