Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 hr ago
Taiwan works to revive Shenkeng tea farming as climate risks grow
A government-backed effort is bringing tea farming back to Shenkeng, a hilly region east of Taipei, Taiwan.
The area was once a major tea center, but industrialization and urbanization weakened the trade by the 1970s, and many terraces became overgrown.
The revival uses historic stone terraces alongside drip irrigation, soil sensors and resilient tea varieties.
Climate change is making growing conditions less predictable, with morning mist fading earlier and rain arriving in intense bursts.
Researchers have found that typhoon intensity in the region has increased by 12-15%, raising risks to tea plants and of landslides.
Researchers and local growers are combining old methods with new technology to protect the crop and preserve Shenkeng’s tea heritage for future generations.
A government-backed effort is restoring tea production and cultural heritage in Taiwan’s Shenkeng region.
The revival combines historic stone terraces and traditional farming with drip irrigation, soil sensors and more resilient tea varieties.
Climate change is making the work harder, as earlier-dissipating mist, erratic rainfall and stronger typhoons threaten tea plants and raise landslide risks.
Shenkeng was once a major tea-producing center, but industrialization and urbanization hollowed out the industry by the 1970s.
- Who
- Researchers, local growers and a government-backed effort are working to revive tea production.
- What
- Shenkeng’s tea farming and cultural heritage are being restored using traditional methods and new technology.
- When
- The effort is under way. The article was published on October 13, 2026.
- Where
- Shenkeng, Taiwan, about 10 kilometers east of Taipei.
- Why
- To restore tea production and preserve cultural heritage as climate change makes growing conditions less reliable.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Tea accounted for 22% of Taiwan’s export earnings.
Shenkeng’s signature Wenshan pouchong tea came on the scene.
Industrialization and urbanization hollowed out Shenkeng’s tea trade, and forests reclaimed abandoned tea farms.
A government-backed effort was working to restore tea production and cultural heritage in Shenkeng.
- Location
- Shenkeng, Taiwan, about 10 kilometers east of Taipei
- Tea export earnings
- 22% of Taiwan’s export earnings in 1897
- Signature tea
- Wenshan pouchong, which came on the scene around 1912
- Revival methods
- Stone terraces, drip irrigation, soil sensors and more resilient tea varieties
- Storm intensity
- Researchers found regional storm intensity had increased by 12–15%
What people are saying
This jungle has a secret.
Now we are building it back.
Sources
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