Hugosum Tea Forest Introduction
Sun Moon Lake Black Tea returns to the world stage with tea master Shih Chao-hsing, who began his tea-making journey in 1949 at the "Tea Industry Training Institute." He was later assigned to work at the "Chimu Black Tea Factory," inheriting the tea-making techniques from Japanese master tea makers and serving as the factory director until his retirement. His passion and dedication to black tea witnessed the rise and decline of the Sun Moon Lake black tea industry. Once, Sun Moon Lake black tea was extremely popular, thriving from the early Japanese occupation period through the prosperous tea garden era of the 1960s. However, with significant changes in the tea industry and the influx of cheap foreign tea leaves, the Sun Moon Lake black tea industry gradually declined. After a lifetime of planting and making tea, the master remained devoted to this land and hoped for the industry's revival. While others became wealthy from betel nut farming, he insisted on cultivating tea, believing that one day black tea would regain its glory. Currently, the next generation has inherited the master’s spirit and tea-making skills, determined to not only produce quality tea but also to ensure that great tea is recognized and rejuvenate the image of Sun Moon Lake black tea. In 2005, a tourist tea factory was established, providing a space to witness the historical and cultural development of the Sun Moon Lake black tea industry. It aims to educate more people about the black tea industry and contribute to the local cultural heritage, further promoting the culture of Sun Moon Lake black tea and showcasing its tea art revival to the world. A black tea feast! No matter when you visit, if your taste buds are excited, you can enjoy unique signature treats like "Black Tea Pancakes," "Cat Paw Cake," and "Black Tea Jelly." If you're in the mood for something savory, there’s also "Black Tea Braised Tofu" for you to try! If that still doesn’t satisfy your discerning palate, you can order a pot of exquisite black tea or one of the exclusive blends featuring more than ten different black tea-related drinks, especially the "Grandma Green Lemon Black Tea" and "Dark Roasted Latte," which are sure to delight. The New Cultural and Creative Black Tea Forest combines a traditional tea factory with tourism, so when you visit during the tea production season (April to November), you'll often see the rolling machine diligently kneading the tea leaves in the morning, or catch the aroma of drying tea leaves in the afternoon. No matter when you come, you will always experience a remarkable surprise! If you wish to learn more about black tea and have an immersive experience, we offer nearly ten DIY courses such as "Half-Day Tea Master Experience," "Tea Making Master," and "Butterfly Valley Color Art Master," allowing you to transform from a novice into a black tea expert.
