Shui Jingui 2 (Water Golden Turtle)

Shui Jingui: Water Golden Turtle – Treasure of Wuyi Mountains

Shui Jing Gui (Water Golden Turtle) is one of the most valuable and rare varieties of oolong tea, grown in the Wuyi Mountains, China. This is a truly legendary tea, the history of which is shrouded in many secrets and legends. Shui Jing Gui is currently included in the “famous Wuyi Four” Si Da Ming Cong (四大名枞, “Four Famous Bushes”), along with Bai Ji Guan, Tie Luo Han and Da Hong Pao.

This Wuyi oolong got its name thanks to its special leaves. Their structure is very dense and textured, reminiscent of a turtle shell. And then, after harvesting, thanks to the processing features, as a result of a series of chemical reactions, the leaves acquire a characteristic feature of oolongs - a red border.

Legend of Origin

The legend says that during a heavy rain, the land on the mountainside where the mother tree grew was washed away by streams of water, forming a hill. Local residents, in order to protect the tea tree, surrounded it with stones, creating a semblance of a turtle shell. This is where the name of the tea comes from.

According to legend, the tea tree was incarnated by the immortal spirit of the Golden Turtle, who was the caretaker of the magical gardens at the heavenly palace of the Jade Emperor. The spirit believed that the Wuyi Mountains had the best climate conditions for calming the soul and growing tea trees.

Features of Shui Jingui

• Unique taste: Shui Jingui has a complex and rich taste. It combines notes of honey, fruits, nuts and light sweetness. The aroma of the tea is filled with floral notes and resembles jasmine or orchid.
• High quality: This tea is hand-picked and minimally processed to preserve all the beneficial substances and natural taste of the tea leaf.
• Rare variety: Shui Jingui is one of the four famous bushes of Wuyi Mountain, which makes it a very valuable and rare variety.

Shui Jingui Autumn Harvest 2023

The autumn harvest of 2023 gave Shui Jingui tea a special touch. Leaves harvested in autumn have a richer taste and aroma. Honey and nutty tones predominate in this tea, making it especially cozy and warming.

How to brew Shui Jingui?

To fully utilize the potential of this tea, it is recommended to use the following guidelines:

• Water temperature: 95-100°C
• Amount of tea: 5-7 grams per brew
• Brewing time: First brew – 30 seconds, subsequent brews – 10-15 seconds longer.
• Utensils: Gaiwan or small clay teapot.

What goes with Shui Jingui?

Shui Jingui is such a self-sufficient tea that it is best drunk neat. However, if you want to highlight some of its notes, you can try pairing it with light snacks such as nuts, dried fruits or traditional Chinese sweets.

Why try Shui Jingui?

• Unique taste: This tea has a unique taste that will not leave you indifferent.
• Beneficial properties: Like all oolongs, Shui Jingui is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that have a beneficial effect on the body.
• Enjoying the process: Brewing and drinking Shui Jingui is a whole ritual that allows you to relax and enjoy the moment.

Shui Jingui is not just tea, it is a work of art created by nature and human hands.