Wuyi Rou Gui (Cinnamon)

Old saying: "No tea can compete with Rou Gui for aroma."
(2 customer reviews)

Price range: $2.90 through $56.90

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  • Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province, China
  • C. sinensis cv. Rougui
  • 1,100 meters
  • Spring 2026
  • Plump and dark, tight and curly
  • Cinnamon aroma
  • Orange to brown
  • Mellow and fresh, with aftertaste of sweet
  • Bright yellow
  • Store in airtight, opaque packaging; in cool, dry place
  • 36 months

Wuyi Rou Gui cinnamon rock oolong – photo 1

Wuyi Rou Gui (武夷肉桂) is a roasted oolong, or rock tea (岩茶, yancha), from the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian, grown at about 1,100 meters from the Rou Gui cultivar. Its name means cinnamon, after its bold, spicy fragrance, which carries through several infusions. The orange-to-brown cup is mellow and fresh, with a sweet aftertaste.

At a Glance

  • Tea type: Oolong tea (Wuyi rock tea, 武夷肉桂)
  • Origin: Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province, China
  • Cultivar: C. sinensis cv. Rougui
  • Elevation: 1,100 meters
  • Harvest season: Spring 2026

What Does Rou Gui Taste Like?

  • Dry leaf: plump, dark, tight and curled.
  • Aroma: cinnamon-like and spicy.
  • Liquor: orange to brown.
  • Taste: mellow and fresh with a sweet aftertaste.
  • Spent leaves: bright yellow.

Tea people in Wuyi say: no tea beats Rou Gui for aroma, and no tea beats Shui Xian for mellowness.

Wuyi Rou Gui cinnamon rock oolong – photo 2

How Is Rou Gui Picked?

Rou Gui buds in mid-April and is picked in early May; spring is usually its only harvest. Picking happens only on sunny days, once the top leaf has opened, taking two or three leaves (“open-face picking”). The leaves are then withered, shaken, partly oxidized, rolled and roasted.

Wuyi Rou Gui cinnamon rock oolong – photo 3

How to Brew Rou Gui

MethodWaterLeaf per 100 mlFirst steepEach extra steepInfusions
Gongfu (gaiwan or small teapot)100°C/212°F6g5 seconds+5 seconds10
Western (mug or teapot)100°C/212°F0.8g120 seconds+30 seconds3

In practice, for gongfu brewing that means about 7.2 g of leaf in a 120 ml gaiwan. Pour the water, wait 5 seconds, then pour off all the tea. Add 5 seconds to each steep after that. For a 350 ml (12 oz) mug, use about 2.8 g and steep for 120 seconds.

Storage and Shelf Life

  • Storage: Store in airtight, opaque packaging; in cool, dry place
  • Shelf life: 36 months

FAQ

Does Rou Gui contain cinnamon?

No. It is pure tea; the cinnamon note comes naturally from the cultivar and the roasting.

What is Wuyi rock tea (yancha)?

Yancha (岩茶, “rock tea”) is roasted oolong grown among the cliffs and gullies of the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian. The mineral-rich rocky soil gives these teas a distinctive depth that tea people call yan yun (岩韵, “rock rhyme”).

Keep Exploring

Brewing Method

Chinese Gongfu Tea Method

  • 100°C/212°F
  • 6g
  • 5 seconds
  • +5 seconds
  • 10
Western Cup Method

  • 100°C/212°F
  • 0.8g
  • 120 seconds
  • +30 seconds
  • 3

2 reviews for Wuyi Rou Gui (Cinnamon)

  1. Nana –

    basic wuyi mountain rock tea characterized with roasted aroma. tastes soft and delicate, also roasted flavor lasts.

  2. DBT –

    wow. I think I got my new favorite.

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