Brand Story

Eight Generations of Tea: A 150-Year Journey

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From Taiwan's Mountain Tea Heritage to a New Generation of Tea Culture.

A Legacy Beyond Time — Since 1874

Great tea is not created overnight. It is shaped by time, refined through experience and preserved through generations.

For RooJI (儒記), the story of tea is one of dedication, craftsmanship and an enduring appreciation for the art of Taiwanese oolong tea.

With a heritage dating back to 1874, RooJI represents more than 150 years of tea tradition, carrying the knowledge and values of eight generations into the modern world.

From the tea-growing landscapes of Lugu in Nantou to Taiwan's renowned high-mountain tea regions, the family's heritage reflects an evolving understanding of cultivation, regional terroir and traditional tea-making.

Every generation contributes a new chapter, yet the philosophy remains the same: to respect the tea leaf, understand its origins and preserve the craftsmanship that gives each tea its distinctive character.

Eight Generations, One Living Heritage

Across eight generations, RooJI's family tea heritage traces a journey through Taiwan's remarkable mountain landscapes.

Each region represents a different chapter in the development of tea knowledge, cultivation experience and appreciation for the natural characteristics of Taiwanese tea.

The Timeline of Expansion

  • The First Generation — The Roots of Lugu

    The Beginning It started with Lin Feng Chi （林凤池）, who brought the original Oolong tea seedlings to Taiwan and began planting them in the Lugu region, birthing the legend of Dong Ding Oolong.

  • The Second Generation — Fenghuang Mountain

    Establishing Roots The family expanded cultivation to the Fenghuang Mountain tea region, solidifying the foundation of central Taiwan's tea industry.

  • The Third Generation — Shan Lin Xi

    The Expansion Venturing deeper into the mountains, the third generation opened up the Shanlinxi tea region, known today for its unique cedar-forest aroma.

  • The Fourth Generation — Lishan

    Reaching New Heights The family pushed the altitude barrier, expanding into the Lishan (Pear Mountain) region, home to some of Taiwan's most prized high-mountain teas.

  • The Fifth Generation — Hehuanshan

    The fifth generation's heritage narrative extends into the Hehuanshan mountain system.

    This stage reflects the continued exploration of Taiwan's diverse high-elevation landscapes and the importance of understanding the relationship between growing environments and tea characteristics.

RooJI — Since 1874

Eight Generations of Heritage. One Timeless Passion for Tea.

From Taiwan's Mountains to the World.

  • The Sixth Generation — Alishan and Tefuye

    The sixth chapter connects RooJI's tea heritage with Alishan and Tefuye.

    These celebrated tea-growing areas are recognised for their distinctive mountain environments and long-established tea cultivation traditions.

    They represent another dimension of Taiwan's rich and varied tea culture.

  • The Seventh Generation — Yushan

    The seventh generation's heritage narrative extends towards the Yushan region, reflecting the continuing relationship between Taiwanese tea culture and the island's mountain landscapes.

    As the heritage developed, generations of knowledge in cultivation, tea processing and sensory appreciation became increasingly important to preserving the character of traditional tea.

  • The Eighth Generation — A New Era of RooJI

    Today, RooJI enters a new chapter under its eighth-generation successor, LIN YI RU.

    With an international outlook and an appreciation for traditional tea craftsmanship, this generation seeks to introduce Taiwanese tea culture to a wider audience.

    The vision extends beyond traditional tea production into contemporary tea beverages, tea education, cultural experiences and international brand development.

    It is a new chapter built upon an enduring heritage.

The Wisdom of Tea, Preserved Through Generations

A tea heritage is measured not only by its history, but by the knowledge that continues to be passed down. Tea cultivation requires an understanding of the land, the seasons and the changing characteristics of each harvest. Tea processing demands patience and precision. From withering and oxidation to rolling and roasting, every step influences the final expression of the tea. A skilled tea maker must understand how to balance fragrance, flavour, body and aftertaste. These skills are developed through observation, practice and experience. For RooJI, eight generations of heritage represent a philosophy of continuous learning and respect for traditional craftsmanship.

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The Soul of Dong Ding Oolong
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Older Mist, Mountain, and Memory: The RooJI Moutain Terroir