Daxi Old Tea Factory

Daxi Old Tea Factory: A microcosm of a century of tea culture. In 1899, Mitsui Gomei Kaisha came to Taiwan to expand its tea business, establishing the Shinmachi Tea Factory in the Haishan area of New Taipei City and later in Daxi, Taoyuan. Initially, it produced Oolong and Baozhong teas, but during the Showa era, it gradually transitioned to specializing in black tea production. In 1926, a tea factory named "Kakubansan Factory" was completed, which is today's Daxi Old Tea Factory. Spanning 1,670 ping (approximately 5,500 square meters), it is hidden in a quiet alley, serving as a century-long witness to Taiwan's tea culture. The architectural style of this tea factory blends Taiwanese, Japanese, and British elements. Its exterior design references tea factories in Darjeeling, India, featuring a subtle and restrained main color, "Daxi Blue," complemented by brick structures and cypress roof trusses, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship throughout. Inside, precious antique tea processing equipment is preserved, exuding a charming historical ambiance and silently recounting the factory's glorious past. The Golden Age of Black Tea Export. During Taiwan's golden age of tea export to Europe and America, the Daxi Old Tea Factory witnessed the glorious history of black tea as "black gold." Since 1926, the factory focused on producing black tea, whose sweet and elegant characteristics gained renown in the London market, placing it among the world's four famous teas alongside Ceylon, Indian Darjeeling, and Chinese Keemun black teas. In 1944, Nitto Black Tea almost monopolized the production and export of Taiwanese black tea, exporting up to 600 long tons annually, becoming an important symbol of Taiwan's tea industry. However, a major fire in 1956 almost destroyed this valuable historical memory. Fortunately, under the instruction of President Chiang Kai-shek, military engineers helped rebuild the factory, allowing its cultural legacy to continue and making it today a dual carrier of both tea culture and historical significance. Cultural Creativity and Future Outlook. Today, the Daxi Old Tea Factory not only carries traditional tea culture but has also transformed into a space where cultural creativity and art converge. The factory regularly hosts exhibitions, lectures, and DIY experiences, allowing travelers to deeply experience the charm of the Taoyuan area through personal participation in diverse cultural activities. Looking ahead, the old tea factory will continue to unearth its cultural connotations and historical value, offering more diverse activities and innovative experiences, so that every visitor can feel Taiwan's unique warmth and depth here.