Xiang Fei

Xiang Fei, the “Fragrant Concubine,” is a rather elusive type of oolong known for its dynamic and complex nature. This specimen is no exception, offering a veritable cornucopia of aromas that can be explored over many gong fu sessions.

The warm, dry leaves start off with a nod to its sibling Gui Fei, with strong notes of honey, caramel, and raspberry. It is only after adding water, though, that the full spectrum of fragrances opens up along with the tightly rolled leaves. Deliciously sweet notes of strawberry jam and peach take turns with well-baked cookies, vanilla cream, and orchids.

Depending on your brewing style, the taste can shift substantially as well. When brewed more lightly, the sweetness of peach and honey dominates, giving way to red berries as the temperature and infusion time increase. Similarly, the roast can reveal itself through notes of baked goods ranging from brioche to cake crust. Particularly interesting is a mineral backbone, sometimes akin to iron and at other times reminiscent of stones, which acts as a counterbalance to the sweeter notes.

Take your time getting to know this tea, and it will reward you greatly!

Written by Sven

About the farmer and sourcing

We met Zhang Jun He during our sourcing trip to Yilan in spring 2026, while searching for outstanding teas from Taiwan’s lesser-known production areas. Born in 1973, Zhang grew up between school and helping his family produce tea, before eventually deciding to dedicate his life to tea farming, with a particular focus on ecological cultivation.

Reserved and rather shy, Mr. Zhang is a passionate and remarkably attentive farmer. His approach to the tea garden reflects this character: rather than trying to control every aspect of nature, he carefully observes the ecosystem and works with it. He avoids chemical pesticides and fertilizers, lets weeds grow and return nutrients to the soil, and allows insects to play their natural role in the garden. His wife, Yu Meihui, works alongside him and supports the family tea business.

We discovered Mr. Zhang and his teas by visiting one of his gardens, followed by a tasting during which we selected the teas we wanted to bring to Nannuoshan. In the video below, you can follow that first encounter with Mr. Zhang and Mrs. Yu, our walk through their tea garden, and the tasting that eventually led to these teas becoming part of our selection.