When it comes to classic Taiwanese beverages, bubble tea is definitely one of the iconic drinks. But have you ever imagined what it would be like to enjoy a bubble tea made with high mountain tea as its base in the misty Alishan area? Alishan is not only famous for its magnificent mountain scenery and premium high mountain tea, but the local bubble tea also uses Alishan high mountain tea as its tea base, showcasing a unique flavor that differs from regular bubble tea shops.
The characteristic of Alishan bubble tea lies in the "tea." Unlike chain stores that generally use lighter tea broth, this bubble tea uses Alishan high mountain tea grown at altitudes of 1,200 to 1,500 meters as its base. The tea leaves grow in an environment with large temperature differences and heavy mist, resulting in thick leaves with high catechin content. The brewed tea broth carries a unique fruit and floral aroma, with a smooth and non-astringent taste. Paired with chewy pearls and rich fresh milk, it not only cools you down and quenches thirst, but also allows you to savor the lingering fragrance of high mountain tea—a taste experience that lowland bubble tea can hardly match.
【Special Highlights】
What makes Alishan bubble tea unique mainly reflects in several aspects: First, the tea quality is excellent—Alishan high mountain tea has always been among the finest Taiwanese teas, naturally adding value when used to make bubble tea; second, the climate in the Alishan area is cool, so even during hot summer days, enjoying an iced bubble tea in the mountains is both refreshing and comfortable; moreover, many shops insist on hand-making their pearls, preserving the chewy texture from old times; finally, some shops also combine local specialty products, such as adding Alishan ice jelly or roselle, creating limited-edition flavors that can't be found elsewhere.
【Recommended Locations】
1. Tea Aroma Bubble Tea at Laiji Tribe
Located in Laiji Village, Alishan Township, this shop hidden within the tribe is famous for hand-shaken drinks made from self-grown high mountain tea leaves. The shop's pearls are hand-cooked fresh daily, ensuring a chewy and elastic texture. The highly recommended "Premium High Mountain Bubble Tea" uses oolong tea from their own tea farm as the base, paired with fresh milk from local farmers—the tea aroma is rich upon sipping, the milk flavor is smooth, and the pearls are medium-sized, becoming more flavorful the more you chew. You can also enjoy mountain views inside the shop, making it a great place to relax.
2. Tea Fragrance Station at Crossroad Station
This beverage shop near the Crossroad Station of the Alishan Forest Railway combines railway culture with high mountain tea特色. The shop name "Tea Fragrance Station" echoes the charm of the old train station. The owner recommends "Alishan Oolong Bubble Tea," which uses heavily roasted high mountain oolong—the tea flavor is richer and forms a perfect balance with the milk aroma. The shop's interior is mainly wood-themed, full of nostalgic atmosphere, perfect for photos and check-ins.
3. Clear Heart Tea House at Tanaygu
Located near the Tanaygu Natural Ecology Park in Alishan Township, this tea house is famous for Alishan high mountain tea and indigenous特色 beverages. Besides traditional bubble tea, the "Limited Edition Alishan Ice Jelly Bubble Tea" here is definitely worth trying—it adds wild ice jelly, a specialty of Alishan, into the bubble tea, giving it a smooth and refreshing texture, suitable for tourists who don't want drinks too sweet. The owner is warm and friendly, and will explain in detail the characteristics of each drink.
4. Cloud Mist Tea House at Shizhu Tea Area
Shizhu is an important production area for Alishan high mountain tea. This tea house located in the Shizhu tea area offers various creative drinks made with high mountain tea as the base. The "Signature Oolong Bubble Tea" uses oolong tea produced in Shizhu—the tea broth presents a golden color with an elegant aroma, leaving a sweet aftertaste upon sipping. The shop has an observation platform outside where you can overlook the tea plantation scenery; on sunny days, you can even see the Yushan Mountain range in the distance—a must-visit spot for tea lovers.
5. Tea Master inside Alishan Forest Recreation Area
Located inside the Alishan Forest Recreation Area, Tea Master is one of the few shops offering hand-shaken drinks within the area. Due to its high altitude location, this bubble tea is especially popular among hikers and tourists. The "Classic High Mountain Bubble Tea" uses Alishan high mountain tea leaves brewed on-site—the tea aroma is rich with a unique cool mountain sensation. The operating hours match the area's opening hours, making it the best choice for replenishing水分 after descending from the mountain.
【Practical Information】
Transportation: From Chiayi Train Station, you can take the Taiwan Tour Bus Alishan Line bus and get off at the Alishan Transit Station, then transfer to local shuttle buses or walk to each shop location. Self-driving tourists can park at the Alishan Forest Recreation Area parking lot and follow the signs to each attraction.
Cost Reference: Alishan bubble tea prices range from NT$80 to NT$150 per cup, varying depending on toppings and tea types. Handmade pearls or limited-edition flavors are usually more expensive.
Operating Hours: Most shops are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with some closed on Wednesdays. Tea Master inside Alishan Forest Recreation Area is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm before visiting to avoid wasted trips.
Best Season: Alishan is suitable for visits in all four seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, summer heat relief, ocean of clouds in autumn, and maple leaves in winter. If you want to experience high mountain tea at the same time, it is recommended to choose the spring tea season (April to May) or winter tea season (November to December), when tea quality is at its best, and the made bubble tea is particularly aromatic.
【Travel Tips】
1. Alishan has a high altitude with large temperature differences between morning and evening. It is recommended to bring a light jacket.
2. High mountain tea is relatively strong. For those not accustomed to strong tea taste, you can choose the "half sugar" or "less sugar" options.
3. Some remote shops only accept cash. It is recommended to prepare enough New Taiwan Dollars in advance.
4. It is recommended to plan your itinerary in the morning—you can first visit tea plantations and experience tea picking, then find a tea house in the afternoon to enjoy bubble tea and savor the slow-paced Alishan atmosphere.
5. Some roads in Alishan are prone to fog. If driving yourself, please be sure to slow down and pay attention to driving safety.
When visiting Alishan, besides admiring the magnificent mountain scenery, why not find a tea house you like, sit down, and savor a bubble tea made with high mountain tea as its base—let the tea fragrance and milk flavor intertwine on your taste buds, and experience Alishan's unique high mountain scenery and local warmth.
