Taiwan Oolong Study Tour
19-26 October, 2025 (New Dates in 2026)
We recently returned from our tea study trip in Taiwan this November. An 8-day immersive journey through mountain farms, artisan workshops, modern factories, brand innovators, and industry leaders. It was designed for both tea enthusiasts and businesses.
Our first two days were spent at the Taiwan Tea Authority - Tea and Beverage Research Stations (TBRS). On the third and fourth days, we had a unique opportunity to handcraft our own oolong teas by going through the whole picking and oxidation process in Alishan, to better understand the various tastes and how each processing step influences the tea, from the crops to the final cups.
During the program, we visited multiple tea farms (old/new/revitalised/organic), enjoyed crafting and tasting fresh tea leaves with renowned producers, and got trained in official cupping and grading system by competition officers.
We partnered with leading tea professionals, it was an exceptional learning experience encompassing the full spectrum of Taiwan's tea culture.
Tea & Beverage Research Station
Pinglin, New Taipei
Alishan High-Mountain Tea Farm
Meishan, Chiayi
Learning Taiwanese Tea Grading with Competition Judges
Yuchi, Nantou
Learning Taiwanese Tea Grading with Competition Judges
Yuchi, Nantou
This year, we visited Taiwan's most iconic tea regions, including Pinglin (Pouchong), Nantou (Dong Ding), Alishan (High-Mountain Oolong), and HsinChu (Oriental Beauty).
A unique journey tracing the entire life of Taiwanese tea through fields, factories, teahouses, and top brands, providing a structured approach and in-depth learning of cultural significance, craftsmanship, and industry insights.
See some of the highlights:
Taiwan Oolong Tea-Making
A hands-on experience and in-depth learning of the whole Taiwanese Oolong tea-making process, along with valuable insights from skilled tea producers.
Photo: Taiwan Oolong Study Tour 2025
Taiwan Tea Grading
An uncommon chance to witness the official tea competition in Taiwan and gain insights from authentic experiences with the competition judges.
Photo: Taiwan Oolong Study Tour 2025
Taiwan Tea House & Tea Cultures
Visiting the most beautiful tea houses, allowing you to enjoy meaningful connections with tea, people, history, and its modernisation.
Photo Credit: Yumm Cha
Taiwan Mountains & Forests
Beyond deepening your tea knowledge, this journey will take you through Taiwan’s breathtaking mountain landscapes that are hard to reach by tourism. A rare chance to reconnect with nature purest air and the scents of fresh tea leaves.
Photo: Taiwan Oolong Study Tour 2025
Taiwanese Foods & Souvenir
During the study tour, we will enjoy various local cuisines to immerse ourselves in Taiwan's authentic culture fully.
Photo: Taiwan Oolong Study Tour 2025
Global Tea Community & Networks
The study tour will be completed with a certification from the Taiwan Tea Institute and joining our worldwide tea enthusiast and professional network.
Photo Credit: Josephine Pan / Our Partner
Meet Your Instructor 2025
Thomas Shu, the “Ambassador of Taiwan Tea”
The third-generation tea specialist from Taiwan, who co-founded the first US tea brand focused on the world’s finest Oolong speciality teas. In 2007, Thomas was given the honorary title ‘Ambassador of Taiwan Tea’ by the Taiwan Tea Manufacturers’ Association in recognition of his many contributions to the Taiwan’s tea industry. He is also serving as a Strategic Technical for the World Tea Academy.
FOR WHO The tea tour is designed for tea lovers as well as tea professionals, including tea businesses, tea house/bars, and tea producers from the EU and the US. We will have a capacity of approximately 10 participants. The entire journey will be conducted in English.
INCLUDED: entrance fees for the trip, all meals, transportation within Taiwan, entrance to activities, local insurance, tea tastings, and tea-making materials for 8 days.
NOT INCLUDED: Flight tickets and accommodations will be arranged individually, and we will provide each participant with all information after your successful registration. We will stay together during the entire trip.
The new 2026 date will be announced later.
Nationals of Canada, the United States, the European Union member states and many other countries are eligible for a visa waiver and are not required to obtain a visa in order to enter and conduct business activities in Taiwan with a duration of stay of up to 90 days.
Tea Trip Look-Back 2024
Video Credits: Thomas Shu , Josephine Pan
Tea Trip Look-Back 2024
Video Credits: Thomas Shu , Josephine Pan
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