Gao Shan 高山 (High Mountain) is a designation for a group of teas growing at high altitudes (1000 m above sea level and more) in China and especially in Taiwan, but also for a specific species of Taiwanese oolong.
Alpine teas usually have a higher price due to the limited amount of tea produced. Thanks to special climatic conditions (lower temperatures, cleaner air, thick fog), these teas are healthier (they can clearly be labeled organic), have a special aroma and taste – The tea is thinner, cleaner, denser, and the leaves are larger and harder than those in low-altitude tea gardens. They are relatively easy to oxidize, and most heat treatments are minimal.
