Pinglin is the quiet tea heartland of the Taipei region. Cool, misty hills and steep terraces here produce Baozhong, a lightly oxidised, floral tea that is among the most delicate in Taiwan, and the district is also the source of much of the city’s water, so strict protection has kept it green and uncrowded. Nearby, Thousand Island Lake near Shiding is a reservoir whose winding, forested shoreline and many small islands give it its name, and the road around it passes viewpoints and small villages. A day tour from Taipei links the tea fields, a tea-making explanation and a tasting with the lake scenery, making a gentle outing for people who prefer green hills to city streets. It is also an easy way to learn how Taiwanese tea is grown, picked, rolled and brewed.
How it works
This is a guided day trip from Taipei with transport included. You meet at a pickup point named on your voucher, travel south-east into the hills and spend the day between the tea plantation, the museum or tasting room and the lake viewpoints. The order of stops can change with the weather, and picking activities depend on the season, so confirm what is included when you book.
What to expect
At the plantation, a guide explains the stages of tea production, from picking and withering to rolling and roasting, and you will taste several brews, sometimes with a simple snack. Brewing tea the Taiwanese way uses small pots and cups, hot water poured quickly and multiple short infusions, and the guides are happy to show you how to do it.
The lake is a scenic stop rather than an activity centre, with short walks, small cafés and views over the islands. The hills are often cool and misty, even when Taipei is warm, so a light jacket is useful, and rain can fall at any time of year.
Making the most of it
Wear shoes with grip for slopes and steps, carry a small amount of cash for tea purchases and ask the guide how to store what you buy so that it keeps its fragrance. Spring and autumn are the main harvest times, when the terraces look their best and fresh tea is available, but the area is attractive all year.
If you love tea, pair this day with an afternoon at the Maokong teahouses on another day to compare styles, or with a tea class in the city. The trip also suits travellers who want a restful day after the crowds of Jiufen and the night markets.
Taxi and bus options exist for independent visitors, but the area is spread out and public transport is infrequent, so a guided trip is the simplest way to see it all. If you plan to buy tea as a gift, ask for a vacuum-packed bag, which keeps it fresh in a suitcase, and note the harvest season printed on the pack.
A small thermos is handy if you like to brew on the road, and a notebook helps you remember the names of the varieties you liked. Wet weather gives the hills a dramatic, misty look, so do not be put off by a grey forecast.
What to expect
The experience
A guided countryside day with a tea plantation visit, a tasting and lake viewpoints.
Best time
Spring or autumn, in dry weather.
How long
A full day.
Tips
Bring a light jacket and shoes with grip.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Tea lovers and anyone wanting a calm green day.
- Families
- Gentle walks suit most ages; tastings are for adults.
- Couples
- Misty hills and a slow pace.
- Pair with
- Maokong teahouses on another day.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
What tea is grown in Pinglin?+
Mostly Baozhong, a lightly oxidised, floral tea.
Can I buy tea?+
Yes, most plantations sell tea; ask how to store it.
What is Thousand Island Lake?+
A reservoir near Shiding with many small islands and forested shores.
Is it affected by weather?+
Mist and showers are common; the tasting is indoors.
Can I go without a tour?+
Yes, but public transport is infrequent in the hills.
