Li Shan (Pear Mountain) is a type of Jade Oolong from Taiwan that is one of the most expensive, and some say the most exquisite tea from Taiwan.  Named for the region's history as a producer of pears, Li Shan teas owe their unique quality to the cool and moist conditions the mountainous region harbors, perfect conditions for growing tea. It is sometimes called "The President Tea" due to the plantations being on land previously occupied by Chiang Kai Shek's summer villa.

Due to the particularly beneficial climate, this high quality tea has a very delicate aroma, and a sweet, fruity character that almost coats the throat. Being very lightly oxidized, the liquor is greenish gold, with no bitterness and relatively little astringency. The unusually large leaves have only a hint of oxidation around their edges, and are amenable to multiple steepings.

Li Shan teas are harvested only twice per year, and this combined with the small growing region contributes to its high cost. In spite of this, tea connoisseurs are more than willing to pay the price for this tea, as this oolong is practically without peer.

While most of this tea is produced for the domestic Taiwanese market, some types of Li shan are available to outsiders if they can be found. Some examples of Li Shan tea that you may be able to locate follow.

Tsuei Luan Oolong
The Tseui Luan region of Li Shan produces this particular tea, characterized by particularly large leaves rolled up into surprisingly tight, light green balls (similar in shape to typical gunpowder tea). Sweet and flowery, Tseui Luan is clearly a stand out, even among Taiwan's already incredible tea bounty.

Wu Ling Oolong
Similar in many ways to Tsuei Luan, Wu Ling oolong is darker in appearance (a touch more oxidized, and produces a slightly darker liquor) and has a fruity quality with a light, clean astringency. A subtly green taste and smooth mouth feel help finish the tea, leaving the drinker thinking that there is something to this tea having been grown on land that was previously apple and pear orchards.