Gangkao, Taiwan: An Authentic and Sustainable Agri-Ecotourism Gem
As part of the Exchange Learning on Community-Based Ecotourism & Destination Management Organization (DMO) between Taiwan and Indonesia, on July 10, 2025, the Indonesian delegation had the opportunity to visit the Gangkao Community as one of the key cross-country learning activities.
The delegation was represented by Wita Simatupang [@witasimatupang] from INDECON (Indonesian Ecotourism Network), together with two indigenous youth from Flores: Benyamin Semandu [@beniangflores] from LPBW Waerebo, and Yudith Wangge [@ovinwangge] from Pokdarwis Sipijena.
One of the main objectives of this visit was to deepen their understanding of best practices in community-based ecotourism, particularly how the management of local potentials—such as tea, soybeans, coastal ecosystems, and marine species conservation—can serve as both an economic driver and a conservation strategy at the same time.
Where is Gangkao?
Gangkao (Gangkou / 港口村) is located in Manzhou Township, Pingtung County, southern Taiwan. The village is part of Kenting National Park, a protected area renowned for its rich biodiversity, natural coastlines, and tropical mountain landscapes.
Its remote and pristine setting has made Gangkao a living laboratory for ecotourism, where traditional farming practices and marine conservation are integrated with environmental education and community empowerment.
Tea-Picking & Processing: From Leaf to Cup, from Culture to Flavor
In the Gangkou community, tea is more than just an agricultural crop—it is an integral part of the local culture and identity. The tea grown here is known as “Gangkou Tea” or “Sea Breeze Tea”, thanks to its unique location: the tea gardens lie at a low elevation, only about 300 meters above sea level, in a coastal area.
The sea breeze, carrying a light mist of salt, influences the character of the tea leaves, creating a delicate and refreshing aroma with a distinctive umami note—a flavor profile not found anywhere else.
Planting and Harvesting Process
Tea farmers in Gangkou practice organic and traditional methods, avoiding the use of chemical pesticides. The tea leaves are handpicked by community members, typically during spring and autumn, when the young, high-quality leaves are at their best. Each leaf is carefully selected to ensure that only the freshest leaves are processed into tea.
Processing Techniques
After being handpicked, the tea leaves are immediately processed using traditional methods: rolling, drying, and natural fermentation. This process preserves the sea-breeze aroma and maintains the tea’s complex flavor profile.
Because production is small-scale and entirely manual, Gangkou Tea is highly exclusive and rarely exported outside Taiwan—making it a distinctive specialty that can only be enjoyed locally or by visiting travelers.
Role in Ecotourism
Gangkou Tea has become a key attraction in the community’s ecotourism activities. Visitors are not only able to observe the production process, but also experience it firsthand—picking fresh tea leaves, learning the art of proper brewing, and savoring a cup of tea while overlooking the calming ocean view.
These activities also serve as a platform for education on sustainable farming, including how to maintain healthy soil and why it is important to preserve cultural traditions in the modern era.
Sources:
Foreigners in Taiwan. 2022. Gangkou village guide. Foreigners in Taiwan. https://www.foreignersintaiwan.com/blog/gangkou-beach
Reddit user. 2021. Discussion about Gangkou tea flavor. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/tea/comments/taojtf/discussion_about_gangkou_tea_flavor/
Taiwan Scene. 2023. Tea grown with sea breezes at the southernmost tip of Taiwan. Taiwan Scene. https://taiwan-scene.com/2023/11/23/tea-grown-with-sea-breezes-at-the-southernmost-tip-of-taiwan
VR-Kenting. 2023. Gangkou tea harvesting culture and crab conservation experience in Gangkou Village. VR-Kenting. https://vr-kenting.com/gangkou-tea-harvesting-culture-and-crab-conservation-experience-in-gangkou-village
