Sun Moon Lake — Home of Taiwan's Finest Black Tea
Yuchi Township sits at 600–800 meters elevation, wrapped in mist year-round with rich red soil and large day-night temperature swings — ideal conditions for world-class black tea. Two star cultivars have put this region on the global tea map: Ruby Black Tea (Tai Cha No. 18) with its signature mint-and-cinnamon aroma, and Hongyu Black Tea (Tai Cha No. 21) with delicate pomelo blossom and honey notes. As a third-generation tea farmer, I'm excited to share my favorite six tea houses.
Baiyucha Tea Garden — Our Own Estate
First up: our family's own Baiyucha Tea Garden, perched on a hillside at 650 meters. Three generations of hand-picking and sun-withering expertise go into every batch.
- Signature: Ruby Black Tea No. 18 — natural mint and cinnamon notes
- Experience: Guests at our B&B enjoy a complimentary tea garden tour and tasting, personally led by me
- Purchase: Available at the B&B lobby and our Yahoo online store
Sun Moon Old Tea Factory
Built in 1959, this atmospheric factory preserves its original rolling and drying machines. Admission is free; the upstairs tea room serves pots of premium black tea for NT$200–350. Gift tins range from NT$300 to NT$1,500. A 15-minute drive from our B&B.
Assam Forest (Heka Senrin)
Assam Forest (和菓森林) is a boutique tea estate run by young returnees. The highlight is the tea-making DIY — roll your own leaves and take home your personal batch of black tea.
- DIY: NT$350/person, ~1.5–2 hours (reservation required)
- Tasting set: NT$250 for three teas plus snacks
- 12-minute drive from our B&B
Hohocha Tea Experience Park
Hohocha is the most popular new tea attraction at Sun Moon Lake. The Zen-inspired campus on a hilltop is incredibly photogenic.
- Admission: NT$80 (includes NT$50 voucher)
- Welcome gift: A cup of black tea and a tea egg on arrival
- Must-buy: Tea egg rolls, tea nougat, cold-brew black tea
- 10-minute drive from our B&B
Liao's Black Tea Story House
Founded by a former Yuchi township chief, this free museum traces the full history of Sun Moon Lake tea — from the Japanese colonial era to today. Free tastings let you compare Ruby No. 18 and Hongyu No. 21 side by side. 8 minutes from our B&B.
Ruby vs. Hongyu — Know Your Tea
- Ruby (No. 18): Burmese large-leaf crossed with wild Taiwanese tea; mint and cinnamon aroma; bright amber cup; smooth and sweet
- Hongyu (No. 21): Indian Kyang crossed with Keemun; pomelo blossom and honey aroma; mellow and rounded
Both are world-class. Stay with us and I guarantee you'll discover your favorite.