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鐵觀音-Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess of Mercy)

from $6.00

Guan Yin (鐵觀音), often translated as Iron Goddess of Mercy, is one of the most iconic oolongs from Anxi in Fujian. It’s a tea with a dual identity because its character changes dramatically depending on the processing style—ranging from bright, floral, spring-like green oolongs to deeper, roasted, traditional versions with a warm, contemplative tone.

Guan Yin (鐵觀音), often translated as Iron Goddess of Mercy, is one of the most iconic oolongs from Anxi in Fujian. It’s a tea with a dual identity because its character changes dramatically depending on the processing style—ranging from bright, floral, spring-like green oolongs to deeper, roasted, traditional versions with a warm, contemplative tone.

Size:

Modern (Qing Xiang, 清香) Tie Guan Yin

This is the vibrant, lightly oxidized style most people encounter today.

Aroma

Bright, luminous, and almost perfumed:

  • orchid

  • lilac

  • jasmine

  • fresh gardenia

  • a touch of creamy sweetness

The dry leaves smell like spring air drifting through a flower grove.

Flavor

Fresh, clean, and exquisitely floral:

  • orchid-forward sweetness

  • light creaminess (sometimes like sweet cream or vanilla)

  • crisp, green notes reminiscent of fresh spinach or young bamboo

  • subtle fruit — pear, green apple, or apricot skin

The taste sparkles with clarity and feels incredibly alive.

Texture

Silky, juicy, and slightly cooling on the palate, with a refreshing, high-pitched finish.

Aftertaste

Long and floral, with a cooling sensation that spreads through the throat and chest—a signature of excellent Anxi oolongs.

Personality:
Like walking through a sunlit orchard in early spring; bright, airy, and uplifting.

Why It’s Called “Iron Goddess of Mercy”

The name blends strength and compassion:

  • Iron (鐵) — refers to the dense, heavy feel of the rolled leaves and the tea’s powerful core.

  • Goddess of Mercy (觀音) — refers to Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of compassion.
    Legend says the tea plant was a gift from Guanyin to a poor villager who cared for her neglected shrine.

It’s a name that carries devotion, mythology, and reverence for nature.

Overall Character

Tie Guan Yin is a tea of contrast and harmony:
floral yet substantial, delicate yet enduring, lively yet serene.

Whether enjoyed in its modern green-bright form or its traditional roasted elegance, it has a signature purity and resonance that makes it one of the most beloved oolongs in the world!