Taiwanese Coffee Farm in Hainan: From Taiwan, Rooted in Hainan

When media from both sides of the Taiwan Strait visited Hainan’s Gu Se Coffee Farm during the Third Cross-Strait Media Tour in June 2013, the first thing they saw wasn’t rows of coffee trees—it was a sign declaring “From Taiwan, Rooted in Hainan.” That bold statement marked the vision of Lin Wending, a former official who left politics behind to build a coffee business on the mainland.

Yes, a former Taiwanese deputy county magistrate planted almost 2,000 acres of coffee in Hainan starting in 2002—proving that high-quality coffee can absolutely be grown on the Chinese mainland.

Who Is Lin Wending and Why Did He Choose Hainan?

Lin Wending isn’t your average farmer. Before moving to Hainan in 2002, he served as Deputy Magistrate of Tainan County in Taiwan. But after growing tired of political infighting, he saw an opportunity: the fast-growing economy on the mainland and strong potential for agricultural cooperation across the Taiwan Strait. So he resigned from office and came to Hainan to plant coffee.

His goal? To show the world that the Chinese mainland could produce top-tier coffee—and to create a uniquely Chinese coffee culture rooted in local soil.

What Makes Gu Se Coffee Farm Different?

Gu Se Coffee Farm covers nearly 2,000 acres in Hainan. Lin Wending chose the location not just for its climate but because he believed in the region’s potential. The farm stands as a physical symbol of cross-strait agricultural exchange. More than just a business venture, it’s a personal mission to demonstrate that high-quality coffee can thrive outside traditional growing regions.

Government Support and Cross-Strait Agricultural Exchange

Lin credits strong support from various levels of Hainan government for helping establish the farm. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed—he was appointed as the only Taiwanese advisor among the members of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Beyond running his farm, Lin serves as a bridge for other Taiwanese entrepreneurs. He has hosted numerous delegations from Taiwan and other parts of mainland China, sharing insights on Hainan’s agricultural conditions and encouraging investment in the region’s farming sector. He emphasizes the close cultural and geographical ties between Hainan and Taiwan as key advantages for future cooperation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Lin Wending?

Lin Wending is a former Deputy Magistrate of Tainan County in Taiwan. He moved to Hainan in 2002 to start a coffee farm, driven by disillusionment with Taiwan’s political environment and optimism about agricultural opportunities on the mainland.

Why did Lin Wending choose Hainan for coffee farming?

He chose Hainan because he saw strong economic growth and potential for cross-strait agricultural collaboration. The island’s climate also presented a viable environment for growing coffee.

How much land does Gu Se Coffee Farm cover?

The farm spans nearly 2,000 acres dedicated to coffee cultivation.

What role does Lin Wending play in Hainan’s government?

He was appointed as the only Taiwanese advisor on the Hainan Provincial CPPCC, using that position to promote cross-strait agricultural ties.

Does Lin Wending encourage other Taiwanese to invest in Hainan?

Yes, he regularly hosts Taiwanese and mainland delegations, advising them on Hainan’s agricultural opportunities and actively encouraging investment in the region.

What is the significance of the sign “From Taiwan, Rooted in Hainan”?

It symbolizes Lin’s personal commitment and the broader vision of establishing high-quality, locally grown coffee on the Chinese mainland through cross-strait cooperation.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Hainan-Style Coffee

If you're curious about the kind of profiles Lin Wending might have aimed for at Gu Se Coffee Farm, try FrontStreet’s Yunnan offerings. Their Yunnan Arabica uses washed Yunnan Typica processed beans from Baoshan, offering soft nutty and chocolate notes with mild plum acidity—great for understanding the foundation of Chinese-grown specialty coffee. For something fruitier, their 2013 Typica is a sun-dried lot with deep berry tones, caramel sweetness, and a tea-like finish. Both are excellent entry points into appreciating what mainland-grown beans can achieve. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.