For mainland travelers to the island of Taiwan, it is essential to bring home tea leaves, a most renowned local specialty. Today, let's take a look at oolong tea, one of the top varieties produced on the island.
Lugu Town in Nantou County is home to one of the best oolong tea farms on Taiwan Island. And Dongding Mountain is considered one of the most favorable areas for growing tea trees.
Wang Yuanzhong, the deputy head of Nantou County tourism agency said, "In baking and processing the tea leaves, we strictly follow traditional methods to ensure its distinctive flavor. Also, the tea is grown on Dongding Mountain, at an altitude of more than a thousand meters. The unique local climate adds a lot to the fragrance of the tea. Over the past hundred years, Dongding black dragon tea has earned wide fame among consumers. Now it is a very famous brand."
Every year, the region produces about 18 hundred tons of Dongding oolong Tea. The best tea leaves are selected during the winter and spring. Local farmers hold competitions to determine and classify the quality of the tea leaves.
Nantou County is also a major production base for Gaoshan Tea, traditionally grown at high-altitudes. The fragrance of Gaoshan Tea is considered as wonderful as that of the Dongding variety.
The county is also known for farm produce such as bamboo shoots and sweet potatoes. The local favorites are also popular among tourists.
(CCTV February 27, 2009)
