What is Sijichun Tea? Why Has It Become the Favorite Tea of the Younger Generation?

What is Sijichun tea? Sijichun is a tea tree variety discovered by Zhang Wen-hui, a tea farmer from Muzha. Because it can be harvested many times a year, Zhang initially named it “Liuji Xiang” (Six-Season Fragrance). As it spread to tea-growing regions in central and southern Taiwan, its vigorous growth—lush and green all year round—earned it the tea industry moniker “Sijichun” (Four Seasons Spring).

Related Link: Liuji Xiang Teahouse in Muzha, run by the family of Sijichun’s discoverer, Zhang Wen-hui.

What is Sijichun Tea? What Are Its Pros and Cons?

As a tea plant variety, Sijichun can be crafted into multiple tea types, including green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and white tea. However, making it into oolong tea best showcases its uplifting gardenia fragrance, which is why Sijichun tea is mostly presented as a lightly-scented oolong tea.

The advantages of Sijichun tea include early sprouting, vigorous growth, high yield, and disease resistance. These traits make it the third most popular tea plant variety after Qingxin Oolong and JinXuan. In addition, its unique, subtle, and pleasant gardenia varietal aroma has made it very popular in the tea market. However, Sijichun tea also has its drawbacks, primarily its lighter flavor and a body that is not as robust as Qingxin Oolong. For tea lovers who seek a delicate texture, the taste can feel slightly thin.

Characteristics and Taste Profile of Lightly-Scented Oolong Tea Made from Sijichun

Sijichun Oolong Tea is renowned for its distinctive gardenia aroma and crisp, refreshing taste. The liquor is a pale yellowish-green, smooth and refreshing on the palate, with a lingering hint of gardenia that evokes the feel of spring. Compared to traditional Dongding Oolong, lightly-scented Sijichun Oolong undergoes a lighter fermentation of only 10% to 25%, resulting in a milder liquor without heavy fermentation notes, making it ideal for those who prefer a fresh and natural flavor profile. Furthermore, Sijichun Oolong Tea boasts a prominent aroma; while the taste is light and elegant, the sweet floral fragrance lingers in the mouth for a long time.

Above: Lightly fermented oolong tea made from Sijichun tea. Available in our shop: Machine-Harvested Sijichun

Why Has It Become Young People's Favorite Tea?

Refreshing taste and uplifting floral aroma: The crisp taste and subtle gardenia fragrance of Sijichun Oolong Tea appeal to younger drinkers. Its light fermentation process creates a fresh liquor without the heaviness and roast notes of traditional oolong teas, making it even more enjoyable while out and about or at work.

High yield and affordable price: The high yield of Sijichun tea plants ensures a stable market supply and relatively friendly pricing. This is a highly attractive advantage for young consumers who love tea drinks without wanting to break the bank. Compared to higher-priced tea varieties like Qingxin Oolong and Tieguanyin, Sijichun offers great quality at a reasonable price, allowing everyone to easily enjoy good tea.

Its mild character makes it a fantastic base tea for bubble tea: Sijichun tea has a gentle, unobtrusive taste, making it an exceptional base tea for handcrafted beverages. Its refreshing flavor pairs perfectly with various toppings like fruit, coconut jelly, and pearls without overpowering them while adding a lovely tea aroma—truly the ultimate versatile star of bubble tea.

With its light floral aroma, refreshing taste, and accessible price, Sijichun tea is arguably the best beverage tea in Taiwan, especially beloved in the handcrafted drink market. Beyond bubble tea shops, it also performs brilliantly for everyday home brewing. Simple to brew and hard to mess up, it is a staple daily drinker for many seasoned tea enthusiasts.