“Wu Wei” is a word that comes from Tao philosophy. It means “no action”, “effortless action”. It means to be in a state of “flow” … like the artist when is creating or like kids that play in a long summer evening.
With such a name, it is obvious that Wu Wei aims to be a “classic” Chinese tea house, a two stories wooden construction around a fish pond.
We have been in other tea houses of this kind. Wu Wei is one of the best example of “chayiguan” in Taichung. We had good times there, enjoying quiet evenings with a magic atmosphere.
Many tables are with “tatami”, Japanese style. As often in Taiwan, Japanese elements mix with Chinese. They also have tables with “normal” chairs and many quiet compartments.
Wu Wei is not expensive, especially considering the location, along the busy Gongyi Road. You can eat and drink for two with 600-800 NTD. Dim sums (snacks), such as spring rolls, are also available. Of course you can drink tea, and this can be more expensive.
The waitress will show you how to prepare the tea in the traditional way – they can speak English.
The Taiwanese tea preparing method is quite simple indeed, unlike the Japanese tea ceremony.
How to Get to Wu Wei Tsao Tang Tea House in Taichung
The teahouse is located at Gongyi-Dadun Roads intersection. From Taichung Train Station you can take bus #81 (from Renyou Bus Station – 仁友東站, near the station) to Gongyi-Dadun intersection stop (公益大墩路口), direction Ubus Transfer Station.
You can also catch bus #60 (from the back of the train station stop), direction PingDing, stopping again at Gongyi-Dadun intersection. This bus route leads also to Tunghai University, Ubus and Chaoma Bus Station, but buses are not frequent.
From THSR Station the best option is to ride bus #85 to Wenxin-Gongyi intersection stop. Then walk for about 500 meters (East direction) along Gongyi Rd.
A taxi from the Main Railway Station will costs about 200NTD, from the THSR Station the fare will be about 300NTD.
See also:
Good pictures of Wu Wei Tea House.
Which are the different types of Taiwan Tea?: an easy guide to the different teas you can enjoy in Taiwan tea houses.
A tale of Taiwan Tea Houses: Taichung‘s Taiwan tea houses are famous. This is their story.