Types of DancongTea: A CompleteGuide to Phoenix Oolong Varieties

Author: Xu Jiahua, Nationally Certified Senior Tea Appraiser

Phoenix Dancong oolong showcases a stunning range of unique aromas and flavors, each with its own distinctive character.Let's explore it together!

What Are the Main Types of Dancong Tea?

According to research published on PubMed, Dancong tea is considered a representative type of oolong tea.

Phoenix Dancong oolong includes many famous classic varieties, each with unique aromas and flavors. The most popular and representative types are:

• Mi Lan Xiang (Honey Orchid)
• Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit)
• Xing Ren Xiang (Almond)
• Huang Zhi Xiang (Gardenia)
• Yao Xiang (Cassia / Cinnamon)
• Qi Lan Xiang (Rare Orchid)

These are the core classic Dancong varieties recognized by tea lovers worldwide.

Mi Lan Xiang (Honey Orchid) Dancong

A beloved classic among Phoenix Dancong Oolong, cherished for its distinctive honeyed sweetness and elegant floral character.

Origin Story

Mi Lan Xiang originates from the misty Phoenix Mountains in Chaozhou.

Legend tells of ancient farmers discovering a wild tea tree with honey sweetness and orchid fragrance.Nurtured for generations, it remains a beloved classic with a gentle, lasting aroma.

Flavor characteristics

Light to medium roast.It offers a naturally luxurious honeyed sweetness, accompanied by intense, long-lasting orchid florals and delicate ripe fruit undertones. 

The tea liquor shines with a luminous golden amber hue, boasting a silky, nectar-like mouthfeel and a clean, lingering aftertaste that holds beautifully through multiple infusions.

Brewing Tips

• Water temperature: Use 90–95°C hot water.
• Tea dosage: Put 3–5g of tea leaves per brew.
• First 2–3 steeps: Only steep for 1–3 seconds.
• Later steeps: Add 5–10 seconds for each subsequent infusion.

Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit) Dancong

Ya Shi Xiang is one of the most iconic Phoenix Dancong varieties, loved worldwide for its bold floral and fruity notes. A modern oolong classic.

Origin Story
Ya Shi Xiang — despite its unusual name — is one of the most iconic Dancong teas,.The “duck shit” name comes from local soil descriptions or a joke by tea growers to discourage theft — but the tea itself is fragrant and pleasant.

Flavor characteristics
Light to medium roast.Bright floral notes with honeysuckle and orchid top aromas, juicy fruit undertones like peach or creamy vanilla, and a long, sweet aftertaste. The liquor is clear golden yellow with a silky smooth mouthfeel. 

Brewing Tips

• Water temperature: 95–100°C (boiling water works best)
• Tea ratio: 1:15 (tea to water)
• First 3 steeps: 3–5 seconds only
• Later steeps: Extend steeping time slightly for each infusion

Other Popular Dancong Varieties

Xing Ren Xiang (Almond Fragrance) Dancong

Light to medium roast Xing Ren Xiang is known for its unique nutty almond aroma. It has an elegant, refined taste with a clean, sweet aftertaste. It is a high-end popular Dancong loved by experienced tea drinkers for fine tasting.

Huang Zhi Xiang (Gardenia Fragrance) Dancong

Light roast Huang Zhi Xiang is highlighted by natural gardenia floral notes. It has a fresh, bright aroma and brisk, smooth taste. It is the representative floral-style Dancong for those who love light, fragrant oolong.

Zhi Lan Xiang (Orchid Fragrance) Dancong

Medium roast Zhi Lan Xiang has an elegant, quiet orchid aroma and significant mountain charm. It has a full, rich taste and long-lasting fragrance. Ba Xian Dancong is a famous type, ideal for advanced tea collectors.

Yu Lan Xiang (Magnolia Fragrance) Dancong

Light roast Yu Lan Xiang is a delicate and elegant type of Fenghuang Dancong Tea, famous for its soft, pure magnolia floral notes. The aroma is gentle, refined and long-lasting, without being overpowering. It brews a bright, clear golden liquid with a smooth and refreshing taste.

Gui Hua Xiang (Osmanthus Fragrance) Dancong

Light to medium roast this Fenghuang Dancong Tea has a natural sweet osmanthus aroma. It is mild, smooth, and comforting, great for people who prefer gentle and sweet floral teas.

Rou Gui Xiang ( Cinnamon Fragrance) Dancong

Medium to heavy roast Cinnamon Xiang is a classic Fenghuang Dancong tea with a warm, mild cinnamon aroma. It tastes mellow and full-bodied with a rich, satisfying finish.

How to Choose Your First Dancong

If it’s your first time trying Fenghuang Dancong, you can choose from two simple angles: flavor preference and roast level. This makes it easier to find a tea that matches your taste.

Choose Based on Flavor Preference

Different Dancong teas suit different tastes:

For most people, Mi Lan Xiang (Honey Orchid Aroma) is the best introduction to Dancong tea. 

Choose Based on Roast Level

Roast level affects flavor and intensity:

• Light roast Dancong → fresh, floral, and aromatic (e.g., Huang Zhi Xiang, Yu Lan Xiang)
• Light to medium roast Dancong → balanced sweetness with layered aroma (e.g., Mi Lan Xiang, Ya Shi Xiang)
• Medium roast Dancong → richer body, deeper fragrance, slightly toasty (e.g., Zhi Lan Xiang)

For your first Dancong tea, a light to medium roast offers the most approachable and enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Phoenix Dancong tea?

You can buy Phoenix Dancong tea from specialty tea shops or reputable online stores, such as Dofo Tea, which offers carefully selected varieties from the Phoenix Mountain region.

Can beginners drink Dancong tea?

Yes, Dancong tea is very beginner-friendly. Many varieties are smooth, fragrant, and easy to enjoy.

How to store Phoenix Dancong properly?

Store it in a cool, dry, airtight container, away from direct sunlight and strong odors. This keeps the flavor fresh for a long time.

How many times can I steep Dancong tea?

High-quality Dancong can be steeped 6–10 times. Each steep brings out a slightly different taste.

Does Dancong tea contain caffeine?

Yes, like most traditional teas, it naturally contains caffeine, though the level can vary depending on brewing strength.

What is the best time to drink Dancong tea?

It is great for after meals or afternoon breaks. It helps refresh your mind and aid digestion.