Definition: Wen Shan (a.k.a. Pinglin, Ping Lin or Wenshan) is a tea-producing region in northeast Taiwan. It is known for fantastic Bao Zhong (or “Baozhong”) Oolongs and for its Oriental Beauty Oolongs (a.k.a. “Formosa Oolongs” or “Bai Hao Oolongs”).
Like Hsinchu, the terroir is unique in that it is lower elevation than most Taiwanese oolongs, but it still produces quality tea. The rich, complex, peachy flavor of Oriental Beauty is brought out by a combination of small insects that gnaw at the plant (thus distressing its leaves and altering the chemical balance of them for a unique flavor) and the artisans who produce the tea. It was created to compete with Darjeeling Second Flush tea, which also has a distinctive flavor that is impacted by insects. Due to a slightly higher elevation, Wen Shan’s Oriental Beauty tends to be more honeyed and floral than Hsinchu’s Oriental Beauty.
Like Hsinchu, the terroir is unique in that it is lower elevation than most Taiwanese oolongs, but it still produces quality tea. The rich, complex, peachy flavor of Oriental Beauty is brought out by a combination of small insects that gnaw at the plant (thus distressing its leaves and altering the chemical balance of them for a unique flavor) and the artisans who produce the tea. It was created to compete with Darjeeling Second Flush tea, which also has a distinctive flavor that is impacted by insects. Due to a slightly higher elevation, Wen Shan’s Oriental Beauty tends to be more honeyed and floral than Hsinchu’s Oriental Beauty.
Also Known As: Ping Lin
Alternate Spellings: Wenshan, Pinglin
