The Fascinating Thousand Island Lake and Pinglin Tea Plantation from Taipei

Taipei City is one of the most interesting and dynamic cities in all of Asia and it is a tourist’s delight. From its vibrant night markets to the breathtaking landscapes and nature walks, the city has something for everyone. One of the most unique attractions for tourists is the Thousand Island Lake and the Pinglin Tea Plantation. A visit to this idyllic spot is a must for anyone visiting the city. Located in Wulai District, New Taipei City, this gorgeous lake and tea plantation are just beyond the urban hustle and bustle of Taiwan’s capital. Getting there is quite easy and therefore can be included in any individual’s or group’s itinerary whilst visiting the city. Visitors can take the metro to Gete Station and then proceed by bus, car or taxi to arrive at the lake in about an hour’s time.

What is Thousand Island Lake?

Thousand Island Lake (Qian Kou Hu) is a artificial reservoir located near the city. It is part of a hydropower and irrigation project in the area and was built in 1945. It was initially called Xihu Lake and then renamed three years later to Qian Kou Hu. The dam stretching across it measures 832 meters in length and 39.6 meters in height. In total, the lake has a storage capacity of 40 million cubic meters. Besides being used to generate electricity, the lake also supplies water to 780,000 acres of nearby farmland.

How was Thousand Island Lake Created?

The creation of Thousand Island Lake began in 1945 during the Japanese rule when it served as their major irrigation and energy source in the region. Construction was completed by 1949 and it has been operational ever since. Beforehand, the area had been an open valley with two streams that were separated by a hillock in the middle. The lake was hugely aided by a dam at its end, created by laborers as part of a public project. This structure, as well as various other constructions around the lake, were completed in 1949. The lake was then renamed Thousand Island Lake at his juncture. Over the years since then, many haitun (white sturgeon) have been deposited into the lake to promote aquaculture in Taiwan’s waters, creating a diverse ecosystem to explore when visiting.

What is the Pinglin Tea Plantation?

The Pinglin Tea Plantation is an organization committed to promoting high quality Taiwanese teas and educating people on its culture and tradition. Located south of Thousand Island Lake, it is renowned for being one of the most picturesque tea farms in Taiwan and also one of its oldest. The tea estate has an lovely mountain backdrop and a luscious green field surrounded by sloping hills. Pinglin village is home to one of Taiwan’s famous tea producing associations, alongside the Lugu and Muzushi tea producing associations in central Taiwan. It is renowned for its iconic Wenshan Baozhong tea, with its unique aroma and taste. The leafy-green mountain and riverbanks are ideal for producing ecologically grown tea without chemical inputs. Tourists visiting from all corners of the world find these unique tea flavors beguiling and worth tasting.

What is Unique about Pinglin Tea Plantation?

Pinglin Tea Plantation has a long history of cultivating tea that dates back centuries ago. The plantation is located on fertile land beneath lush mountains, creating perfect conditions to produce a high quality tea product that has become renowned around Asia. Professor Su of National Taiwan University declared Pinglin tea as having one of the best taste profiles ever tasted. Every single batch of tea is processed by hand, thus disregarding machinery production methods used in other tea-producing areas of Taiwan and across the rest of Asia. This also allows for exact measurements and customizing when blending different teas together. The Pinglin Tea Research Institute is known for its cultivation techniques and has been on the cutting edge of research for sustainable growing for years now. The institute covers over 100 acres land where 140 new Taiwanese tea varieties are bred and developed annually under expert supervision; this unceasing dedication to furthering tea farming techniques has led to their teas being regarded as some of the best tasting worldwide.

How to Visit Thousand Island Lake and/or Pinglin Tea Plantation from Taipei?

Visiting Thousand Island Lake and/or Pinglin Tea Plantation from Taipei City is relatively easy with various means of transport available including bus, car rental or taxi service. Taking a bus is the most cost-effective way to get there as it will only take around an hour one way 7 Taipei to Wulai District. From Taipei Main Station on Zhongxiao West Road – Section 5, take bus number 795 (Wulai-A Penglai) and alight at Toushe Station which comes after Wulai Station stop at around an hour’s time. Alighting at Toushe Station, visitors can continue their journey till they reach Pinglin Tea Plantation by train (motorbike or mountain bike) depending upon availability of transport at that time in day. However, it should be noted that taking a dangerous or mountain bike ride from Toushe Station can be quite strenuous due to rocky terrain along with steep hills. As for Thousand Island Lake, it can be located about 10 minutes south of Wulai Old Street after crossing the North-South Cross-island Highway along with navigating on a steep hillside path over a stream before finally arriving there by bus or taxi service. A convenient way to visit this location would be taking any tour package such as this tour package from Get Your Guide. This package includes pickup service from other locations in Taipei as well as detailed local guide for exploring Thousand Island Lake as compared to where visiting individually through public transport can be chaotic due to overcrowded public buses along with differently named locations due to mixed dialects spoken in different parts of Taiwan.

What Can Visitors See When Visiting Thousand Island Lake?

Visitors can see many attractions when visiting Thousand Island Lake from breathtaking views of lush mountain ranges to clear lakeside fishing ponds coupled with a variety of waterside attractions along with walking trails as well as access to hot springs nearby in Wulai District depending upon season of visit due to adverse weather conditions during winter months which can hinder access to some areas around lake containing hot springs points which remain closed to visitors during winer season due to cold weather. The main draw when visiting Thousand Island Lake however still remains its picturesque landscape, offering many excellent opportunities for photography around lake and its surroundings whilst viewing the great cross island highway alongside lake view accompanied by numerous pier points offering further contemplation joy next to lake view, thus making it unique amongst other attractions present around greater Taipei region for anyone visiting there for leisurely joy or contemplation purpose even for few hours during their visit to Taipei City area .

What Can Visitors Expect When Going To Pinglin Tea Plantation?

Visiting Pinglin Tea Plantation is an experience like no other due to its unique culture rooted deeply in Taiwanese traditions alongside aesthetic mountain view accompanied by lush green fields offering further contemplation joy other than unique tea flavors present around plantation area alongside views for tourists who may take these memories back home even after long visits away from their homeland elsewhere across world due to being overseas students or migrating labor due to many reasons particularly financial incentives leading many workers away from Asian countries towards developed countries such as US and EU states offering better job prospects as well as higher salaries but leaving behind memories made when visiting Pinglin Tea Plantation amidst natural beauty still unexplored by many searching new experiences away from their routine life numbing them amid grey skies true lastly but not leastly leading them back to their forgotten joys leading them back home away from homes but still providing inner joy at same time making them fell at home again away from homes via these newfound joys! In short, visitors can expect unique experiences during their visit like unique blend of Taiwanese tradition alongside cultural insight into forming factors leading towards development and formation of Pinglin Tea Plantation over centuries; this include sights such as actual farming techniques used once upon place coupled with tasteful samples offered by plantation personnel alongside captivating mountain views when trekking towards plantation area before finally alighting at plantation’s reception point! Playing cards or board games around outside open air table such as chess or go can also be experienced amidst plantation environment offering laidback yet unique joy other than offerings tasted via tasting samples taken via resident plantation personnel providing hands-on insight into contemporary and traditional tea brewing methods used whilst making tea whilst visiting there commemorating memories made at same time which will remain even after return home! There are numerous activities available upon visit such as attending organized parades, traditional Buddhist ceremonies or experiencing traditional Taiwanese dishes offered only in winter months plus tasting sample teas provided around plantation alongside outdoor activities such as fishing expeditions or trekking around nearby hills coupled with sightseeing plantation gardens present around hillside panoramas perched alongside surrounding views providing better insight into lives led while residing near such regions plus camping overnight at nearby camping sites offered in vicinity such as Tamshui National Park amidst leisurely joy! In conclusion, thousands Island Lake and Pinglin Tea Plantation from Taipei City offer an unforgettable experience full of culture, breathtaking views, and amazing food which anyone who visits should experience firsthand! For an even more unique experience why not consider booking this activity package visit with GetYourGuide, an easy way to explore Taipei City’s famous landmarks without having to worry about transport or organization!