Si Ji Chun (Four Seasons Spring) and Qingxin Oolong are both iconic representatives of Taiwanese oolong tea, yet each has its own distinct flavor and character. The former is refreshingly aromatic with bright floral and fruity notes; the latter offers rich layers and a deep, lingering fragrance. Which one to choose depends on whether you prefer lightness or fullness — this article lays out the differences clearly.
CONTENTS
Key Highlights
1. Origin & Cultivar Characteristics
2. Processing & Flavor Comparison
3. Everyday Drinking Suggestions
4. Brewing Recommendations
Origin & Cultivar Characteristics
Light & Refreshing · Year-Round Harvest
Si Ji Chun (Four Seasons Spring)
Primarily grown in the Nantou, Mingjian, and Lugu areas, Si Ji Chun is a native Taiwanese improved cultivar that can be harvested year-round. It grows quickly with a sweet, clean aroma. The tea liquor is light and bright — one of the most approachable oolong teas available.
Orchid Elegance & Honey Notes · High-Mountain Premium
Qingxin Oolong
Also known as "Qingxin Damao," this cultivar is widely planted in high-mountain regions such as Alishan, Lishan, and Shanlinxi. With thick leaves and rich internal compounds, its aroma carries orchid and honey notes — making it the dominant cultivar for Taiwan's high-mountain teas.
Processing & Oxidation Level
Item
Si Ji Chun
Qingxin Oolong
Harvest Season
Year-round
Best quality in spring & winter
Oxidation Level
Approx. 15–25%
Approx. 25–35%
Roasting Level
Light to medium roast
Medium to medium-heavy roast
Primary Aroma
Floral, fruity
Orchid, honey, ripe fruit
Want to compare both flavors yourself? BESTEA's Si Ji Chun and high-mountain oolong series are both in stock, shipped directly from the source.
Shop Si Ji Chun →
Flavor & Tea Liquor Characteristics
Si Ji Chun produces a light yellow, translucent liquor with a bright, refreshing aroma and a smooth mouthfeel — perfect for casual everyday drinking. Qingxin Oolong yields a golden to amber liquor with a rich, full-bodied taste and a long-lasting finish carrying gentle roasted sweetness, with each infusion revealing slightly different layers.
Tea
Aroma
Liquor Color
Taste Profile
Si Ji Chun
Clean · Floral · Fruity
Light yellow
Crisp, sweet, and silky smooth
Qingxin Oolong
Orchid · Honey
Golden to amber
Round, full-bodied, with a lasting sweet aftertaste
Everyday Drinking Suggestions
Si Ji Chun
Ideal for casual, everyday drinking. Its fresh floral aroma is pleasant without being overwhelming, with moderate caffeine — suitable for mornings or afternoons. A great choice for those new to oolong tea.
Qingxin Oolong
Best enjoyed slowly and mindfully. Excellent for cleansing the palate after meals. Its rich layers reward patient sipping — ideal for tea enthusiasts with some tasting experience.
The above is general health knowledge for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional if you have specific health concerns.
Brewing Recommendations
Tea
Recommended Temperature
First Infusion
Highlights
Si Ji Chun
85–90°C
Approx. 50–60 sec
Great for multiple infusions; each steep delivers sweet floral notes
Qingxin Oolong (High-Mountain)
90–95°C
Approx. 50–60 sec
Highly durable; each infusion gradually unfolds new aromatic layers
Two Classics, Each with Its Own Charm
BESTEA carefully selects Si Ji Chun and Taiwan high-mountain oolong, shipped directly from the source with guaranteed quality. Whether you prefer fresh floral fragrance or rich orchid elegance, you'll find your perfect cup of tea.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
FAQ
Q What's the difference between Si Ji Chun and Qingxin Oolong?
The main differences lie in origin, harvest season, and flavor profile. Si Ji Chun can be harvested year-round and features a light, refreshing floral aroma — ideal for casual everyday drinking. Qingxin Oolong reaches its best quality in spring and winter, with orchid and honey notes, rich layers, and a lasting sweet aftertaste — perfect for those who enjoy savoring tea slowly.
Q Which tea is better for beginners?
Si Ji Chun has a bright, approachable aroma with a light, non-astringent mouthfeel and a relatively affordable price — making it an excellent entry point into oolong tea. If you enjoy clean floral and fruity notes, Si Ji Chun is a great starting point. Qingxin Oolong offers more complex layers and is better suited for tea enthusiasts with some tasting experience.
Q Where can I buy authentic Si Ji Chun and Qingxin Oolong?
BESTEA's Si Ji Chun is sourced from Nantou tea-growing regions, and the high-mountain oolong series covers major origins including Alishan, Lishan, and Shanlinxi — all SGS-certified pesticide-free and shipped directly from the source.
BESTEA — TAIWAN OOLONG
Refreshing or Rich — Find Your Perfect Oolong
From the floral freshness of Si Ji Chun to the orchid elegance and honey sweetness of high-mountain Qingxin Oolong, BESTEA handpicks the finest teas from Taiwan's origins — SGS pesticide-free certified, so every sip is an expression of terroir.
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