If you are hearing about oolong tea for the first time, the name may sound a little unusual. In fact, Chinese oolong tea is one of the six most representative tea categories in China, with a history that dates back more than 300 years.

Among the six categories of Chinese tea , oolong tea stands out as the most unique. It is neither as light and refreshing as green tea nor as bold as black tea. Instead, it sits somewhere in between, offering a rich and enchanting aroma. For example, Phoenix Dancong is often referred to as the “perfume of tea.”

This article, written by Chinese tea experts, will guide you through the history of oolong tea, its categories, flavor characteristics, and health benefits of oolong tea.

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The History of Oolong Tea

The birth of oolong tea was actually an “accident.” According to legend, around 300–400 years ago (during the late Ming Dynasty in China), in the Wuyi Mountain region of Fujian Province, a tea farmer named Su Long encountered a deer while picking tea. He chased after it and, by the time he returned home, he had missed the best time to process green tea.

The tea leaves in his basket had been shaken, bruised, and slightly warmed in the sun. The edges began to turn reddish, releasing an aroma unlike anything before—floral and fruity.

Instead of wasting the leaves, he stir-fried them. The result was something completely new: neither the freshness of green tea nor the richness of black tea, but something in between, with complex aromas. People named this new tea after the sound of his name, calling it “oolong tea.”

From its birthplace in Fujian, the craft of oolong tea spread south to Chaozhou in Guangdong Province, and then across the Taiwan Strait, where it took root. Over time, unique styles developed, such as Wuyi Rock Tea, Phoenix Dancong, and Dong Ding Oolong.

Types of Chinese Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is a semi-oxidized tea, and the degree of oxidation (fermentation) is the key factor that determines its aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel. Based on different levels of oxidation, oolong teas are generally divided into three categories. Beginners should pay special attention when purchasing loose leaf oolong tea, as the degree of oxidation creates big differences in taste.

Lightly Fermented(轻度发酵）

Oxidation: about 10%–25%
Aroma: fresh and floral, similar to green tea or white wine
Taste: Closest to green tea. The tea liquor is usually clear honey-green or pale yellow, with elegant floral aromas such as orchid or gardenia.
Representative teas: Qingxiang Tieguanyin, Wenshan Baozhong Tea

Moderately Fermented（中度发酵）

Oxidation: about 25%–50%
Aroma: similar to whiskey or ripe fruit
Taste: The most balanced style, with both floral fragrance and a rich body. The liquor is typically golden-yellow or orange. Smooth, full-bodied, with a strong sweet aftertaste.
Representative teas: Wuyi Rock Tea (da hong pao oolong tea), Traditional Tieguanyin, Phoenix Dancong

Heavily Fermented（重度发酵）

Oxidation: about 50%–70% or even higher
Aroma: roasted, similar to coffee or dark chocolate
Taste: Closest to black tea. The liquor is deep amber, with notes of honey, ripe fruit, or roasted nuts. Sweet and mellow.
Representative teas: Baihao Oolong (also called Oriental Beauty in Taiwan)

The Relationship Between Rock Tea and Oolong Tea

Rock tea(岩茶)is a heavily oxidized branch of oolong tea, specifically produced in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian. Famous varieties include Da Hong Pao （大红袍）, Rou Gui（肉桂）, and Shui Xian（水仙）.

The word “岩-Rock” refers to the rocky cliffs and unique terroir of Wuyi Mountain. It is this special environment that gives Wuyi oolong tea its distinctive flavor profile.

The Craft of Oolong Tea

The production of oolong tea is often described as a complex art. Among the six categories of Chinese tea, it is considered the most challenging and skill-intensive. From plucking to the final refining, every step demands great expertise. This is why high-quality oolong loose leaf tea is often more expensive.

1. Plucking – In spring, only mature fresh leaves are picked. This ensures richness in the tea’s natural compounds.

2. Withering – Fresh leaves are spread out to lose moisture, either under sunlight or indoors. This forms the foundation of aroma and flavor.

3. Bruising & Oxidation – The most critical stage. Leaves are shaken and rested repeatedly, allowing the edges to oxidize. This step takes hours and requires careful skill.

4. Kill-Green – High heat is applied to stop oxidation.

5. Rolling – Leaves are rolled into tight strips, allowing better release of flavor when steeped.

6. Roasting – Moisture is removed at high temperature, locking in aroma.

7. Refining – Finished leaves are carefully sorted to remove stems and broken pieces, leaving only high-quality loose tea leaves.

Famous Oolong Teas and Their Flavors

Tieguanyin Oolong Tea (Anxi, Fujian province)
Lightly fermented. Smooth, floral like orchid or gardenia, with a clean, sweet aftertaste.

Da Hong Pao Oolong Tea (Wuyi Mountain, Fujian province)
Moderately to heavily fermented. Roasted, mineral, nutty flavors, sometimes with notes of plum or dark fruit. Rich like bourbon whiskey or roasted coffee.

Phoenix Dancong Oolong Tea (Chaozhou, Guangdong province)
Moderately fermented. Known as the “perfume tea” for its incredible fragrance range—tropical fruits, jasmine, magnolia, honey, and more.

Dong Ding Oolong Tea (Nantou, Taiwan province)
Moderately fermented. Balanced flavor of roasted nuts and fresh flowers, smooth and classic.

Oriental Beauty Oolong Tea (Taiwan province)
Heavily fermented. Naturally sweet, with honey and ripe fruit notes (like peach or apricot), caused by insect bites during growth. Unique and elegant.

Zhangping Shui Xian (Zhangping, Fujian province)
Lightly fermented. Similar to Tieguanyin, with a light, floral elegance.

👉 If you prefer freshness: choose lightly fermented teas like Wenshan Baozhong, Tieguanyin, or Zhangping Shui Xian.
👉 For richness: try da hong pao oolong tea, Phoenix Dancong, or Dong Ding.
👉 For sweetness: Oriental Beauty with its honeyed fruit aroma.

How to Make Oolong Tea?

The charm of oolong tea lies in its complex and enchanting aroma. To fully release this, the brewing method is crucial. The best way is gongfu tea style —brewing small amounts of tea in small teaware for multiple quick infusions.

⚠️ Avoid boiling or long steeping. Especially for Wuyi rock tea, long brewing will extract bitterness and ruin the fragrance.

Gongfu Tea Brewing Tips

Teaware: Yixing zisha teapot or porcelain gaiwan
Temperature: 100°C (212°F) boiling water is necessary to release high-boiling aroma compounds
Tea-to-water ratio: 1:20 (6–8g tea for a 120ml gaiwan)
Steeping time: First 3 infusions only 5–10 seconds. Increase gradually afterward. Quick pouring preserves sweetness and avoids bitterness.

Is Oolong Tea Caffeinated?

Yes. Unlike herbal teas, all true teas from the Camellia sinensis plant contain caffeine. Oolong tea caffeine contenttypically ranges between green and black tea.

• A standard cup (240ml) of oolong tea contains about 25–50mg of caffeine, far less than coffee (95–200mg).

• Even with multiple infusions, the total caffeine in oolong tea is lower than one cup of coffee.

Oolong tea benefits from caffeine and L-theanine:
Caffeine provides alertness.
L-theanine promotes relaxation by increasing alpha waves in the brain.
Together, they give you calm focus—energized but not jittery.

Tips to lower caffeine:
Choose lightly oxidized teas (e.g., Tieguanyin, Baozhong).
Rinse tea quickly before the first brew (wash tea).
Shorten steeping time.

What Is Oolong Tea Good For?

Rigorous scientific studies show that oolong tea, as a natural beverage, derives its health benefits mainly from its rich polyphenols, caffeine, and L-theanine. Moreover, in southern China, families almost always drink tea before and after meals, which indirectly demonstrates the healthfulness of oolong tea.

Boosts Metabolism & Fat Burning
According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, oolong tea can help increase metabolic rate and promote fat oxidation. The study found that participants who drank oolong tea had a 2.9% increase in energy expenditure and were able to burn more fat.

Supports Heart Health
The antioxidants in oolong tea have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. A report from Medical News Today indicates that regularly drinking oolong tea may help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thereby lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Polyphenols in oolong tea help improve insulin resistance and lower blood sugar levels. A study on type 2 diabetes patients, published in the Journal of Nutrition, showed that daily consumption of oolong tea for 30 days significantly reduced patients’ blood sugar levels. This suggests that oolong tea can be an effective adjunct in lifestyle interventions.

Enhances Focus & Reduces Stress
The caffeine and L-theanine in oolong tea work together to create a unique state of “calm alertness.” A study published in Biological Psychology found that L-theanine promotes α-wave activity in the brain, helping the body relax while maintaining the alertness provided by caffeine.

Supports Bone Density
Long-term, moderate consumption of oolong tea may help improve bone health and counteract osteoporosis. An epidemiological study of postmenopausal women in southern China, published in the Archives of Osteoporosis, found that regular moderate consumption of oolong tea was associated with higher calcaneal bone mineral density (BMD).

How to Choose Oolong Tea

For first-time drinkers, the rich aroma and diverse varieties of oolong tea can be overwhelming. Remember this core principle: there is no “best” oolong tea, only the oolong tea that suits you best. Your personal taste matters far more than the price tag.

ALWAYS Start with Samples
This is the most important rule! Before committing to a 100g purchase, buy a 20-25g tasting sample first. This allows you to try different types at the lowest cost and discover your favorite oolong tea.

Start with Lightly Fermented Oolong Tea
For beginners, lightly fermented oolong teas are recommended. They typically have a fresh floral aroma and a delicate, sweet taste, with a clear liquor.

Once you become familiar, you can explore moderately or heavily fermented oolong teas, which usually have a richer body, more complex fruit or roasted notes, and are better suited for advanced tasting.

Flavor Comes First, Not Price
Always remember, the most expensive oolong tea is not necessarily the best for you. For example, heavily fermented Wuyi Rock Tea can be quite strong and sometimes bitter for most beginners, negatively affecting the tasting experience.

Therefore, finding the flavor you enjoy is far more important than blindly pursuing high-priced teas.

Pay Attention to Shelf Life and Storage
Lightly fermented oolong teas, such as Qingxiang Tieguanyin, require careful storage as they are highly susceptible to oxidation. They need to be refrigerated to maintain freshness.

Many foreign tea sellers are not professional in this regard, and improper storage can drastically reduce flavor. NPTEA strongly recommends purchasing oolong tea shipped directly from China to better ensure quality.

How to Store Oolong Tea

Proper storage preserves freshness. Depending on fermentation, methods differ, but airtight, light-proof, and moisture-free conditions are fundamental.

Lightly Fermented Oolong
Very delicate; oxidizes quickly
Rich floral flavors fade without proper storage
Refrigeration recommended: Seal completely to avoid air and odors

Moderate & Heavily Fermented Oolong
Drier and roasted, but sensitive to moisture
Use airtight, opaque containers
Store in cool, dark places
Avoid high-humidity areas like kitchens

Further Reading： Does Tea Expire? How to Properly Store Your Tea

Summary of Oolong Tea

Oolong tea was born over 300 years ago in China, from an “accidental” discovery. Its greatest charm lies in its rich and complex aroma. When buying oolong loose leaf tea, pay close attention to its oxidation level, as the flavor differences are significant.

From a health perspective, oolong tea benefits include antioxidants, metabolism boost, and heart health support. It is both energizing and calming, a natural drink that combines enjoyment and wellness.

In southern China, families have enjoyed drinking oolong tea before and after meals for centuries—a living proof that oolong tea is good for you.

FAQs ABOUT OOlONG TEA

Q1. What is oolong tea? —— Oolong tea is a partially fermented tea, offering a flavor profile between green tea and black tea. It’s prized for its complex aroma and rich taste.

Q2. Is oolong tea caffeinated? —— Yes, oolong tea naturally contains caffeine from the Camellia sinensis plant. It’s milder than coffee but still energizing.

Q3. How much caffeine is in oolong tea? —— A standard cup (240 ml) contains about 25-50 mg of caffeine, depending on tea type, brewing time, and temperature.

Q4. Is oolong tea healthy for you? —— Yes, it’s rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and L-theanine, supporting metabolism, heart health, stress relief, and mental alertness.

Q5. What does oolong tea taste like? —— Lightly fermented oolong (e.g., Tieguanyin) is floral and delicate; moderately fermented (Phoenix Dancong, Dongding Oolong) is smooth and fruity; heavily fermented (Oriental Beauty, Wuyi Rock Tea) is sweet, nutty, and roasted.

Q6. How do you brew oolong tea? —— Use boiling water (100°C / 212°F), high leaf-to-water ratio, and short multiple steeps (5–10 seconds for the first 3 infusions) to release aroma without bitterness.

Q7. Does oolong tea stain teeth? —— Like all teas, it can slightly stain teeth, but lighter oolongs are less likely to leave marks than dark black teas.

Q8. Is oolong tea better than green tea? —— Oolong offers a balance of green tea freshness and black tea richness. Choose based on flavor preference and desired caffeine effect.

Q9. Is oolong tea black tea?—— No, oolong tea is partially fermented, sitting between green tea (unfermented) and black tea (fully fermented) in flavor and oxidation. It is not black tea, but shares some characteristics depending on its fermentation level.

SEE MORE ABOUT TEA

If you are a beginner about Chinese tea:
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If you have questions about selecting tea:
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If you have questions about the benefits of tea:
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If you have questions about brewing tea:
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