A Journey to the Heart of Taiwanese Tea Culture

As I embarked on my journey to Shiding, the birthplace of the renowned Oriental Beauty Oolong Tea, I felt a sense of anticipation and excitement. The drive from Taipei to this quaint mountain town was a scenic 90-minute escape from the bustling city life. The lush greenery and the serene landscape set the tone for a day filled with cultural exploration and mindfulness.

Our first stop was the breathtaking Thousand Island Lake. The lake, with its countless islets, mirrored the famous scenic spot in Hangzhou, China. As I stood there, taking in the tranquil beauty, I couldn’t help but reflect on the harmonious relationship between nature and culture that is so deeply embedded in Asian traditions. The lake’s creation, a result of the Feitsui Reservoir’s catchment area, was a testament to the delicate balance between human intervention and natural beauty.

The next destination was the Bagua Tea Plantation, where the neatly arranged rows of tea bushes resembled the symbols of the Eight Trigrams. This plantation is home to two of Taiwan’s top ten teas, including the Oriental Beauty Oolong Tea. Walking through the plantation, I was reminded of the meticulous care and dedication that goes into cultivating these exquisite teas. The experience was a sensory delight, with the aroma of fresh tea leaves filling the air and the sight of the verdant landscape stretching as far as the eye could see.

Immersing in Local Traditions

Our journey continued with a visit to Hsu’s Noodle workshop, where I had the opportunity to engage in a hands-on activity making traditional Taiwanese vermicelli. The process was both challenging and rewarding, as I learned to shake and pull the noodles until they were thin and delicate. This experience was a beautiful reminder of the importance of preserving traditional crafts and culinary arts in a rapidly modernizing world.

The highlight of this visit was the unique dining experience of “flowing noodles” or nagashi somen. Watching the vermicelli flow down a bamboo chute and catching them with chopsticks was not only fun but also a testament to the creativity and playfulness inherent in Taiwanese culture. It was a moment of pure joy and connection with the local traditions.

Strolling along Shiding Old Street, I was transported back in time. The street, once a bustling hub for tea merchandising, textile dyeing, and coal mining, now stood as a nostalgic reminder of the past. The unique architecture of stilt houses and the roofed street, along with the Hundred-year-old Stone House and Yuanguang Blacksmith Shop, added to the charm of this historic area. It was a poignant reminder of the resilience and adaptability of the local community in preserving their heritage.

A Spiritual and Cultural Reflection

The final leg of our tour took us to the Shiding Section of the Tamsui-Kavalan Trails. This historic trail, once a vital route for exporting tea and Mayflower gloryberry, offered a serene walk through the woods. The trail, shaded by the foliage of trees and accompanied by the gentle sound of the river, was a perfect setting for reflection and mindfulness. In May, the Tung Trees bloom, creating a magical scene of snow-white petals scattered along the path.

Our last stop was the Shiding Wulu Fortune Temple, a magnificent structure dedicated to the Five Gods of Wealth. The temple’s resplendent appearance, with its golden dragon pillars and rotating fortune lights, was awe-inspiring. Here, I took a moment to exchange lucky coins with Huye, the Tiger God, and prayed for prosperity and blessings. It was a fitting end to a day filled with cultural immersion and spiritual reflection.

As I returned to Taipei, I carried with me not just the memories of a beautiful day but also a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry of Taiwan. This journey to Shiding was more than just a tour; it was an exploration of the soul of Taiwanese culture, a reminder of the importance of preserving traditions, and a celebration of the harmonious blend of nature and human creativity.