FullChea Anxi Tieguanyin Oolong Tea Loose Leaf - Tie Guan Yin - 8oz / 226g Review (2026)

What it is

This is loose leaf Anxi Tieguanyin, also called Tie Guan Yin or Iron Goddess of Mercy, grown in Anxi county in Fujian province, which is considered the classic origin region for this oolong style. FullChea sells it in an 8 ounce, 226 gram bag, a quantity suited to regular gongfu style brewing rather than a small sampler pack. The maker describes the tea as hand picked and free of artificial sweeteners, flavorings or added colorings, which fits how traditional Tieguanyin is typically processed and sold, without the additives sometimes used in flavored or blended tea products.

Flavor and style

This is a lightly oxidized, green style Tieguanyin rather than the darker, more roasted version some oolong drinkers may be used to. The tasting notes describe a light, floral character with orchid and lilac notes, a light golden amber liquor, and a smooth body with a sweet finish. That profile places it closer to the fragrant, floral end of the oolong spectrum, so someone expecting a heavier, toasted flavor from a darker oolong will find this noticeably lighter and more delicate in comparison, closer in character to a fine green tea than to a roasted Wuyi rock oolong, and best appreciated brewed at a slightly lower temperature than a full rolling boil.

Brewing approach

Loose leaf Tieguanyin like this is well suited to gongfu style brewing, using a small teapot or gaiwan, a higher ratio of leaf to water, and short, repeated infusions rather than one long steep in a large mug. The tea is described as holding up to multiple infusions, with the flavor evolving across the first few pours, which is part of the appeal of this brewing style. A Western style single long steep will work too, but will not show off the layered character that gongfu brewing draws out of a quality oolong, since each short infusion tends to reveal a slightly different note as the leaves continue to unfurl.

Freshness and storage

Lightly oxidized, green style oolongs like this Tieguanyin are generally more sensitive to air, light and moisture than darker roasted oolongs or black teas, so the floral aroma and brightness fade faster once the bag is opened. Keeping the tea in a sealed, opaque container away from heat and strong odors in the kitchen will help preserve its character for longer, since loose leaf tea readily picks up smells from spices or coffee stored nearby. Because the leaves are not heavily oxidized or roasted, this is not a tea to stockpile for years the way a well aged, darker oolong might be, so buying an amount you will get through within several months is the safer approach.

Who should buy it

This tea suits someone who already enjoys light, floral oolongs, or a gongfu tea drinker looking for an approachable Anxi style Tieguanyin from a brand that specializes in Chinese tea. The 8 ounce bag is a practical size for regular use rather than an occasional cup. Drinkers who prefer a roasted, dark oolong with toastier, less floral notes, or who mainly brew tea bags in a mug, may find this style and format less suited to their habits than a darker Wuyi or Taiwan style oolong, or a black tea with a bolder, maltier cup.

Frequently asked questions