Wenshan Tales: Aromas of Tea

This video is an animated short film that merges the traditions of local cultural storytelling with the creative possibilities of generative AI technology. Told through the perspective of a student at National Chengchi University, the narrative unfolds amidst the rolling hills and mist-shrouded Tieguanyin tea plantations of Maokong, a scenic corner of Taipei’s Wenshan District. Within this tranquil setting, the story gently interlaces themes of youth, memory, heritage, and the lingering fragrance of Taiwanese tea.



At its emotional core lies the quiet, introspective journey of the protagonist, who carries an unspoken longing and deep regret for his late father. Immersing himself in the rhythms of rural life, he learns the art of tea-picking and brewing from a seasoned local farmer. Each lesson in the field becomes a step into the world his father once cherished—allowing him to reconnect not only with treasured family memories but also with the land itself.



The film also challenges the stereotype that tea culture is the preserve of the elderly. By weaving in the presence of idol singers and young university students in scenes of tea-picking, brewing, and tasting, it reimagines traditional tea practices as vibrant, creative, and socially engaging experiences that speak to the curiosity and energy of a younger generation.



Inspiration for the story draws from the real-life experiences of a tea farmer in Maokong. Through a fictionalized yet heartfelt adaptation, the film pays tribute to his deep connection to the land, his commitment to organic cultivation, and the unique charm of locally grown Tieguanyin tea.

With its character-driven narrative and expressive animation, Wenshan Tales: Aromas of Tea celebrates the warmth of rural life and the cultural richness of Taiwan’s tea heritage. It also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land, portraying organic tea gardens as models of ecological harmony and advocating for sustainable agriculture and cultural preservation.



Ultimately, the film is both a tribute and an invitation—a tribute to the land, culture, and people of Maokong, and an invitation for audiences, young and old alike, to rediscover the timeless beauty of Taiwanese tea.