Dongding Oolong Tea

Dongding Oolong, hailing from the scenic villages of Fenghuang, Yonglong, and Zhangya (Dongding Alley) in Taiwan's Lugu Township, has a rich and fascinating history. Renowned as one of Taiwan's finest teas, Dongding Oolong boasts a unique flavor profile and a complex production process that has evolved over time.

The origins of Dongding Oolong can be traced back to the mid-19th century, specifically to the efforts of a Taiwanese scholar named Lin Fengchi. According to historical accounts, Lin, who hailed from Lugu Township, traveled to Fujian, China, to take part in the imperial examinations. Upon his return, he brought with him 36 seedlings of the renowned Wuyi Oolong tea plants, planting them in the fertile soil of Dongding Mountain. These seedlings flourished, giving birth to what we know today as Dongding Oolong.

Legends and Stories

Beyond the historical facts, Dongding Oolong is also shrouded in fascinating legends and folklore. One popular tale speaks of how the name "Dongding" itself came to be. It is said that the mountain trails leading up to Dongding Mountain were treacherous and slippery, requiring tea pickers to "freeze" their toes as they climbed, hence the name "Dongding" (which translates to "frozen summit"). The villagers humorously quipped that the tea grown at the top was so good that even the climbers' toes froze in awe.

Another legend revolves around the unique flavor of Dongding Oolong. It is believed that the distinct aroma and taste of this tea are partially attributed to a peculiar insect—the tea leafhopper. These tiny insects feed on the tea leaves, leaving behind a unique secretion that interacts with the tea's natural enzymes during the fermentation process, imparting a one-of-a-kind flavor. 

Cultural Significance

Dongding Oolong holds significant cultural value not only in Taiwan but also globally. It represents the pinnacle of Taiwanese tea craftsmanship, showcasing the island's rich tea-making heritage. The intricate production process, from meticulous plucking to the unique "cloth-wrapping" fermentation method, embodies the dedication and passion of Taiwanese tea farmers.

Moreover, Dongding Oolong plays a vital role in preserving traditional farming practices and biodiversity. The tea plantations in the Lugu area are nestled amidst lush forests, fostering a symbiotic relationship between tea cultivation and ecological conservation. This harmonious coexistence has made Dongding Oolong not just a delicious beverage but also a symbol of sustainability and respect for nature.

Modern Appreciation

In modern times, Dongding Oolong continues to captivate tea connoisseurs worldwide with its distinctive honey-green brew, refreshing aroma, and lingering甘甜 aftertaste. Its reputation as a "tea of emperors" endures, with tea lovers from all walks of life seeking out this precious brew. With the rise of specialty tea shops and online marketplaces, Dongding Oolong has become more accessible than ever before, allowing tea enthusiasts to savor its exquisite flavor from the comfort of their homes.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, Dongding Oolong serves as a bridge, connecting people through the shared experience of enjoying a cup of exceptional tea. Its history, legends, cultural significance, and modern appreciation make Dongding Oolong a true treasure of the tea world.

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：

United States, Russia, New Zealand, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Poland, Denmark, Germany, France, Finland, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Thailand, Turkey, Spain, Greece, Singapore, Hungary, Italy, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Cyprus, Egypt, Georgia, Malta, South Africa, Croatia, Slovenia, Latvia, Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, Chile, Belarus, Estonia, Morocco, United Arab Emirates, India, Myanmar, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova

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 25 days for most countries, unless stated otherwise during checkout.

Fulfillment time takes 1-4 Business Days.

Total transit time is: Fulfillment time(1-4 business days) + Transit Time(8-25 days).

3. Fees

We offer free shipping for orders over $59.
For orders below $59, the flat rate is $9.9.

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.