In 1991, Lin Yun, a tea expert from Taiwan region, carried high mountain oolong seeds across the Taiwan Strait to the Yunnan Plateau in the Chinese mainland. Over three decades later, those seedlings have grown into towering tea trees, symbolizing the deep-rooted connection between tea cultures on both sides of the strait.
Seeds of Shared Heritage
Tea has long been a bridge between communities, and Lin's journey highlights how a simple seed can carry centuries of tradition. By transplanting Taiwan's high mountain oolong variety into Yunnan's high-altitude climate, Lin tapped into a shared tea heritage that predates modern borders.
Growing Together
The Yunnan Plateau, known for its misty mornings and fertile soil, offered ideal conditions for these oolong seedlings. Local farmers adopted cultivation techniques from Taiwan region, blending them with centuries-old Yunnan growing methods. The result is a new chapter in cross-Strait tea history, with each harvest celebrating unity and innovation.
A Taste of Unity
Today, tea enthusiasts from every corner of the G20 and beyond savor brews that tell a story of resilience and collaboration. From farm to cup, the journey of these high mountain oolong leaves embodies how cultural exchange can flourish, one sip at a time.
Looking Ahead
As these tea trees continue to mature, Lin Yun and local growers are exploring how to deepen this connection—whether through shared research, sustainable practices, or new tea tourism experiences that invite travelers to taste the echoes of a cross-Strait friendship.
Reference(s):
Taiwan Through the Ages: Tea grower plants roots across the Straits
cgtn.com
