All the teas in this sampler box are processed by the Xiao Family (Click here to learn about our story). It features classic representatives of Wuyi rock tea, allowing you to experience the full diversity of traditional yancha and appreciate its signature rock rhyme: the deep, lingering character unique to teas from the Wuyi mountains. Each tea in the box showcases a distinct characteristic: from the sweet corn fragrance of White Cockscomb, to the dark & rocky notes of Iron Arhat, the diverse nutty notes of Halfway up the Sky, and the Plum blossom fragrance of Golden Water Turtle. Together, they reveal the incredible diversity and craftsmanship behind traditional yancha. Click here to check individual options of these tea.

Iron Arhat / Tie Luo Han - 铁罗汉 (5g*2 packet) 

Iron Arhat rock tea is one of the four Famous Bushes and it is sourced from “Hui Yuan Rock”, which is one of the famous rock areas in Wuyi Mountain. One of the core characteristics is its rocky flavor, which is a unique flavor given by the rocky and mineral soil unique to Wuyi Mountain. This rocky flavor makes the tea soup taste deep and heavy, with a hint of “Chinese medicine flavor” or “Chinese herbs”, which is a flavor that is difficult to be replicated by teas from other places.

Tasting note: Dark chocolate, Ripe stone fruit, Woody, Chinese medicine or herbs flavor, Toasty, Baked cereal, Rich minerality

Golden Water Turtle / Shui Jin Gui - 水金龟 (5g*2 packet)

This tea carries a long, elegant aroma, clean and uplifting, reminiscent of plum blossoms. The taste is rich, sweet and smooth, with a refreshing finish. The liquor is bright and clear, glowing in shades of orange and yellow.

Tasting note: Plum blossoms, Licorice, Woody, Apricot, A hint of cinnamon, Orchid, Rich minerality, Lingering sweet aftertaste

Halfway up the Sky / Ban Tian Yao - 半天腰 (5g*2 packet)

This tea offers remarkable depth in both aroma and taste, delivering a bold and layered sensory experience. Its fragrance is truly exceptional, rich, lingering, and ever-changing. It reveals hints of roasted nuts, orchid, and stone fruit, interwoven with the unique mountain character of Wuyi: mineral undertones and subtle woody traces.

Tasting note: Diverse nutty notes (toasted almond, peanut, chestnut), Sweet floral fragrance, Orchid, Caramel cream, Woody notes, Fruity aftertaste, Rich minerality

White Cockscomb / Bai Ji Guan - 白鸡冠 (5g*2 packet)

White Cockscomb is one of the most recognizable teas in all of Wuyi rock teas. Its tender yellow leaves stand out clearly in the tea mountains. You might walk past Shui Xian, Rou Gui, or Da Hong Pao without noticing, but White Cockscomb catches your eye instantly. Even from a distance, its pale yellow hue is unmistakable.

The liquor is bright orange-yellow, with a refreshing fragrance that’s both cooling and sweet. Compared with other Wuyi rock teas, its color is lighter, and its taste and aroma are softer, making it especially approachable for those new to yancha.

Tasting note: Sweetness of honeysuckle, Freshness of sweetgrass, Herbal aroma, A faint sweet corn fragrance, Earthy, Mossy, A subtle hint of orchid

How Wuyi’s “Five Famous Bushes” Became Four?

In 1943, the famous tea scholar Lin Fuquan first introduced five Wuyi representative tea cultivars in his work The Production, Processing, and Marketing of Wuyi Tea. These five famous cultivars are: Big Red Robe (Da Hong Pao), Iron Arhat (Tie Luo Han), White Cockscomb (Bai Ji Guan), Halfway up the Sky (Ban Tian Yao), and Golden Water Turtle (Shui Jin Gui). Together, they are referred to as the Five Famous Bushes (Wu Da Ming Cong).

Later, in 2001, the Chinese Tea Cultivar Compendium formally adopted this grouping and named them the “Five Traditional and Precious Wuyi Bushes,” following Lin’s original classification.

In recent years, however, due to the exceptional fame and cultural status of Da Hong Pao, some scholars and tea professionals have begun referring to it as a unique symbol of Wuyi tea, standing apart from the others. As a result, the remaining four cultivars, Iron Arhat, White Cockscomb, Halfway up the Sky, and Golden Water Turtle, are now commonly known as the Four Famous Bushes (Si Da Ming Cong) of Wuyi Rock Tea.