Taiwan’s high mountain teas are famous worldwide, and among them, Li Shan tea is the most popular in the tea market. Why did Li Shan start growing tea? What are the characteristics that make Li Shan tea so popular? And how can you purchase authentic Li Shan tea? Let us answer these questions for you:
Origin of Li Shan Tea
Li Shan is a high mountain located in central Taiwan. In the past, it mainly produced high-altitude fruits and vegetables. However, in the early 1980s, tea was initially trial-planted on a small scale in central Li Shan, and the quality exceeded expectations. Over the next decade, tea planting gradually expanded throughout Li Shan. By the 1990s, the Taiwanese tea market shifted toward high mountain teas, with Li Shan tea becoming a leader in this trend, driving the booming development of the entire high mountain tea industry. Li Shan tea became one of the best origins for Taiwanese high mountain oolong tea.
Why is Li Shan Tea So Popular? The Three Key Features of the Origin
| Super High Altitude | Li Shan tea is grown at an extremely high altitude, with the highest point reaching 2520 meters. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, and under such conditions, the tea leaves must grow thicker to withstand the cold. This results in Li Shan tea having rich nutritional content, low bitterness, and high sweetness. |
| Abundant Sunshine and Low Humidity | The Li Shan region enjoys plenty of sunshine and low humidity, allowing the tea leaves to fully absorb sunlight. The low humidity also helps maintain the quality stability during the tea production process, further enhancing the flavor and taste of the tea. |
| Advanced Tea Production Technology | Li Shan tea farmers have invested heavily in improving tea quality. They use large quantities of organic fertilizers, enzymes, and other high-quality nutrients, and employ advanced equipment such as frost protection fans (to prevent frost on the tea trees), ensuring that Li Shan tea remains at the forefront in tea production techniques. |
Types of Li Shan Tea
More than 99% of Li Shan tea is processed into lightly oxidized oolong tea (also known as high mountain oolong), with a small amount of black tea. The main harvest seasons are spring tea (May-June), autumn tea (August-September), and winter tea (October-November). Due to the cold weather in the high mountains, snow and frost begin in November, and sometimes only two harvests can be collected.
Li Shan tea is Taiwan’s highest quality tea. The low bitterness and high sweetness of the tea buds grown at super high altitudes make it the best material for producing top-grade oolong tea. Due to its terrain and cold climate, Li Shan tea has a relatively low yield. The limited production and high demand drive the higher price of Li Shan tea in the market, and unfortunately, there are also many counterfeit products. If you want to purchase authentic Li Shan oolong tea, here are a few trusted vendors:
| Fushoushan Farm | This is Taiwan’s official tea farm, with the highest altitude and largest tea plantation in Li Shan. They sell Li Shan tea at prices ranging from NT$7000 to NT$10,000 for 600 grams. |
| Li Shan Farmers’ Association | This is the official body that guides Li Shan farmers in planting, managing, and promoting Li Shan tea. They also promote and sell Li Shan tea, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing fake tea from them. |
| Liao Tea Shop | A well-known Taiwanese tea company that provides authentic and high-quality Li Shan tea. |