First, you should know that “Fushou Lishan tea” is different from “Fushoushan tea.” Fushoushan tea refers strictly to tea produced by the Fushoushan Farm. Since there are also private tea gardens near the farm, the tea industry distinguishes them by naming them “Fushou Lishan tea,” commonly known as “off-farm tea”. Because Fushou Lishan tea shares the same altitude and mountain orientation as the Fushoushan Farm, it enjoys a very high market reputation and is considered a top-tier sub-region of Lishan tea.
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Introduction to Fushou Lishan Tea
Fushoushan Farm began growing tea in the 1980s. Due to its superior altitude and orientation, it quickly became Taiwan’s most iconic high mountain tea origin. Backed by recommendations from former presidents, senior officials, and celebrities, retail prices starting from NT$5,000 per 600 g still could not meet demand. Driven by this market frenzy, private farms near Fushoushan Farm also began joining the tea cultivation scene in the 1990s. Because “Fushoushan” is trademark-protected, these private tea gardens marketed their tea under the name “Fushou Lishan tea.”
Because it shares the same mountain as Fushoushan Farm, Fushou Lishan tea is considered to have a flavor profile similar to the farm’s tea. Combined with a price tag that is only half to two-thirds of the farm tea, it has become a popular alternative to Fushoushan tea. In recent years, thanks to the continuous efforts of private producers to improve tea-making techniques, Fushou Lishan tea is now regarded as being just as good as the farm tea, establishing itself as a top-tier, premium Lishan tea region.
Location of the Fushou Lishan Tea Region
“Fushou Lishan tea” is essentially the “off-farm tea” from Fushoushan Farm, meaning tea produced by private tea gardens near Fushoushan Farm. However, there is no universal consensus on how far this “vicinity” extends. According to a local tea industry insider, the off-farm tea region includes areas along Fushou Road, the upper slopes of the Central Cross-Island Highway from 80K to 90K, and some tea gardens above the Xinguanyang settlement.
Characteristics of Fushou Lishan Tea
Fushou Lishan tea possesses the following distinct characteristics, making it a great choice you shouldn’t miss.
1. Exceptional Altitude: Nearby private tea gardens start at an elevation of 1,800 meters and reach up to 2,250 meters. Their altitude is second only to Fushoushan Farm, the HuaGung tea region, the Dayuling tea region, and Biluxi, giving it few rivals in the world of Taiwanese high mountain tea.
2. Superior Tea Garden Management Standards: To catch up with Fushoushan Farm, local tea gardens and factories invest heavily in equipment and fertilizers. In particular, their fertilizer usage is of the “highest grade in Taiwan,” resulting in tea leaves with exceptional thickness and texture!
3. Unique Fragrant Flavor: The local unique climate and fertile soil impart a distinctive flavor to Fushou Lishan tea. The tea leaves offer a fresh fragrance with subtle floral and fruity notes, delivering a rich and mellow taste that is well-received in the Taiwanese tea market.
Fushou Lishan tea is renowned for its unique flavor and premium quality, offering a rich and freshly fragrant taste profile. It is widely considered one of Taiwan’s top-tier Lishan sub-regions. Top-grade Fushou Lishan tea features a mellow taste with a fresh fragrance, making it an absolute must-try premier Taiwanese high mountain tea!
Fushou Lishan Tea FAQ
What is a reasonable price for Fushou Lishan tea?
Depending on the season, retail prices range from NT$2,000 per 600 g to NT$8,000 per 600 g. For details, see Fushou Lishan Tea Price
How to brew?
Use 100ml of boiling water, 6–8 g of tea leaves, and steep for 2–3 minutes. For details, see Brewing Methods