The tea garden is cultivated using natural farming methods, free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In a semi-shaded environment, the tea trees grow freely, coexisting harmoniously with plum trees, ferns, and other plants. Due to its low yield and labor-intensive harvesting, the tea requires the careful craftsmanship of skilled tea makers. A-Yong follows traditional tea-making procedures, from hand-picking leaves, withering, rolling, to drying, unlocking the mountain forest’s rich fragrance. He crafts original mountain tea, white tea, and fully fermented black tea, each offering a smooth taste with delicate floral and fruity aromas.
Introduction
Kaohsiung stands as a key production hub for Taiwanese mountain tea, and SIN YUAN Tea Factory, located in Xinfali, Liugui, was once the core of the tea industry. At its peak, more than twenty tea factories thrived here, though only seven remain today. Ah Yong (Hsu Shengyang) grew up immersed in tea culture. Even while studying away from home, he would return during the tea season to help out. Later, following his father’s advice, he left his job and came back to inherit the family business, continuing his grandfather’s tea cultivation and processing techniques, keeping the unique aroma of Taiwanese mountain tea alive.
Reflecting on the mountain tea industry, Ah Yong sums it up perfectly: “The first generation builds, the second inherits, and the third innovates.” SIN YUAN Tea Factory highlights the unique Liugui native mountain tea. Grown wild along the mountain slopes, the tea trees produce thick, pectin-rich leaves with high catechin content, creating a distinctive flavor. This results in a clear, refreshing tea with a lingering aftertaste, earning it a loyal following.
Features of Agricultural Tourism
Tea
The green tea ice cream offers a rich, aromatic flavor with a hint of astringency that leaves a memorable taste. Meanwhile, the black tea ice cream, blending fresh milk with black tea, delivers a milk tea-like flavor adored by children. Their signature tea eggs, soaked in soy sauce and mountain tea-infused black tea for three days and nights, boast tender egg whites and creamy yolks. This delightful snack pairs perfectly with smooth cold-brewed mountain tea, making it a highly praised afternoon treat.
Visitors can engage in hands-on tea rolling, gaining a deeper understanding of how fresh leaves are transformed into tea. Through the tea ceremony experience, guests can savor the elegance of brewing and tasting tea, immersing themselves in the rich world of mountain tea. Furthermore, Ah Yong continually explores diverse business models, collaborating with other returning young entrepreneurs to jointly promote the Liugui tea industry. Together, they aim to ensure that the allure of Taiwan’s native mountain tea endures for generations.
