From High-Mountain Oolong in Taiwan to Yunnan Plateau
In 1991, tea grower Lin Yunlian from the island of Taiwan packed high-mountain oolong seeds and journeyed to the Yunnan Plateau in the Chinese mainland. His goal? To see if these aromatic tea leaves could thrive at high altitudes outside their island home.
Fast forward to today, and those tiny seedlings have grown into towering tea trees 🌳🍃. They’re now firmly rooted in the misty hills of Yunnan, producing the same rich flavors that oolong lovers know and love!
Why It Matters to Young Tea Fans
For us in South and Southeast Asia, tea isn’t just a drink—it’s a cultural bridge. Think about your go-to bubble tea in Bangkok or your cozy chai sessions in Mumbai. Behind every sip is a story of tradition, climate, and community. ☕✨
Lin’s experiment shows how tea traditions can cross borders (and seas) to grow in new places. It’s a reminder that culture, like tea, can adapt and flourish when we blend old roots with fresh ideas. 🌱
Sipping Into the Future
Next time you brew a cup of oolong—whether at home with your smartphone-guided steep timer or at a hip café in Jakarta—think of those Yunnan tea trees that started from seeds brought over two decades ago. It’s more than just tea; it’s a shared heritage across the Taiwan Strait! 🍵🌏
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
