Taiwan’s “Thousand Island Lake” is in Shiding — enjoy tea while spotting fireflies

Good tea starts with great ingredients — and Shiding is just such an enchanting place with its beautiful mountains and waters. With its lakes and mountain views, Shiding’s “Thousand Island Lake” rivals that of Hangzhou. Here you can also enjoy some top-notch tea. Young tea farmer Zeng Renzong runs Feicui Tea Garden in New Taipei’s Shiding without using any pesticides. Backed by lush ecology and lakeside scenery, it attracts visitors who book tea-making experiences to explore this hidden tea town gem in New Taipei.

Born in 1965, Zeng Renzong grew up helping his father pick and process tea leaves, and watched him manage the tea garden. He has a deep affection for his hometown’s tea fields. At age 29, he quit his job at a construction company to take over the family tea garden. Combining traditional skills and dedication from his father with newly acquired knowledge from various courses, his Wenshan Baozhong tea has won multiple awards. Upholding the belief that “every sip should reflect our care,” he runs a pesticide-free tea garden to produce tea that benefits both the ecosystem and consumer health.

Feicui Tea Garden is located near Thousand Island Lake in Shiding District, New Taipei. In addition to its breathtaking lakeside views, the tea garden is teeming with life due to its pesticide-free environment — fireflies, frogs, grasshoppers, and mantises are all common sights. This hidden paradise draws visitors from across Taiwan and even abroad to experience tea making and enjoy the scenery.

New Taipei’s Shiding “Feicui Tea Garden” hides a scenic escape where you can make tea and enjoy the view. (Photo provided by Taipei Zoo)

Zeng Renzong says he always tells visitors that there’s no need to fear the insects and creatures around them. A healthy environment fosters biodiversity, which leads to healthier tea. He hopes that while picking, processing, and brewing tea, people will also appreciate the idea of coexisting harmoniously with nature — and invites everyone to come and experience it for themselves.

The New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau notes that New Taipei is the birthplace of Wenshan Baozhong tea. Not only does it boast excellent tea-making techniques, but the region’s environment and location are also naturally ideal. Shiding’s Thousand Island Lake and Pinglin’s Jingualiao are both famous for their picturesque landscapes. As winter tea season is now underway, the public is welcome to visit the New Taipei tea region during holidays. Aside from tasting the freshest Baozhong tea, you can also become a “tea farmer for a day.” Quality products need your support — look for the “New Taipei Quality Tea” label to ensure safety and support local tea farmers.

Feicui Tea Garden is located near Thousand Island Lake in Shiding District, New Taipei, and boasts a stunning lakeside setting. (Photo provided by Taipei Zoo)