Fenghuang Dancong Yashixiang, also known as Yinhua Xiang Dancong, is a tea aroma type originating from Chaozhou, Guangdong, and belongs to Fenghuang Dancong tea. This tea gets its unusual name from growing in a special local soil known as “duck shit soil.” Since 2018, Yashixiang Fenghuang Dancong has surged in popularity on the market, becoming a sought-after tea base for major beverage brands and taking the tea drink industry by storm.
Origin and History of Fenghuang Dancong Yashixiang
The original mother trees of Ya Shi Xiang were first transplanted in the 1920s from Liziping Village on Wudong Mountain, Chaozhou, to Kengtou Village, Fengxiping, Fenghuang Town, Chao’an District, sitting at an elevation of about 900 meters. The soil, climate, and environment here are exceptionally well-suited for the growth of Ya Shi Xiang, making it the birthplace of Fenghuang Ya Shi Xiang. As Ya Shi Xiang grew in popularity, its cultivation gradually expanded to the surrounding areas of Fenghuang Town, where the annual production now reaches over 6,000 kg.
Why is it called Ya Shi Xiang? The origin of Ya Shi Xiang
The name Ya Shi Xiang (literally “Duck Shit Fragrance”) is closely tied to the soil in which it grows. Locally known as “duck shit soil,” this terrain is a yellow soil rich in minerals. To prevent the tea saplings from being stolen, local tea farmers deliberately gave it an unappealing name—”Ya Shi Xiang.” Yet, the name gradually spread within tea circles. Although experts officially renamed it “Yinhua Xiang Dancong” in 2014 because its aroma when brewed resembles honeysuckle, the tea instead became a massive viral hit a few years later precisely because of its quirky, ironic name.
The viral rise of Ya Shi Xiang
In 2018, a Guangzhou tea shop named Uncle Qiu first introduced “Ya Shi Xiang Lemon Tea” using Fenghuang Dancong Ya Shi Xiang as the base, which instantly became a runaway hit. Soon after, another well-known tea brand launched “Ya Shi Xiang Treasure Tea,” sparking an enthusiastic market response. “Ya Shi Xiang” rapidly skyrocketed in popularity, not only taking the beverage world by storm but also expanding into bottled teas, tea bags, and even baked goods and snacks, becoming a darling of beverage brands.
The flavor of Ya Shi Xiang
When brewed, Fenghuang Dancong Ya Shi Xiang yields a golden, clear liquor with a subtle, orchid-like fragrance and a refreshing, invigorating mountain breath. The initial sip is sweet and crisp, followed by a soaring tea aroma that fills the nose. There is a slight bitterness at first, but it instantly melts into sweetness with a lingering aftertaste. Most unforgettable is the unique floral aroma of Ya Shi Xiang, where tea and floral notes intertwine with a hint of milky fragrance, creating a truly wonderful tasting experience. The dry leaves of Ya Shi Xiang Dancong are coarse, tight, and compact, with a dark brown, lustrous color. Once brewed, the liquor is bright orange-yellow with a rich, high-pitched aroma, a mellow body, and a unique, lingering mountain charm.