Whenever a friend asks me what tea to buy, my first question is always: "Do you prefer something light and refreshing, or something richer and fuller?"
Because even though they're all called "high mountain tea," different growing regions taste completely different. Here's a plain, honest guide to the three regions we sell most.
Alishan: The Perfect Starting Point
Alishan is probably the most well-known tea region in Taiwan. At 1,000–1,800m elevation, with frequent mountain mist and significant day-night temperature swings, the tea leaves grow slowly — and that slow growth produces a naturally delicate, refined flavor.
What does it taste like?
Fresh floral notes, naturally sweet, no bitterness, with a pleasant lingering sweetness after each sip. It's that "ah, this is high mountain tea" moment.
Who is it for?
Anyone new to Taiwanese tea, people who prefer lighter, cleaner flavors, or fans of light-roast oolong. It's also great for cold brew — steep it in the fridge overnight and it's incredible on a hot day.
Honestly, this is what we drink at home most often. Delicious and easygoing.
Shanlinxi: The One with Character
Shanlinxi is in Nantou County at 1,200–1,800m, blanketed in mist year-round with rich, fertile soil. The tea here has a distinctly bold personality — like stepping into a cool mountain forest.
What does it taste like?
More layered than Alishan, with a fuller body and a very satisfying aftertaste. Some batches carry a faint cedarwood or orchid note. The aftertaste lingers in your throat.
Who is it for?
People who like their tea to have presence — a stronger aroma, more depth. Many of our customers try Alishan first, then naturally gravitate toward Shanlinxi next.
We often call it the "next level" tea, but it's not intimidating — it's just more expressive.
Lishan: The Peak of Taiwanese High Mountain Tea
Lishan (Pear Mountain) is in Taichung at 1,700–2,500m — one of the highest tea-growing elevations in Taiwan. Because the altitude is so extreme, the tea plants grow incredibly slowly, yields are small, and prices reflect that.
What does it taste like?
Impossibly smooth. The first sip is soft and silky, with a cool, high-altitude floral quality that's hard to describe until you've tasted it. The aftertaste lingers for a long time — you'll still notice the fragrance minutes after your last sip.
Who is it for?
Anyone who wants to experience what Taiwan's finest tea really is. For gifting, for treating yourself, or for those moments when you want to sit down and really, properly enjoy a cup of tea. Lishan isn't an everyday tea — it's a "today I'm going to slow down and savour something special" tea.
Quick Comparison
| Alishan | Shanlinxi | Lishan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altitude | 1,000–1,800m | 1,200–1,800m | 1,700–2,500m |
| Aroma | Fresh floral | Bold, layered | Delicate, cool |
| Taste | Light & sweet | Full-bodied | Silky & refined |
| Best for | Beginners, daily | Tea lovers | Gifting, special occasions |
| Price range | US$ | US$$ | US$$$ |
No region is better than another — it's all about what suits you.
If you're not sure where to begin, start with Alishan. Once you've got a feel for it, explore from there. Our Three Flavors Spring Set lets you try three different styles side by side — a lot of our customers say it's the first time they really figured out their own preference.
Questions? We love talking tea. Drop us a line anytime 🍃