Emerald Tea Plantation Introduction
Wenshan Paochong tea is a renowned tea from northern Taiwan, with production areas stretching from Wenshan to Pinglin. In the scenic Shiding District of New Taipei City, there is a young tea farmer named Tseng Jen-Tsong. After working in a city job, he decided to return home to inherit his father's tea-making techniques and commitment, ensuring that the high-quality, pesticide-free Wenshan Paochong tea retains its aroma in tea shops. The Tseng family has been farming for generations. Originally working at a construction company in the city, he had a life-changing experience after attending the "Drifting Bird Camp" at the Council of Agriculture’s Taoyuan Agricultural Research and Extension Station. He resolutely left his urban job to take over his father's tea-making business in Shiding. The family's tea garden enjoys an excellent growing environment, making it a favorite hidden spot for photographers. In the early morning, a light mist shrouds the tea garden and the Emerald Reservoir, creating a scene resembling a Chinese ink wash painting; at dusk, a vivid sunset like an egg yolk with brilliant afterglow reflects beautifully on the calm waters of the reservoir. One of Tseng's proud legacies is the "Bagua Tea Garden," located on a small hill where the terrain and the growth patterns of the tea trees create a picturesque landscape resembling the arrangements on a Bagua diagram. "This rare view is known only to insiders. Many photography enthusiasts arrive here early in the morning and stay until evening just to capture a beautiful landscape shot." In addition to inheriting his family's superb tea growing and production techniques, Tseng aims to introduce innovative technologies and methods. He actively participates in various courses organized by the Council of Agriculture and collaborates with local farmers' associations for marketing, working hard to expand his brand. His dedicated efforts have often resulted in award-winning teas; however, Tseng is not one to rest on his laurels. The beautiful and tranquil environment of his hometown made him feel an undeniable connection to the tea garden even when working elsewhere. Upon returning, he reawakened his appreciation for this land's significance and greatness. He also wishes to convey its natural purity through the tea he cultivates, leading him to embark on a journey toward healthy organic agriculture, growing certified pesticide-free tea. His goal is to ensure that consumers can savor the health benefits of clear water and a natural environment with every sip of tea. Under Tseng’s thoughtful care, the tea garden is now vibrant with life; every summer night, fireflies dance with the mountain breeze. Fireflies, which can only thrive in pollution-free environments, are a perfect biological indicator of the pesticide-free conditions and a beautiful encouragement for Tseng’s tea garden. "Where there is flowing water, there are fireflies; where there are many fireflies, there are many frogs; and where there are frogs, watch out for snakes in the grass!" he often reminds visitors to the tea garden in a lighthearted tone. "Don't be afraid of these insects and creatures; a healthy environment fosters a rich biodiversity, and crops grown in such conditions will be healthy." Tseng's philosophy of farming is centered around the pursuit of health and vitality for the tea garden and the tea itself.
