Weekend Getaway to Pinglin: Hiking in Tea Country and Savoring Winter Tea

Winter Travel Fun in Early Winter: Enjoying Healthy Tea from New Taipei City. The winter tea harvest has arrived in New Taipei, and on the 27th, the Agriculture Bureau invited veteran tea master Chen Shih-yi to demonstrate traditional tea-rolling techniques. On December 2, 3, 9, and 10 — over two consecutive weekends — a tea sale will be held next to the Pinglin Tea Museum, along with the launch of six tea exploration routes. Everyone is welcome to visit the tea country and enjoy its fragrant aroma.

New Taipei City has 750 hectares of tea plantations, producing 402 tons of tea annually with an output value of about NT$1.1 billion. It is not only the birthplace of Wenshan Baozhong tea but also the largest producing area, leading the nation in yield, quality, and craftsmanship. (Provided by the New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau)

New Taipei City has 750 hectares of tea plantations, producing 402 tons of tea annually with an output value of about NT$1.1 billion. It is not only the birthplace of Wenshan Baozhong tea but also the largest producing area, leading the nation in yield, quality, and craftsmanship. It has won the “National Semi-Fermented Tea Production Technique Competition” for the strip-style Baozhong category for seven consecutive times. Additionally, the region features unique teas such as Sanxia Biluochun, honey-scented black tea, Shiding Oriental Beauty tea, Shimen Tieguanyin, and Linkou Longshou tea. With the winter tea harvest now underway, the Agriculture Bureau and Pinglin District Office have joined forces with various tea-growing areas across New Taipei City to host a special tea sales event.

A variety of exquisite tea ware. (Provided by the New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau)

On the 27th, veteran tea master Chen Shih-yi from Pinglin was invited to demonstrate hand-rolling tea. Despite being spry and agile, few would guess he is already 77 years old. Chen explained that the purpose of rolling tea is to “shape” the leaves, giving Baozhong tea its signature “strip-like” form. The process also causes the tea juice to be pressed out and coat the surface, allowing the flavor to be more easily released during brewing.

On December 2, 3, 9, and 10 — over two consecutive weekends — a tea sale will be held next to the Pinglin Tea Museum, along with the launch of six tea exploration routes. Everyone is welcome to visit the tea country and enjoy its fragrant aroma. (Provided by the New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau)

New Taipei City Deputy Mayor Yeh Hui-ching noted that Wenshan Baozhong tea has a history of nearly 150 years, and its ancient production techniques and culture are worth promoting and preserving for future generations. Beyond just drinking tea, the city’s tea-growing regions are blessed with beautiful mountains and waters — well worth experiencing firsthand.

On December 2, 3, 9, and 10 — over two consecutive weekends — a tea sale will be held next to the Pinglin Tea Museum, along with the launch of six tea exploration routes. Everyone is welcome to visit the tea country and enjoy its fragrant aroma. (Provided by the New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau)

In a special collaboration featuring “Five Tea Regions and Six Tea Exploration Routes,” the public is invited to New Taipei City’s tea country to not only taste the freshest local teas but also experience the hard work of “tea makers.” High-quality products need your support — look for the “New Taipei Good Tea” label when purchasing. Buying with confidence is the greatest encouragement you can give to the tea farmers.

The winter tea sale takes place on December 2, 3, 9, and 10 next to the Pinglin Tea Museum, where limited-edition competition winter tea gift boxes will be sold. Over the four days, registration will be open for activities including “Tea Country Hiking Tours,” “Premium Tea Tasting,” “DIY Experiences,” as well as the “Fresh Tea Interaction Zone,” showcasing the “New Taipei Tea God” and the “Tea Country Tourism Information Station.” On December 16 and 17, a New Taipei Good Tea sale will also be held at Taipei Hope Square.

(China Times Online)