Welcome to an extraordinary adventure that promises to delight your senses and nourish your soul - Tea-Infused Tour of China, as presented and designed by the team of Chinese Tea Alliance.

Embark on a 19-day odyssey that will transport you through China’s diverse tea culture, starting from the vibrant urban landscape of Shanghai, venturing into the mysterious world of Yixing’s purple clay teapots, savoring the fresh aroma of Longjing tea at Hangzhou’s West Lake, marveling at the breathtaking sea of clouds atop Huangshan, drifting through the ethereal landscape of Wuyi’s Nine-Bend Stream, and finally immersing yourself in the pure world of Fuding’s white tea.

Each sip of tea takes you on a journey through time, connecting you with a thousand stories and the hard work of dedicated craftsmen and the beauty of nature. You'll have the chance to shape the clay yourself and see the Zisha pot turn into a work of art right before your eyes! Wander through the gorgeous tea plantations and get to know every step of tea production, from plucking to brewing. And, with the help of tea experts, you'll taste the purest tea, relax your mind, and enjoy the amazing world of tea culture.

Prepare to be amazed by the stunning beauty of Huangshan Mountain. As the saying goes, "after returning from Huangshan, all other mountains pale in comparison." Take a leisurely bamboo raft ride along the Jiuqu Stream in Wuyi Mountain, where you’ll be enchanted by the captivating legends of Dahongpao while surrounded by the seamless fusion of nature and tea stories. When you reach Fuding, you’ll be captivated by the pure beauty of white tea. Visit the homes of tea farmers and tea factories, and witness firsthand the loving and careful process of making this tea. Discover the rich history of this tea and see the traditional methods passed down from generation to generation. It's a truly extraordinary experience!

This journey is about more than just tea. It’s a spiritual awakening and a cultural expedition. Get ready to be moved and enlightened on this fragrant voyage. It will leave an indelible and cherished mark on your life. Don’t miss the chance to join us on this unforgettable tea culture odyssey!

We are pleased to assist you with your travel arrangements. Please do not hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience. Our team will create a travel itinerary that aligns perfectly with your preferences and availability. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.

  • From farmers and tea scholars

    We bring with us everything we have learned and developed over the years as scholars and tea producers in Yunnan, our contacts with ceramic artists and other like-minded growers in other Chinese provinces, and all our passion.

  • careful planning

    We organize our travels with the same care that we put in our teas and our courses: we consider our activities as a whole, a multidimensional exploration of the leaves we love that needs careful and passionate support to reveal all its beauty.

  • Independent

    We organize our itineraries with our own resources, without relying on any travel agency: we visit the places that shaped our tea journey and continue to astonish us, sitting at the tea table with the tea professionals we esteem the most.

Day#1 : Shanghai

A Glamorous Prelude: Discovering Shanghai’s Hidden Gems

Welcome to Shanghai! Our private airport transfer will usher you into a graceful journey, where a cup of fragrant tea and a moment of rest will instantly wash away your travel fatigue. You will then check into an elegant hotel near the Bund, ideally located for your upcoming explorations. In the morning, stroll through the Shanghai Museum, traversing through time to deeply appreciate China's rich history and artistic treasures. Come lunchtime, the bustling Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street will awaken your taste buds with the crispy delight of pan-fried buns and the savory succulence of soup dumplings. In the afternoon, move to Yuyuan Garden, where ancient trees, pavilions, and halls exude the tranquil charm of the Ming and Qing dynasties. As night falls, the glittering lights of the Bund will present you with a captivating urban tableau.

Day#2: Shanghai - Yixing

Beyond the Clay: A Journey into Yixing Craftsmanship

Embark on a journey to Yixing, starting with a visit to the studio of Master Gu Shaopei, where you will witness the exquisite craftsmanship of a master in purple clay teapots. Engage in an interactive session under the master’s careful guidance, trying your hand at crafting a simple purple clay teapot and experiencing the spirit of artisanship firsthand. In the afternoon, delve into the Yixing Electric Ceramic Factory, exploring the raw materials from Huanglong Mountain and the mysterious No. 4 Mine, understanding the mining process and the extraordinary significance of these materials in teapot artistry. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Yixing city, savoring local delicacies or finding a tranquil teahouse to savor the rich tea aroma at your own pace.

Day#3: Yixing

Crafting Perfection: Exploring Yixing Purple Clay Pottery

Participate in a workshop led by local craftsmen, immersing yourself in the mysteries of purple clay teapot making, where traditional and modern techniques intertwine. Under the guidance of experts, craft your own small teapot or teacup, feeling the magical transformation of clay into art under your fingertips. Next, visit the Liyong Purple Clay Museum, where you will systematically learn about the long history and evolution of purple clay teapots, and have the opportunity to decorate a purple clay teapot using traditional techniques, imbuing each stroke with cultural warmth.

Day#4: Yixing - Hangzhou

A Fusion of Tradition and Beauty

Conclude your Yixing experience with a final hands-on creation session, elevating your skills and crafting a unique purple clay teapot or teacup as a memento of your journey. Participate in an authentic tea ceremony or stroll through the purple clay teapot market, fully immersing yourself in the allure of purple clay artistry. Then, drive to Hangzhou (approximately 2.5-3 hours). Upon arrival, settle into a charming hotel by West Lake, and then take a leisurely walk along the lakeside, letting the scenic beauty soothe and purify your soul.

Day#5: Hangzhou

A Longjing Tea Odyssey: West Lake Dreamscape

As dawn breaks, drift on a small boat over West Lake, letting your spirit dance with the shimmering reflections and getting lost in the poetic scene of "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon." In the afternoon, visit Longjing Village, where verdant tea fields and the culinary delights of West Lake Vinegar Fish and Dongpo Pork await to satisfy your palate. Then, wander through Longjing Tea Gardens, experiencing firsthand the secrets of harvesting and making West Lake Longjing tea. Sip fresh tea, letting its fragrance gently flow over your palate. As night falls, the lantern-lit Hefang Street will guide you into an antique culinary journey.

Day#6: Hangzhou - Huangshan

Zen and Summit: A Journey from Lingyin to Huangshan

At dawn, seek inner peace amid the morning bells and evening drums of Lingyin Temple, where ancient trees tower and the stone carvings of Feilai Peak tell tales of millennia. Enjoy a light vegetarian meal at a local restaurant, savoring the unique flavors of Buddhist cuisine. In the afternoon, the China National Tea Museum will take you through the historical river of tea culture. In the evening, speed toward Huangshan by high-speed train, settling into a hotel at the foot of the mountain, ready for tomorrow's rendezvous with the sea of clouds.

Day#7: Huangshan

Celestial Journey: Huangshan’s Cloud and Pine Paradise

As the morning light breaks, take a cable car ride into the skies, where Huangshan welcomes every traveler in its unique way. The steadfast Greeting Pine, the vast Bright Summit, and the precipitous Heavenly Capital Peak—each marvel showcases nature's extraordinary craftsmanship. Enjoy a memorable lunch atop the mountain, with local specialties that linger on your taste buds. In the afternoon, enter the Huangshan Maofeng Tea Garden to learn about the art of tea planting and processing, savoring the refreshing elegance of Huangshan Maofeng tea. As night descends, return to your hotel, recharging for the journey ahead.

Day#8: Qimen

Journey to Keemun: Encountering the Queen of Black Tea

Arrive at Qimen Station and first visit the Qimen Tea Museum, a comprehensive venue showcasing tea culture, academic research, and educational outreach. Through rich textual materials, exhibits, and multimedia interactions, you will travel back in time to witness the glorious moments of Qimen black tea, from deep mountains to the global stage. The museum also features a special lecture by a seasoned tea culture expert, delving into the unique aspects of Qimen black tea, including its growing environment, picking standards, processing techniques, and tasting skills.

Day#9: Qimen

Savor the Legend: A Deep Dive into Qimen Black Tea

At dawn, walk lightly through the dewy green tea gardens of Qimen, feeling nature's purest gifts. Under the meticulous guidance of National Intangible Cultural Heritage inheritor Mr. Xie Yongzhong, experience the subtle joys of tea picking and delve into the traditional craft of Qimen black tea. Every step embodies the wisdom and sweat of artisans. In the afternoon, savor the rich aroma of Qimen black tea in a tea room, appreciating its unique "Qimen fragrance." In the evening, with your heart full of memories and discoveries, drive to Jingdezhen, marking a perfect end to this fragrant tea journey.

Day#10: Jingdezhen

Shape Your Story: A Ceramic Adventure in Jingdezhen

As night falls, arrive in Jingdezhen and check into a meticulously designed ceramic-themed hotel, where the air is thick with artistic atmosphere. At dawn, visit the Jingdezhen Ceramic Museum, traveling through millennia to admire the glorious history and exquisite craftsmanship of porcelain. In the afternoon, step into a pottery workshop, feeling the clay with your own hands and experiencing the joy of shaping ceramics, creating your own piece of art. Later, stroll through the bustling ceramic market, where the dazzling array of exquisite porcelain will leave you enchanted.

Day#11: Jingdezhen - Wuyishan

Ceramic and Tea Dialogues: Jingdezhen to Wuyishan

In the morning, wander through the Taoxichuan Cultural and Creative District, immersing yourself in the ocean of modern ceramic art, feeling the collision of creativity and tradition. In the afternoon, delve into the Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Museum, witnessing the magical process of ancient porcelain firing and experiencing the timeless ingenuity of craftsmanship. By evening, embark on a journey to Wuyishan, checking into a resort hotel at the foot of the mountain, ready for a beautiful encounter with Wuyishan the next day.

Day#12: Wuyishan

Tea and Nature Symphony: A Journey Through the Nine Bends Creek

At dawn, drift along the Nine-Bend Creek on a rustic bamboo raft, with the poetic Danxia landforms on both sides and crystal-clear waters, as if in a fairyland. At lunchtime, savor a simple farmhouse meal in the scenic area, enjoying nature’s bounty. In the afternoon, visit the mother trees of Da Hong Pao, listening to Master Wang Shunming, a National Intangible Cultural Heritage inheritor, narrate the legendary story of Da Hong Pao tea and understand its unique production techniques.

Day#13: Wuyishan

Delving into the Natural Mysteries of Wuyishan

Spend the entire day enveloped in the embrace of the Wuyishan Nature Reserve, hiking or cycling to explore the wild tea tree varieties hidden deep in the mountains, marveling at the wonders of nature and the charm of biodiversity. In the evening, return to your hotel to enjoy a tranquil night, allowing your spirit to completely relax.

Day#14: Tongmu Guan

Scent of Tradition: A Tea Journey from Wuyishan to Tongmu Guan

Awaken in the tea culture village, watching a traditional tea ceremony and participating in the tea-making process, feeling the profound heritage of tea culture. In the afternoon, bid farewell to Wuyishan and drive to Tongmu Guan, where the scenic drive soothes the soul. Upon arrival, check into a local charming guesthouse, experiencing the unique rural ambiance.

Day#15: Tongmu Guan

The Pioneer of Black Tea: Experiencing the Smoky Allure of Lapsang Souchong

As dawn breaks, step into the tea gardens of Tongmu Guan, where the air is filled with the fresh scent of tea leaves and the unique aroma of smoked tea. Here, you will not only delve into the long history and exquisite production techniques of Lapsang Souchong but also feel the dedication and perseverance passed down through generations. At lunch, a cup of authentic Lapsang Souchong tea, with its unique smoky flavor, slowly unfolds on your palate, leaving a lasting impression. In the afternoon, visit the tea processing factory, witnessing the entire process from green leaf to finished product, gaining deeper respect for this traditional craft. In the evening, travel to Jianyang, checking into a hotel, adding warmth and tranquility to your tea journey.

Day#16: Jianyang

Masterpieces in Clay: Exploring Jian Zhan

In the morning, the Jian Zhan Museum guides you through time, admiring the splendid history and unique craftsmanship of Jian Zhan. In the afternoon, under the guidance of Intangible Cultural Heritage master Zhou Jianping, experience the process of making Jian Zhan firsthand, marveling at the transformation of clay into art under your fingertips. In the evening, browse the tea ware market, selecting a few cherished Jian Zhan pieces as souvenirs, creating lasting memories of this journey.

Day#17: Zhenghe

Pure Bliss: Discovering Zhenghe White Tea

After a sumptuous breakfast in Jianyang, drive to Zhenghe, another renowned area for Fujian white tea. Enjoy the beautiful natural scenery along the way, feeling the tranquility and harmony of nature. Upon arrival in Zhenghe, check into a unique eco-hotel, resting briefly before starting your tea culture exploration. In the afternoon, visit the white tea base in Zhenghe, learning about the growing environment and production techniques of Zhenghe white tea. Next, meet Intangible Cultural Heritage inheritor Chen Zehua, who will share the historical heritage and production craftsmanship of Zhenghe white tea. Under his guidance, observe the traditional hand-made tea process closely. In the evening, enjoy a cup of Zhenghe white tea in the hotel's open-air tea room, savoring its unique aroma and flavor, reflecting on the day's experiences, and adding a touch of warmth and leisure to this tea culture journey.

Day#18: Fuding

Pure Origins: Exploring the Heart of Fuding White Tea

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, embark on a journey to Fuding, the hometown of Chinese white tea. Upon arrival in Fuding, visit the Fuding White Tea Museum, systematically understanding the history and production techniques of white tea, feeling the profound heritage of white tea culture. Then, head to a tea farmer's home, experiencing the entire process of white tea from fresh leaf picking to tea cake making, witnessing the magical transformation of tea leaves. Compare with Fuding white tea to feel the unique influence of different terroirs on tea quality. In the evening, have a special face-to-face session with National Intangible Cultural Heritage white tea-making inheritor Lin Zhenchuan, listening to the master narrate the legendary stories of white tea. Under his personal guidance, try simple white tea making, feeling the charm of tea culture.

Day#19: Fuding

Tea Country Elegance: A Perfect Conclusion in the Aroma of Fuding White Tea

After a relaxed breakfast at the guesthouse, re-enter the tea gardens of Fuding. Walk through the tea fields in the morning light, picking tender green tea leaves by hand, feeling nature’s gifts. In the morning, visit a tea factory to understand the detailed production process of white tea, including withering, drying, and other key stages. At lunchtime, savor Fuding's specialty cuisine, such as white tea chicken soup and white tea steamed fish, letting your taste buds immerse in the aroma of white tea. In the afternoon, attend a white tea tasting class led by a local master, learning how to distinguish the quality of white tea and mastering tasting techniques. After the class, enjoy watching the master personally make white tea, admiring his exquisite craftsmanship. In the evening, freely stroll through Fuding's old streets, experiencing the local culture, and selecting some quality tea leaves or tea ware as souvenirs. End this tea-fragrant journey with the setting sun, carrying rich memories and experiences as you head home.

  • Food: Learn through tasting

    Along with tea and culture,we place a high value on food:we select the most interesting meals and, above all, to immerse you in our reality of people and places. Whenever possible, we cook in our studio to chill between excursions and to sample foods discovered along the way.
    Vegetarian options are plentiful, including numerous variations on tofu, beans, and cooking techniques that are part of the Chinese tradition.

  • Accomodations

    In China, we spend the majority of our nights in a small private villa adjacent to our alliance, making it easy to begin each day with tastings and studying. In every other city, we stay in trusted hotels on which we have come to rely over the years, and in some cases, they have become second homes to us due to their excellent service and tea with a view.

  • Transportation

    We journey through the tea regions by private car, providing the utmost safety, comfort, and flexibility at each destination.

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