Visit history！The only century-old tea house in Dadaocheng that preserves the traditional charcoal-roasting tea production technique

Text and photos by /Alice Loves Travel

Taipei’s Dadaocheng district is home to the only century-old tea house that still preserves the traditional charcoal roasting technique for tea production –Youji Famous TeaEstablished in 1890, it initially specialized in refining and exporting Taiwanese tea. Since 1997, as its refined tea factory gradually transformed into a cultural enterprise, it opened its doors to the public, allowing visitors to tour its traditional tea production facilities. The site retains an ancient charcoal roasting room. A visit to Youji Famous Tea offers not only a relaxing tea tasting experience but also an insight into traditional Taiwanese tea culture, showcasing the craftsmanship and dedication of a century-old tea house.

Exterior of Youji Famous Tea’s red-brick building

Youji Famous Tea is a classic red-brick building commonly seen in Dadaocheng. It features a two-story standalone design: the first floor houses the retail area, tea brewing space, and the ancient charcoal roasting room, while the second floor serves as an arts and culture space. It is the fifth registered factory in Taipei City. Established in 1890, Dadaocheng was once a major tea hub, home to over 200 tea houses. Today, fewer than ten remain, and Youji Famous Tea is one of them.

Visiting the shop is completely free, and both individual and group visitors are welcome. To arrange a tour, simply call ahead to make a reservation. Weekdays from 10:00 to 17:00 are ideal, as weekends tend to be more crowded, making detailed explanations more difficult.

Right across from Youji Famous Tea is the lush and green Chaoyang Tea Park, allowing you to enjoy beautiful natural scenery even while sipping tea indoors.

The interior of Youji Famous Tea is very spacious, with two tea brewing areas and a section for merchandise.

Going further inside reveals a hidden gem: a century-old charcoal roasting room. But don’t rush—apart from promoting traditional tea art, Youji Famous Tea is also keen on sharing professional knowledge about tea. Let’s start with learning about tea itself.

Everyone knows that tea is mainly divided into three types: green tea, oolong tea, and black tea. But what is the basis for this classification?

Tea is primarily categorized based on its level of fermentation, or oxidation. Many assume that darker-colored teas are stronger and can cause insomnia, but the owner explained that a darker tea liquor indicates a longer fermentation process, resulting in a milder tea. For example, black tea is fully fermented. If you’re looking to feel more energized, you should actually choose lighter-colored teas, such as green tea.

In addition to introducing different types of tea, the tour also covers the history of Taiwanese tea. Dadaocheng has never grown tea but was known for the later stages of refined processing. In the past, tea farmers had to send their freshly processed tea to Dadaocheng’s refineries for further processing before it could be sold or exported. The tea underwent manual stem removal to ensure quality, then moved on to the traditional “basket roasting room” for slow roasting over a low flame...

A wealth of knowledge was shared during the visit. This article briefly shares some highlights, but for more details, you can visit the official website or ask questions directly at the shop for clearer insights.

Having endured for a century, Youji Famous Tea still retains many traditional machines and equipment. Tea enthusiasts who appreciate vintage charm will find the visit highly worthwhile. Alice herself is particularly fascinated by these old devices and was thrilled to see them in person.

Push open this ancient wooden door, and you’ll feel as though you’ve traveled back in time. Inside lies the traditional basket roasting room, preserving a century-old technique.

Charcoal Roasting Technique – Basket Roasting Room

The basket roasting room represents an ancient tea-making craft, preserving the wisdom and spirit of veteran tea makers. It involves carefully roasting tea leaves over a small charcoal fire. The process requires constant attention to the fire and regular stirring of the tea leaves, making it extremely time-consuming. In the past, workers had to handle hundreds of baskets at a time and often had little time for proper rest.

The tea is placed over round holes, and during roasting, no smoke or flames are produced. Instead, hot air is used to dry the tea leaves. At Youji, you can witness traditional techniques and historical culture. But Youji Famous Tea hasn’t just preserved the past—it has evolved. With five generations of valuable experience and creative innovations, the shop even accepts mobile payments like Apple Pay.

Whether you’re a regular tea drinker or not, it’s highly recommended to visit Youji Famous Tea to learn about tea knowledge and history. Many media outlets and international tourists also come here, and even Taipei City’s mascot, Bear Chang, has paid a visit.

With its ancient history and century-long heritage in traditional charcoal roasting, Youji Famous Tea, which has accumulated a wealth of tea-making expertise over the years, is well worth a visit for an immersive experience.

Youji Famous Tea

Official Website:WANGTEA Youji Famous Tea
Facebook Page:WANGTEA Youji Famous Tea
Address: No. 26, Lane 64, Section 2, Chongqing N. Road, Taipei City
Phone: 02-25559164
Business Hours: 9:00–19:00
Closed on Sundays

Having loved capturing life through photos since childhood, my phone and camera are always filled with images. It would be a shame not to share these beautiful moments with everyone. Join me, Alice, as we explore food, fun, and adventure together.