Taipei Tea Heritage Walking Tour and Taiwan's Tea Attractions
The information below is on the Taipei Tea Heritage Walking Tour including historic points of interest, all locations are closeby and a little north of downtown and the main train station. This can easily be a one day self-guided walking tour provided one takes the maps. Tawainese people are very friendly and asking for help is easy along the way.
The link for tea shops map (Chinese) here
The link for tea shops map (Chinese) here
The link for tea shops map (English) here
You should bring both.
DaDaoCheng Wharf Riverside Park
DaDaoCheng Wharf was one of international ports as Danshui、Mengjia in the past. There are seats locate in the bank of Danshui River, where now becomes the departure place of the Blue Highway to Danshui Fisherman's Wharf. The beautiful park is good for seeing the sunset and the bicycle way is where you can have a walk with your pets. The beautiful Junk in the park was made as it was in 19th century and was used as the trademark on packing for tea in Japanese ruling period.
Address: In the end of Huanhe North Road、MinSheng West Road
Tian-Peng Art Village Association
As its' name, Art Village Association is indeed in the roof of a mansion. It was given this name because in 2000, the famous painter, Fu Yin-ping, offered her unused space in the roof to set up a workshop for people who love art. Until now, students in the association can exhibit their works overseas also more and more people come to learn painting here. Besides, Tian-Peng is working on the wall prettification activity of the riverside park recently. It holds various kinds of exhibitions and discussions often and then becomes an Art Village indeed.
Address: No.111 Sec.1HuanheNorth Road Taipei City
TEL：（02）2558-5789
Website：www.skyart.org.tw
Opening Hour
Painting Class: Friday、Saturday 14:00~17:00
Gallery: Tuesday to Saturday 11:00~17:00（Sunday、Monday Closed）
DaDaoCheng Art Gallery
Managed by both artists and residents in local community, it is a local art gallery where painting, photography, sculpture, textile design exhibits are regularly hold and discussions give visitors chances to have direct conversations with creators. The president, Liou Siou-mei, has promoted 「 Citizen Art」 for years with the goal to make people who have never painted before can started to try and finally become creative. 10 years ago, she started to teach women in DaDaoCheng painting, creation and now earned the impressive result of art. Students' delicate works can be bought inside the gallery.
Address: No.79-3 Xining North Road Taipei City
TEL：（02）2555-2518
Opening Hour：14:00~18:00（ Monday Closed）
DaDaoCheng Puppet Centre
DaDaoCheng Puppet Centre collets many precious traditional and foreign puppets. It holds various kinds of puppet shows often and is invited to give performances in Eroupe, America and South-east Asia, therefore indeed plays an important role in promoting Taiwan traditional puppet show and culture. DaDaoCheng Puppet Centre plans to move to Xining North Road in the middle of November, where has bigger space to offer people who love traditional puppet show. more.
Address: 1F No.66 Minle Street Taipei City
TEL：（02）2552-8344
Website：www.taiyuan.org.tw
Opening Hour：Tuesday to Saturday 10:00~17:00
（Monday、Sunday Closed）
Harry Cat Art Workshop
Although it locates in a small alley, the stylish window setting would attract people who occasionally passed by. It sells handicrafts, pottery, and carpentry. Since every work is handmade, each of them is a unique one in the world. Interestingly, domestic customers like pottery and carpentry most, and Japanese customers like to buy those products, such as cell phone basket, card basket or stamp basket, which made by textile and full of Chinese atmosphere.
Address: No.6 Alley 233 NanJing West Road Taipei City
TEL：（02）2556-8571
Opening Hour：Monday to Saturday 10:30~19:00；
Monday 10:30~17:00（Open through the year）
Taipei Tea Merchants Association
Established in 1889, it is the oldest association in Taiwan that witnessed the wonderful time of Taiwan tea exports and was devoted to promote tea culture. The association possesses many precious historical documents of Taiwan tea, such as, the award won in 1900 for export、 Taiwan Oolong tea packing papers and the commercial posters. It also has 「Cha Jiao Ma Zu」 from FuJian, which is the only one in Taiwan, to be the guardian angel of tea merchants.
Address: 6F No.24 Gangu Street Taipei City
TEL：(02)2555-7598
Opening Hour：Every second and fourth Saturdays 9:00~12:00
Bolero Restaurant
Established in1934, it is the oldest western restaurant in Taipei where businessmen liked to discuss their business and men and women liked to have blind dates. The founder gave this name because he likes Maurice Revel's music very much. He not only used an audio facility that cost 1 million Taiwan dollars but also invited the painter, Yan Yun-lian, (aged 83 now) who graduated in Spain to do the whole decoration. Different art styles are well balanced in this decoration and it's still surprising until now.
Address: No.314 MinSheng West Road Taipei City
TEL：2555-0521
Opening Hour：11:00~21:30
Jyu-yuan Japanese Restaurant
Jyu-yuan is an old Japanese restaurant that has been established for more than 30 years. Businessmen in DaDaoCheng who used 15 million Taiwan dollars to set it up and there was a famous teashop in the same place. Jyu-yuan had the Japanese style dishes in a set 20 years ago for the first time, and restaurants all over Taiwan started to copy it. It also has personal meal set, meal boxes, especially its special $199 beef, raw fishes lunch sets are welcomed by people who works in the neighborhood. Jyu-yuan has the capacity of about 500 persons and many private rooms.
Address: 3~4F No.300 MinSheng West Road Taipei City
TEL：（02）2555-7565
Opening Hour：11:00~14:30n 17:00~21:30
First Chemical
It sounds like a factory which sells chemical machines or materials, however, it actually is the most popular place for cosmetics DIY. Lasted for more than 40 years, First Chemical had sold chemical materials in the early years until the second generation took it over, it started to sell foundational materials of cosmetics, natural extracted oil and dyes. Recommended by the famous master of make up, Niouer, it suddenly became very popular. You can buy any kinds of cosmetic materials in cheap price and enjoy the pleasure of DIY. Besides, various brands of lotions, cleansers, toners and masks are also provided, and Bulgaria Rose Water is No.1 of them.
Address: No.43 Tianshui Road Taipei City
TEL：(02)2550-1101
Opening Hour：8:00~18:00 （Saturday until 17:00、Sunday and Holidays closed）\
Jin Chun Fa Beef Restaurant
Established in 1897, more than 100 years-old Jin Chun Fa Beef Restaurant uses high class Taiwan beef to offer various kinds of dishes, such as, soup, noodle. The most popular ones are cattle brain, tomato beef, cattle marrow and beef stirred noodle.
Address: No.20 Tianshui Road Taipei City
TEL：(02)2558-9835
Opening Hour：11:00~21:30（Monday Closed）
Li Jia Siang Milkfish
As long as you walk into Ningxia Road Night Market, you can see oyster pancake, oyster noodle, pig liver soup everywhere and 「Li Jia Siang」 milkfish is one that you can't miss. From being the stand to a proper store,「Li Jia Siang」 milkfish has been famous for more than 20 years. Customers don't have to worry about fish bones when enjoying milkfish soups here and the soup goes very well with pork stew rice. Only milkfish freshly taken from ports would be used in Li Jia Siang. Besides soup, they also provide stew, fried fish that you can't miss.
Address: No.60 Ningxia Road Taipei City
TEL：(02)2559-6604
Opening Hour：11:00am~4:00 am
Chaoiang Tealeaf Park
Chaoiang Tealeaf Park was a warehouse for tea in DaDaoCheng where tea businessmen to put all those raw teas they just bought. City re-establishment in 2003, here became the first tea industry theme park in Taipei city. The marble pathways in the park are carved tea-producing flows. The whole park is in a beautiful environment also it has a parking lot in the basement and many teashops in both sides.
Address: Between Lane 64and 70 Sec. 2 ChongQing North Road Taipei City
Tea in Taiwan
With a reputation of being a tea empire, Taiwan's topography and climate are perfect for growing tea plants. There are many varieties of tea available in Taiwan; among these, Wenshan Baozhong Tea, Dongding Oolong Tea, Pekoe Oolong Tea, and Tie Guanyin are the four mainstream teas.
You can pick up virtually any type of teapot in department stores or tea stores. If you want to buy a piece of porcelain culture aside from having a teapot to boil tea in, go to Yingge, the ceramics capital of Taiwan. Yingge's Jianshanpu Rd. is a newly designed pedestrian area, and the whole shopping area emphasizes various types of porcelain products. This is the best place to buy your teapot and have a look around.
Major department stores and supermarkets have special stalls that sell tea, which makes this national beverage readily available. Beside, there is also the tea bag, a simple and convenient way to enjoy a cup of tea.
The Art of Tea
A History of Tea in Taiwan
Qing dynasty (1796-1895)
Two wild, indigenous tea subspecies, Taiwan Mountain Tea and Red Sprout Mountain Tea, were discovered in Taiwan as early as the 17th century. However, they had little economic value and were not widely used due to their bitter taste and thin, brittle leaves.
During the Qing dynasty, different tea varieties were imported from the Fujian area and cultivated in northern Taiwan. During his 1865 visit to observe Taiwan’s camphor industry, British merchant John Dodd discovered the Taiwanese tea market. The tea he exported to New York became a surprise hit, making Taiwanese tea famous internationally and attracting other exporters to Taiwan. Thus began the prosperity of Taiwan’s tea industry and its role as a major industry in northern Taiwan.
Japanese Colonial Period (1895-1945)
During their occupation of Taiwan, the Japanese expanded Taiwanese tea farms and encouraged the cultivation of local varieties including the four main varieties: Qingxin Oolong (green-hearted oolong), Qingxin Damo, Daye Oolong (big-leaf oolong), Ying Zhi Hongxin (“hard-stemmed red-hearted”). In addition, a tea research institute was established to advance the cultivation and production of black tea.
In 1926, the Japanese introduced the Assam variety to Taiwan and experimented with its cultivation in Yuchih Township, Nantou County. The successful results gave birth to the now renowned specialty tea of Sun Moon Lake.
Retrocession to the Present (After 1945)
In the 1980s, the tea-drinking population and tea consumption rose sharply in Taiwan as its economy advanced. Coupled with the active promotion of tea culture, consumers began to place more emphasis on the art of tea and became selective about its quality. Consequently, the tea industry in Taiwan shifted its focus from export to internal consumption.
In recent years, bottled tea drinks and “bubble tea” shops have gained wide popularity, new tea products have been brought in from other countries, and convenient tea bags and related products are booming due to market demand. The Taiwanese tea culture is become more and more specialized and refined.
The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in the hardworking spirit of past generations to pioneer the golden age of Taiwan tea. The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in the consolidated wisdom of the present generation to jointly demonstrate the unprecedented elegance of Taiwan tea.
I. The History of Taiwan Tea
The tea consumed by the Taiwanese was first imported from mainland China—primarily from the provinces of southern Jiangsu and Fujian—during the Ming and Ching dynasties. At that time, the majority of Taiwan’s tea drinkers were people with wealth, power, or scholarly backgrounds. During the Japanese occupation, Uji tea began to be imported from Japan, adding influential and wealthy Japanese to the list of tea consumers in Taiwan. After Taiwan’s retrocession to the Republic of China, mainland teas were available on the market, making it a drink for the masses. However, during the early stages, local Taiwan teas were produced mainly for export purposes, and it was not until the 1970s that the tea market slowly began to be turned inward to meet local demand.
Local Taiwan teas originated from plants growing in the wild. There were two main types whose primary difference lay in the color of their sprouts: Taiwan mountain tea, which had greenish or light-purple sprouts, and purplish-red sprout mountain tea, which had fuchsia sprouts. Taiwan teas held little commercial value at first, but this changed after improvements were made to Taiwan Tea No. 18, which was suitable for making black tea.
After the Treaties of Tianjin were ratified in 1860 and the port of Danshui was opened for trade, British tea merchant John Dodd began working with tea merchants and farmers to promote Taiwan tea, slowly developing it as an export item. Before long, tea ranked first among Taiwan’s top-three exports, ahead of sugar and camphor. The earliest teas exported during the Ching dynasty were oolong and baozhong tea, which began to be sold abroad in 1865 and 1881, respectively.
In 1906, during the Japanese occupation, black tea began to be exported alongside oolong and baozhong tea. At the same time, the Taiwan Governor’s Office began to assist private organizations, such as the Taiwan Tea Business-men’s Association, to introduce the beauty of Taiwan tea to the rest of the world through the establishment of teashops at international fairs. With the beautifully designed posters advertising Taiwan tea at those fairs, the elegant packaging of Taiwan tea products, and the refined and professional serving techniques of the salespeople, the global image of Taiwan tea was quickly elevated.
After Taiwan’s retrocession to the ROC, Tang Jishan introduced green teas to Taiwan’s existing exports of oolong, baozhong, and black teas. This included the introduction of fried green teas, such as zhu tea and mei tea, in 1949. In 1963, steamed green tea, or Sen tea, began to be exported to Japan, and by the time Taiwan tea exports had reached its peak in 1973, the largest export product was Sen tea. During this period, the government established the interministerial Taiwan Tea Improvement Organization to assist private tea enterprises. At the same time, the private sector was using the Taiwan Tea Manufacturers’ Association and the Taiwan Tea Exporters Association as its backbone for promoting Taiwan tea.
At the height of Taiwan’s tea exports, the private sector began to realize the importance of the domestic market. In 1973, the Taiwan Tea Promotion Team headed by Lin Fuquan began to advertise teas for domestic consumption, and the following year, the Taiwan Provincial Government’s Department of Agriculture and Forestry sponsored a provincial tea exhibition in Xindian. Through the collaboration of county governments in tea-producing areas, farmers’ associations, and the mass media, a stable foundation was created for promoting tea on the domestic market. On August 14, 1977, the Chinese Kung Fu Teahouse, the forerunner of Taiwan’s modern teahouses, was established. Before long, teahouses were sprouting up everywhere like bamboo shoots after a spring rain shower, and throughout the 1980s, these local teahouses slowly organized into associations devoted to the promotion of tea culture.
Under the joined efforts of the government, tea farmers’ associations, tea manufacturers’ associations, teahouse associations, teahouses, and tea scholars, domestic tea consumption was gradually transformed into a contemporary and flourishing artistic tea culture. On ordinary days, these organizations and individuals worked hard at their own respective jobs. However, when it came time to host a cultural activity on tea, they would divide the labor, cooperate with each other, and work together to portray an image of the art of Taiwan tea that fully demonstrated its elegance.
II. The Beauty of Taiwan Tea
All aspects of the art of Taiwan tea—whether it’s the tea-flavor, tea water, tea sets, tea-serving techniques, tea connoisseurs, teahouses, tea refreshments, or tea feasts—have been developed to a consummate level in Taiwan. Thus, whether focusing on aesthetical theory or practice, every aspect of Taiwan tea can serve as a paradigm for both life and art.
The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in the tea flavor, with aesthetic standards set by the clearness of its coloring, the purity of its taste, and the elegance of its aroma. Whether it’s baozhong tea, dongding tea, pengfeng tea, tieguanyin tea, dragon well tea, or black tea, each type has its own unique characteristics. Taiwan teas vary greatly in flavor, ranging from soft to charming and refined to strong. The most representative of Taiwan teas is the mildly fragrant oolong tea, a clear and odorous tea made from hemispherically shaped leaves. With its sweet scent and rich flavor, this tea embodies the essence of Taiwan’s mountains and rivers and is a condensation of fragrance and dew. It is a soothing tea unparalleled in this world.
The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in the tea water from which it is made. Since ancient times, Taiwan has been known for its natural spring water. The aesthetic standard for good tea water is that it must be sweet, fragrant, clear, and chilled. Clear implies clarity in color and is for satisfying the sense of sight; chilled means it is refreshingly cool and pleasing to the sense of touch; and sweet and fragrant refer to the senses of taste and smell, respectively. Lastly, the swish of roaring mountain streams and the bubbling of boiling tea water fulfill the sense of sound. Thus, Taiwan tea water is beautifully satisfying to all five senses.
The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in the tea sets used to serve it. Taiwan tea sets are refined, elegant, and colored in mild and tender hues; come in a countless variety of shapes and forms; are beautifully artistic and meticulously crafted; have many functions and uses; and are convenient and easy to handle. The skill required to make tea sets has already advanced to such a degree that it is no longer considered a craft, but rather, has been elevated into an art form.
The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in the tea-serving techniques. Tea-serving techniques possess charming poises and regal bearing; soft, graceful, and restrained gestures; traditional techniques; a dignified and solemn manner; and a warm and genial temperament. Depending on the situation or occasion, tea-serving techniques come in a variety of styles.
The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in the island’s tea connoisseurs. The typical tea connoisseur in Taiwan is affable and respectful, unassuming and modest, courteous and reverent, gentle and warm, and amiable and easy to approach. Whether the magnate of a tea enterprise, a venerable tea art expert, a tea specialist, or a competent authority in tea-related affairs, Taiwanese tea connoisseurs never put on airs and are always willing to help others.
The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in the setting of its teahouses. Private tea parlors in Taiwan have elaborate designs that cater to many different tastes. In general, most tea-houses are meticulously decorated in a clear and distinct style. Outdoor teahouses emphasize the drinking of tea in a natural setting, combining mountains and rivers with tea drinking while lingering amongst nature. Park and garden teahouses, with their winding paths and corridors, are like stepping into a painting of a southern-style Chinese garden. Modern literati-style teahouses, serving as hidden retreats in large cities, deliver stillness and silence to those wishing to temporarily escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. British-style teahouses, which are warm, fragrant, clear, and attractive, capture the local flavor of the British countryside. Folk teahouses, passing on the cultural and historical relics of Taiwan, re-mold the memories of Taiwanese traditions. Modern teahouses, which are simple, clean, elegant, and refined, are in harmony with the pulse of the industrial economy. Educational teahouses consider tea education to be a long-term task and enthusiastically instruct tea drinkers without weariness. Agritourism teahouses transport people deep into the hilly tea fields to experience the true charm of Taiwan tea. Folk art tea-houses, with their beautiful, fine-featured music and dance performances, emphasize the passing on of folk arts and culture. Salon teahouses, serving as gathering places for literary circles, host theoretical talks by elegant and refined cliques. In addition to these many types of teahouses, there are also temporary tea stations, which provide tea for the convenience of passers-by, and traditional tea tables, such as elders’ teashops. The diversity of teahouses in Taiwan has taken the culture of modern leisure and adorned it even further, making it more joyous, exuberant, colorful, and magnificent.
The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in the tea refreshments that accompany it. A wide variety of delicious delicacies are designed to be served with tea, even for large parties. Many dishes even use tea as the primary ingredient in their recipes, thereby expanding the use of tea leaves, such as tea moon cakes, tea wines, tea noodles, and other tea products. Taiwan’s culture of eating snacks with tea, after undergoing much meticulous research, has allowed Taiwan’s tea refreshments to step into the aesthetic world of food and drink.
The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in its tea feasts, whose spread and popularization can be attributed to its assimilation of many other different forms of art, such as literary art, the art of living, handicrafts, and the fine art of dining. Participants of such tea feasts, whether attending in the capacity of guest or host, can thoroughly enjoy tea drinking to its fullest, intoxicating themselves with tea and absorbing its implicit virtues. This use of “ancient knowledge for present day applications” allows modern day people to attain entry into the grand and treasured art of living.
CULTURAL TAIWAN, Government Information Office
Pinglin Tea Museum
Located beside the Beishi River in Pinglin, Taipei County, Pinglin Tea Museum presents the Chinese tea culture and is worth visiting for tea lovers. Pinglin Tea Museum has an abundant collection of materials on tea culture. Within the museum are theme exhibition areas and seasonal theme exhibitions. The exhibitions include physical aspects and cultural aspects, presenting all information concerning tea drinking in Taiwan. The museum is made up of the Exhibition Hall, Theme Hall, Multimedia Hall, Tea Art Hall and the Promotion Center. The Exhibition Hall has 3 exhibition areas: tea history, tea making and tea leaves, introducing how tea culture has developed in the Chinese history, rituals of tea making and commercial development of tea. We believe the visitors will have a better understanding of tea history after visiting the museum.
The Exhibition Hall has 3 exhibition areas: tea history, tea making and tea leaves. Tea History Area introduces how tea has developed in the Chinese history, tea making, rituals of drinking tea, tea culture and commercial development of tea. On the east side of the museum is a well-designed garden of Southern Chinese style. Inside the garden, there are 2 traditional Chinese buildings, corridors, rockery, pavilion and bamboos.
（Traffic information is subject to change. Please check with the transportation station before departure.）
Tel +886-2-2665-6035
Address No.19-1, Shuisongqikeng, Shuide Village, Pinglin Township, Taupei County
Transportation Drive northward along Prov. Hwy 9 to Pinglin or drive southward along Beiyi Highway and get off by Shiding Interchange.
Public THSR:
Take the THSR to Taipei Station, transfer to the bus. TaipeiStation Tourist Attractions
Bus:
Take Kuo-Kuang or Zhongxing Bus heading for Longdon or Su-ao and get off at Pinglin.; take Xindian Bus at Gongbao Building and get off at Pinglin.
Maokong Tea Garden
Maokong is located in the southwest of Getou Mountain in Wenshan District of Taipei outskirts. It is facing the shield of more than 500 meters high. It is said that tea farmers from southern China came her to open teahouses. Later, the teahouses declined and customers no long came. The domesticated cats ran away and thus the place was called "Maokong". However, Maokong has developed its unique sightseeing and tea tasting industry because students of nearby Chengchi University frequently hold activities here and the students' nightlife brings about prosperity in the region.
The tea farms here are famous for Bochon tea and Taiguan Ing. There are many teahouses with diversified styles. They are good places to visit no matter during day or night. In the daytime, there are tea trees and hills forming green scenery. Many citizens visit the place by taking the mountain tracks. After dusk, Maokong is like an enchanting, mysterious lady. Colorful light bulbs are lit in front of every building. Visitors taste tea, chat with each other and admire the nightfall. Sometimes groups of young people have parties and the laughter brings a touch of vigor to Maokong.
The tea farms (open for sightseeing) are scattered around Lane 34, 38, 40 of Zhinan Road, Sec. 3, and the former half of Zhinan Road, Sec. 3. Most tea farms provide tea tasting or meals. Recently, the sightseeing industry blooms here. Many residents develop other means of livelihood other than tea farming. For example, they raise mountain chickens or provide country cuisine. Visitors coming here may also want to try the delicious dishes.
Taipei Tea Promotion Center for Tie Guanyin Tea and Baozhong Tea:
What, actually, do the famous Tie Guanyin and Baozhong teas of Muzha look like? How are they grown? In what manner should one brew the teas to bring out their optimal flavor? All the answers can be found at the Promotion Center currently managed by the Liu-Kung Agricultural Foundation.
The Promotion Center includes a display area, an instructional area, an ecological pond and so on. The display area includes information regarding the tea manufacturing process, the proper way to brew it and the way to store it. The center also provides information concerning the distribution of Taiwanese teas and lectures on the art of tea for the tea novice. While appreciating the diverse variety of plants and flowers cultivated in the outdoor instructional area, one also acquires an understanding of the importance of land and water preservation.
（Traffic information is subject to change. Please check with the transportation station before departure.）
Tel +886-2-2720-8889
Address Sec. 3, Zhinan Rd., Wenshan District, Taipei City
Transportation 1. Nat'l Hwy 1 → Exit at the Yuanshan Interchange → Jianguo Hwy Bridge → Exit at the Xinhai Rd. → Sec. 2 to Sec. 3, Xinhai Rd. → Nat'l Hwy 3A → Exit at the Wangfang Interchange → Sec. 4, Muzha Rd. → Sec. 1, Muxin Rd. → Daonan Bridge → Sec. 2 to Sec. 3, Zhinan Rd.
2. Nat'l Hwy 3 → Exit at the Muzha Interchange → Sec. 3 to Sec. 2, Xinguang Rd. → Wanfu Bridge → Sec. 5 to Sec. 4, Muzha Rd. → Sec. 1, Muxin Rd. → Daonan Bridge → Sec. 2 to Sec. 3, Zhinan Rd.
Public 1. THSR Taipei Station (or TRA Taipei Station) → MRT Wangfang Community Station → Taipei City Bus (No. Small 10) → Maokong
2. THSR Taipei Station (or TRA Taipei Station) → MRT Taipei Zoo Station → Maokong Gondola → Maokong
Nangang Tea Processing Demonstration Center
The representative tea in the Nangang District is the "Baozhong Tea." 150 years ago, a Fujian man, Xi Cheng Wang, produced Baozhong Tea into Anxi Tea in accordance to the production method of Wuyiyan Tea. After it was produced, the tea leaves were folded into rectangular shapes and packages with the corresponding rectangular Fujian bamboo writing paper, both on the inside and outside. The name of the tea and the store seal were stamped on the outside of the package, which was how the name "Baozhong" came to place. The Nangang Baozhong Tea is half fermented. The tea leaves are blackish green, and the fragrance is relatively pleasing.
Sec. 2 of the Jiuzhuang Street has clear labels to indicate the tea farm. In order to further enhance the standard of Nangang Baozhong Tea production, the department of economic development of Taipei City has mapped out the Nangang Tea Processing Demonstration Center in Jiuzhuang area ever since 1991. The factory, covering 2.9 hectares, was officially opened in 2002. The facilities within the factory consist of the tea leaf production mechanical instrument showcase section, the tea appreciation section, and a brief presentation room, and the outdoor facilities consist of observation platforms for the surrounding beautiful scenery.
（Traffic information is subject to change. Please check with the transportation station before departure.）
Tel +886-2-2786-8374
Address No.336, Sec. 2, Jiuzhuang St., Nangang District , Taipei City
Public THSR:
Take the THSR to Taipei Station, transfer to the MRT or bus. TaipeiStation Tourist Attractions
Bus:
Take Bus Small 5 from the opposite corner of the Kunyang MRT Station and then get off at Nangang Tea Processing Demonstration Center.
Tea Travel in Taiwan
Muzha Maokong Tea District
Main variety:
Tieguanyin, Pouchong tea
Description:
Maokong was originally a quiet valley east of Muzha’s Wenshan tea district, but has become synonymous with leisure tea farms in recent years. Ascending from National Chengchi University (NCCU), the steep roadways are dotted with numerous teahouses, from simple, understated al fresco decks to magnificent, elaborately landscaped gardens. Sipping a cup of fragrant tea while enjoying the splendid mountain scenery in this surprisingly accessible urban oasis is a delight for Taipei’s city dwellers.
The rise of Maokong as a popular tourist attraction began roughly ten years ago, when the district, with its long-standing tea-growing traditions, started actively promoting its tea tourism in view of people’s increasing emphasis on recreation
Scenic Attraction:
Muzha Leisure Tea Farm, Taipei City Center of Research and Promotion for Tie Guan Yin and Pouchong Tea
Transportation:
(1) Take Lian Ying buses #236, 237, 282 or 611 or Zhinan Keyun buses #1, 2, 3 or 6, and get off at the Zheng-Da (NCCU) stop. Transfer to minibus #10.
(2) Take the MRT Brown line and get off at the Wanfang Community station. Transfer to minibus #10.
Sanxia Tea District
Main variety:
Longjing tea, Bi Luo Chun
Description:
In the early days, the streets of Sanxia witnessed bustling trading action over unprocessed tea leaves between the February spring harvest and the October autumn harvest. As the quality of raw leaves directly affects that of the final product, both the buyer and the seller would painstakingly compare the quality and measure the quantity, making for busy scenes in this usually quiet mountainous area. As the younger generation flocked to Taipei for jobs instead of carrying on the family tea plantations, the energetic street scenes during spring tea harvest season have unfortunately become a thing of the past. Nevertheless, the district’s tea farms are still well worth a visit. Why not roll up your sleeves and try your hands at picking, processing and tasting your own tea at the “green tea experience camp” organized by the Sanxia farmer’s association?
Sanxia’s green tea can be divided into two categories, Longjing and Bi Luo Chun, both made from the local specialty variety of Qingxin Ganzai using “one bud two leaves” young shoots. The optimum production seasons are March to May and October to December, with an annual turnover of approximately 200 tons. The exceptional quality and limited quantity means the green tea produced here enjoys great acclaim.
Attraction:
Taiwan Tea Corporation Hsiungkong Leisure Farm
Transportation:
From north of Xindian (Highway No.3 southbound)
Take Highway No.3 southbound and take the Ankeng exit →head towards Ankeng (via Ankang Rd→Ankeng Rd→Chengfu Rd) →turn left at Taiwan U+ gas station onto Zhulun Rd →drive by Taiwan Tea Corporation’s northern plant→continue to roughly the 10km mark.
From south of Sanxia (Highway No.3 northbound)
Take Highway No.3 northbound and take the Sanxia exit→head towards Sanxia (via Fuxing Rd→Jieshou Rd Sec. 1) →turn right at the Hengxi 3-way juncture onto Sidong Rd → connect to Zhulun Rd→drive by Taiwan Tea Corporation’s northern plant →continue to roughly the 10km mark.
Hsinchu Tea District
Main variety:
Baihao Oolong tea
Description:
The production and sales of Penghong tea (“bragger’s tea”) has become an important cultural industry export of Beipu Township in recent years, as well as a vital source of income. The Beipu Penghong Tea Museum has been built to develop this local specialty and integrate the surrounding leisure tea farms, fruit farms, historical sites and waterside recreational facilities. The aim of the museum is not only to become a recreational focus in Beipu, but also to attract domestic and international tourists.
Accordingly to a senior Beipu tea master, Penghong tea is produced yearly around the Dragon Boat Festival, falling on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month). “One bud two leaves” are exclusively hand picked, and the thicker the tiny white hair covering the leaves, the better price they will fetch. Since the unique feature of this variety is that the buds must be fed on by tiny leafhoppers, one can be assured that no pesticide has been used in its cultivation. In mid-July of every year, the Beipu town office holds the “Penghong Tea Industry and Culture Festival”, drawing masses of Oriental Beauty tea fans to purchase this select variety.
The Beipu Tourism Association and Hakka Cultural Publishing have co-organized a day-trip itinerary in Beipu. A professional guide will take you on an in-depth interpretive tour, suitable for young and old, of the town’s Hakka culture and cuisine.
Attraction:
Beipu Penghong Tea Museum
Transportation:
Highway No.1→Hsinchu Exit→E-W Expressway towards Zhudong→change onto Provincial Highway No. 3 Road → Beipu Penghong Tea Museum
Lugu Tea District, Nantou County
Main variety:
Dong Ding Oolong tea
Description:
Known for its tea, Lugu is a township boasting rich culture, scenic beauty and abundant products. The picture-perfect area is surrounded by mountains and dotted with charming tea farms, not to mention famous attractions such as Chilin Lake, Hsitou Forest Recreation Park and the scenic Hsiaobantien area, making it a prime tourist destination.
Strolling on the streets of Lugu, which are infused with the alluring aroma of tea wafting from tea farms and teahouses, one can sip a cup of delicious Oolong tea or savor the local specialty of bamboo shoots. Those who prefer natural scenery also have endless choices such as visiting Dong Ding Mountain, Chilin Lake, Hsitou or strolling in a bamboo forest, tea garden or ancient temple.
During the tea harvest seasons in spring, autumn and winter, the quaint tea plantations of Lugu lined with tea-pickers are truly a sight to behold.
Attraction:
Lugu Tea Industry and Culture Museum, Mountaintop Pingding Tea Farm
Transportation:
Highway No.3→Jhushan Exit→ Drive towards Hsitou & Lugu→County Road No.151→Chuhsiang Township→Lugu area
Yuchih Tea District, Nantou County
Main variety:
black tea
Description:
The allure of Yuchih Township, Nantou County, stems from the beautiful Sun Moon Lake, rich culture and abundant agricultural products. With the help of government agencies in recent years, Yuchih has gained significant exposure in Taiwan. Its “three treasures” have become the township’s lifeline.
The three treasures of Yuchih are black tea, shitake mushroom and orchids. Many local businesses have joined forces to form a group under the common theme of “Sun Moon Lake and the three treasures” to integrate their resources and promote the beauty of Yuchih.
The three treasures of Yuchih:
(1) Black tea—The Assam tea variety has a long-standing history in Yuchih. Thanks to the hard work of the Tea Research and Extension Station, there are many cultivars available now, with Assam and Taiwan Tea No. 18 being the most popular.
(2) Shitake—Yuchih has extensive shitake farms where the mushroom is cultivated using grow bags, taking only half a year to start growing after bagging, sterilization and inoculation. This method produces a large quantity of select mushrooms in a clean, easy-to-manage environment. It also offers high educational and recreational added value by enabling visitors to observe mushrooms growing from a close distance.
(3) Orchids—Yuchih’s climate is ideal for growing orchids. Currently, the main variety grown here is the Cymbidium (boat orchids), and most locally grown plants are exported or shipped directly to flower markets.
Among the three treasures, black tea is the most credited to the area’s climatic advantages. Specifically, Assam and Taiwan Tea No.18 are the most noteworthy Yuchih agricultural products for their smooth taste and sweet finish.
Attraction:
Sun Moon Tea Factory
Transportation:
Northbound from southern Taiwan
Highway No.2 South →Zhushan Exit→Mingjian→Jiji Taihsin 16 Road →Shuili→Sun Moon Lake
Highway No.1→Dounan Exit→Douliu (Tai 3 Road) →Zhushan→ Taixin 16 Road to Jiji→Shuili→Change to Tai 21 Road →Yuchih→ Sun Moon Lake
Southbound from northern Taiwan
Highway No.1《 Highway No.2 North 》→Wangtian《Wurih》Exit→ Tai 14 Road via Caotun→Puli→ change to Tai 21 Road to Yuchih→ Sun Moon Lake
Highway No.2 Central → Caotun Exit→ Caotun → Tai 14 Road →Puli→ Yuchih→ Sun Moon Lake
Highway No.2 Central → Mingjian Exit → Mingjian → Jiji Tai 16 Road→Shuili→change to Tai 21 Road → Sun Moon Lake
Alishan Tea District, Chiayi County
Main variety:
High Mountain tea
Description:
Located in Chiayi County, Alishan is not actually a mountain, but is more appropriately referred to as the Alishan area. In addition to its scenery, this area is also celebrated for producing tea representative of Taiwan’s High Mountain teas.
Alishan’s high-mountain climate means cool temperatures, and cloud and fog cover the area throughout the day reducing the hours of daylight—factors that reduce the bitterness in tea buds and enhance their sweetness. Furthermore, the high temperature difference between day and night results in slow-growing plants with distinctive characteristics such as tender buds, plump leaves and high pectin content. Finally, plants are irrigated using mountain spring water, producing a delicious world-class brew delivering the brisk, full-bodied taste found only in top high mountain teas.
The Alishan tea district produces the best high mountain tea in Taiwan and is therefore extremely sought after on the market. Prize-winning Alishan teas are usually sold out soon after the announcement of the winners, at a starting price of NT$6,000. It takes no less than good luck to get a hold of Alishan’s prize-winning teas!
Attraction:
Alishan Mountain Recreational Agricultural Area
Transportation:
Southbound: From Highway No.1, take the Dounan Exit; drive through Yongguang, Meishan to Taiping to connect onto first Chiayi County Road No.154 then Chiayi County Road No.122.
Northbound: From Highway No.2 South, take the Chuchi Exit; then follow Chiayi County Road No.122.
Take the train to Chiayi Station→then ride the Alishan Forest Railway to Alishan.
Pinglin Tea District
Main variety:
Wenshan Pouchong tea
Description:
Wenshan Pouchong tea is grown and manufactured all over this “township of tea”, where the tea industry is the main source of income. 90% of the township residents are tea farmers, cultivating nearly 1,000 hectares of farmland. Not only does Pinglin produce unique tea, it also has great recreational resources and potential for developing tourism. Visitors here can select from a wide spectrum of activities besides tea tasting, including mountain climbing, hiking, cycling or checking out Taiwan’s “living fossil”, the Cow-tail Fir.
The Pinglin Tea Industry Museum is another attraction not to be missed when visiting Pinglin. Devoted to promoting tea culture, industry and tourism and showcasing the township’s distinct allure, the museum is a strong proponent in helping establish Pinglin as a top destination to enjoy the mountains and drink tea.
Pinglin occupies an important place in Taiwanese tea history, with its superior cultivation and processing techniques and as a distribution center of Pouchong tea. In fact, a large percentage of the town's population is still engaged in various tea-related activities, including its growing, processing and marketing. With this unique background, it is little wonder that the only specialized museum for the tea industry in Taiwan and the second such museum in the world can be found in Pinglin township.
Attraction:
Pinglin Tea Industry Museum
Transportation:
Take the MRT Red line and get off at Xindian Station. Transfer to Xindian Keyun’s Taipei-Pinglin bus and get off at the Pinglin terminus.
Links:
Taiwan Travel
The Art of Tea
Taiwan Tea Culture
(updated 2010.08)
You should bring both.
Off The Tourist Beat
These are some great things to see if you like seeing what the locals do, these places are in the older Taipei area, lots of culture stuff in a very close area.
If the links don't work use material from this blog.
These are some great things to see if you like seeing what the locals do, these places are in the older Taipei area, lots of culture stuff in a very close area.
If the links don't work use material from this blog.
I am a certified docent and I do the English tours, for the Taipei Tea Promotion and Taipei Culture Promotion. For more info Tel--(02)2555-7598 or (02)2555-2962. (Chinese spoken) They offer walks through historical Taipei, emphasizing the various cultural achievements, social progression and the history. The walk will take you to places of interest such as temples, herbal shops, tea shops, food markets, and architectural and historical points of interest.
The link for points of interest (English) here
NOTE: you can read the info here below, this is from the link "point of interest":
The link for points of interest (English) here
NOTE: you can read the info here below, this is from the link "point of interest":
DaDaoCheng Wharf Riverside Park
DaDaoCheng Wharf was one of international ports as Danshui、Mengjia in the past. There are seats locate in the bank of Danshui River, where now becomes the departure place of the Blue Highway to Danshui Fisherman's Wharf. The beautiful park is good for seeing the sunset and the bicycle way is where you can have a walk with your pets. The beautiful Junk in the park was made as it was in 19th century and was used as the trademark on packing for tea in Japanese ruling period.
Address: In the end of Huanhe North Road、MinSheng West Road
Tian-Peng Art Village Association
As its' name, Art Village Association is indeed in the roof of a mansion. It was given this name because in 2000, the famous painter, Fu Yin-ping, offered her unused space in the roof to set up a workshop for people who love art. Until now, students in the association can exhibit their works overseas also more and more people come to learn painting here. Besides, Tian-Peng is working on the wall prettification activity of the riverside park recently. It holds various kinds of exhibitions and discussions often and then becomes an Art Village indeed.
Address: No.111 Sec.1HuanheNorth Road Taipei City
TEL：（02）2558-5789
Website：www.skyart.org.tw
Opening Hour
Painting Class: Friday、Saturday 14:00~17:00
Gallery: Tuesday to Saturday 11:00~17:00（Sunday、Monday Closed）
DaDaoCheng Art Gallery
Managed by both artists and residents in local community, it is a local art gallery where painting, photography, sculpture, textile design exhibits are regularly hold and discussions give visitors chances to have direct conversations with creators. The president, Liou Siou-mei, has promoted 「 Citizen Art」 for years with the goal to make people who have never painted before can started to try and finally become creative. 10 years ago, she started to teach women in DaDaoCheng painting, creation and now earned the impressive result of art. Students' delicate works can be bought inside the gallery.
Address: No.79-3 Xining North Road Taipei City
TEL：（02）2555-2518
Opening Hour：14:00~18:00（ Monday Closed）
DaDaoCheng Puppet Centre
DaDaoCheng Puppet Centre collets many precious traditional and foreign puppets. It holds various kinds of puppet shows often and is invited to give performances in Eroupe, America and South-east Asia, therefore indeed plays an important role in promoting Taiwan traditional puppet show and culture. DaDaoCheng Puppet Centre plans to move to Xining North Road in the middle of November, where has bigger space to offer people who love traditional puppet show. more.
Address: 1F No.66 Minle Street Taipei City
TEL：（02）2552-8344
Website：www.taiyuan.org.tw
Opening Hour：Tuesday to Saturday 10:00~17:00
（Monday、Sunday Closed）
Harry Cat Art Workshop
Although it locates in a small alley, the stylish window setting would attract people who occasionally passed by. It sells handicrafts, pottery, and carpentry. Since every work is handmade, each of them is a unique one in the world. Interestingly, domestic customers like pottery and carpentry most, and Japanese customers like to buy those products, such as cell phone basket, card basket or stamp basket, which made by textile and full of Chinese atmosphere.
Address: No.6 Alley 233 NanJing West Road Taipei City
TEL：（02）2556-8571
Opening Hour：Monday to Saturday 10:30~19:00；
Monday 10:30~17:00（Open through the year）
Taipei Tea Merchants Association
Established in 1889, it is the oldest association in Taiwan that witnessed the wonderful time of Taiwan tea exports and was devoted to promote tea culture. The association possesses many precious historical documents of Taiwan tea, such as, the award won in 1900 for export、 Taiwan Oolong tea packing papers and the commercial posters. It also has 「Cha Jiao Ma Zu」 from FuJian, which is the only one in Taiwan, to be the guardian angel of tea merchants.
Address: 6F No.24 Gangu Street Taipei City
TEL：(02)2555-7598
Opening Hour：Every second and fourth Saturdays 9:00~12:00
Bolero Restaurant
Established in1934, it is the oldest western restaurant in Taipei where businessmen liked to discuss their business and men and women liked to have blind dates. The founder gave this name because he likes Maurice Revel's music very much. He not only used an audio facility that cost 1 million Taiwan dollars but also invited the painter, Yan Yun-lian, (aged 83 now) who graduated in Spain to do the whole decoration. Different art styles are well balanced in this decoration and it's still surprising until now.
Address: No.314 MinSheng West Road Taipei City
TEL：2555-0521
Opening Hour：11:00~21:30
Jyu-yuan Japanese Restaurant
Jyu-yuan is an old Japanese restaurant that has been established for more than 30 years. Businessmen in DaDaoCheng who used 15 million Taiwan dollars to set it up and there was a famous teashop in the same place. Jyu-yuan had the Japanese style dishes in a set 20 years ago for the first time, and restaurants all over Taiwan started to copy it. It also has personal meal set, meal boxes, especially its special $199 beef, raw fishes lunch sets are welcomed by people who works in the neighborhood. Jyu-yuan has the capacity of about 500 persons and many private rooms.
Address: 3~4F No.300 MinSheng West Road Taipei City
TEL：（02）2555-7565
Opening Hour：11:00~14:30n 17:00~21:30
First Chemical
It sounds like a factory which sells chemical machines or materials, however, it actually is the most popular place for cosmetics DIY. Lasted for more than 40 years, First Chemical had sold chemical materials in the early years until the second generation took it over, it started to sell foundational materials of cosmetics, natural extracted oil and dyes. Recommended by the famous master of make up, Niouer, it suddenly became very popular. You can buy any kinds of cosmetic materials in cheap price and enjoy the pleasure of DIY. Besides, various brands of lotions, cleansers, toners and masks are also provided, and Bulgaria Rose Water is No.1 of them.
Address: No.43 Tianshui Road Taipei City
TEL：(02)2550-1101
Opening Hour：8:00~18:00 （Saturday until 17:00、Sunday and Holidays closed）\
Jin Chun Fa Beef Restaurant
Established in 1897, more than 100 years-old Jin Chun Fa Beef Restaurant uses high class Taiwan beef to offer various kinds of dishes, such as, soup, noodle. The most popular ones are cattle brain, tomato beef, cattle marrow and beef stirred noodle.
Address: No.20 Tianshui Road Taipei City
TEL：(02)2558-9835
Opening Hour：11:00~21:30（Monday Closed）
Li Jia Siang Milkfish
As long as you walk into Ningxia Road Night Market, you can see oyster pancake, oyster noodle, pig liver soup everywhere and 「Li Jia Siang」 milkfish is one that you can't miss. From being the stand to a proper store,「Li Jia Siang」 milkfish has been famous for more than 20 years. Customers don't have to worry about fish bones when enjoying milkfish soups here and the soup goes very well with pork stew rice. Only milkfish freshly taken from ports would be used in Li Jia Siang. Besides soup, they also provide stew, fried fish that you can't miss.
Address: No.60 Ningxia Road Taipei City
TEL：(02)2559-6604
Opening Hour：11:00am~4:00 am
Chaoiang Tealeaf Park
Chaoiang Tealeaf Park was a warehouse for tea in DaDaoCheng where tea businessmen to put all those raw teas they just bought. City re-establishment in 2003, here became the first tea industry theme park in Taipei city. The marble pathways in the park are carved tea-producing flows. The whole park is in a beautiful environment also it has a parking lot in the basement and many teashops in both sides.
Address: Between Lane 64and 70 Sec. 2 ChongQing North Road Taipei City
Tea in Taiwan
With a reputation of being a tea empire, Taiwan's topography and climate are perfect for growing tea plants. There are many varieties of tea available in Taiwan; among these, Wenshan Baozhong Tea, Dongding Oolong Tea, Pekoe Oolong Tea, and Tie Guanyin are the four mainstream teas.
You can pick up virtually any type of teapot in department stores or tea stores. If you want to buy a piece of porcelain culture aside from having a teapot to boil tea in, go to Yingge, the ceramics capital of Taiwan. Yingge's Jianshanpu Rd. is a newly designed pedestrian area, and the whole shopping area emphasizes various types of porcelain products. This is the best place to buy your teapot and have a look around.
Major department stores and supermarkets have special stalls that sell tea, which makes this national beverage readily available. Beside, there is also the tea bag, a simple and convenient way to enjoy a cup of tea.
The Art of Tea
A History of Tea in Taiwan
Qing dynasty (1796-1895)
Two wild, indigenous tea subspecies, Taiwan Mountain Tea and Red Sprout Mountain Tea, were discovered in Taiwan as early as the 17th century. However, they had little economic value and were not widely used due to their bitter taste and thin, brittle leaves.
During the Qing dynasty, different tea varieties were imported from the Fujian area and cultivated in northern Taiwan. During his 1865 visit to observe Taiwan’s camphor industry, British merchant John Dodd discovered the Taiwanese tea market. The tea he exported to New York became a surprise hit, making Taiwanese tea famous internationally and attracting other exporters to Taiwan. Thus began the prosperity of Taiwan’s tea industry and its role as a major industry in northern Taiwan.
Japanese Colonial Period (1895-1945)
During their occupation of Taiwan, the Japanese expanded Taiwanese tea farms and encouraged the cultivation of local varieties including the four main varieties: Qingxin Oolong (green-hearted oolong), Qingxin Damo, Daye Oolong (big-leaf oolong), Ying Zhi Hongxin (“hard-stemmed red-hearted”). In addition, a tea research institute was established to advance the cultivation and production of black tea.
In 1926, the Japanese introduced the Assam variety to Taiwan and experimented with its cultivation in Yuchih Township, Nantou County. The successful results gave birth to the now renowned specialty tea of Sun Moon Lake.
Retrocession to the Present (After 1945)
In the 1980s, the tea-drinking population and tea consumption rose sharply in Taiwan as its economy advanced. Coupled with the active promotion of tea culture, consumers began to place more emphasis on the art of tea and became selective about its quality. Consequently, the tea industry in Taiwan shifted its focus from export to internal consumption.
In recent years, bottled tea drinks and “bubble tea” shops have gained wide popularity, new tea products have been brought in from other countries, and convenient tea bags and related products are booming due to market demand. The Taiwanese tea culture is become more and more specialized and refined.
The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in the hardworking spirit of past generations to pioneer the golden age of Taiwan tea. The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in the consolidated wisdom of the present generation to jointly demonstrate the unprecedented elegance of Taiwan tea.
I. The History of Taiwan Tea
The tea consumed by the Taiwanese was first imported from mainland China—primarily from the provinces of southern Jiangsu and Fujian—during the Ming and Ching dynasties. At that time, the majority of Taiwan’s tea drinkers were people with wealth, power, or scholarly backgrounds. During the Japanese occupation, Uji tea began to be imported from Japan, adding influential and wealthy Japanese to the list of tea consumers in Taiwan. After Taiwan’s retrocession to the Republic of China, mainland teas were available on the market, making it a drink for the masses. However, during the early stages, local Taiwan teas were produced mainly for export purposes, and it was not until the 1970s that the tea market slowly began to be turned inward to meet local demand.
Local Taiwan teas originated from plants growing in the wild. There were two main types whose primary difference lay in the color of their sprouts: Taiwan mountain tea, which had greenish or light-purple sprouts, and purplish-red sprout mountain tea, which had fuchsia sprouts. Taiwan teas held little commercial value at first, but this changed after improvements were made to Taiwan Tea No. 18, which was suitable for making black tea.
After the Treaties of Tianjin were ratified in 1860 and the port of Danshui was opened for trade, British tea merchant John Dodd began working with tea merchants and farmers to promote Taiwan tea, slowly developing it as an export item. Before long, tea ranked first among Taiwan’s top-three exports, ahead of sugar and camphor. The earliest teas exported during the Ching dynasty were oolong and baozhong tea, which began to be sold abroad in 1865 and 1881, respectively.
In 1906, during the Japanese occupation, black tea began to be exported alongside oolong and baozhong tea. At the same time, the Taiwan Governor’s Office began to assist private organizations, such as the Taiwan Tea Business-men’s Association, to introduce the beauty of Taiwan tea to the rest of the world through the establishment of teashops at international fairs. With the beautifully designed posters advertising Taiwan tea at those fairs, the elegant packaging of Taiwan tea products, and the refined and professional serving techniques of the salespeople, the global image of Taiwan tea was quickly elevated.
After Taiwan’s retrocession to the ROC, Tang Jishan introduced green teas to Taiwan’s existing exports of oolong, baozhong, and black teas. This included the introduction of fried green teas, such as zhu tea and mei tea, in 1949. In 1963, steamed green tea, or Sen tea, began to be exported to Japan, and by the time Taiwan tea exports had reached its peak in 1973, the largest export product was Sen tea. During this period, the government established the interministerial Taiwan Tea Improvement Organization to assist private tea enterprises. At the same time, the private sector was using the Taiwan Tea Manufacturers’ Association and the Taiwan Tea Exporters Association as its backbone for promoting Taiwan tea.
At the height of Taiwan’s tea exports, the private sector began to realize the importance of the domestic market. In 1973, the Taiwan Tea Promotion Team headed by Lin Fuquan began to advertise teas for domestic consumption, and the following year, the Taiwan Provincial Government’s Department of Agriculture and Forestry sponsored a provincial tea exhibition in Xindian. Through the collaboration of county governments in tea-producing areas, farmers’ associations, and the mass media, a stable foundation was created for promoting tea on the domestic market. On August 14, 1977, the Chinese Kung Fu Teahouse, the forerunner of Taiwan’s modern teahouses, was established. Before long, teahouses were sprouting up everywhere like bamboo shoots after a spring rain shower, and throughout the 1980s, these local teahouses slowly organized into associations devoted to the promotion of tea culture.
Under the joined efforts of the government, tea farmers’ associations, tea manufacturers’ associations, teahouse associations, teahouses, and tea scholars, domestic tea consumption was gradually transformed into a contemporary and flourishing artistic tea culture. On ordinary days, these organizations and individuals worked hard at their own respective jobs. However, when it came time to host a cultural activity on tea, they would divide the labor, cooperate with each other, and work together to portray an image of the art of Taiwan tea that fully demonstrated its elegance.
II. The Beauty of Taiwan Tea
All aspects of the art of Taiwan tea—whether it’s the tea-flavor, tea water, tea sets, tea-serving techniques, tea connoisseurs, teahouses, tea refreshments, or tea feasts—have been developed to a consummate level in Taiwan. Thus, whether focusing on aesthetical theory or practice, every aspect of Taiwan tea can serve as a paradigm for both life and art.
The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in the tea flavor, with aesthetic standards set by the clearness of its coloring, the purity of its taste, and the elegance of its aroma. Whether it’s baozhong tea, dongding tea, pengfeng tea, tieguanyin tea, dragon well tea, or black tea, each type has its own unique characteristics. Taiwan teas vary greatly in flavor, ranging from soft to charming and refined to strong. The most representative of Taiwan teas is the mildly fragrant oolong tea, a clear and odorous tea made from hemispherically shaped leaves. With its sweet scent and rich flavor, this tea embodies the essence of Taiwan’s mountains and rivers and is a condensation of fragrance and dew. It is a soothing tea unparalleled in this world.
The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in the tea water from which it is made. Since ancient times, Taiwan has been known for its natural spring water. The aesthetic standard for good tea water is that it must be sweet, fragrant, clear, and chilled. Clear implies clarity in color and is for satisfying the sense of sight; chilled means it is refreshingly cool and pleasing to the sense of touch; and sweet and fragrant refer to the senses of taste and smell, respectively. Lastly, the swish of roaring mountain streams and the bubbling of boiling tea water fulfill the sense of sound. Thus, Taiwan tea water is beautifully satisfying to all five senses.
The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in the tea sets used to serve it. Taiwan tea sets are refined, elegant, and colored in mild and tender hues; come in a countless variety of shapes and forms; are beautifully artistic and meticulously crafted; have many functions and uses; and are convenient and easy to handle. The skill required to make tea sets has already advanced to such a degree that it is no longer considered a craft, but rather, has been elevated into an art form.
The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in the tea-serving techniques. Tea-serving techniques possess charming poises and regal bearing; soft, graceful, and restrained gestures; traditional techniques; a dignified and solemn manner; and a warm and genial temperament. Depending on the situation or occasion, tea-serving techniques come in a variety of styles.
The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in the island’s tea connoisseurs. The typical tea connoisseur in Taiwan is affable and respectful, unassuming and modest, courteous and reverent, gentle and warm, and amiable and easy to approach. Whether the magnate of a tea enterprise, a venerable tea art expert, a tea specialist, or a competent authority in tea-related affairs, Taiwanese tea connoisseurs never put on airs and are always willing to help others.
The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in the setting of its teahouses. Private tea parlors in Taiwan have elaborate designs that cater to many different tastes. In general, most tea-houses are meticulously decorated in a clear and distinct style. Outdoor teahouses emphasize the drinking of tea in a natural setting, combining mountains and rivers with tea drinking while lingering amongst nature. Park and garden teahouses, with their winding paths and corridors, are like stepping into a painting of a southern-style Chinese garden. Modern literati-style teahouses, serving as hidden retreats in large cities, deliver stillness and silence to those wishing to temporarily escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. British-style teahouses, which are warm, fragrant, clear, and attractive, capture the local flavor of the British countryside. Folk teahouses, passing on the cultural and historical relics of Taiwan, re-mold the memories of Taiwanese traditions. Modern teahouses, which are simple, clean, elegant, and refined, are in harmony with the pulse of the industrial economy. Educational teahouses consider tea education to be a long-term task and enthusiastically instruct tea drinkers without weariness. Agritourism teahouses transport people deep into the hilly tea fields to experience the true charm of Taiwan tea. Folk art tea-houses, with their beautiful, fine-featured music and dance performances, emphasize the passing on of folk arts and culture. Salon teahouses, serving as gathering places for literary circles, host theoretical talks by elegant and refined cliques. In addition to these many types of teahouses, there are also temporary tea stations, which provide tea for the convenience of passers-by, and traditional tea tables, such as elders’ teashops. The diversity of teahouses in Taiwan has taken the culture of modern leisure and adorned it even further, making it more joyous, exuberant, colorful, and magnificent.
The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in the tea refreshments that accompany it. A wide variety of delicious delicacies are designed to be served with tea, even for large parties. Many dishes even use tea as the primary ingredient in their recipes, thereby expanding the use of tea leaves, such as tea moon cakes, tea wines, tea noodles, and other tea products. Taiwan’s culture of eating snacks with tea, after undergoing much meticulous research, has allowed Taiwan’s tea refreshments to step into the aesthetic world of food and drink.
The beauty of Taiwan tea resides in its tea feasts, whose spread and popularization can be attributed to its assimilation of many other different forms of art, such as literary art, the art of living, handicrafts, and the fine art of dining. Participants of such tea feasts, whether attending in the capacity of guest or host, can thoroughly enjoy tea drinking to its fullest, intoxicating themselves with tea and absorbing its implicit virtues. This use of “ancient knowledge for present day applications” allows modern day people to attain entry into the grand and treasured art of living.
CULTURAL TAIWAN, Government Information Office
Pinglin Tea Museum
Located beside the Beishi River in Pinglin, Taipei County, Pinglin Tea Museum presents the Chinese tea culture and is worth visiting for tea lovers. Pinglin Tea Museum has an abundant collection of materials on tea culture. Within the museum are theme exhibition areas and seasonal theme exhibitions. The exhibitions include physical aspects and cultural aspects, presenting all information concerning tea drinking in Taiwan. The museum is made up of the Exhibition Hall, Theme Hall, Multimedia Hall, Tea Art Hall and the Promotion Center. The Exhibition Hall has 3 exhibition areas: tea history, tea making and tea leaves, introducing how tea culture has developed in the Chinese history, rituals of tea making and commercial development of tea. We believe the visitors will have a better understanding of tea history after visiting the museum.
The Exhibition Hall has 3 exhibition areas: tea history, tea making and tea leaves. Tea History Area introduces how tea has developed in the Chinese history, tea making, rituals of drinking tea, tea culture and commercial development of tea. On the east side of the museum is a well-designed garden of Southern Chinese style. Inside the garden, there are 2 traditional Chinese buildings, corridors, rockery, pavilion and bamboos.
（Traffic information is subject to change. Please check with the transportation station before departure.）
Tel +886-2-2665-6035
Address No.19-1, Shuisongqikeng, Shuide Village, Pinglin Township, Taupei County
Transportation Drive northward along Prov. Hwy 9 to Pinglin or drive southward along Beiyi Highway and get off by Shiding Interchange.
Public THSR:
Take the THSR to Taipei Station, transfer to the bus. TaipeiStation Tourist Attractions
Bus:
Take Kuo-Kuang or Zhongxing Bus heading for Longdon or Su-ao and get off at Pinglin.; take Xindian Bus at Gongbao Building and get off at Pinglin.
Maokong Tea Garden
Maokong is located in the southwest of Getou Mountain in Wenshan District of Taipei outskirts. It is facing the shield of more than 500 meters high. It is said that tea farmers from southern China came her to open teahouses. Later, the teahouses declined and customers no long came. The domesticated cats ran away and thus the place was called "Maokong". However, Maokong has developed its unique sightseeing and tea tasting industry because students of nearby Chengchi University frequently hold activities here and the students' nightlife brings about prosperity in the region.
The tea farms here are famous for Bochon tea and Taiguan Ing. There are many teahouses with diversified styles. They are good places to visit no matter during day or night. In the daytime, there are tea trees and hills forming green scenery. Many citizens visit the place by taking the mountain tracks. After dusk, Maokong is like an enchanting, mysterious lady. Colorful light bulbs are lit in front of every building. Visitors taste tea, chat with each other and admire the nightfall. Sometimes groups of young people have parties and the laughter brings a touch of vigor to Maokong.
The tea farms (open for sightseeing) are scattered around Lane 34, 38, 40 of Zhinan Road, Sec. 3, and the former half of Zhinan Road, Sec. 3. Most tea farms provide tea tasting or meals. Recently, the sightseeing industry blooms here. Many residents develop other means of livelihood other than tea farming. For example, they raise mountain chickens or provide country cuisine. Visitors coming here may also want to try the delicious dishes.
Taipei Tea Promotion Center for Tie Guanyin Tea and Baozhong Tea:
What, actually, do the famous Tie Guanyin and Baozhong teas of Muzha look like? How are they grown? In what manner should one brew the teas to bring out their optimal flavor? All the answers can be found at the Promotion Center currently managed by the Liu-Kung Agricultural Foundation.
The Promotion Center includes a display area, an instructional area, an ecological pond and so on. The display area includes information regarding the tea manufacturing process, the proper way to brew it and the way to store it. The center also provides information concerning the distribution of Taiwanese teas and lectures on the art of tea for the tea novice. While appreciating the diverse variety of plants and flowers cultivated in the outdoor instructional area, one also acquires an understanding of the importance of land and water preservation.
（Traffic information is subject to change. Please check with the transportation station before departure.）
Tel +886-2-2720-8889
Address Sec. 3, Zhinan Rd., Wenshan District, Taipei City
Transportation 1. Nat'l Hwy 1 → Exit at the Yuanshan Interchange → Jianguo Hwy Bridge → Exit at the Xinhai Rd. → Sec. 2 to Sec. 3, Xinhai Rd. → Nat'l Hwy 3A → Exit at the Wangfang Interchange → Sec. 4, Muzha Rd. → Sec. 1, Muxin Rd. → Daonan Bridge → Sec. 2 to Sec. 3, Zhinan Rd.
2. Nat'l Hwy 3 → Exit at the Muzha Interchange → Sec. 3 to Sec. 2, Xinguang Rd. → Wanfu Bridge → Sec. 5 to Sec. 4, Muzha Rd. → Sec. 1, Muxin Rd. → Daonan Bridge → Sec. 2 to Sec. 3, Zhinan Rd.
Public 1. THSR Taipei Station (or TRA Taipei Station) → MRT Wangfang Community Station → Taipei City Bus (No. Small 10) → Maokong
2. THSR Taipei Station (or TRA Taipei Station) → MRT Taipei Zoo Station → Maokong Gondola → Maokong
Nangang Tea Processing Demonstration Center
The representative tea in the Nangang District is the "Baozhong Tea." 150 years ago, a Fujian man, Xi Cheng Wang, produced Baozhong Tea into Anxi Tea in accordance to the production method of Wuyiyan Tea. After it was produced, the tea leaves were folded into rectangular shapes and packages with the corresponding rectangular Fujian bamboo writing paper, both on the inside and outside. The name of the tea and the store seal were stamped on the outside of the package, which was how the name "Baozhong" came to place. The Nangang Baozhong Tea is half fermented. The tea leaves are blackish green, and the fragrance is relatively pleasing.
Sec. 2 of the Jiuzhuang Street has clear labels to indicate the tea farm. In order to further enhance the standard of Nangang Baozhong Tea production, the department of economic development of Taipei City has mapped out the Nangang Tea Processing Demonstration Center in Jiuzhuang area ever since 1991. The factory, covering 2.9 hectares, was officially opened in 2002. The facilities within the factory consist of the tea leaf production mechanical instrument showcase section, the tea appreciation section, and a brief presentation room, and the outdoor facilities consist of observation platforms for the surrounding beautiful scenery.
（Traffic information is subject to change. Please check with the transportation station before departure.）
Tel +886-2-2786-8374
Address No.336, Sec. 2, Jiuzhuang St., Nangang District , Taipei City
Public THSR:
Take the THSR to Taipei Station, transfer to the MRT or bus. TaipeiStation Tourist Attractions
Bus:
Take Bus Small 5 from the opposite corner of the Kunyang MRT Station and then get off at Nangang Tea Processing Demonstration Center.
Tea Travel in Taiwan
Muzha Maokong Tea District
Main variety:
Tieguanyin, Pouchong tea
Description:
Maokong was originally a quiet valley east of Muzha’s Wenshan tea district, but has become synonymous with leisure tea farms in recent years. Ascending from National Chengchi University (NCCU), the steep roadways are dotted with numerous teahouses, from simple, understated al fresco decks to magnificent, elaborately landscaped gardens. Sipping a cup of fragrant tea while enjoying the splendid mountain scenery in this surprisingly accessible urban oasis is a delight for Taipei’s city dwellers.
The rise of Maokong as a popular tourist attraction began roughly ten years ago, when the district, with its long-standing tea-growing traditions, started actively promoting its tea tourism in view of people’s increasing emphasis on recreation
Scenic Attraction:
Muzha Leisure Tea Farm, Taipei City Center of Research and Promotion for Tie Guan Yin and Pouchong Tea
Transportation:
(1) Take Lian Ying buses #236, 237, 282 or 611 or Zhinan Keyun buses #1, 2, 3 or 6, and get off at the Zheng-Da (NCCU) stop. Transfer to minibus #10.
(2) Take the MRT Brown line and get off at the Wanfang Community station. Transfer to minibus #10.
Sanxia Tea District
Main variety:
Longjing tea, Bi Luo Chun
Description:
In the early days, the streets of Sanxia witnessed bustling trading action over unprocessed tea leaves between the February spring harvest and the October autumn harvest. As the quality of raw leaves directly affects that of the final product, both the buyer and the seller would painstakingly compare the quality and measure the quantity, making for busy scenes in this usually quiet mountainous area. As the younger generation flocked to Taipei for jobs instead of carrying on the family tea plantations, the energetic street scenes during spring tea harvest season have unfortunately become a thing of the past. Nevertheless, the district’s tea farms are still well worth a visit. Why not roll up your sleeves and try your hands at picking, processing and tasting your own tea at the “green tea experience camp” organized by the Sanxia farmer’s association?
Sanxia’s green tea can be divided into two categories, Longjing and Bi Luo Chun, both made from the local specialty variety of Qingxin Ganzai using “one bud two leaves” young shoots. The optimum production seasons are March to May and October to December, with an annual turnover of approximately 200 tons. The exceptional quality and limited quantity means the green tea produced here enjoys great acclaim.
Attraction:
Taiwan Tea Corporation Hsiungkong Leisure Farm
Transportation:
From north of Xindian (Highway No.3 southbound)
Take Highway No.3 southbound and take the Ankeng exit →head towards Ankeng (via Ankang Rd→Ankeng Rd→Chengfu Rd) →turn left at Taiwan U+ gas station onto Zhulun Rd →drive by Taiwan Tea Corporation’s northern plant→continue to roughly the 10km mark.
From south of Sanxia (Highway No.3 northbound)
Take Highway No.3 northbound and take the Sanxia exit→head towards Sanxia (via Fuxing Rd→Jieshou Rd Sec. 1) →turn right at the Hengxi 3-way juncture onto Sidong Rd → connect to Zhulun Rd→drive by Taiwan Tea Corporation’s northern plant →continue to roughly the 10km mark.
Hsinchu Tea District
Main variety:
Baihao Oolong tea
Description:
The production and sales of Penghong tea (“bragger’s tea”) has become an important cultural industry export of Beipu Township in recent years, as well as a vital source of income. The Beipu Penghong Tea Museum has been built to develop this local specialty and integrate the surrounding leisure tea farms, fruit farms, historical sites and waterside recreational facilities. The aim of the museum is not only to become a recreational focus in Beipu, but also to attract domestic and international tourists.
Accordingly to a senior Beipu tea master, Penghong tea is produced yearly around the Dragon Boat Festival, falling on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month). “One bud two leaves” are exclusively hand picked, and the thicker the tiny white hair covering the leaves, the better price they will fetch. Since the unique feature of this variety is that the buds must be fed on by tiny leafhoppers, one can be assured that no pesticide has been used in its cultivation. In mid-July of every year, the Beipu town office holds the “Penghong Tea Industry and Culture Festival”, drawing masses of Oriental Beauty tea fans to purchase this select variety.
The Beipu Tourism Association and Hakka Cultural Publishing have co-organized a day-trip itinerary in Beipu. A professional guide will take you on an in-depth interpretive tour, suitable for young and old, of the town’s Hakka culture and cuisine.
Attraction:
Beipu Penghong Tea Museum
Transportation:
Highway No.1→Hsinchu Exit→E-W Expressway towards Zhudong→change onto Provincial Highway No. 3 Road → Beipu Penghong Tea Museum
Lugu Tea District, Nantou County
Main variety:
Dong Ding Oolong tea
Description:
Known for its tea, Lugu is a township boasting rich culture, scenic beauty and abundant products. The picture-perfect area is surrounded by mountains and dotted with charming tea farms, not to mention famous attractions such as Chilin Lake, Hsitou Forest Recreation Park and the scenic Hsiaobantien area, making it a prime tourist destination.
Strolling on the streets of Lugu, which are infused with the alluring aroma of tea wafting from tea farms and teahouses, one can sip a cup of delicious Oolong tea or savor the local specialty of bamboo shoots. Those who prefer natural scenery also have endless choices such as visiting Dong Ding Mountain, Chilin Lake, Hsitou or strolling in a bamboo forest, tea garden or ancient temple.
During the tea harvest seasons in spring, autumn and winter, the quaint tea plantations of Lugu lined with tea-pickers are truly a sight to behold.
Attraction:
Lugu Tea Industry and Culture Museum, Mountaintop Pingding Tea Farm
Transportation:
Highway No.3→Jhushan Exit→ Drive towards Hsitou & Lugu→County Road No.151→Chuhsiang Township→Lugu area
Yuchih Tea District, Nantou County
Main variety:
black tea
Description:
The allure of Yuchih Township, Nantou County, stems from the beautiful Sun Moon Lake, rich culture and abundant agricultural products. With the help of government agencies in recent years, Yuchih has gained significant exposure in Taiwan. Its “three treasures” have become the township’s lifeline.
The three treasures of Yuchih are black tea, shitake mushroom and orchids. Many local businesses have joined forces to form a group under the common theme of “Sun Moon Lake and the three treasures” to integrate their resources and promote the beauty of Yuchih.
The three treasures of Yuchih:
(1) Black tea—The Assam tea variety has a long-standing history in Yuchih. Thanks to the hard work of the Tea Research and Extension Station, there are many cultivars available now, with Assam and Taiwan Tea No. 18 being the most popular.
(2) Shitake—Yuchih has extensive shitake farms where the mushroom is cultivated using grow bags, taking only half a year to start growing after bagging, sterilization and inoculation. This method produces a large quantity of select mushrooms in a clean, easy-to-manage environment. It also offers high educational and recreational added value by enabling visitors to observe mushrooms growing from a close distance.
(3) Orchids—Yuchih’s climate is ideal for growing orchids. Currently, the main variety grown here is the Cymbidium (boat orchids), and most locally grown plants are exported or shipped directly to flower markets.
Among the three treasures, black tea is the most credited to the area’s climatic advantages. Specifically, Assam and Taiwan Tea No.18 are the most noteworthy Yuchih agricultural products for their smooth taste and sweet finish.
Attraction:
Sun Moon Tea Factory
Transportation:
Northbound from southern Taiwan
Highway No.2 South →Zhushan Exit→Mingjian→Jiji Taihsin 16 Road →Shuili→Sun Moon Lake
Highway No.1→Dounan Exit→Douliu (Tai 3 Road) →Zhushan→ Taixin 16 Road to Jiji→Shuili→Change to Tai 21 Road →Yuchih→ Sun Moon Lake
Southbound from northern Taiwan
Highway No.1《 Highway No.2 North 》→Wangtian《Wurih》Exit→ Tai 14 Road via Caotun→Puli→ change to Tai 21 Road to Yuchih→ Sun Moon Lake
Highway No.2 Central → Caotun Exit→ Caotun → Tai 14 Road →Puli→ Yuchih→ Sun Moon Lake
Highway No.2 Central → Mingjian Exit → Mingjian → Jiji Tai 16 Road→Shuili→change to Tai 21 Road → Sun Moon Lake
Alishan Tea District, Chiayi County
Main variety:
High Mountain tea
Description:
Located in Chiayi County, Alishan is not actually a mountain, but is more appropriately referred to as the Alishan area. In addition to its scenery, this area is also celebrated for producing tea representative of Taiwan’s High Mountain teas.
Alishan’s high-mountain climate means cool temperatures, and cloud and fog cover the area throughout the day reducing the hours of daylight—factors that reduce the bitterness in tea buds and enhance their sweetness. Furthermore, the high temperature difference between day and night results in slow-growing plants with distinctive characteristics such as tender buds, plump leaves and high pectin content. Finally, plants are irrigated using mountain spring water, producing a delicious world-class brew delivering the brisk, full-bodied taste found only in top high mountain teas.
The Alishan tea district produces the best high mountain tea in Taiwan and is therefore extremely sought after on the market. Prize-winning Alishan teas are usually sold out soon after the announcement of the winners, at a starting price of NT$6,000. It takes no less than good luck to get a hold of Alishan’s prize-winning teas!
Attraction:
Alishan Mountain Recreational Agricultural Area
Transportation:
Southbound: From Highway No.1, take the Dounan Exit; drive through Yongguang, Meishan to Taiping to connect onto first Chiayi County Road No.154 then Chiayi County Road No.122.
Northbound: From Highway No.2 South, take the Chuchi Exit; then follow Chiayi County Road No.122.
Take the train to Chiayi Station→then ride the Alishan Forest Railway to Alishan.
Pinglin Tea District
Main variety:
Wenshan Pouchong tea
Description:
Wenshan Pouchong tea is grown and manufactured all over this “township of tea”, where the tea industry is the main source of income. 90% of the township residents are tea farmers, cultivating nearly 1,000 hectares of farmland. Not only does Pinglin produce unique tea, it also has great recreational resources and potential for developing tourism. Visitors here can select from a wide spectrum of activities besides tea tasting, including mountain climbing, hiking, cycling or checking out Taiwan’s “living fossil”, the Cow-tail Fir.
The Pinglin Tea Industry Museum is another attraction not to be missed when visiting Pinglin. Devoted to promoting tea culture, industry and tourism and showcasing the township’s distinct allure, the museum is a strong proponent in helping establish Pinglin as a top destination to enjoy the mountains and drink tea.
Pinglin occupies an important place in Taiwanese tea history, with its superior cultivation and processing techniques and as a distribution center of Pouchong tea. In fact, a large percentage of the town's population is still engaged in various tea-related activities, including its growing, processing and marketing. With this unique background, it is little wonder that the only specialized museum for the tea industry in Taiwan and the second such museum in the world can be found in Pinglin township.
Attraction:
Pinglin Tea Industry Museum
Transportation:
Take the MRT Red line and get off at Xindian Station. Transfer to Xindian Keyun’s Taipei-Pinglin bus and get off at the Pinglin terminus.
Links:
Taiwan Travel
The Art of Tea
Taiwan Tea Culture
(updated 2010.08)
