Autumn 2026 Program
Taiwan Yefang Tea Tour
The Yefang Experience
Taiwan’s first curated tea journey centered entirely on Yefang cha is back for its fifth edition, exclusively led by the ho yum tea team: Pink Luk and Nadi Biran. As dedicated tea explorers, we are proud to guide this experience, focusing on wild tea grown naturally with minimal human intervention.
This is an original, 9-day educational journey built from our years of sourcing experience and natural farming entrepreneurship across the island. Every mountain path and tea house has been selected by us. The workshops and masterclasses are created especially for this tour and cannot be attended anywhere else. We designed this journey for dedicated gongfu cha practitioners who seek a meaningful, unfiltered connection to the source. Just like tea changes with every season, we slightly update the route for each group to keep the experience fresh and one of a kind.
The Pioneers of Yefang Cha
Over the years, we have built strong collaborations with the most influential figures in the Yefang movement in Taiwan. These masters are our long-term mentors. They have dedicated their lives to the most sustainable agricultural methods in tea, exclusively and voluntarily hosting our groups out of a true calling from nature. We are deeply thankful for their hospitality and endless patience as we work together to spread awareness of Yefang cha. Traveling in a small, intimate group allows us to step into their fields and study their unique approach firsthand.
"Ye fang cha 野放茶 is the most sustainable agriculture approach for tea growing; tea produced without human interference. The interaction of the trees with living organism in the soil, brings out the original taste and texture of the tea."
Master Jian
Route & Main Activities
Taipei
- Tea sessions in a private tea house
- National Palace Museum
- DIY pottery workshop
- Private chef tea pairing experience
- Tea-based cocktail bar night-out
Yingge
- Ceramic museum visit
- Visits to local teaware artisan studios
Mingjian
- Natural farming tea tasting
- Tea factory tour
- Tea baking masterclass
Emei Shan
- Natural spring forest retreat
- Mixiang tea tasting session
- Eastern Beauty masterclass
- Wild tea plantation tour
- Chef dining experience in the forest
- Traditional Hakka cuisine in Beipu
Alishan
- Private homestay on the mountain
- Hiking through tea plantations
- Authentic home-cooked mountain cuisine
- Yefang Cha masterclass in the forest
- DIY Yefang tea making experience
- Gaoshan wulong tasting session
"Tea grown with pesticides and fertilizers has lost its original properties and medicinal values. Natural wild tea is an elixir that combines the energy of heaven and earth; it’s about cha qi and energy."
Master Chen
Traveler Ratings
Dates & Registration
Join our next Taiwan Yefang tour:
October 14-22, 2026
Submit an inquiry below - sharing your country, age, and connection to tea - to receive the complete itinerary and pricing details.
FAQs
What makes this journey different?
This is not a commercial agency package. We run the trip directly with no outsourcing. It is an original route built on our direct sourcing relationships, focusing deeply on yefang cha and exclusive culinary experiences. We update the route for every group, so the experience stays fresh and singular. Full details are in the syllabus PDF.
Who leads the journey?
The tour is personally guided by Nadi and Pink, the founders of ho yum tea. With over a decade of experience in natural tea research, sourcing, and education, we provide a direct bridge between our dedicated mentors in the field and our travelers. Rather than using outside agencies, we lead every step ourselves to ensure the highest standard of tea education and an authentic, unfiltered experience.
Are flights included?
No. Travelers arrive individually from different countries to a set meeting point in Taiwan. This builds a unique international group of tea friends. It also keeps the trip relatively affordable, as you do not fund our travel expenses.
How often does the tour take place?
We host this journey once a year in Autumn. This upcoming route will be our fifth edition in three years.
How do I register and get the early bird discount?
To register, please fill out the contact form below. Early bird pricing is a limited time period available to anyone who signs up early. However, our waiting list and blind tasting club members receive first access to secure a spot. When you apply, we would love for you to share a bit about yourself, your age, where you are from, and your personal connection to tea. After receiving your details, we will reply with the booking and payment instructions.
Where can I see the full daily schedule?
Submit an inquiry using the form below. We will reply with a comprehensive PDF itinerary detailing the complete route, daily activities, accommodations, and more.
What exactly is Yefang cha?
Yefang translates to wild grown tea. It is an agricultural method where tea grows naturally without pesticides, fertilizers, or human interference. The deep roots interact with the forest soil, creating pure flavor and strong energy.
Do I need prior gongfu cha experience?
You do not need to be an expert, but a dedicated interest in gongfu cha is highly recommended. The masterclasses are technical and designed for serious practitioners and professionals.
Will I need to speak Chinese?
Not at all. We provide full guidance and translation for all activities and masterclasses. This allows you to connect directly with the masters without worrying about language or cultural gaps.