Hi Lykkers! China is not just famous for its ancient history, rich culture, and stunning landscapes but also for its long-standing tea culture.
For centuries, tea has been a symbol of Chinese heritage, and its cultivation is deeply rooted in the country’s traditions.
For those seeking a peaceful getaway surrounded by lush greenery and the aroma of fresh tea leaves, China offers some of the world’s best tea garden tourism destinations. Here are five must-visit tea gardens for any tea enthusiast or traveler!
1. Hangzhou
Location: Zhejiang Province, Eastern China
Famous Tea: Longjing (Dragon Well)
Type of Tea: Green Tea
Many sources agree that the finest tea in China is Longjing Tea from West Lake (Xi Hu Longjing), which grows in the hills around West Lake, southwest of Hangzhou. With a history as the capital of imperial China and a royal vacation destination, the best tea in China has been enjoyed in style in Hangzhou for over 1,000 years. The Hangzhou Tea Museum, located amidst the tea plantations, is the only museum in China dedicated to the history of Chinese tea.
2. Suzhou
Location: Jiangsu Province, Eastern China
Famous Tea: Dongting Bi Luo Chun (Green Spiral)
Type of Tea: Green Tea
Another popular tea choice for China’s imperial elites is Dongting Bi Luo Chun, or Green Spiral Tea, from Suzhou. Like Hangzhou, Suzhou was a royal retreat for the elite of Beijing. Suzhou’s ornamental gardens have long been a place of relaxation and cultivation for the upper class throughout history.
3. Huangshan
Location: Anhui Province, Central Eastern China
Famous Tea: Huangshan Maofeng (Yellow Mountain Furry Tip), Keemun Black, Yellow Mountain Tribute Chrysanthemum
Type of Tea: Black Tea, Floral Tea
Huangshan, known as a major tea culture city in China, is famous for producing some of the best teas. The mystical Yellow Emperor, said to have once lived in Huangshan, gave his name to the beautiful Yellow Mountains. It is said that Emperor Shennong, a legendary figure, discovered tea when tea leaves accidentally fell into his servant’s boiling pots of water.
Huangshan Maofeng, one of the top five teas in China, is named for its furry leaves. Other notable teas from Huangshan include Keemun Black, a highly regarded black tea, and Yellow Mountain Tribute Chrysanthemum, a popular floral tea.
4. Chengdu
Location: Sichuan Province, Central China
Famous Tea: Ya’an Black Tea
Type of Tea: Processed Tea
Chengdu is well known for its tea-drinking culture. The laid-back atmosphere of the city is reflected in the fact that locals often spend time in tea gardens within parks, sipping tea while playing games like chess, mahjong, or cards, reading the newspaper, or simply chatting with friends.
Ya’an, located at the southwestern end of the ancient Tea Horse Road, has been producing tea for over 2,000 years. From Ya’an, black tea bricks were transported by horse to Tibet and beyond.
5. Xishuangbanna
Location: Southern Yunnan Province, Southern China
Famous Tea: Pu’er Tea
Type of Tea: Post-fermented Tea / Black Tea / Pressed Tea
Xishuangbanna is a significant tea-growing region located at the southern end of Yunnan, one of the stops along the ancient Tea Horse Road. The tropical hills of Xishuangbanna are home to the Dai people, who produce some of the finest Pu’er teas, which are compressed into various shapes like cakes and bricks.
Pu’er tea, named after the town of Pu’er in Yunnan, is known for its bold, earthy flavor, making it distinct from the generally milder teas of China. It is a tea that stands out with its rustic taste, offering a unique experience for those looking to explore more traditional, aged teas.
China’s tea culture is deeply ingrained in the country's history and traditions, with many regions offering a unique and authentic tea experience. From the imperial tea gardens of Hangzhou to the tropical plantations of Xishuangbanna, these regions allow visitors to learn about the origins, cultivation, and intricate processes involved in tea-making while immersing themselves in some of the most scenic landscapes in China.
