Fuyuan Tea Factory Introduction
Taoyuan's Longtan, which has experienced the rise and fall of tea production in Taiwan, was once home to hundreds of tea factories during its heyday. Many of these factories have since been closed or sold, leaving only a handful still in operation today. Mr. Huang Wenliang, the fourth-generation successor of Fuyuan Tea Factory, feels deeply about this. The peak annual production of "black gold," reaching 3 to 4 million pounds, has drastically reduced to one-tenth as external sales advantages diminished. However, with a steadfast belief in perseverance, the tea factory has weathered the downturn, not only continuing the century-old tea aroma but also vigorously promoting fine tea culture. Walking along the old trails to Fuyuan Tea Factory, you will encounter picturesque natural scenery of fields and hills, Hakka flower cloth on conical hats, and tea pickers bending down with bamboo baskets to harvest tea, creating a serene and delightful tea garden landscape. Founded in 1949, Fuyuan's founder sourced materials locally to build the tea factory and adopted mechanized production methods for mass production. Today, antique European tea-making machines can still be seen operating continuously inside the factory, churning out the historical trajectory of tea amidst the rumbling sounds of roasting tea. When brewed, it emits a fragrant cinnamon aroma, and upon tasting, it reveals a refreshing mint flavor. The signature tea of Fuyuan Tea Factory, "Red Jade" (Taiwan Tea No. 18), is astonishing in its initial flavor, clearly reflecting the dedication of the tea growers. The detailed tours within the factory allow visitors to gain in-depth knowledge of the tea-making process. Additionally, the "sour lime tea" used in Gongfu tea and "Oriental Beauty Tea," a Fenghuang tea, are worth savoring one by one. The well-known beverage brand Cha Li Wang's Japanese green tea is produced at Fuyuan Tea Factory, and its advertisements were also filmed on-site. The tea factory offers activities such as tea picking, rolling cloth balls, red tea rolling, and DIY tea powder grinding, allowing travelers to experience tea-making. Within the quaint tea factory, visitors can follow the master to learn about tea culture and create flavorful tea drinks. Every step of the process must be taken seriously, and amidst the healing tea fragrance, one unconsciously releases the stress of a busy life.
