About this activity
| Operation Day | Wed, Fri |
| Departure | 8:30AM; Meet up at MRT Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station (BL14 /O07), Exit 2 |
| Duration | 8.75 hrs (8:30AM to 5:15PM) |
| Group Size | Public Tour; Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 1 participant |
| Language | English / Mandarin / Japanese |
Overview
Taiwan has gained global recognition for its exceptional teas like Tieguanyin, Wenshan Baozhong, Oriental Beauty, and more. This beckons tea lovers worldwide to embark on a fragrant journey in the country. For both seasoned tea connoisseurs and those passionate about tea, this guided tour to Maokong and Pinglin presents a unique opportunity to explore the intriguing world of Taiwanese tea culture from seed to cup.
Highlight
- Explore Taipei’s three primary tea-growing regions in just one day
- Embark on a scenic adventure on the Maokong Gondola to admire the panoramic vistas of Southern Taipei from above
- Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Thousand Island Lake’s awe-inspiring landscapes
- Delve into the rich culture and evolution of Taiwanese tea at the Pinglin Tea Museum
- Discover the art of brewing and savoring Taiwanese tea with the expert guidance of a skilled tea sommelier
- Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 1 participant
Description
Your tour guide and driver will greet you at the Exit 2 of MRT Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station (BL14 /O07) before embarking on your aromatic tea tour.
Begin your exploration into the world of Taiwanese tea from Maokong in Taipei City’s Muzha District. Your adventure commences with a scenic ride on the Maokong Gondola, designed for leisurely travel, boasts the lengthiest route, offering awe-inspiring aerial vistas of Southern Taipei. This picturesque ride offers stunning mountain scenery from a lofty vantage point, making it a favored activity among foreign tourists exploring Taipei.
The Maokong Tea Fragrance Loop Trail comprises four short, paved paths. Along the trail, you’ll encounter beautiful natural features like potholes, waterfalls, and forests, all visible during the hike. Known as the easiest hiking trail in Maokong, it’s suitable for individuals of all ages. The Maokong Zhangshu Trail is another beloved leisure trail among the locals, particularly during the blooming season of Lupinus. Along this trail, you’ll discover the terraced fields, ponds, tea gardens, and more, creating the sensation of stepping into an idyllic picture as you stroll through this scenic landscape.
The Taipei Tea Promotion Center for Tieguanyin and Baozhong serves as a leisurely park dedicated to showcase the exceptional quality and authenticity of Taiwan’s Tieguanyin and Baozhong teas. By exploring the center, visitors can gain insights into the evolution of Taiwanese tea and ecological knowledge through the informational exhibits, tea panning machines, and more.
After a few hours of walking, you might find yourself hungry and craving some local foods. Maokong, a popular place for a nature getaway in suburban Taipei, nestled in the mountains, offers prime locations to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Taipei Basin. Beyond its scenic beauty, Maokong is a hotspot for tea tasting. Abound with teahouses, most of them offer freshly brewed teas and meals, allowing you to enjoy a delectable lunch in the delightful aroma of tea at your own expense.
Following lunch, your tea tour proceeds with a visit to Thousand Island Lake in Shiding District, New Taipei City. Shiding, a rural area celebrated for its tea cultivation and stunning landscapes. The catchment area around the Feitsui Reservoir, nestled among hills, creates a distinctive scenery—a lake adorned with numerous islands. Its resemblance to the Thousand Island Lake in China has bestowed upon it the same name.
The natural terrain and climate create an ideal environment for tea cultivation in the surrounding area of Feitsui Reservoir. The Bagua Tea Plantation also locates in this area. When viewed from the hilltop, the neatly planted rows of tea bushes resemble the symbols of Eight Trigrams, which inspired the plantation’s name.
After indulging in the natural tea aroma, your tea tour continues to uncover the intricacies of tea processing and its evolution. The Pinglin Tea Museum, a Hokkien-style Siheyuan architecture, embodiesembodying the traditional dwelling of Taiwan, inviting the visitors to delve into the world of Taiwanese tea. This museum houses a rich collection of traditional harvesting tools, tea sets, samples, and more, offering insights into the history and evolution of Taiwan’s tea industry. Additionally, the interactive equipment within the museum offers visitors an immersive, sensory-rich experience.
While in Pinglin, you can’t miss the chance to savor authentic Taiwanese tea at a local tea shop. The tea sommelier will demonstrate the proper brewing techniques to bring out the flavors of the tea leaves, making your tea more aromatic and enhancing your tea tasting experience. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to sample various types of Taiwanese tea during your visit.
At the end of this fantastic tea tour to Maokong, Shiding, and Pinglin, you may choose to disembark at Xinyi Shopping District (Taipei 101) or at MRT Zhongxiao XInsheng Station.
<< READ LESS >>Inclusions
- Professional licensed tour guide (Mandarin / English / Japanese)
- Local transfer by air-conditioned vehicle
- Maokong Gondola ride experience
- Entrance ticket (Pinglin Tea Museum of New Taipei City)
- Local general liabilities insurance
Exclusions
- Food and Beverage
- Gratuities
Remarks
- Tour commentary will be provided in Mandarin, English and Japanese. (Please note that Japanese commentary will only be available on Wednesdays.)
- Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- The sequence and time of stay at tour stops may be adjusted according to the traffic/weather conditions.
- If the tour has to be canceled due to bad weather, we will contact you no later than the evening before the excursion day by email or SMS.
- Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes earlier than the pick-up time.
- This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users and people with physical disabilities.
- Ensure you carry enough cash with you to cover your expenses for meals, beverages, souvenirs, tips, etc. Convenience stores and most of the eateries in Taiwan don’t accept credit cards as a form of payment.
Rescheduling, Cancelations and Refunds
If you need to cancel or reschedule the activity for any reason, please contact us via email at info@getmetotaiwan.com. If you have any other questions, feel free to get in touch.
Cancelations made 48 hours or more prior to the departure time will be fully refunded.
Cancelations made less than 48 hours prior to the departure time will not receive refunds.
Please be aware Taiwan Time is (UTC +8 CST)
