Wuyi Zhengshan Xiaozhong Red Tea - Xiaochigan is a distinguished variety of traditional Chinese red tea originating from the renowned Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province. This tea is crafted using time-honored methods that have been passed down through generations, ensuring an authentic and rich flavor profile. The term "Xiaochigan" refers to a specific processing technique that enhances the tea’s natural sweetness and depth. When brewed, the tea liquor exhibits a deep amber or reddish-brown hue, often described as having the color of longan soup—a reference to the golden-brown shade of the traditional Chinese dessert made from dried longan fruit. This visual characteristic hints at the tea’s mellow and smooth taste, complemented by subtle fruity and honeyed undertones. The tea's aroma carries a delicate smokiness, a hallmark of traditional Wuyi red teas, making it a refined and enjoyable choice for tea enthusiasts seeking a balance of warmth and complexity in their cup.
To fully appreciate the rich flavors and aromatic depth of Xiaochigan red tea, it is recommended to use a traditional 120ml Gaiwan for brewing. The Kung Fu tea brewing method is ideal for bringing out the tea’s nuanced characteristics, allowing for precise control over infusion time and temperature. A standard tea-to-water ratio of 1:20 is used, meaning that 6 grams of loose leaf tea is carefully measured and placed into the Gaiwan before hot water is poured over it. This proportion ensures a well-balanced infusion, highlighting the tea’s natural sweetness, smooth texture, and lingering aftertaste. The method allows for multiple steepings, gradually releasing different layers of flavor with each infusion. The 120ml Gaiwan size is perfectly suited for two people to share the tea, making it an excellent choice for an intimate tea session. This brewing style encourages mindfulness, fostering appreciation for both the tea’s aroma and its evolving taste.
The loose leaf tea of Xiaochigan is characterized by its exceptionally high-quality buds, which reflect the careful selection and meticulous processing involved in its production. Each tea bud is plump and well-formed, indicating its tenderness and richness in essential compounds that contribute to the tea’s flavor and aroma. The leaves exhibit a deep, lustrous red color, signifying proper fermentation and oxidation, which enhance the tea’s overall complexity. Upon closer inspection, one can notice a silky smooth texture, with the leaves feeling soft to the touch, a testament to their freshness and high moisture retention. Interspersed among the dark leaves are delicate golden buds, which add a visual contrast and further signify the tea’s premium quality. These golden tips are rich in theaflavins, contributing to the tea’s naturally sweet, mellow taste and smooth finish. The glossy appearance of the leaves suggests a well-preserved essential oil content, enhancing both the aroma and depth of flavor.
When brewing Xiaochigan red tea in a Gaiwan, maintaining the appropriate tea-to-water ratio is crucial for achieving the best possible flavor and aroma. A recommended ratio of 1:20, which means using 6 grams of tea leaves for every 120ml of water, ensures that the infusion is well-balanced, neither too strong nor too weak. This proportion allows the tea to fully release its complex flavors, bringing out its natural sweetness, smooth texture, and lingering aftertaste. The controlled ratio also helps maintain the right level of concentration, preventing bitterness while highlighting the tea’s delicate floral and fruity notes. Additionally, this method allows for multiple infusions, revealing different layers of taste with each steeping. By following this precise ratio, tea drinkers can enjoy a refined and harmonious brewing experience that fully showcases the depth and richness of Xiaochigan red tea.
When brewing Xiaochigan red tea in a Gaiwan, the dry tea leaves undergo a remarkable transformation as they come into contact with hot water. Almost immediately, the leaves begin to unfurl and expand, releasing their rich aroma and deep, complex flavors into the infusion. This rapid expansion signifies the high quality of the tea, as well-processed leaves are naturally more responsive to water, reawakening as though coming back to life. The once tightly curled leaves gradually regain their original shape, revealing their plump and tender structure. As they open up, they release essential oils and compounds that contribute to the tea’s smooth texture, mellow sweetness, and lingering aftertaste. This process is not only visually captivating but also an essential step in fully experiencing the depth of Xiaochigan red tea, allowing each infusion to bring out new layers of flavor and aroma.
Xiaochigan Cha Tang presents a visually captivating body, very similar to the rich golden brown color of Longan Tang. When tea is poured into a beautiful cup or teacup, a delicate golden ring naturally forms at the edge, creating an elegant and refined appearance. This striking visual effect is due to the way in which the pigments of tea interact with the surface of porcelain or glass, highlighting the clarity and depth of the tea. The appearance of a golden halo is a hallmark feature of high-quality red tea, indicating its rich oxidation process and the presence of essential aromatic compounds. This gold ring enhances the overall tea drinking experience, inviting tea enthusiasts not only to appreciate the taste and aroma of tea, but also to appreciate the visual beauty of brewing. It reflects the smooth texture and mellow nature of tea, making every sip a comprehensive and harmonious enjoyment, embodying the essence of traditional craftsmanship.
Beautifully designed and carefully crafted tea cards accompany this Xiaochigan red tea, providing detailed information about its origin, variety, and unique characteristics. These cards serve as a guide to understanding the rich heritage of this tea, offering insights into the specific region where it is cultivated, the traditional processing techniques used, and the distinctive aroma that makes it special. By reading the tea cards, drinkers can appreciate the depth of craftsmanship behind each leaf and gain a deeper connection to the tea culture. When brewed, the tea liquor presents a mesmerizing golden hue, bright and translucent, reminiscent of the classic color of longan soup. This rich and warm visual appeal not only enhances the tea-drinking experience but also signifies the tea’s smooth, mellow taste and well-balanced infusion, inviting drinkers to savor each sip with appreciation.

Xiao Chi Gan | Wuyi Mountain Red Tea – The Originator of Red Tea, Warm Notes of Longan Sweetness, by ZhenZhenShan

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$39.99

Xiao Chi Gan – Tongmuguan Red Tea

  • Tea Type: Chinese Tongmuguan Red Tea

  • Ingredients: Zhengshan Xiaozhong (small-leaf) fresh tea leaves

  • Net Weight: 50g loose leaf

  • Grade: First Grade

  • Recommended Teaware: 120ml Gaiwan, mug, or glass cup

  • Suggested Occasions: Relaxing at home, office tea breaks, or making milk tea

Mood Tea Keyword: Warmth

 

Availability: In stock

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Hey Tea Lovers! Welcome to the Warmth of Xiao Chi Gan

Xiao Chi Gan is your go-to Wuyi red tea for cozy moments, office breaks, and delightful milk tea creations. This premium Tongmuguan red tea offers the perfect blend of floral and fruity aromas, with the sweet, lingering notes of longan that make every sip a comforting experience.

What Makes Xiao Chi Gan Special?

Xiao Chi Gan is a distinguished Zhengshan Xiaozhong from the Tongmuguan region, the heart of Wuyi Mountain red teas. Only small-leaf red tea grown in this protected area qualifies as authentic Zhengshan Xiaozhong. With a history of over 400 years, this tea is regarded as the ancestor of red tea and a must-try for serious tea lovers.

Its high-grade raw leaves are carefully selected, reflecting the true spirit of Wuyi mountains: floral-fruity fragrance, amber-colored liquor, and mellow sweetness.

Aroma & Flavor Profile

  • Dry Tea Aroma: Floral and fruity notes with longan fragrance

  • Tea Liquor: Rich amber hue, smooth and sweet

  • Tasting Notes: Mellow body, delicate lingering leaf aroma, subtle honey undertones

Brewing Guide – Gongfu Style

  • Tea-to-Water Ratio: 1:22 (approx. 5g tea / 120ml water)

  • Water Temperature: 95°C (203°F)

  • Steeping: 3–5 seconds for the first 4 infusions, extend afterward for deeper flavor

  • Steeps: 8–10 infusions reveal layered complexity

Office Brewing – Quick & Easy

  • Use a mug or glass with 2.5g tea

  • Pour in 95°C purified water and steep for 1 minute

  • Leave 1/3 of the tea before refilling for 2–3 flavorful infusions

Perfect for Milk Tea Lovers

Xiao Chi Gan enhances milk tea beautifully. Just add 5–10ml milk to a cup, and the floral-fruity richness combines with creamy notes for a comforting, aromatic drink.

Enjoy Xiao Chi Gan Anywhere

Whether you’re relaxing at home, at the office, or making milk tea for friends, Xiao Chi Gan brings warmth, sweetness, and a touch of mountain magic to every cup.

Cheers to Every Sip!

Raise your cup and savor the refined tradition of Wuyi red tea. Xiao Chi Gan is more than tea — it’s a heartwarming journey in every brew, a perfect companion for your daily rituals and a thoughtful gift for tea-loving friends.

Weight 0.225 kg
Dimensions 11 × 11 × 11 cm

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Xiao Chi Gan | Wuyi Mountain Red Tea – The Originator of Red Tea, Warm Notes of Longan Sweetness, by ZhenZhenShan Xiao Chi Gan | Wuyi Mountain Red Tea – The Originator of Red Tea, Warm Notes of Longan Sweetness, by ZhenZhenShan
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