Ruyuan (乳源县) is a Yao Autonomous County in northwestern [Shaoguan](https://shaoguantea.com/glossary/shaoguan/), located within the Nanling National Nature Reserve. It produces Dancong (单丛) tea in the same tradition as Phoenix Dancong, alongside the indigenous Yaoshan green tea (瑶山茶).
Ruyuan Dancong is known for complex floral and honey aromas (orchid, osmanthus) from old tea stocks (some 300+ years). The traditional Yaoshan tea, crafted by the Yao minority people, is a pan-fired green tea with a fresh, grassy flavor and hints of pine. The county also produces a new style: black Dancong (Hong Dancong) with fruity notes.
Elevation: 700–1,500m. Terrain: Nanling National Nature Reserve, pristine forest ecosystem. Known for: Dancong tea, Yaoshan green tea, Yao minority tea heritage.