Phoenix Dancong, Honey Orchid Notes

Phoenix Dancong, hailing from the picturesque town of Chaozhou in Guangdong Province, China, boasts a rich and storied history spanning over nine centuries. Known for its exquisite aroma, complex flavors, and intricate production process, Phoenix Dancong holds a unique position among China's esteemed tea varieties. Its name, translating to "Phoenix Single Bush," underscores the tea's origin from individual, exceptionally high-quality tea bushes.

The cultivation and appreciation of Phoenix Dancong can be traced back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279), with historical records indicating that tea from the Fenghuang Mountains was already renowned for its superior quality. However, it was not until the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) that the concept of "single bush" tea was formalized, leading to the emergence of the distinct Phoenix Dancong we know today.

During the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty, tea farmers in Fenghuang began to selectively harvest tea leaves from individual bushes that exhibited exceptional characteristics. This practice of "single bush" picking and processing not only enhanced the tea's quality but also gave rise to a wide array of fragrances, including honeysuckle, osmanthus, cinnamon, and more, each with its own unique charm.

Legends and Stories

The legend surrounding the origin of Phoenix Dancong is intertwined with royal intrigue and the fugitive Song emperor, Zhao Bing. According to folklore, during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), when the Song Dynasty was on the brink of collapse, Emperor Bing fled south, seeking refuge in the mountains of Chaozhou. Thirsty and exhausted, he was presented with fresh tea leaves plucked from the surrounding bushes. Upon chewing the leaves, he experienced an immediate rejuvenation, prompting him to praise the tea and bestow upon it the name "Song Cha" (宋茶), meaning "Song Dynasty Tea."

Another fascinating tale revolves around the Phoenix Bird. It is said that when the emperor expressed his thirst, a phoenix, drawn by his plight, flew down from the heavens with a twig of tea in its beak. Upon consuming the leaves, the emperor was rejuvenated, leading to the belief that the tea was a divine gift. Since then, the tea has been colloquially known as "Niao Zui Cha" (鸟嘴茶), or "Bird's Beak Tea," in reference to the legend.

Cultural Significance

Phoenix Dancong is not just a beverage; it is a symbol of cultural heritage and artistic expression. Each type of Phoenix Dancong, with its distinct aroma and flavor profile, represents the pinnacle of Chinese tea craftsmanship. The tea-making process, a blend of tradition and precision, involves intricate steps like withering, rolling, fixing, and roasting, all aimed at bringing out the best in each individual tea bush.

The tea plays a central role in Chaozhou's rich tea culture, often served during important social gatherings and ceremonies. The intricate Gongfu Cha (工夫茶) ceremony, a ritualized way of brewing and serving tea, highlights the artistry and appreciation of Phoenix Dancong. It is not just about quenching thirst but also about cultivating mindfulness, respect for tradition, and the enjoyment of life's simple pleasures.

Modern Appreciation

In modern times, Phoenix Dancong has gained international recognition, with tea connoisseurs worldwide appreciating its complexity and depth. The tea's popularity has surged in recent years, thanks to its unique aroma profiles, including the famous Honey Orchid, Yellow Branch, and Cinnamon fragrances. With the rise of tea tourism in China, visitors to Chaozhou can now experience firsthand the traditional tea-making process and immerse themselves in the rich tea culture of Phoenix Dancong.

Moreover, advances in farming techniques and transportation have made it easier for tea lovers worldwide to enjoy the delicate flavors of Phoenix Dancong. Online platforms and international tea fairs have further fueled its global popularity, cementing Phoenix Dancong's status as a preeminent Chinese tea.

In conclusion, Phoenix Dancong is more than just a tea; it is a living testament to China's rich tea heritage and cultural identity. Its history, legends, cultural significance, and modern appreciation make it a cherished beverage enjoyed by millions across the globe.

Shipping Methods, Duration Estimates & Fees

1. Shipping Methods

4px as our logistics partner to ship out AllenTeas products. They will choose the carrier that they think works best for our customers.

Where does AllenTeas ship to? For tea products, the following countries can be shipped：

North America
Canada, Mexico, United States

South America
Brazil, Chile, Colombia

Europe
Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom

Asia
Afghanistan, China, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Macao SAR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan

Africa
Egypt, Morocco, South Africa

Oceania
Australia, New Zealand

Delivery Scope Notes:

United States: Mainland, all territories outside the mainland, and overseas military postal addresses.
United Kingdom: Mainland and the Channel Islands, Isle of Man.
France: Mainland only, postal codes starting with 01-95. Delivery to overseas territories is not available, including Corsica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Réunion, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Mayotte.
Other countries: Mainland only.

2. Duration Estimates

The expected delivery time is between 8 to 20 days for most countries, unless stated otherwise during checkout.

Fulfillment time takes 1-3 business days.

Total transit time is: Fulfillment time(1-3 business days) + Transit Time(8-20 days).

3. Fees

We offer free worldwide shipping for orders over $30.
For orders below $30, the flat rate is $7.

Note: We always work hard to dispatch your order as fast as possible (usually the next working day), but we can’t control delays due to custom clearance (especially during the shopping high season). When you place an order, please take into account the possibility for delays.

Order Processing Speed

All products offered in our online store are in stock unless stated otherwise. Thus, orders are processed usually the next business day. Orders placed during the weekend are processed on Monday.

Unfortunately, in rare cases products may run out of stock. In such situations, we'll have to wait for restocking and it may take 2-4 working days to process your order.

Shipping Confirmation with Trace & Trace Number 

All orders are packed with care to guarantee safe delivery. When your order is dispatched, we'll send you a shipping confirmation the next day by email, which includes an online tracking number. If you haven't received your shipping confirmation, please check if it landed in your junk folder.

All parcels can be tracked on the Track your Order page. Once your parcel has arrived in your country, you may also use the tracking number on the website of your local post.

Customs

From 1 July 2021, the Valued-Added Tax (VAT) on cross-border business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce activities in the European Union (EU) has to be applied on all goods that are sold online to EU.

For most non-EU countries you don't have to pay any taxes when receiving the parcel. However, sometimes local authorities may require you to pay custom taxes. As an importer, you're responsible for paying customs taxes and import fees if the arise.

For many EU countries, we've started offering tax inclusive shipping, meaning you don't have to pay tax when you receive the parcel. Taxes are included, if its stated in the selected shipping method.

Country Specific Information

South Korea:For shipping to South Korea please make sure you mobile phone number is correct as this will be used for identification purposes at the customs. Ideally, please also fill in a Personal Customs Clearance Code in the VAT field of the address details. For more information about personal custom clearance code you can visit this page on customs.go.kr.

Brazil: For shipments to Brazil it's mandatory to add your personal Tax number to your shipping details. You may fill your tax number in the second address line or the company name field.

Japan: For shipments to Japan it's mandatory to provide the shipping address in Japanese language.

Türkiye: Personal ID number (tax number) is required. You may fill your tax number in the second address line or the company name field.