Shanlinxi
Sweet, floral, butter-cream. Less austere than Lishan; more concentrated than Alishan.
Shanlinxi (杉林溪) is a Taiwanese high-mountain oolong region in Nantou County. The altitude range (1600-1900m) and microclimate produce cup character that sits between the more austere, mineral Lishan style and the smoother, more accessible Alishan style — making Shanlinxi a favorite of drinkers exploring beyond the better-known Taiwanese high-mountain origins. The character emphasizes floral, butter-cream, and lily notes with substantial body.
Shanlinxi productions are more accessible-priced than Lishan productions while delivering substantial high-mountain character. Many serious Taiwanese tea curators consider Shanlinxi the best value among Taiwanese high-mountain origins. Spring (April-May) and winter (November-December) harvests produce the prized lots; the winter harvest is often considered the regional peak. The region's tea farms are scattered across multiple sub-areas, each with editorial reputation among Taiwanese tea collectors.
Signature teas
- Shanlinxi high mountain oolong
Tea types produced
Cultivars grown
- Qing Xin
- Jin Xuan
Processing focus
Harvest seasons
- Spring (April-May)
- Winter (November-December)
Flavor signature
Notable producers & areas
- Long Feng Shia
- Yang Liu
Brands carrying Shanlinxi tea
Brands in our directory that carry tea types this origin produces. Direct-sourcing brands shown first.