Camellia sinensis var. sinensis ★★★★☆

Shui Jin Gui

Also known as: Water Golden Tortoise · Shui Jingui

Mineral, smooth, gentle roasted character. One of the four classical Wuyi yancha "Four Famous Bushes."

Species
var. sinensis
Lineage
Heirloom
Country
China
Leaf size
Medium
Cup quality
4/5

Shui Jin Gui (水金龜, "Water Golden Tortoise") is one of the classical Four Famous Bushes (Si Da Ming Cong, 四大名丛) of Wuyi yancha — the four most prestigious heritage Wuyi cultivars: Da Hong Pao, Tie Luo Han, Bai Ji Guan, and Shui Jin Gui. Production volumes are substantially smaller than commercial Rou Gui or Shui Xian; Shui Jin Gui appears mostly in specialty Wuyi yancha catalogs where the producer maintains heritage cultivar plantings.

The cup character emphasizes a smooth, mineral profile with gentler roasted notes than Da Hong Pao or Rou Gui. Drinkers exploring beyond the dominant Wuyi cultivars often find Shui Jin Gui among the most pleasant of the Four Famous Bushes — less aggressive than Da Hong Pao's intensity, more refined than commercial Rou Gui. Authentic Shui Jin Gui requires source verification; commercial substitution with cheaper Wuyi material under the prestigious name is common.

Heirloom
Traditional cultivar predating modern selection programs.

Teas produced

Oolong (roasted)

Flavor signature

MineralSmoothRoastedSweetBaked FruitMellow

Growing regions

Origins where Shui Jin Gui grows

Brands likely carrying Shui Jin Gui

Direct-sourcing operations with focus areas that align with this cultivar's typical growing regions.

Related cultivars