Lao Cong Shui Xian (Old Bush Shui Xian) — Wuyi Rock Oolong Wholesale
Lao Cong Shui Xian (老枞水仙, Old Bush Narcissus) is made from Shui Xian tea bushes older than 60 years in the Wuyi Mountains. Age gives the tea its signature “ming mu wei” — a mossy, woody depth over the classic orchid-flower base. Twisted dark strips, medium charcoal roast, thick and glycerin-smooth liquor. We offer Zhengyan (core pit) and Waiyan (outer) mountain material with transparent origin labeling.
Product Specification
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| English name | Lao Cong Shui Xian (Old Bush Shui Xian / Narcissus Oolong) |
| Chinese name | 老枞水仙 (武夷岩茶) |
| Category | Wuyi rock oolong, GB/T 18745 |
| Origin | Wuyi Mountains, Nanping, Fujian (Zhengyan & Waiyan zones) |
| Bush age | 60+ years (true Lao Cong); 30–60 years “Gao Cong” available |
| Main markets | Europe, Southeast Asia, Chinese gongfu tea shops |
| Minimum order | 300 kg per grade |
Grades & Styles — How to Choose
| Grade / Style | Roast level | How to identify |
|---|---|---|
| Light roast (Qinghuo) | 2–3 baking passes | Keeps orchid florals, moss note clearer, lighter amber liquor |
| Medium roast (Zhonghuo) | 4–5 passes | Balanced wood-orchid, caramel sweetness, classic Wuyi “rock rhyme” |
| Full roast (Zuhuo) | 6+ passes | Dark strips, deep charcoal, coffee-like body, long finish |
Liquor: deep amber to cognac, bright | Aroma: wood, moss, orchid, subtle caramel | Taste: thick, mineral “rock rhyme” (yan yun), sweet aftertaste
Buyer checklist: genuine Lao Cong is priced 2–3× standard Shui Xian — confirm bush age in writing, and roast date (freshly roasted tea should rest 1–2 months before drinking to reduce charcoal dryness).
Technical Parameters (per lot COA supplied)
| Parameter | Specification | Method / Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture | ≤ 7.0% | GB 5009.3 |
| Total ash | ≤ 7.0% | GB 5009.4 |
| Tea dust / powder | ≤ 2.0% | Sieve test |
| Water extract | ≥ 32–38% | GB/T 8305 |
| Tea polyphenols | ≥ 12–18% | GB/T 8313 |
| Pesticide residue | EU MRL (EC 396/2005) / Japan positive list | SGS / Intertek per lot |
Packing & Supply Terms
- Vacuum-packed 250 g / 500 g blocks, 10–20 kg per export carton
- Bulk 25–30 kg PP woven bags with PE liner available for blending houses
- Container loading: 20GP ≈ 10–12 MT, 40GP ≈ 18–20 MT
- Lead time: stock items 7 days; custom roast/OEM 15–30 days
- Payment: T/T (30/70) or L/C at sight; FOB Xiamen / Fuzhou
Certifications & Export Documents
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin (CO / Form A / RCEP as applicable), Phytosanitary Certificate, per-lot COA (moisture, ash, pesticide residue EU MRL Reg. EC 396/2005), Health Certificate. Halal certificate available for Islamic markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Lao Cong different from regular Shui Xian?
Old bushes (60+ years) have deeper root systems and thicker trunks, producing leaves with higher mineral and aromatic oil content. The signature is “ming mu wei” — a mossy, woody nuance that regular Shui Xian lacks.
What roast level should I choose for a European market?
Light-to-medium roast is most popular in Europe — it keeps the floral-moss character with less charcoal. Full roast suits markets used to dark roasted oolongs.
How is it packed?
250 g/500 g vacuum blocks in export cartons, or bulk bags with PE liner. Rest period after roasting is included before shipment on request.
Do you provide Zhengyan (core-pit) material?
Yes, with origin declaration. Zhengyan material is limited and seasonal — pre-book 30–60 days ahead of the May harvest processing.
What is the MOQ?
300 kg per grade; sample 50–100 g free of charge, courier collect.
Request a Quote
Contact Smileaf Tea (Xiamen, China) for FOB prices, free samples (50–200 g, courier collect) and OEM/private-label solutions. Related products: Rou Gui (Cassia), Da Hong Pao, Specialty Tea Guide