Wild Tongmu Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong is picked one bud at a time, entirely by hand, and entirely by native residents living within the reserve. The tea plants are wildly propagated by seed, and are left untended. This natural selection creates genetic variation and diversity between each standalone tea bush. Each bush grows between one and three meters high, and grows out of cracks in the volcanic rock of the Tongmu mountains. Li Xiangxi’s parents manage the family’s local pine wood collection and select and dry each piece of wood perfectly to minimize actual smoke and maximize the release of oils and resins, yielding the most subtle smoked tea we have ever tasted. The smoke flavor adds a rich creaminess along with deep cooling forest notes, and almost no actual smoke flavor. Tongmu is a tiny region that has been designated for special protection and recognition. Non-residents are not allowed into the preserve without special approval and sponsorship from a resident. The region of Tongmu is unique within the Wuyishan region for its volcanic rock formations, and extremely thick vegetation coverage and biodiversity. Nestled along either bank upstream of the Jiuqu (Nine Bends) Brook, the mountains create a unique microclimate, perfect for many species of birds and a healthy ecosystem. Mountain spring water springs out of the ground and runs down every slope, and the rocky land and cold weather make for slow-growing but singularly incredible tea.