Zhao Family

For generations, the Zhao family has devoted their lives to the art of tea cultivation and craftsmanship in Taiwan. Now in its fourth generation, this time-honored tradition is carried forward by Zhao Yafei, who has taken the helm of his father's tea gardens.

To Zhao Yafei, tea is not merely a craft but a lifelong dialogue. He sees himself and Dong Ding Oolong as student and teacher—both undergoing transformation with time. The tea grows, is harvested, and then patiently shaped through meticulous roasting, each stage a quiet rebirth. With every batch, he listens—to the leaves, to the fire, to the wisdom passed down through generations.

"Every time I make tea, it feels like a new beginning," he says. "I must empty my mind, approach each step with precision, and respect the journey that every leaf must take."

The making of Dong Ding Oolong is more than a process; it is a reflection of growth, patience, and the beauty of transformation. Just as the tea deepens in character with each careful touch, Zhao Yafei refines his craft, carrying forward a legacy infused with history, tradition, and the unmistakable spirit of Taiwan.