The island of Taiwan, also known as Formosa, is one of the most highly respected tea growing regions in the world. Approximately 50% of the entire country is covered in rugged mountain land, with approximately 200 mountains peaking higher than 300 metres above sea level. Its climate is subtropical and lends itself perfectly to tea cultivation. The main growing areas are scattered around Taipei, where a variety of oolong teas are grown, including tieguanyin (iron goddess of mercy) and pouchong. Taiwan is regarded as having some of the best oolong teas in the world.
