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Plan a one-day summer escape to Pinglin this weekend

Published: 2026-09-25 👁 100 views

Last updated 2026-09-25 — Not sure where to go for your weekend break? Netizens in northern Taiwan might want to plan a trip to Pinglin, the tea town, to explore the precious natural ecological resources preserved through 30 years of development restrictions, stream conservation, and fishing bans...

By MOOK Travel & Leisure Network / Reported by Chen Guanxin

Not sure where to go for your weekend break? Netizens in northern Taiwan might want to plan a trip to Pinglin, the tea town, to explore the precious natural ecological resources preserved through 30 years of development restrictions, stream conservation, and fishing bans. Whether it’s strolling along beautiful riverside trails and bike paths, spotting numerous birds in the trees and woods, or visiting the crystal-clear streams teeming with fish and rich in ferns and insects — plus the single-focus tea industry that preserves the traditional lifestyle and culture of the tea town — these are all unique natural and cultural features of Pinglin.

Located in New Taipei City’s Pinglin District, it boasts natural resources like riverside trails and traditional tea town culture. Why not experience it during your weekend holiday? (Image provided by New Taipei City Government)

Kuokalei Hidden Gem

Pinglin’s hidden gem — Kuokalei — is a place that rivals Hualien’s Mugumuxi, offering breathtaking views of the emerald-green waters of Beishi Stream, schools of fish, lush forests, and the sounds of insects and birds. Birds such as kingfishers, bamboo partridges, and damselflies are commonly spotted here. Of course, Pinglin not only lets you enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Kuokalei but also features the lovely campus of Kuokalei Elementary School waiting for visitors to explore.

Strolling through the forests of Kuokalei, you can also admire the quaint Kuokalei Suspension Bridge. (Image provided by New Taipei City Government)

Pinglin Tea Plantations & Tea Museum

In Taiwan, there's a saying: “Oolong in the south, Pouchong in the north.” Pinglin is considered the homeland of Pouchong tea and is the main production area for northern Pouchong, renowned for both the quality and quantity of its tea. The region mainly grows the Qingxin Oolong variety, with tea leaves that are tightly rolled, vibrant green in appearance, and produce a golden-yellow, mellow infusion with an exceptionally delicate and enchanting aroma.

Zhong Sen-liang, head of the promotion division at Pinglin District Farmers’ Association, noted that Pinglin has about 800 hectares of tea plantations, over a thousand farming households, and an annual production of around 500,000 metric tons. Over 90% of the local residents rely on the tea industry for their livelihood. Thanks to the suitable climate and environment, as well as generations of refined tea cultivation and processing techniques passed down since the Qing Dynasty, the tea produced here is highly regarded and famous both domestically and internationally.

Pinglin, located in the water source protection area upstream of the Feitsui Reservoir, has stricter regulations on pesticide use compared to other tea-growing regions. In addition to promoting reduced pesticide use and a ban on herbicides, the government subsidizes organic fertilizers and encourages the use of green manure as compost. Most importantly, rigorous and frequent inspections are strictly enforced, even prompting tea factories to seek ISO certification to keep up with consumer expectations.

Pinglin’s classic tea museum is Taiwan’s first tea-themed museum. Its Minnan-Anxi style quadrangle courtyard architecture offers a taste of the serene beauty of traditional courtyards. The comprehensive exhibition area uses models and real objects to demonstrate the tea-making process and introduces the history of Chinese tea production, tea utensils, and tea-drinking etiquette. The activity exhibition area hosts rotating displays of tea-related artworks. There is also a tea house area centered around the Bamboo Tower and Yueming Tower.

The Minnan-style architecture of the tea museum showcases the beauty of traditional courtyards. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)

Pinglin Old Street

Pinglin Old Street seems full of hidden treasures: tea baskets, straw shoes, various types of cold-brewed tea, and even the preservation of traditional tea-drinking methods. As a tea town, Pinglin must showcase features that reflect its identity. The few remaining tea houses on Pinglin Old Street are traditional tea wholesalers, where tea is packed in cloth sacks, with each sack weighing a hundred jin (approximately 60 kg). Even today, they preserve the old-fashioned method of tea trading and tasting — brewing tea in bowls and using spoons to sample the tea. It’s common to see five or six bowls lined up on the table, allowing for the tasting of five or six different types of tea at once.

● Read more: Bi-Tan Suspension Bridge Light Show to Dance to Music This Weekend

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When you visit Pinglin Old Street, if you see someone with several bowls filled with tea leaves on the table, it means an expert is evaluating the tea quality. (Image provided by New Taipei City Government)

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