Alishan isn't just known for high-mountain tea; bubble tea shops have been sprouting up in recent years. What makes the bubble tea here unique is its use of locally grown high-mountain tea as the base, giving it a fresh tea aroma and noticeable aftertaste that sets it completely apart from the flavors in Tainan or Taipei. The high altitude in the Alishan region creates significant temperature variations between day and night, causing tea plants to grow slowly. This results in tea leaves with high catechins and amino acids, making the brewed tea exceptionally sweet and smooth—a distinct advantage that's impossible to replicate in lowland tea-producing areas.
When visiting Alishan, besides watching the sunrise and riding the narrow-gauge train, don't forget to stop by a tea shop. You'll discover that the refined elegance of high-mountain tea paired with chewy boba creates a "locally sourced" experience you won't find anywhere else.
The bubble tea shops in the Alishan area are mainly concentrated in three popular spots: Alishan Forest Recreation Area, Fenqi Lake Old Street, and Shizhuo. Each area has its own slightly different style. Shops near the forest recreation area tend to target tourists with generous portions and fixed sweetness levels; the stores on Fenqi Lake Old Street lean toward traditional retro flavors with honest ingredients; Shizhuo is a newer tea hub that has emerged in recent years, with several shops attracting repeat customers with innovative flavors using high-mountain Oolong tea as the base.
【Recommended Shops】
First up is "Awang Tea Stall," located at the entrance of Fenqi Lake Old Street. The owner is a second-generation local tea farmer. The shop's high-mountain Oolong bubble tea uses tea leaves from their own tea plantation—specifically the "one bud, two leaves" plucking standard. The tea broth presents a beautiful amber color, and the boba is hand-cooked fresh daily, with a moderate size but particularly chewy. At NT$65 per cup, it's considered mid-range on the old street, and many locals simply order the large size. Tea farmers are often seen drying tea stems outside the shop, with the rich tea aroma extending all the way into the store. This "tea factory as storefront" experience is unique to Alishan.
The second shop, "Shizhuo Tea Corner," is hidden in an alley at the entrance of the Shizhuo scenic area—only regular customers know about it. The shop's signature is "Red Oolong Fresh Milk Tea," using Alishan's unique Red Oolong tea variety. The fermentation level is higher than regular Oolong tea, carrying a subtle fruity and honey aroma, paired with fresh milk made from New Zealand milk powder, creating very rich layers. Customers can choose between traditional tapioca pearls and the recently popular agar "crystal boba." At around NT$75 per cup, the shop owner will also proactively tell customers "this tea tastes sweeter when cold-brewed than hot-brewed"—a drinking method only tea experts know.
The third shop, "Alishan Tea House," is right next to the forest recreation area parking lot, with a prime location convenient for tourists catching the train or bus to take their drinks to-go. This shop's bubble tea uses high-mountain Jin Xuan tea as the base. Jin Xuan tea's distinctive milky aroma pairs surprisingly well with soft, tender boba. The sweetness is fixed but well-balanced, not overpowering the tea flavor. At NT$55 per cup, it's the cheapest of the three, and they use reusable eco-friendly cups, perfect for bringing into the park to drink while walking.
The fourth shop, "Tea Country Handmade," is located beside the Alishan Highway and is a recommended rest stop by many charter bus drivers. The shop has a large interior space plus outdoor seating with mountain views. On clear days, you can see the sea of clouds. Their "High-Mountain Oolong Bo Bo" replaces traditional boba with sweet potato flour "white jade pearls," which are chewier and less sweet—perfect for those who don't have a sweet tooth. The shop sells tea snacks and handmade cookies that can be combined into an afternoon tea set, with the combo price around NT$120.
The final shop, "Fenqi Lake Retro Tea Drink," is a traditional old shop that has been transformed, retaining retro wooden decor and the traditional hand-shaken drink method. The boba here is traditional white pearls, which are smaller but very chewy. The tea base uses high-mountain Four Seasons Spring tea. At under NT$50 per cup, it's a great choice for budget-conscious visitors. The owner says their tea leaves are all harvested early that same morning and dried the same day—"same-day tea," with freshness being their biggest selling point.
【Practical Information】
Regarding transportation, you can take the "Alishan Bus" directly from Chiayi Train Station or High Speed Rail Station to Fenqi Lake, about a 1.5-hour journey with tickets around NT$230. You can also choose to take the Alishan Forest Train, but there are fewer runs so advance checking is required. Self-driving tourists can park at the Shizhuo parking lot and walk to various tea shops.
Most shops operate from 9 AM to 5 PM, with peak season (weekends and national holidays) possibly extending to 6 PM. It's recommended to avoid the lunch rush from 12 PM to 2 PM, otherwise you'll need to wait in line.
In terms of cost, bubble tea prices in the Alishan area are slightly lower than in Taipei, with one cup around NT$50-80, and combo sets around NT$100-150.
【Travel Tips】
Alishan is at an altitude of about 2,200 meters, with temperatures 10-15°C lower than in the lowlands, so bringing a light jacket is recommended. Also, high-mountain tea has lower caffeine content than lowland tea, but those who want tea in the evening should still take note. When buying bubble tea, you can ask the shop which village the tea leaves are from—different villages have subtly different flavors, which is also the joy of exploring for more advanced tea enthusiasts.
