This beautiful scenic area of central Taiwan, which is also classified as a Natural Reserve, produces one of the most well known and referenced teas to define the Gao Shan (high mountain) taste of Taiwanese oolongs. Our Alishan Oolong is from Shi Zhou area in Chiayi County. This township has a soil structure that is more gravelly and layered in shale and has numerous gardens that produce fragrant, well balanced teas that are pleasant and mellow with a well defined sweetness. The gardens are situated at a slightly lower elevation than the highly rated Lishan, Dayuling and Shanlinxi areas. This allows growers to use a variety of tea plants successfully. Cing Xin varietals dominate, like in the case of this tea, but Jin Xuan strives as well (see our Alishan Jin Xuan, Lot 207) and give magnificent teas.