Every November, the chrysanthemum fields on the Jiuhu Plateau in Tongluo burst open with white and yellow flower carpets that from a distance resemble freshly fallen snow. This is Taiwan's largest chrysanthemum growing area, supplying 80% of the national output. After harvesting, farmers slow-dry the blossoms at low temperature to produce flower tea; the Agriculture and Food Agency tests every batch for 411 pesticide residues, with official backing for quality. Brew a cup and you have the whole plateau's autumn packed into a teacup.
What is Tongluo Chrysanthemum Tea
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) originates from Hangzhou, China; after being introduced to Taiwan it took root on the Jiuhu Plateau in Tongluo. The plateau sits at about 200 to 300 m elevation, with a large day-to-night temperature swing and well-drained soil — conditions that produce blossoms with a full, concentrated fragrance. After farmers harvest both white and yellow chrysanthemums, the flowers are slowly dried in low-temperature ovens to remove moisture while preserving the essential oils at the center of each blossom. When brewed, the tea turns golden-yellow, with a clean, mildly sweet-bitter taste; long steeping brings out a subtle sweetness, and it pairs well with rock sugar or goji berries.
Tongluo Township has been cultivating chrysanthemums for over 40 years. Currently, around 30 to 40 farming households in Jiuhu Village continue growing them, with a concentrated harvest period from mid-November to early December each year. The township farmers' association has set up an agricultural products sales center offering direct-from-source purchasing, and buyers can also visit Jiuhu Plateau farm households in person. The Miaoli County Government Tourism website publishes "Jiuhu Chrysanthemum Flower Field" travel information every year and co-organizes flower-viewing events with the Tongluo Township Office, making this one of the most talked-about agricultural attractions in the Hakka region every autumn.
How to enjoy it like a local
Local knowledge
Verified facts
- The Miaoli Regional Agricultural Research and Extension Station crop calendar records: Tongluo chrysanthemum harvest period is November to early December; Jiuhu Village accounts for 80% of Taiwan's national supply.
- The Agriculture and Food Agency tests every batch for 411 pesticide residues; products are only released to market after passing. Test results can be viewed on the Tongluo Township Farmers' Association official website.
- The Miaoli County Government Tourism website publishes annual Jiuhu chrysanthemum flower field travel announcements — officially recognized as a major agricultural landscape by the county government.
Tips for visiting
- Traffic is heavy on November weekends; going on a weekday or departing early is recommended. Jiuhu Plateau has no large parking lot, and roadside parking space is limited.
- When buying chrysanthemum tea, look for the "Tongluo Chrysanthemum" certification mark. Imported chrysanthemum imitations exist in the market; quality differs significantly from locally grown products.
- For farm-picking experiences, advance booking with individual farm households is required. The township farmers' association can help match visitors with farms; showing up without a booking may mean no availability.
Sources: Miaoli Regional Agricultural Research and Extension Station crop calendar, Miaoli County Government Tourism website, Tongluo Township Farmers' Association promotional materials, Agriculture and Food Agency testing announcements. Photos to be replaced after Dio's on-site shoot.