Phoenix Dancong is a special style of oolong tea produced in Chaozhou’s Fenghuang ("Phoenix") Mountain, a coastal region of Guangdong in southeastern China. This region is an ancient tea-growing area celebrated for its mineral-rich soils, misty and foggy climate, and mountainous, rocky forest landscape. Chaozhou is home to a diverse range of aromatic oolong tea cultivars developed through generations of selective cultivation, breeding, and grafting.

The teas from this region are collectively known as Dancong oolong, meaning "single tree" or "single trunk" oolong. They are prized for their expressive aromatics, often evoking fruits and flowers such as tuberose, orchid, ginger flower, citrus blossom, honey and peach. Some Dancong cultivars, including Song Zhong, are named after legendary stories and local farmer's fables.

According to one such legend, the last Song emperor, Zhao Bing (1278–1279 AD), fled to southern China while being pursued by the Mongols. Upon arriving in Chaozhou, he became thirsty and requested tea. An attendant gathered leaves from a nearby tea tree and prepared an infusion for him. The emperor was so impressed by its flavor that he named the tree "Song Cha" in his own honor.

The tea tree's seeds were then propagated by the people of Chaozhou, who referred to the variety as "Song Zhong." Inspired by the emperor's praise, growers planted more of these selected tea trees throughout the surrounding mountains. More than 750 years later, the Song Zhong strain of Dancong is still believed to descend from this ancient genetic lineage.

Song Zhong offers a distinctive expression of Phoenix Dancong. Its floral orchid aromatics and ripe nectarine notes are balanced by a moderate roast and a creamy texture. As one of the oldest Dancong cultivars, Song Zhong remains highly sought after by tea connoisseurs.