Antique Assam Tea Farm

Review

Antique Assam Tea Farm sits at No. 38 Youshui Lane, Zhongming Village, Yuchi, about a twenty-minute drive uphill from Sun Moon Lake. Supertaste explains that it began as the Yuchi tea farm of Taiwan Agriculture and Forestry, with roots in the Japanese-era black tea industry, and The News Lens's Nantou feature notes that after the 921 earthquake the old factory was converted into a visitor tea factory that still operates today.

Inside, a visitor route passes intact tea machinery and old factory halls, and the air smells of tea. The ground floor has a shop, tea tables, an outdoor tasting area and a production line display, while upstairs there is a reading area and space for tea classes. Staff offer several black teas to sample; the most recommended is the premium Ruby Black Tea, Taiwan Tea No. 18, alongside Assam and Red Rhyme.

Fans praise the atmosphere of the old factory, free entry and enthusiastic staff, with both Assam and Ruby well liked and the clean restrooms often mentioned. Critics find the gift boxes pricier than small farms nearby and note that it is mostly self-guided with little explanation; some visiting in the winter off-season found the machines idle and the car park closed, leaving after fifteen minutes.

Online listings show hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; check before going. There is no admission fee and about thirty minutes is enough; hands-on activities start at NT$300 and should be asked about separately. The mountain road winds, so drive carefully, and on holidays you may need to park by the roadside. Visiting during tea-making season gives a better chance of seeing work in progress.

Good for Sun Moon Lake visitors who want to learn about Taiwanese black tea or buy tea as gifts. Taste Ruby and Assam before choosing: Assam for something brisk and clean, Ruby for its distinctive aroma. It pairs well in an itinerary with the Paper Dome and Sun Moon Lake.