Shui Jingui 2 (Water Golden Turtle)

Shui Jingui: The Water Golden Turtle – a treasure of the Wuyi Mountains

Shui Jingui (Water Golden Turtle) is one of the most valuable and rare oolong teas, grown in the Wuyi Mountains of China. It is a truly legendary tea, whose history is shrouded in many mysteries and legends. Shui Jingui is currently considered one of the "Famous Four Wuyi Mountain Teas" (Si Da Ming Cong, or "Four Famous Bushes"), along with Bai Ji Guan, Tie Luo Han, and Da Hong Pao.

This Wuyi oolong tea gets its name from its distinctive leaves. Their texture is very dense and textured, reminiscent of a turtle's shell. After harvesting, a series of chemical reactions, through which the leaves acquire the characteristic red border, a characteristic feature of oolongs.

Legend of Origin

Legend has it that during a heavy rain, the soil on the mountainside where the mother tree grew was eroded by the torrential rain, forming a hill. To protect the tea tree, local residents surrounded it with stones, creating the appearance of a turtle shell. This is where the tea's name comes from.

According to legend, the tea tree was incarnated by the immortal spirit of the Golden Tortoise, who was the caretaker of the magical gardens at the heavenly palace of the Jade Emperor. The spirit believed that the Wuyi Mountains offered the best climate for soothing the soul and the growth of tea trees.

Features of Shui Jingui

• Unique flavor: Shui Jingui boasts a complex and rich flavor. It combines notes of honey, fruit, nuts, and a touch of sweetness. The tea's aroma is floral, reminiscent of jasmine or orchid.
• High Quality: This tea is hand-picked and minimally processed to preserve all the beneficial properties and natural flavor of the tea leaf.
• Rare Variety: Shui Jingui is one of the four famous Wuyi Mountain tea bushes, making it a very valuable and rare variety.

Shui Jingui Autumn Collection 2023

The autumn harvest of 2023 imparts a special flavor to Shui Jingui tea. Leaves harvested in autumn have a more intense flavor and aroma. Honey and nutty notes predominate in this tea, making it especially cozy and warming.

How to brew Shui Jingui?

To fully appreciate 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 well with Shui Jingui?

Shui Jingui is such a self-contained tea that it's best enjoyed neat. However, if you'd like to highlight some of its flavors, 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, which 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.