By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, reported by Chen Guanxin
Not sure where to go during the weekend break? Netizens in northern Taiwan might want to plan a trip to Pinglin’s tea country to explore the precious natural ecological resources preserved through 30 years of development restrictions and stream conservation policies. Whether it’s the beautiful riverside trails and cycling paths, admiring the numerous birds in the trees and forests, or visiting the clear streams teeming with fish, rich in ferns and insects — plus the single-focused tea industry that preserves the traditional lifestyle and culture of the tea region — all of these represent Pinglin’s unique natural and cultural charm.
Located in New Taipei City’s Pinglin District, it boasts natural resources like riverside trails and old tea culture. Why not experience it during your weekend holiday? (Image provided by New Taipei City Government)
Kuola Hidden Gem
Pinglin’s hidden gem — Kuola, a spot that rivals Hualien’s Mgunu-Muyu, offers breathtaking views of the emerald waters of Beishi Stream, swimming fish, lush forests, and the sounds of insects and birds. Birds such as kingfishers, bamboo partridges, and damselflies can be easily spotted here. Of course, Pinglin not only lets you enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Kuola, but also features the lovely campus of Kuola Elementary School waiting for visitors to explore.
Strolling through the woods of Kuola, you can also admire the classic charm of the Kuola 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 hometown of Pouchong tea and is the main production area for northern Pouchong, highly regarded for both its quality and yield. The area mainly grows the Qingxin Oolong variety, with tightly rolled tea leaves that are emerald green in appearance, producing golden-yellow, mellow tea with an exceptionally elegant and enchanting aroma.
Zhong Senliang, head of the promotion division at Pinglin District Farmers’ Association, noted that Pinglin has about 800 hectares of tea plantations, over 1,000 farming households, and an annual output of approximately 500,000 metric tons. Over 90% of local residents rely on the tea industry for their livelihood. Due to the favorable climate and environment for cultivation, along with tea planting and processing techniques passed down since the Qing Dynasty, the tea produced here is highly acclaimed and well-known both domestically and internationally.
Pinglin is located in the water source protection area upstream of the Feitsui Reservoir, where pesticide use is more strictly regulated than in other tea regions. In addition to promoting reduced pesticide use and a ban on herbicides, the government also subsidizes organic fertilizers and encourages the use of green manure as compost. Most importantly, strict and frequent inspections are rigorously enforced — even tea factories are keen to obtain ISO certification to keep up with consumer expectations.
The quaint Pinglin Tea Museum is Taiwan’s first tea-themed museum. Its Minnan-style Anxi courtyard architecture offers a sense of traditional, serene garden beauty. The comprehensive exhibition area uses models and real objects to showcase the tea-making process and introduces the history of Chinese tea production, tea utensils, and tea drinking etiquette. The activity exhibition area periodically displays 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 may seem unassuming but is full of hidden gems — from tea baskets and straw sandals to various kinds of cold-brewed tea, it even preserves the traditional ways of tea tasting. As a tea town, Pinglin’s old street must showcase characteristics that reflect its tea culture. The few remaining tea houses on the street are traditional tea wholesalers, where tea is packed in cloth sacks, each holding 100 jin (50 kg). Even today, they preserve ancient methods of tea trading and tasting — brewing tea in bowls and evaluating tea with spoons. 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.
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When you visit Pinglin Old Street, if you see someone with several bowls filled with tea leaves, it means a tea expert is evaluating the tea quality on the spot! (Image provided by New Taipei City Government)