Botanical Dossier
Dayuling vs Lishan
Dayuling
Oolong Tea · Taiwan
Mineral · Floral · Sweet
Lishan
Oolong Tea · Taiwan
Floral · Creamy · Mineral
| Attribute | Dayuling | Lishan |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Oolong Tea | Oolong Tea |
| Origin | Taiwan | Taiwan |
| Region | Nantou (Dayuling) | Taichung (Lishan) |
| Flavor | Mineral · Floral · Sweet | Floral · Creamy · Mineral |
| Body | Light | Light |
| Caffeine | Medium (~25–45 mg) | Medium (~25–45 mg) |
| Oxidation | Low | Low |
| Roast | Low | Low |
| Brewing temp | 90–95°C | 90–95°C |
| Steep time | 1–2 min | 1–2 min |
| Re-steep | 3–6 times | 3–6 times |
Sensory Dissection
Flavor
Dayuling
Dayuling is among the highest-elevation oolongs in the world, grown near 2,000–2,500 meters along the Central Cross-Island Highway. The extreme climate produces a cup of remarkable purity: cool mountain minerality, delicate florals, and a clean, almost glacial sweetness with very little astringency. Quantities are small and prices high, making Dayuling a special-occasion tea even in Taiwan.
Lishan
Lishan is a high-mountain oolong from the central range's Lishan area, often grown above 1,600 meters where temperatures stay cool year-round. The cup is refined and cooling: soft orchid florals, a buttery creaminess, and a clean sweetness with a distinctive mountain minerality in the finish. Compared to Alishan it tends to be a touch more floral and a touch less milky, with an elegant, lingering aftertaste.
Preparation Protocol
Brewing
Dayuling
- Water temperature
- 90–95°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 1–2 min
- Re-steep
- 3–6 times
Lishan
- Water temperature
- 90–95°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 1–2 min
- Re-steep
- 3–6 times
Biochemistry
Caffeine
Dayuling
Medium caffeine — roughly 25–45 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Lishan
Medium caffeine — roughly 25–45 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Craft & Microclimate
Origin
Dayuling
Taiwan · Nantou (Dayuling)
Dayuling's gardens sit near the highest point of Taiwan's Central Cross-Island Highway.
Lishan
Taiwan · Taichung (Lishan)
Lishan ('Pear Mountain') is a high-elevation fruit- and tea-growing region in central Taiwan.
Curator's Recommendation
Which one might you prefer?
There is no superior tea here — only distinct sensory journeys. Use your flavor memory and current mood to choose.
Choose Dayuling if you like:
- Mineral
- Floral
- Sweet
Choose Lishan if you like:
- Floral
- Creamy
- Mineral
Keep Exploring
Related teas to explore
Similar teas from both sides of this comparison.

