TAITUNG (TVBS News) — A tree in Taitung County, Taiwan, has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Known as the "Tree of Takeshi Kaneshiro" or the "Tea-Offering Tree," this iconic bishop wood stands proudly at the southern end of Borong Boulevard in Chishang Township.
With a history dating back 50 years, a landowner planted the tree to provide shade for hardworking water buffaloes and weary farmers. At that time, the road leading to the tree was a muddy path traversed by ox carts.
However, this tree has become Taiwan's best-known one since the summer of 2013 after a superstar, Takeshi Kaneshiro, sipped tea in its shade in an EVA Airways TV commercial.
The Takeshi Kaneshiro tree gained international attention when it weathered the destructive forces of Typhoon Matmo in 2014. The Taitung County Government and the Chishang Township Office launched a joint rescue mission, enlisting the expertise of renowned tree doctors Tokuo Yamashita and Yoshihisa Kawaguchi. Through their efforts, the tree made a remarkable recovery, earning the title of "Taiwan's Happiest Tree."
Not only is the tree a beloved tourist attraction, but it also embodies the traditional value of "tea offering" that was prevalent in rural communities. In the past, travelers would encounter large teapots filled with tea along the roadside, under trees, and near temples, offering them a chance to quench their thirst and experience the warm hospitality of the locals.
The Takeshi Kaneshiro tree, also called the "Golden Goose" by locals, has welcomed an astounding 5,869,504 visitors from 2016 to the end of 2022, making it a vital contributor to Taitung's tourism industry. Beyond its economic value, this tree is a poignant reminder of rural life's simple and cherished moments.