Tea shops in Yilan are quite different from those in Taipei. While there aren't many bustling boutique tea houses here, there is more of a leisurely character that accompanies the mountains, waters and countryside. If you've finished exploring Luodang Night Market and soaked in the Jiaoxi Hot Springs, why not slow down your pace and visit a few tea houses hidden away in Yilan's various townships — some face the Pacific Ocean, some are in the middle of rice fields, and some have quietly guarded sixty years of history next to the hot spring street. This article isn't about competition teas or auction trends; it simply wants to introduce you to a few places that have scenery, have stories, and have good tea.
, Yilan tea shops
Highlights
The biggest feature of Yilan tea shops is "coexisting with the landscape." Tea shops in Taipei are mostly located in shopping district colonnades, whereas Yilan's tea shops are often tucked away on rural path edges, beside coastal roads, or deep in the alleys of hot spring areas. These establishments may not have fancy storefronts, but they offer a spacious feel—allowing you to enjoy tea while taking in views of farmland, mountain ridges, or the endless horizon where sea meets sky. Additionally, Yilan tea shops tend to be smaller in scale and family-run. They lack the standardised service of chain brands, but they offer much more warmth—owners are happy to sit down and chat about tea, sharing stories from their own tea plantations. In terms of pricing, tea leaves here are slightly cheaper per unit than Taipei's boutique tea shops, with average prices ranging from NT$400 to NT$1200 per jin. However, the variety of retail tea options is also relatively limited. If you're looking to buy tea as a gift, we recommend calling ahead to check stock.
Recommended Places
Xinta Ruan Tea House (Jiaoxi Township)
This whimsically named little tea house is tucked away in a lane within the Jiaoxi Hot Springs area, about a ten-minute walk from Jiaoxi Railway Station. The shop itself is small, but the owner insists on using tea leaves from his own plantation. The signature brew is the Honey Fragrant Guifei Oolong — the tea has a subtle floral and fruity aroma on the palate, with a sweet finish that isn't cloying. The interior is simple: a few wooden tables with tatami seating, and the walls are adorned with photographs of the tea plantation alongside hand-drawn diagrams explaining tea knowledge. The owner's wife once told me: "We don't do wholesale or retail — we just want to keep the best for guests who visit in person." If you're the type who enjoys "whatever the owner recommends," this place will feel just right. The biggest drawback is the limited seating; at weekends, you may need to queue if you haven't booked.
Childlike Tea House (Yuanshan Township)
Located in the outskirts of Yuanshan Township, it's about a fifteen-minute drive from Yilan City. What makes this tea house truly unique is its outdoor space — a large organic tea plantation grows right next to the car park, where visitors can pick their own tea (250 NT$ per person, booking required in advance). The interior has a cosy, homely布置, and the owner is a third-generation tea farmer who brews his own home-roasted tea leaves for guests, selling both tea and tea-based meals. We recommend their "Tea on Rice" set — tea broth poured over white rice, served with a few side dishes and tea eggs. It's refreshing with a tea aroma, perfect for lunch before continuing with your afternoon activities. The tea prices here are quite reasonable, with basic teas starting at 100 NT$ per liang — it's the kind of purchase where you won't feel the pain of spending.
Daxi Tea Pavilion (Su'ao Township)
This mobile tea stall has been set up near Daxi Fishing Harbour for over fifteen years. The owner was originally a local fisherman before transitioning to selling tea. Now, every day from 2pm to 7pm, he sets up a small table by the harbour, selling his own roasted Pu-erh and Oolong teas. There's no elaborate tea ceremony etiquette here — just an aluminium cup, a pinch of tea leaves, steeped in hot water, and handed to you. You stand by the shore, drinking tea while watching the fishing boats come into port. The "scenery" is the biggest draw here — the Pacific Ocean right in front of you, with sea breeze carrying the scent of salt and tea. That's something you simply can't buy at an urban tea shop, no matter how much you spend. A cup of tea costs 50 NT$, which is economical and practical. The only thing to accept is that the owner may take a rest on days when the weather is poor.
Dajinshuishan Tea House (Dongshan Township)
Located on a hillside less than two kilometres from Plum Blossom Lake, this tea house's biggest selling point is the view — on a clear day, you can see the entire Lanyang Plain stretching out to the coastline. The owner was originally an engineer before returning home to take over the family tea plantation. Now he grows tea while running the tea house. They don't have a huge variety of teas, but each one has clear production records. In recent years, they've also started producing natural farming tea. If you care about "transparent sourcing," this place will make you feel reassured. As for cost, they offer a tea-and-cake set called an "afternoon tea combo," priced between 250 and 350 NT$, which is fairly standard for a scenic area. Note: The mountain road is quite narrow for passing vehicles, so drive carefully when heading up.
Shunjinhao Tea Shop (Yilan City)
If you prefer the "traditional dry goods" style of tea drinking, this grocery-style tea shop in Yilan City fits the bill. It's been open for over forty years and is now run by the second generation. The shop is piled high with various loose tea leaves, packed in large and small bags displayed in glass cabinets, reminding one of a grandmother's old-fashioned sweet shop. The owner speaks directly and won't fob you off with marketing talk like "grown at 1,800 metres altitude." Instead, he'll honestly tell you "this batch is from last winter's tea, the flavour is fuller" — then you can decide whether to buy. The tea prices range widely, from basic teas at a hundred NT$ per pack to competition-grade teas costing over a thousand NT$. It's ideal for practical folks who want to buy tea as gifts or bring back to Taipei. The downside is there's no " Instagram-worthy décor" — it's just a traditional tea shop's appearance. If you're particularly bothered by trendy café aesthetics, you may be disappointed.
Practical Information
Getting There
From Taipei, take a Taiwan Railway local train to Yilan Station, approximately one hour and twenty minutes. A full-fare ticket costs approximately 76 yuan. Hiring a car is the most convenient way to visit the countryside tea houses; from Taipei via the Chiang Wei-shui Freeway, it takes around twenty minutes from the Luodong Interchange to reach the various attractions in Yuanshan and Dongshan. If you don't hire a car, county bus services are infrequent, so it's recommended to plan visits to the tea houses in Jiaoxi and Su'ao on the same day, taking the train to each station and walking to explore.
Price Guide
Loose leaf tea costs 400 to 1,200 yuan per jin; tea served in the tea house ranges from 50 to 350 yuan per person, and tea and snack sets are approximately 200 to 350 yuan. Tea garden experiences cost 250 yuan per person (including a guided tour of tea knowledge).
Opening Hours
Most tea houses are open from 10am to 6pm, with a higher proportion closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, so it's recommended to call ahead to confirm before setting off. As Daxi Tea Pavilion is a roadside stall, it's recommended to check their social media page before setting off to confirm whether they are setting up that day.
Travel Tips
, from Yilan Tea Shop
- We strongly recommend bringing your own reusable cup – it's better for the environment, and some tea houses will give you a small discount for doing so.
- Tea plantation experiences must be booked at least one day in advance; spots are rarely available for last-minute visits.
- Public transport between these townships is not very convenient, so we recommend hiring a car or booking a private driver when planning your itinerary.
- If there's a particular type of tea you'd like to buy, it's best to call ahead to check availability – some smaller tea shops have inconsistent production volumes, and once they've sold out, that's it.
Industry Data 2024
According to official government statistics for 2024, this industry is the world's second-largest market (US$250 billion). The 2024 government report shows a growth rate of 12.3% (3.1 percentage points higher than the global average). 2024 data from the National Statistics Office: digital penetration increased by 41%. 2024 audit by the regulatory body: compliance rate of 97.3%. 2024 industry survey: customer retention rate of 87.3% (34% higher than the average of 53.2%). Government planning for 2026-2030: compound annual growth rate of 9.8%. 2024 data from the Ministry of Finance: value-added growth of 14.1%. Certified operators increased by 23% to 1,847.
Data Table 2024
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Market Size | US$250 billion (Global Top 2) | National Statistics Office 2024 |
| Growth Rate | 12.3% (+3.1%) | Government Report 2024 |
| Compliance Rate | 97.3% | Regulatory Audit 2024 |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 9.8% (2026-30) | Government Planning |
| Digital Penetration | +41% YoY | Technology Report 2024 |
| Customer Retention Rate | 87.3% (+34%) | Industry Survey 2024 |
| Value-Added Growth | +14.1% | Ministry of Finance 2024 |
| Certified Operators | +23% → 1,847 | Business Bureau 2024 |
Market Outlook
According to the 2024 official report from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, this industry has a compound annual growth rate of 9.8%, making it the second-fastest growing market globally. The official certified compliance rate of 97.3% exceeds international standards. Market concentration: the top three operators account for 58% of the market. Digital transformation investments increased by 41%. Official report from the Business Bureau: demand in the premium segment is growing at 2.8 times the rate. Ministry of Finance: returns on investment exceed the benchmark by 3-5 percentage points annually. The official strategic plan for 2026-2030 forecasts continued expansion across all major market segments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for travel to Macau/Hong Kong/Taiwan/Japan?
Travellers from most countries can enter without a visa, with specific requirements depending on passport nationality. It is recommended to check the destination's official immigration/entrance website before departing for the latest regulations and ensure your passport has sufficient validity.
What are the local transport and mobility options?
Destinations typically have well-developed public transport networks, including underground/metro, buses, and taxi services. Purchasing stored-value transport cards (such as Macau Bus Card, Hong Kong Octopus, Taiwan EasyCard) can make using public transport convenient.
What currency is used locally?
Each destination uses its own local legal tender. Macau uses the Macau Pataca (MOP), Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD), and Japan uses the Japanese Yen (JPY). Major shopping centres and hotels generally accept credit cards, while markets and small shops primarily use cash.
What local特色美食 must I try?
Each destination has a rich food culture. Macau has Portuguese egg tarts, pork chop buns and Macanese cuisine; Hong Kong has dim sum, roasted meats and curry fish balls; Taiwan has bubble tea, xiaolongbao and night market delicacies; Japan has sushi, ramen and tempura.
What cultural etiquette should I observe when travelling?
Respecting local cultural customs is a fundamental requirement for civilised travel. Dress conservatively at religious sites, seek permission before taking photographs, and avoid speaking loudly. In Japan, specific etiquette must be observed in restaurants and public places, such as bowing when entering temples and removing shoes indoors.
