The three plateau terraces of Longtan, Dianzaihu, and Tongluo encircle what is known as Longquan Tea — one of Taiwan's few remaining production areas still committed to the light-roast oolong methods of baozhong (pouchong) tea. In 1983, Provincial Governor Li Denghui visited the tea gardens and personally named the tea "Longquan." From that point on, "Longquan" became the official designation for Longtan tea. When the competition-tea season arrives, the specifications of award-winning lots are published transparently — the best entry point for getting to know this tea region.
What is Longquan Tea
Longquan Tea is a lightly oxidized, light-roast oolong following the "four core steps" of production: sunlight withering, indoor still-withering, pan-firing, and rolling with drying. Compared to the more heavily oxidized Oriental Beauty, Longquan Tea undergoes only 15–20% oxidation. The finished leaf is rolled into strip form with a bright green color. When brewed, the liquor is clear golden-yellow; the taste is fresh and sweetly mellow, with a trailing natural orchid fragrance at the finish — this floral note is not added but is the result of fresh leaf quality and temperature control during processing.
Longtan's plateau sits at roughly 200–350 meters above sea level. Year-round moderate cloud cover and a wide day-to-night temperature range extend the time aromatic compounds accumulate in the tea leaves. The Longtan Township Farmers' Association (now the Taoyuan City Longtan District Farmers' Association) has held competition-tea evaluations since the 1980s with a well-established, credible system; annual results drive the production area's reputation. The Taoyuan City Government's Agriculture Bureau also lists Longquan Tea as a county-city specialty product — the most recognizable local industry in Longtan's agricultural sector.
How to Drink It the Local Way
Local Knowledge
Verified Credentials
- The Taoyuan City Government Agriculture Bureau's official website lists Longquan Tea as a Taoyuan City agricultural specialty product, with the production area covering the three major plateau terraces of Longtan.
- In 1983 (Republic of China Year 72), Provincial Governor Li Denghui personally visited the tea gardens and named the tea "Longquan" — a fact supported by local agricultural historical records.
- The Longtan District Farmers' Association's historical competition-tea records are publicly available; award-winning lots are traceable and not marketing slogans.
Practical Tips
- Competition-tea evaluations are typically held during the spring harvest (April–May). Award-winning teas are produced in small quantities and priced accordingly — the window of one to two months after the evaluation is when to act.
- Direct-from-farmer tea and Farmers' Association-packaged tea differ slightly in flavor. Tasting before buying is recommended; don't judge solely by the grade on the outer packaging.
- The Longtan production area is small, and the "Longquan Tea" name is sometimes borrowed by operators outside the region. When purchasing, check whether the product indicates Longtan District Farmers' Association certification.
Sources: Taoyuan City Government Agriculture Bureau official website, Longtan District Farmers' Association competition-tea records, Taoyuan City agricultural specialty records. Photos pending Dio's on-site shoot.