• close up of honey orchid phoenix leaves
  • honey orchid phoenix liquor
  • honey orchid phoenix tea
  • honey orchid phoenix infused leaves
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Phoenix Sunrise

Phoenix Sunrise

Phoenix Sunrise (Mi Lan Xiang) is a luxury tea that offers a striking balance of luscious lychee, roasted honey and orchid-like florals, complemented by a refreshing astringency. Harvested from the rugged peaks of Phoenix Mountain, its rich, layered complexity deepens with each infusion. This tea rose to royal status over 700 years ago during the Song Dynasty as it was favored among the Song royality.

Ingredients: 100% whole leaf tea

Region 💬The region where tea is grown influences its flavor, aroma, and quality. Different climates, altitudes, and soil types contribute to unique characteristics specific to each area.
Phoenix (Fenghuang), Mountain, Guangdong, China
Harvest 💬The season when the tea is harvested affects its flavor profile. Early spring teas, known as first flush, are often lighter and more delicate, while later harvests can be bolder and more robust.
Most recent season
Cultivar 💬 Cultivar refers to the specific variety of tea plant used. Different cultivars have distinct flavor profiles, growth patterns, and adaptability to environmental conditions.
Mi Lan Xiang
Pluck set 💬 The pluck set describes the combination of leaves and buds that are harvested. For example, 'one bud and two leaves' is a common standard that can impact the tea's flavor, texture, and quality."
1 bud with 2-3 leaves
Caffeine 💬Caffeine levels vary between tea types and can be influenced by factors like leaf size, processing methods, and steeping time.
High
Roast 💬Roast level refers to how much heat has been applied to the leaves during processing. A higher roast imparts deeper, toasty notes, while lighter roasts preserve the tea’s natural floral or vegetal character.
Medium (multiple stages)
Oxidation 💬Oxidation is the process of exposing tea leaves to air, which changes their color and flavor. Higher oxidation levels result in darker, more robust teas, while lower levels maintain lighter, more delicate flavors.
40%—60%
Fermentation 💬Fermentation is a microbial process used in certain teas like Pu'er to develop complex flavors over time. Higher fermentation levels often produce richer, earthier notes and darker liquor.
N/A

Suggested water temperature

90–95°C
(194–203°F)

 OR Allow kettle to cool for 3 minutes before pouring

Simple brewing method

+ + +
2g
(1 tsp)		 tea infuser 240ml
(1 cup)		 4-5 mins

To learn more about how to brew Honey Orchid Phoenix, refer to our Universal Tea Brewing Guide.
Sample (5 cups)
2 oz | 56.7 g (28 cups)
4 oz | 113.4 g (56 cups)
8 oz | 226.8 g (112 cups)
1.76 oz | 50 g (25 cups)
1 cup = 2 grams of tea (about 2 tsp) using simple brewing
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3 cups of honey orchid phoenix (mi lan xiang) tea being served with the dried tea leaves in the background

Taste & Aroma

Phoenix Sunrise is a medium oxidized oolong from Guangdong’s Phoenix Mountain, celebrated for its complex profile of lychee sweetness, roasted honey fragrance, and a refreshing hint of astringency. Its pronounced lychee notes, complemented by almond and peach undertones, and orchid-like aroma create an unforgettable tasting experience.

An aerial view of Phoenix river near Phoenix Mountain in China, showing the beautiful, blue water and vast landscape.

Terroir

Phoenix Sunrise's distinctive profile is shaped by the iron- and magnesium-rich soil of Phoenix Mountain. The subtropical climate, with heavy rainfall and sunny intervals, enhances the tea's broad flavor spectrum, allowing for an intense sweetness counterbalanced by a crisp, refreshing astringency.

a 600 year-old honey orchid phoenix (mi lan xiang) tea tree

History

Phoenix Sunrise has been cultivated in the Phoenix Mountain region for generations, with origins tracing back over a thousand years and rising to prominence during the Song dynasty (960–1279). Ancient "mother trees," some over 600 years old, are prized for their deep roots that absorb unique minerals, giving the tea a distinct character and connecting it to its rich heritage.

A multilayered oven roasting honey orchid phoenix (mi lan xiang) tea

Production

The crafting this tea is an intricate process involving key stages: careful spring harvesting, withering to reduce moisture, gentle shaking to initiate oxidation, and roasting to lock in its floral and fruity notes. Rolling and drying complete this labor-intensive process.

a map of where honey orchid phoenix (mi lan xiang) is grown and produced

Geography

Phoenix Mountain in Guangdong Province, China, is home to many prized Phoenix oolong cultivars, including Almond Fragrance (Xing Ren Xiang) and Yellow Sprig (Huang Zhi Xiang), each reflecting the mountain’s rich terroir. Today, this ecological and cultural treasure attracts both tea enthusiasts and conservationists dedicated to protecting its heritage.