Discovering 20-Year-Old Classic Black Tea: A Half-Day Ubike Mini-Trip Along Xingjin Green Boulevard in Taichung

Text & Photos /DaKou

This time, we’re taking you away from the hustle and bustle for a relaxing and carefree half-day Ubike adventure along the peaceful Xingjin Green Boulevard. Before renting an Ubike, you can stop by “Tea & Chat” on Xingjin Road for a cool drink to start your journey. “Tea & Chat” is a beloved local spot that holds the nostalgic flavors of Taichung and is a must-visit 20-year-old café in the city. Their coffee black tea is especially popular—it has a rich old-school flavor with an aromatic punch that leaves a lasting impression after just one sip.

After grabbing your drink, take a leisurely stroll along the green boulevard. The lush greenery here offers a cool and comfortable atmosphere—perfect for a relaxing walk. Next, head to the “Our Lady of Fatima Church” on Shuangshi Road. This site beautifully blends Gothic and modern architecture and houses Taiwan’s largest cross. Visiting this place brings a sense of tranquility and freedom. Finally, be sure to visit the nearby “Banana New Paradise” for photos and a bite to eat. It’s filled with retro shops and items that transport you back in time, offering a uniquely refreshing experience.

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% The bike rental spot is right across from “Tea House,” so it’s perfect to pick up your bike after getting an iced drink!

%The dish that looks like a blooming flower really catches the eye. Thanks to the clever design, it also enhances the overall presentation. It has a unique fresh and clean vibe!

%The well-prepared dessert is about the “Steamed Pork Bun”. The Steamed Pork Bun has a history of nearly 20 years since its launch in 1998, and it's also a familiar old taste in the memories of Taichung locals!

%What kind of charm does this tea shop have? Every time you walk in, you feel something different. Outside the counter, there is a specially designed roof-like structure, representing that coming to “Eat Tea Shop” feels like coming home, full of warmth and friendliness!

%Jiahuanchuijiaokenaotuzai???Pansoubi?Zhenxie??Nadieaaoyixi?Shihao)”, which actually means greeting with a smile in Chinese. Moreover, they will offer you a cup of tea that you can try as a new product sample, which can instantly quench your thirst — it’s both thoughtful and full of human warmth!

%The spine ke dian xi ye ye's various items all seem to be very popular, and if it's your first visit, you might want to check it out. If you don't know what to drink, you can also ask the staff for recommendations—they are all very friendly!

%Menu, there are many drink options. Items with an orange logo are popular choices, and those with a red logo are special deals—you can refer to these when ordering!

%Additionally, the ingredient combinations here are also incredibly unique. Unlike most places where the taste might become monotonous after a while, here they introduce a new seasonal set menu every month. At the end of the month, they also offer limited-time herbal soups to ensure customers always enjoy fresh and balanced flavors. Truly a distinctive experience. Then go ahead and enjoy their delicious drinks!

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% The dark brew they offer is actually cassia tea — a black tea infused with cassia seeds. It has a strong old-fashioned flavor, reminiscent of the black tea we drank as kids. The aroma of cassia seeds blends perfectly with the richness of the black tea, leaving a memorable aftertaste!

%The chewy mochi balls are elastic and bouncy, paired with the aroma of fish paste and a slightly sweet sauce. They’re really delicious!

%After riding for a while, we discovered that the path ahead continues on from a corner further down the road. This area also provides free parking, making it convenient for those who wish to drive and visit.

%Their mousse has a smooth and rich texture, with a slightly sweet and salty flavor that pairs perfectly with coffee or black tea. Their desserts are crafted delicately, and even the bowls they serve them in are unique—the asymmetrical design gives off a cozy vibe.

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%In addition, there is no lack of design elements that bring a refreshing green feel, yet it still retains the simplicity of a convenience store.

%After feeling a bit peckish in the afternoon, you can rent a bike and take a relaxing half-day trip around the Greenery Boulevard. Interested friends can follow this cycling route and enjoy the varied scenery along the way!

%To understand why the desserts here are so popular, you have to try them yourself. The chef once said that when creating the main dessert, he first determines the core flavor, then thinks about how to present it, and finally decides on the plate design. Every year he will also introduce a new seasonal dessert, so you can always look forward to trying something new.

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% The eatery also has many regular customers who bring their friends along. The photos posted by visitors can also help new guests decide what to order.

%Also, the ingredients used here are always kept fresh, which is very reassuring. After parking your car, you can head out from here to explore!

%Then we rode our bikes to the “Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church” on Section 2, Shuangshi Road. Against the blue sky and white clouds, the Our Lady of Fatima Church looks even more elegant and beautiful!

%The building does not adopt an ordinary modern architectural style but features a distinctive blend of traditional and modern elements. The large windows on both sides are not symmetrically aligned, giving the whole structure a unique visual appeal.

%Jichuijieyuzheng?Yunhuan?Huanbahuang?Naijuetun?Weitui?Shan?Yipangdegaota adopts an openwork design, making it look particularly elegant and beautiful!

%You can immediately spot this uniquely styled building from afar.

%You can also see the neighborhood’s traditional Taiwanese houses here. They are cozy and welcoming, and you can even peek through their windows to catch a glimpse of the nostalgic life inside—feeling as if you’ve traveled back in time and are sharing a space with those who once lived here.

%As you enter, what catches your eye first is a massive cross, standing 3.5 meters tall, 4.5 meters wide, and weighing 500 kilograms—it's said to be the largest cross in Taiwan. The wall behind the cross features a huge mural depicting the last apparition of the Virgin Mary in Fátima, Portugal, where crowds of the poor, sick, desperate, and devoted gathered in piety, hoping for a miracle. Every corner here is worth savoring slowly, exuding a unique tranquility and ease.

%Next, we head to A-Maze-ing Time, where our friend Da-Kou definitely recommends a visit. This place recreates the look and feel of Taiwan from the 1950s to the 1960s. Don’t assume the vintage decor is imitation—everything here is the real deal, carefully collected by the owner over the years.

%The highlight is that you can actually go inside the old train carriages to take photos. Being here feels like boarding a time-traveling train, instantly whisking you back to the past.

%Inside the Xing-Jin Green Boulevard area, you’ll find cozy cafés and shops tucked away in quiet corners. Stroll around a bit and you’ll discover hidden gems at every turn.

%The interior of Da-Kou’s shop is packed with retro collectibles—radios, clocks, signs, toys… you name it. It’s a feast for the eyes, and some of the items are even older than Da-Kou himself. Each piece has its own unique charm.

%There are also old cash registers and vintage desks where you can play the role of the shopkeeper and take fun photos.

%The newly opened eatery is as fresh and inviting as something out of a retro drama. Everyone loves the desserts here, especially Da-Kou’s favorite: the red bean and sesame balls. The classic old-school taste is simply amazing.

%The half-day Ubike tour of Xing-Jin Green Boulevard that we’re introducing today offers food, drinks, and fun—an ideal light escape for the hot summer days. “Tea & Chat House” has a quaint Japanese-inspired vibe, and the warm service and friendly greetings make you feel right at home. Their popular drinks like Café Black Tea, Café Red Mousse, and Café Red Boba are all top sellers. “Tea & Chat House” is committed to quality, and all beverages go through rigorous testing, ensuring both safety and enjoyment. “Our Lady of Fátima Church” not only stands out with its distinctive design but also features a spectacular and unusual giant cross that will amaze you. “Banana New Paradise” gives you that time-traveling train vibe, and many of its antiques are the owner’s personal treasures. It’s a great spot for delicious food, great photos, and good times—absolutely worth a visit. We highly recommend this Xing-Jin Green Boulevard half-day tour, and hope you’ll enjoy it too.

Tea & Chat House (Xing-Jin Branch)
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Address: No. 74, Xing-Jin Road, North District, Taichung City
Phone: 04-22355533
Business Hours: 9:00–22:00 (Every day)
Official Website:http://www.teashop168.com.tw/

Our Lady of Fátima Catholic Church
Address: No. 115, Section 2, Shuangshi Road, North District, Taichung City
Phone: 04-22335950

Banana New Paradise
Address: No. 111-1, Section 2, Shuangshi Road, North District, Taichung City
Phone: 04-22345402
Business Hours: 11:00–00:00 (Last entry at 22:30)

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