Abstract: Rui Xiang was selected from progenies of natural hybrid of Huang Dan cultivar. It is a newly bred Oolong tea cultivar with strong aroma and good quality obtained through systematic selection. Its plucking begins late in April, similar to that of Tie Guanying. The average yields in three tests were above 10% higher than that of Huangdan. Obtained Oolong tea quality is better than Huangdan with heavier appearance, strong fragrance and a better taste as well. Total water soluble, polyphenols, caffeine, catechins, EGCG and free amino acids were 43.4%, 24.1%, 2.9%, 14.6%, 5.4% and 3.0%, respectively. The total aroma oil determined in its made tea was 128.98, which was greater than Huangdan. Its main aroma components were nerolidol, benzaldehyde, jasmine jactone, α-farnesene, β-ionone and cis-jasmone. Its adaptation to environment and resistance to adverse condition was similar to Huangdan.

Key words: Oolong tea, Cultivar breeding, Rui xiang, Yield, Quality, Resistance