Thousand Island Lake

Meet your guide, relax and enjoy a scenic drive along the twisty mountain road, we will take you to Shiding, a rural district of New Taipei City. Located in the south of Shiding District, Thousand Island Lake, also known as Qiandao Lake in Chinese literally means a lake with thousands of islands. Shared the same name with the famous attraction in Zhejiang Province of Mainland China, the catchment area of Feitsui Reservoir surrounded by hills creates a similar scenery. The natural terrain and climate make the surrounding area of Feitsui Reservoir ideal farmland for tea-growing, including the well-known Wenshan Pouchong and Dong Fang Mei Ren (literally means “Oriental Beauty Oolong Tea”). The noted tea plantation Bagua Tea Garden is located in this area too, from the top of the hill, the neatly planted rows of tea look just like the symbols of Eight Trigrams. Continue your half-day tour through a 15-min drive to Pinglin District, where the famous Wenshan Pouchong is cultivated. The first stop is Pinglin Tea Museum, a Hokkien-style Siheyuan (quadrangle courtyard house), where you will see the tools and equipment for tea harvesting in the past, and learn about the history and development of the Taiwanese tea industry. Coming up is a local tea shop. Your guide and the tea instructor will give an introduction to Taiwanese tea, and how to properly brew Taiwanese tea during your visit. Here you also have a chance to taste the tea samples. Your tour ends with a return transfer to your chosen drop-off location. Either at Xinyi Shopping District (Taipei 101) or MRT Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station.

Your adventure commences with a scenic ride on the Maokong Gondola, designed for leisurely travel, boasts the lengthiest route, offering awe-inspiring aerial vistas of Southern Taipei. This picturesque ride offers stunning mountain scenery from a lofty vantage point, making it a favored activity among foreign tourists exploring Taipei. The Maokong Tea Fragrance Loop Trail comprises four short, paved paths. Along the trail, you’ll encounter beautiful natural features like potholes, waterfalls, and forests, all visible during the hike. The Maokong Zhangshu Trail is another beloved leisure trail among the locals, you’ll discover the terraced fields, ponds, tea gardens, and more, creating the sensation of stepping into an idyllic picture as you stroll through this scenic landscape. The Taipei Tea Promotion Center for Tieguanyin and Baozhong serves as a leisurely park dedicated to showcase the exceptional quality and authenticity of Taiwan’s Tieguanyin and Baozhong teas. By exploring the center, visitors can gain insights into the evolution of Taiwanese tea and ecological knowledge through the informational exhibits, tea panning machines, and more. After a few hours of walking, you might find yourself hungry and craving some local foods. Beyond its scenic beauty, Maokong is a hotspot for tea tasting. Abound with teahouses, most of them offer freshly brewed teas and meals, allowing you to enjoy a delectable lunch in the delightful aroma of tea at your own expense. Following lunch, your tea tour proceeds with a visit to Thousand Island Lake in Shiding. Shiding, a rural area celebrated for its tea cultivation and stunning landscapes. The catchment area around the Feitsui Reservoir, nestled among hills, creates a distinctive scenery—a lake adorned with numerous islands. Its resemblance to the Thousand Island Lake in China has bestowed upon it the same name. The Bagua Tea Plantation also locates in this area. When viewed from the hilltop, the neatly planted rows of tea bushes resemble the symbols of Eight Trigrams, which inspired the plantation’s name. After indulging in the natural tea aroma, your tea tour continues to uncover the intricacies of tea processing and its evolution. The Pinglin Tea Museum, a Hokkien-style Siheyuan architecture, inviting the visitors to delve into the world of Taiwanese tea. This museum houses a rich collection of traditional harvesting tools, tea sets, samples, and more, offering insights into the history and evolution of Taiwan’s tea industry. While in Pinglin, you can’t miss the chance to savor authentic Taiwanese tea at a local tea shop. The tea sommelier will demonstrate the proper brewing techniques to bring out the flavors of the tea leaves, making your tea more aromatic and enhancing your tea tasting experience. At the end of this fantastic tea tour to Maokong, Shiding, and Pinglin, you may choose to disembark at Xinyi Shopping District (Taipei 101) or at MRT Zhongxiao XInsheng Station.

Embark on an unforgettable private tour with convenient hotel pick-up from Taipei. Begin your journey by admiring the stunning landscapes of Thousand Island Lake, a serene and picturesque destination known for its tranquil waters and lush surroundings. The breathtaking views provide the perfect escape from the bustling city, offering a peaceful retreat into nature. Next, immerse yourself in the endless rows of tea plants at the Bagua Tea Plantation, where you can stroll through the rolling hills covered in vibrant greenery. This scenic spot is famous for its locally grown tea, where the carefully cultivated tea leaves fill the air with a fresh and floral aroma. You'll have the opportunity to taste the finest Taiwanese tea, appreciating the delicate flavors that make this region’s tea so renowned. Continue your journey by visiting the Pinglin Tea Museum, where you’ll delve into the rich history and cultural significance of Taiwanese tea. Learn about the development of tea cultivation in Taiwan, from traditional practices to modern techniques, and discover how tea has become an integral part of the island's culture. Your tour concludes with a visit to Local Tea House, where you can further indulge in the local tea culture and savor the flavors of freshly brewed tea in a peaceful, traditional setting. Whether you're a tea enthusiast or simply looking to explore Taiwan's natural beauty, this tour offers the perfect combination of scenic views, cultural exploration, and tea-tasting experiences.

Start your day with a convenient hotel pickup and embark on a journey through northern Taiwan, where you’ll discover the region's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. First, arrive at Yangmingshan National Park, an expansive and serene volcanic landscape. Explore geothermal vents and steaming fumaroles, then take a scenic walk across the Qingtiangang Grassland, where you’ll be surrounded by grazing cattle and panoramic views of the Taipei Basin. Alternatively, you can visit Thousand Island Lake, a tranquil destination with small islands dotting the serene waters, perfect for a peaceful nature walk or boat ride. Next, head to Yehliu Geopark, known for its fascinating rock formations, such as the famous Queen’s Head, Tofu Rock, and Bee Hive Rock. These natural wonders, shaped by wind and sea, provide stunning views and insight into Taiwan's geological history. In Jiufen, wander through narrow alleys lit by traditional red lanterns, offering a nostalgic atmosphere. Discover local teahouses, sample regional snacks like taro balls, and enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from this charming, hillside town. Continue to Shifen, famous for its sky lantern tradition. Here, you can release your own lantern into the sky, carrying your personal wishes with it. Finally, conclude your day at Shifen Waterfall, Taiwan’s largest cascade. A scenic walk through the forest leads to breathtaking viewpoints where you can feel the refreshing mist of the falls, offering a perfect, peaceful end to your adventure before returning to Taipei.