Taiwan's tea country is close to Taichung, and Nantou County is one of its heartlands, with mountain oolong and the black tea that is grown around Sun Moon Lake. This day tour from Taichung is titled as a Sun Moon Lake and Nantou cultural experience with wine and tea tasting, and the booking page describes a shared outing of about nine hours with hotel pickup and drop-off in Taichung, a local guide and a round-trip shared transfer. It has a rating of 4.9 from 17 reviews on the booking page, a small-group maximum of four people per booking and full refund terms if cancelled two days ahead. The page does not spell out the exact stops, so treat it as a flexible tea-focused day and read the booking page for the current itinerary.
What to expect
The combination of lake scenery, local culture and tastings makes this a gentler alternative to a standard sightseeing coach tour. Tea tastings are usually the highlight, because you can compare different styles and ask the guide how the leaves are grown and processed. Taiwan produces oolongs that range from light and floral to roasted and nutty, and Sun Moon Lake is known for its black tea, so a tasting is a good way to learn what you like before buying leaves to take home.
Planning the visit
Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking and is subject to availability, so book several days ahead rather than the night before, and tell the operator about any dietary needs. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a light layer for the mountains and some cash for tea purchases, because small shops often prefer it. The booking page lists food and drinks as not included in the price, so plan to pay for meals, and check the cancellation window of two days before you travel.
Getting there and combining it
Because the tour is a shared outing with hotel pickup, it takes care of the two-hour journey from Taichung and the winding mountain roads. It overlaps with the Sun Moon Lake section of this guide, so if you want ropeway and boat tickets in addition, pick a day and choose the format that suits you rather than doing both on the same day. Couples and food lovers will enjoy this most, families with older children can join, and anyone curious about Taiwanese tea will leave with new favourites.
What to expect
The experience
A shared day tour with hotel pickup in Taichung, a local guide and tastings of local tea and wine in Nantou and around Sun Moon Lake.
Best time
Weekday departures usually mean fewer crowds at the lake and at tasting stops.
How long
About nine hours door to door, including the drive from Taichung.
Tips
Book several days ahead, bring cash for tea purchases, and read the booking page for the current itinerary.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Tea lovers and food-focused travellers who want a guided day with the transport handled.
- Families
- Best for older children and teens, since the day is long and tastings are adult-oriented.
- Couples
- A relaxed, flavour-focused day with scenic stops.
- Pair with
- Time on your own at Sun Moon Lake or a visit to Cingjing Farm on another day.
- Time needed
- A full day of about nine hours.
Good questions
What does the tea tasting tour include?+
The booking page lists hotel pickup and drop-off in Taichung, a round-trip shared transfer and a local guide. Food and drinks and gratuities are not included.
How long is the tour?+
It lasts about nine hours, so it is a full day out from Taichung.
How many people can join?+
The booking page shows a maximum of four people per booking, which keeps the group small. Check the page for current availability.
Can I cancel?+
The booking page offers a full refund if you cancel at least two days before the experience.
What tea does Nantou produce?+
Nantou is known for mountain oolong and for the black tea grown around Sun Moon Lake. A tasting helps you compare the styles.
