Unlock Taiwan: Meishan(梅山)
嘉義並不只有阿里山，梅山身為阿里山的鄰居，也是不容錯過的秘境。相對於阿里山，梅山的遊客少了非常多，更可以好好享受大自然。梅山幾乎整座山都是茶園，除此之外還有瀑布景觀、竹林、野薑花溪步道等秘境，非常豐富。
As a neighbor of Alishan, Meishan is also worthy of visit. Compared to Alishan, Meishan is not crowded with tourists, which enables people to infuse the nature with a sense of peace and relaxation.
Surrounded by tea plantation, Meishan is known for its oolong tea and the gorgeous scenery of waterfalls, bamboo forests and Butterfly Lily (野薑花) river trails. For lovers of nature, Meishan offers a wealth of unique natural landscapes.
綠色隧道 – 竹林秘境 Green Tunnel – Bamboo Forests
綠色小棧（古早味仙草愛玉）愛玉 Aiyu Jelly
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/gUJQ8UMH4AKFidct5
我們在梅山入住賴坤暘的家， 每一間的木屋各有特色，入住當天因為是淡季平日，賴先生更大方的替我們升級，直接入宿視野最遼闊，享有一片無邊際山景的房型。
We checked in Lai’s home when we visited Meishan and were amazed by their hospitality and cozy atmosphere in every corner of the house. Mr. Lai was so generous that he upgraded our room to premium class with the best landscape and a whole green nature from our window during low season period. We had a good time here and strongly suggested everyone to stay a night here to discover the beauty of this lovely house.
賴坤陽的家 Lai’s Home
Location： https://goo.gl/maps/4KCyfdAGMNWNxRVH8
Website： http://laihome.idv.tw/
房價以人數計，每人1500/晚，包含入住當天晚餐與隔日早餐，是像家一樣的的日常料理，很簡單卻很美味。來到這裡能夠真正的放鬆，早起醒來有鳥叫聲，推開陽台眼前的山景雲霧繚繞，再砌一壺熱茶，我們開始冥想，開啟一個心靈如大自然寬闊的早晨。賴坤陽的家打造出一個和大自然最靠近，人情餘韻很厚的地方，一個適合充電的地方。
The room rate is counted by person. Each one pays NT$1500 for one night. This fee includes dinner and breakfast in the next morning. The cuisine here is homely, simple and tasty. We got great relaxation after awaken by sweet trills in the morning. We opened the balcony door and saw mist and clouds floating elegantly around the ridges in the distance. We blowed some tea and began to meditated, letting the morning vigor flow into our heart. In Lai’s house, people here can truly get close to the nature, receive warm care from Lai’s family and find peace in the heart.
前往梅山的路上，滿山的茶園看著療癒，後來和當地人交談後，發現這茶園密度高到幾乎每戶人家都有自己的茶園，就可略知一二。
On the road to Meishan, the view of tea farms was picturesque. The locals told us that almost all. households in Meishan have their own tea farms, which form the beautiful picture of tea village.
另一個在我們必訪清單的就是 — 綠色竹林隧道。然而我們最期待的「竹林茶席」，結合這兩個元素，在竹林裡由茶藝師帶領品茗。
‘Bamboo Forests’ is another attraction we visited in Meishan. Before heading to the spot, we were extremely expected to drink tea in a bamboo forest.
當天茶藝師帶上阿里山紅茶、烏龍茶以及比較少見的白茶，為我們泡茶的過程中，一邊講解泡茶的流程、茶葉的製程、烘焙與發酵程度等知識。能夠優雅地假想自己是修行人，在竹林中冥想喝茶，想起來還是覺得很夢幻呀！
On that day, a tea artist bought us Alishan black tea, oolong tea and white tea. While making tea, the tea artist shared us with a series of tea production, including sun withering, fermentation, and multiple rolling-roasting etc. We closed our eyes, enjoyed the gentle breeze and indulged in tea fragrance. It’s just like we were monks in a temple, experiencing the soothing vibe in a bamboo forest.
茶藝師分享，這個竹林茶席行程近幾年來非常熱門，甚至有遊客是因為追逐竹林茶席的體驗才知道梅山。竹林茶席算是一個非常成功的社區成果，是當地的組織瑞峰社區點子，結合在地的竹林景觀，規劃了完整的茶席體驗區，還培養了當地居民成為獨家的茶藝師，由當地人帶大家享受竹林茶席。
The tea artist mentioned that tea ceremony in bamboo forests are more and more popular with both Taiwanese and foreigners recently. Some even accidentally discovered Meishan because of the unique activity. The concept of tea ceremony in bamboo forests is a very successful case of regional revitalization. This idea came from the local organization in Ruifeng community.
Combing with local landscape in Meishan and well-organized set of tea ceremony, the organization assisted local habitants to become outstanding tea artists, keeping providing wonderful experience for friends from all around the world.
體驗活動透過瑞茗祥茶葉採預約制，本身就經營茶廠，提供竹林茶席體驗之外，還有採茶DIY活動。
Please be sure to make a reservation before joining the activity. You may contact Yong Xin tea industry (Rui Ming Cheung tea experience) for further information. Besides tea ceremony in bamboo forests, they also invite visitors to have tea plucking experience in their tea farm.
永鑫茶業（瑞茗祥茶體驗）Tea Art of Ruei Ming Shiang
Location： https://g.page/rmsteatw?share
Website： http://www.rmstea.com.tw/other/index.aspx?shop=rmstea&kind=12&kind2=12
Author: Mavis & Mercy
Photography: Patrick
