Dahongpao Oolong Tea

Dahongpao, renowned for its unique flavor and rich cultural heritage, hails from the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province, China. Classified as an oolong tea, Dahongpao (literally "Big Red Robe") stands out as one of the most prestigious teas in China and the world. Its history can be traced back centuries, with documented records indicating its cultivation and appreciation since the Ming Dynasty.

Early references to Wuyi Rock Tea, of which Dahongpao is a prominent variety, can be found in historical texts from the Song Dynasty. During the Qing Dynasty, Wuyi Rock Tea gained international recognition and became a sought-after export. The exceptional quality of Dahongpao, with its complex aroma and distinct "rock essence" (yan yun), further elevated its reputation among tea connoisseurs.

Legends and Stories

The legend of Dahongpao is intertwined with tales of emperors, monks, and scholarly examinations, adding a mystical aura to this beloved tea. One prevalent story narrates how a Ming Dynasty scholar, Ding Xian, miraculously recovered from a sudden illness after drinking tea offered by a monk from the Tianxin Yongle Temple. Upon becoming a zhuangyuan (top scholar in the imperial examinations), Ding Xian returned to the temple, donned his official red robe, and draped it over the tea bushes, thus bestowing upon them the name "Dahongpao."

Another fascinating tale involves the imperial family. It is said that when the Empress Dowager Cixi fell ill, no physicians could cure her. Upon being presented with Dahongpao tea, her health rapidly improved, leading the emperor to gift the tea bushes with imperial robes and designate them as tribute teas, exclusively for the royal court.

Over time, various legends and folktales have emerged, enriching the cultural tapestry surrounding Dahongpao. These stories not only reflect the tea's esteemed status but also embody the Chinese people's profound admiration and respect for this extraordinary beverage.

Cultural Significance

Dahongpao holds significant cultural and symbolic value in Chinese society. It represents the pinnacle of Wuyi Rock Tea production, embodying centuries of tea-making traditions and craftsmanship. The tea's intricate production process, from plucking the leaves to the final roasting, is a testament to the artistry and dedication of Wuyi tea farmers and artisans.

Moreover, Dahongpao is often associated with status, luxury, and sophistication. Its limited production and exquisite taste make it a sought-after gift for dignitaries, business leaders, and tea enthusiasts alike. The tea's rich history and legends have also inspired numerous artworks, literature, and even tourism, further solidifying its place in Chinese culture.

Modern Appreciation

In modern times, Dahongpao continues to captivate tea lovers globally. With the advent of technology and improved transportation networks, this once-exclusive imperial tea is now accessible to a wider audience. Tea houses, boutiques, and online platforms offer various grades of Dahongpao, catering to diverse tastes and budgets.

Tea ceremonies featuring Dahongpao have become increasingly popular, with connoisseurs meticulously following traditional brewing methods to unlock the tea's full potential. The practice of appreciating Dahongpao is not merely about quenching thirst but an aesthetic and spiritual journey that connects the drinker with centuries of history and culture.

In conclusion, Dahongpao is more than just a tea; it is a living testament to China's rich tea culture and history. Its allure lies not only in its exceptional flavor but also in the stories, legends, and traditions that surround it. As the world continues to embrace this remarkable beverage, Dahongpao's cultural significance and modern appreciation will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

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.