The An Xi Tie Guan Yin are a type of Minnan Wulong, made from the Tieguanyin variety. This varietal is named after Guanyin (in India: Avalokiteschvara), hence in the west this tea is sometimes also called "Iron Buddha of compassion", as the name would translate. These teas are produced in the same fashion as other Minnan Wulong: Most are produced in a very green manner, and the oxidation takes place in rooms chilled by air conditioning. Usually, the leaves are put into a bag after the oxidation and hit against the ground, in order to remove the traces of the oxidation from the edges of the leaves. The leaves are then alternately fired in heated turning drums and formed to little lumps by putting them into bags on rolling machines. Finally, the teas are dried by hot air in the oven. Note that the traditional way of producing this type of tea includes a longer phase of wilting as well as a longer and non-chilled oxidation as well as roasting. An Xi Tie Guan Yin are subtle and simultaneously very aromatic.
