[Alishan, TW] - 茶山 95//Tea Mountain 95 - A Photo Essay

One of my favorite places in Taiwan is Tea Mountain (茶山). Since my aunt lives in Chiayi, she is relatively close and makes a lot of random trips up the mountains. So, while everyone is rushing up Alishan, she is  out exploring the neighboring mountains. While I do feel that everyone visiting Taiwan should see Alishan at least once, there are other places that are worth visiting too, such as Tea Mountain.

There are a few homestays available, and they are primarily in Chinese. If you have someone who can read/write/speak Chinese, life will be much easier if you wish to come here. Of course, you won't be denied if you only speak English, it just makes it easier to communicate with everyone. 

If you can get past that first hurdle of booking a weekend at one of the homestays on Tea Mountain, the rest is just relaxation and a fun weekend. Food is included, along with being brought around to partake in some fun outdoor activities.

One of the lunches we had - under that bamboo is some stewed pork that just falls apart because it's so tender. Everything is fresh and locally sourced.

One of the main houses, and the jeep that has been around forever.

The view while driving out to one of the activity locations - since there were only a few of us, we were on the jeep

One of the locations that you can get to visit is this small waterfall. Lie down on the mat and someone will hold you under it while nature gives you one of the best massages of your life. Really, it feels fantastic!

This jeep can really just go anywhere. It's like a mountain goat.

Some good stuff is happening here with sausage, mountain boar, fish, and chicken.

Mountain boar belly and some homemade Taiwanese sausage

Various meats and a side of white pepper

Just some of the snacks before the real dinner, along with a side of fresh pineapple juice. Made from Taiwanese pineapples so it's a bit more tart.

Don't think that dinner is served early because it's bedtime right away because it's not! After dinner, whomever is up for it can go shrimping in the river. It takes a little practice. Some people can't catch much. I'm sure there's some secret to doing it really well, but I don't know what it is. If you see the eyes shining, just slap your net over it and hope it doesn't dart away I suppose? Either way, it's really fun!

Or maybe this is the best part... getting back to the homestay and eating the results of your hard work!

Alishan is known for their high mountain tea. Tea Mountain also has... tea. It's very good, and really, if you're in Taiwan, you should try the tea at least once.

Sauteed with just some garlic, chilis, and oil.

Served raw with some soy and rice wine.

Breakfast the next day

Mapo tofu

Fried chicken with some chilis and peanuts

Kabocha with goji berries

There are two options for breakfast - rice or congee

Fresh tofu with Alishan wasabi

Fried river shrimp and fish

Figs!

My first time making fig jelly. Mash the fig in a big bowl of water until it gets really thick and gelatinous. When I thought it was thick enough, I was told it wasn't. My forearms were pretty tired by the time it was at an acceptable consistency.

Some locally grown Alishan coffee and tea before some more activities

One of the dogs who lives at 茶山 95. She is my favorite.

If someone in your group is a vegetarian, or vegan (like my aunt), they can easily accommodate.

This is the best bamboo rice I have had in Taiwan. A lot of people manage to dry out the rice, but here, it's fluffy.

One of those places that makes food I could eat every day and feel good about eating.

Found a lizard friend

After breakfast, we went to another waterfall. Here, you can attempt to get a massage from the waterfall, but they recommend you wear a helmet. The water here is much stronger and it actually hurts a little. There are a lot of rocks also, so they recommend you wear the boots they provide.

To get to the next part of the fun, there's a short hike.

On the left, are some people hiking up the trail. On the right, people are walking down from the trail to the "water slide." It does seem a bit scary/dangerous, but if you watch the way the pros do it and just copy them, you'll be fine. And the worst that can happen is you swallow a lot of water like my friend (not pictured, for her sake LOL).

My aunt, cruisin along.

Even farther up, is more stuff to do!

There are actually more activities to do, but you have to go and see for yourself :)

For reservations, message or call through their Facebook page:

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