The life force on these arbor type Camellia Sinensis are strong- the roots dig into the rocks and secure themselves as the finger like groves reach upward. One of the original, 700 year old trees, the Song Zong, was chopped up by a madman a couple of years ago, but is regrowing nicely. All around, I noticed just how much giant rock is actually under the thin layer of soil, washed away from the heavy rain. Though Wuyi teas are known as Yancha or Rock teas due to the 10cm layer of soil floating above rocks, the Phoenix teas here appear to be growing in almost the same conditions, on rocks. This character was rarely pointed out, and despite being one of the two most expensive oolongs in China (and therefore the world). Mr. Wei said one of the teas he makes in ultra small quantity is called ‘the Lightening Tree’, and fetches 62,000 RMB per Jin, almost exactly $10,000 USD per lb! Feeling privileged to be having these teas from top of this mountain in our selection every year; the creme of the crop, as they say, from the very first day of harvest, reserved for us despite fierce competition. Friendship and appreciation goes a long way.
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