Dong Ding Premium Oolong Tea

Dong Ding – Frozen Summit Oolong Tea (冻顶乌龙茶)

Roasted Taiwanese Oolong from the Foggy Slopes of Lugu Mountain

Warmth from mist, strength from stillness.

Dong Ding (冻顶), or “Frozen Summit,” is one of Taiwan’s most iconic traditional oolong teas. Grown in the cool, humid mountains of Lugu Township in Nantou County, this tea is hand-harvested from tightly pruned bushes and skillfully roasted to develop its signature nutty aroma, orchid-floral warmth, and lingering, honeyed aftertaste.

Originally descended from Qing Xin cultivar cuttings brought from Fujian in the 19th century, Dong Ding represents the origin of Taiwanese high mountain tea culture—rich, balanced, and deeply soothing.

Why You’ll Love Dong Ding Oolong

• A classic roasted Taiwanese oolong with a cult following
• Flavorful yet smooth – nutty, floral, and gently sweet
• Charcoal-roasted using traditional low-heat methods
• Perfect for calm focus, relaxed evenings, and deep breathing
• Enduring flavor across many infusions

Tasting Notes

• Roasted hazelnut, orchid, and honeyed wood
• Notes of toasted grain, baked fruit, and light vanilla
• Round, medium body with long floral-mineral finish
• Soothing Qi and mellow sweetness in the breath

Tea Profile

• Type: Traditional Taiwanese Oolong
• Cultivar: Qing Xin (青心)
• Origin: Lugu Township, Nantou County, Taiwan
• Elevation: 700–1,200 meters
• Harvest: Spring or winter pluck (specify if single-season)
• Craftsmanship: Medium oxidation (~30–40%), traditional charcoal roasting
• Appearance: Semi-ball rolled leaves with dark green–brown tones; golden amber liquor
• Collected: 2025

Processing

Dong Ding is processed using classic Taiwanese methods refined over generations:

1. Plucking – 3–4 leaf sets with terminal bud
2. Withering – Sun and indoor withering to soften and reduce moisture
3. Tossing & Oxidation – Light bruising initiates partial oxidation
4. Fixation – Leaves are fired to halt oxidation and fix aroma
5. Rolling – Leaves are rolled into semi-ball shape
6. Roasting – Slow charcoal roasting in multiple sessions for layered flavor

The roast develops Dong Ding’s signature depth and clarity, allowing the tea to age gracefully and infuse repeatedly.

More about Taiwanese Oolong Tea and its production.

Health Benefits

Dong Ding offers comfort and balance, particularly suited to digestion and mental relaxation:

• Supports metabolism and digestive warmth
• Promotes relaxed focus and grounded clarity
• Rich in polyphenols, theanine, and roasted aromatics
• Gentle on the stomach, even after meals

Brewing Instructions

Gongfu Method (5 oz / 150 ml)

• Tea amount: 5–6 grams
• Water temperature: 90–95°C / 194–203°F
• Rinse: 5 seconds
• Infusions:
• 1st: 25–30 sec
• 2nd: 35–40 sec
• 3rd–6th: Increase steep time slightly with each round
• Tip: Use a small clay or glazed teapot to hold warmth and highlight the roast

Cup Method (8.8 oz / 250 ml)

• Tea amount: Adjust based on personal preference for tea strength.
• Water temperature: 90°C / 194°F
• Steep time: 2–3 minutes
• Re-steep: 2–3 times
• Note: Pairs beautifully with a quiet moment or an evening breeze

Cultural Significance

Dong Ding is the ancestor of modern Taiwanese oolongs, the origin point from which high-mountain tea culture evolved. Its name—“Frozen Summit”—refers to Dong Ding Mountain, a fog-shrouded peak revered for its energy and fertility.

Tea farmers in Lugu have passed down roasting knowledge for generations, making Dong Ding not just a tea but a living tradition. In Taiwan, it is considered a tea of stability, depth, and quiet strength, perfect for daily ritual or thoughtful conversation.