Botanical Dossier
Rou Gui vs Shui Xian
Rou Gui
Oolong Tea · China
Spicy · Roasted · Mineral
Shui Xian
Oolong Tea · China
Woody · Floral · Mineral
| Attribute | Rou Gui | Shui Xian |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Oolong Tea | Oolong Tea |
| Origin | China | China |
| Region | Fujian (Wuyi) | Fujian (Wuyi) |
| Flavor | Spicy · Roasted · Mineral | Woody · Floral · Mineral |
| Body | Strong | Medium |
| Caffeine | Medium (~30–50 mg) | Medium (~30–50 mg) |
| Oxidation | High | High |
| Roast | High | Medium |
| Brewing temp | 95–100°C | 95–100°C |
| Steep time | 1–2 min | 1–2 min |
| Re-steep | 3–6 times | 3–6 times |
Sensory Dissection
Flavor
Rou Gui
Rou Gui is a popular Wuyi rock tea named for the Chinese cassia spice tree. The cup is warmly aromatic with a distinctive sweet-spicy character — think cinnamon bark and toasted grain — layered over dark mineral and dried fruit depth. A medium-to-high roast rounds the edges, giving a smooth, warming finish that holds up across many steeps.
Shui Xian
Shui Xian is one of the oldest and most widely grown Wuyi rock teas, named for the narcissus flower it is said to resemble. The leaves are large and dark, and the cup carries a woody, mineral backbone with floral orchid notes and a smooth, lingering sweetness. Roasted examples add warm toasty depth, while the underlying 'yanyun' rock character keeps the finish clean and structured.
Preparation Protocol
Brewing
Rou Gui
- Water temperature
- 95–100°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 1–2 min
- Re-steep
- 3–6 times
Shui Xian
- Water temperature
- 95–100°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 1–2 min
- Re-steep
- 3–6 times
Biochemistry
Caffeine
Rou Gui
Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Shui Xian
Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Craft & Microclimate
Origin
Rou Gui
China · Fujian (Wuyi)
Rou Gui has grown in the Wuyi mountains for centuries and is now one of the most sought-after yancha cultivars.
Shui Xian
China · Fujian (Wuyi)
Shui Xian is grown throughout the Wuyi mountains and is a parent cultivar for many other rock teas.
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 Rou Gui if you like:
- Spicy
- Roasted
- Mineral
Choose Shui Xian if you like:
- Woody
- Floral
- Mineral
Keep Exploring
Related teas to explore
Similar teas from both sides of this comparison.
