Thousand Island Lake and Pinglin Tea Plantation from Taipei

Taipei , Taiwan (Republic of China)

Thousand Island Lake and Pinglin Tea Plantation from Taipei

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About this experience

Welcome to the birthplace of the most beloved beverage in the world—bubble tea! Whether you are a seasoned tea connoisseur, or simply love to drink tea, through this guided tour to Pinglin Tea Plantation and Thousand Island Lake, you will get glimpses of the tea culture in Taiwan, and learn about the development of Taiwanese tea.

Pinglin District in New Taipei City is the home to Wenshan Baozhong tea, where you will visit the tea museum to explore the world of Taiwanese tea, and taste the aromatic Taiwanese tea at a tea shop. Not only that, on this tour you will pay a visit to Thousand Island Lake and Bagua Tea Plantation for a rendezvous with nature, immersing yourself in the verdant landscapes and the dreamy lake.

Take an afternoon out of your busy schedule and unwind! Enjoy a half-day tour to Pinglin and Thousand Island Lake from Taipei.

Available options

Private Tour (EN, CN, VN)

Tour Type: Enjoy this half-day tour with your own private guide, and pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in downtown Taipei City.

Group Tour (EN, CN)

Tour Type: Enjoy a join-in tour and meet people of all ages from different countries. (fixed meeting point)

What's included

Local tea tasting

Local General Liabilities Insurance

Professional licensed tour guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Hotel pickup and drop-off (if private option selected)

Detailed itinerary

Your tour starts with a visit to Thousand Island Lake, which is located in the south of Shiding District, New Taipei City.

The catchment area of Feitsui Reservoir surrounded by hills creates the unique scenery—a lake with thousands of islands, which shares the same name with the “Qiandao Lake” (literally thousand island lake) in China due to the resemblance between the two.

The natural terrain and climate make the surrounding area of Feitsui Reservoir an ideal farmland for tea-growing, including Wenshan Baozhong tea and Dong Fang Mei Ren tea. Bagua Tea Plantation is located in this area, too. From the top of the hill, the neatly planted rows of tea look just like the symbols of Eight Trigrams, hence the name.

You will make a stop here and enjoy the stunning views of the endless rows of tea plants amidst the rolling hills around you.

Your tour continues with a visit to Pinglin Tea Museum, a Hokkien-style Siheyuan (quadrangle courtyard house) type of building that characterizes the traditional dwelling of Taiwan.

The museum has an abundant collection of traditional harvesting tools and equipment, tea sets, tea samples and many more that you will learn about the history and development of Taiwan’s tea industry. Additionally, the AR contents offer immersive experiences that you can interact with the exhibits, and have a better understanding of the world of Taiwanese tea.

Since you are in Pinglin, of course you will not miss out on the opportunity to taste the authentic Taiwanese tea at a local tea shop.

The tea shop owner will give an introduction to Taiwanese tea, and show you how to properly brew the tea to bring out the flavors of the tea leaves. You will also have an opportunity to taste different tea samples.

Stop 5 Pass by

On the way back to our meeting point, you can choose to be dropped off at Taipei 101.

What's not included

Meals

Explore more, Bottle less, Save the planet!

Tipping is not required, but it's a wonderful way to show appreciation for your guide's service.

Available languages

Guide guide

VI ZH-TW CMN EN ZH-CN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

90 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.6

72 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Ensure you carry enough cash with you to cover your expenses for meals, beverages, souvenirs, tips, etc. Convenience stores and most of the eateries in Taiwan don't accept credit cards as a form of payment.

Not recommended for travelers with physical disabilities.

A small amount of walking is involved; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Meeting point

Group Tour: Exit 2, MRT Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station (BL14 /O07).
Please take the escalator to the ground level, your tour guide will be waiting for you near the exit with the tour operator's logo flag (EDISON TOURS).

Private Tour: Complimentary Downtown Taipei City Hotel Pick-up

Important notes

If you need any further information or assistance, you can reach
us via local landline (+886225635313), Whatsapp (+886966550866) or Line@
(@edisontours) every day, 08:00 - 18:00 (Taiwan Time, GMT+8).

About Taipei

Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan, is a fascinating blend of traditional culture and modern innovation. Known for its bustling night markets, towering skyscrapers, and lush green mountains, Taipei offers a unique urban experience with a rich cultural heritage.

Top Attractions

Taipei 101

Once the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101 is an iconic skyscraper and a symbol of modern Taipei. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck on the 89th floor.

Architecture/Observation Deck 1-2 hours NT$600-800 (observation deck ticket)

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

This national memorial hall is dedicated to Chiang Kai-shek, former leader of the Republic of China. The hall features a large museum, gardens, and a daily changing of the guard ceremony.

Historical/Memorial 1-2 hours Free (museum admission may vary)

Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)

Elephant Mountain is a popular hiking spot offering one of the best views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. The hike is relatively short and suitable for most fitness levels.

Nature/Scenic Viewpoint 1-2 hours (hike and sightseeing) Free

Shilin Night Market

One of the largest and most famous night markets in Taipei, Shilin Night Market offers a wide variety of street food, snacks, and shopping. It's a must-visit for food lovers.

Food/Market 2-3 hours Budget to moderate (depending on food and shopping)

Beitou Hot Springs

Beitou is known for its natural hot springs, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. There are several public and private hot spring resorts to choose from.

Relaxation/Spas 2-3 hours Moderate to expensive (depending on the resort)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Beef Noodle Soup

A hearty soup made with tender beef, chewy noodles, and a rich, flavorful broth. It's considered Taiwan's national dish.

Lunch/Dinner Contains beef and gluten (noodles).

Bubble Tea

A popular Taiwanese beverage made with tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls. It comes in various flavors and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Drink Vegetarian (if made without dairy).

Oyster Omelet

A savory omelet made with fresh oysters, eggs, and a sweet and tangy sauce. It's a popular street food item.

Snack Contains seafood and eggs.

Stinky Tofu

Fermented tofu with a strong odor, usually deep-fried and served with pickled cabbage and sauce. It's an acquired taste but a must-try for adventurous eaters.

Snack Vegetarian (if made without meat-based broth).

Popular Activities

Hiking in Yangmingshan National Park Paragliding in Wuling Farm Visiting Beitou Hot Springs Tea tasting in Maokong Exploring historic temples and shrines Visiting museums and art galleries Kayaking in the Tamsui River Stand-up paddleboarding in Ximending

Best Time to Visit

October to December

This period offers pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures and clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. It's also the time for various festivals and events.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Mandarin Chinese
Widely spoken: English, Taiwanese (Hokkien), Hakka
English: Moderately spoken (in tourist areas and among younger generations)

Currency

New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Taipei is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, visitors should still take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport • 40 km from city center
Taipei Songshan Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Taipei Main Station, Banqiao Station

By bus

Taipei Bus Station, Taipei City Hall Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Taipei Metro is clean, efficient, and easy to use. It operates from 6:00 AM to midnight and has both English and Chinese signage.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Taiwan Taxi App

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ximending Daan Zhongshan

Day trips

Jiufen

40 km from Taipei • Half day to full day

A charming mountain town known for its narrow streets, tea houses, and historic sites. Jiufen is often compared to a smaller version of Tokyo's Golden Gai.

Yehliu Geopark

40 km from Taipei • Half day

A unique geopark featuring fascinating rock formations, including the famous Queen's Head, created by erosion over thousands of years.

Tamsui

15 km from Taipei • Half day to full day

A historic district at the mouth of the Tamsui River, known for its beautiful sunset views, historic sites, and vibrant night market.

Festivals

Taipei Lantern Festival • February (dates vary, typically around the Chinese New Year) Taipei Pride • Late October (dates vary) Taipei International Food Show • June (dates vary)

Pro tips

Use the EasyCard for convenient and discounted payments on public transportation, as well as for access to some attractions and shops.
Visit popular attractions, such as Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum, early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Explore the city's vibrant night markets, such as Shilin and Raohe, for an authentic and unforgettable culinary experience.
Take a day trip to nearby attractions, such as Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Tamsui, to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.
Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your travel experience and connect with locals.