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7th May - 16th May 2025
Shanghai - Fuding - Quan Zhou City - Anxi - Chaozhou
The 2025 May China Tea Tour is an immersive journey designed for tea enthusiasts eager to explore the heart of China’s rich tea culture. Led by Juyan, owner of The Chinese Tea Company, this exclusive tour runs from May 7th to May 16th, taking a small group through some of the most renowned tea regions in the country. Over ten days, participants will visit traditional tea gardens, factories, and workshops, experiencing firsthand the process of tea cultivation, harvesting, and production.
The adventure includes private tea tastings, a scenic train ride to Fuding, and visits to legendary tea-growing areas such as Anxi and Phoenix Mountain, home to some of China’s most prized teas, including Tie Guan Yin and Dan Cong Oolong. Guests will have the chance to walk through lush plantations, meet expert tea masters, and even participate in harvesting and processing tea. The journey also blends cultural exploration, from strolling through ancient towns and markets to witnessing the breathtaking landscapes of Nine Peak Mountain and Tu Lou's historic earthen buildings. A special highlight is the visit to Master Zhang's workshop, where traditional Chaozhou teapots are crafted. There, you may even have the opportunity to try your hand at making your own pottery, gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind these iconic teapots.
Carefully curated to balance learning, tasting, and relaxation, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience China’s tea heritage in an intimate and authentic way.
Please plan to arrive in Shanghai on or before May 6th. In the afternoon, Juyan will warmly welcome you to her friend’s beautiful and cozy tea room for an exclusive private tea-tasting session, where you’ll have the chance to savor some exceptional teas in an intimate and relaxing setting.
Afterward, we will enjoy a delightful dinner together, sharing conversation and excitement for the journey ahead. Kindly note that you are responsible for booking and covering the cost of your own hotel accommodation for the night of May 6th.
Please make your own arrangements to arrive at Hongqiao Railway Station, where our journey officially begins. From here, we will board a train to Fuding City, traveling through scenic landscapes as we make our way to one of China’s most renowned tea regions.
Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel and have a quick lunch before spending a relaxing afternoon at our farmer’s tea factory, where we will enjoy a white tea tasting session. This will be an opportunity to experience the delicate flavors of freshly harvested and expertly processed Fuding White Tea, learning about its unique qualities and craftsmanship.
The next day, we will set off on a hike through our farmer’s organic tea plantation in Nine Peak Mountain. As we walk through the lush tea fields, we will get hands-on experience harvesting fresh tea leaves. The more we harvest, the more we can process—and the more tea we can bring back home, making this an unforgettable and rewarding part of our tea adventure.
In the morning, we will take the train to Quanzhou City, a historic port city with a rich cultural heritage. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a leisurely walk through the ancient streets of Quanzhou, soaking in the charm of this once-thriving center of trade and tea culture. As we explore, you’ll witness centuries-old architecture, traditional markets, and remnants of Quanzhou’s fascinating past.
Our journey continues with a visit to a historic Buddhist temple, where we will experience the tranquility and spiritual significance of one of China’s ancient religious sites. This peaceful setting offers a moment to reflect, appreciate the deep-rooted traditions of the region, and take in the serene beauty of Quanzhou.
From this day onwards, we will be traveling by private chauffeur-driven minibus, ensuring a comfortable and seamless journey through China’s tea regions.
In the morning, we will drive to Anxi County, a place renowned for its world-famous Tie Guan Yin Oolong Tea. Upon arrival in the afternoon, we will visit a renowned wholesale tea market, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore an incredible selection of teas and tea wares. We will also enjoy a delicious lunch, immersing ourselves in the flavors of the region while taking in the bustling atmosphere of this important tea hub.
The following day, we will have a truly special experience as we visit a Tie Guan Yin tea master and his tea garden. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to taste his rare and exceptional teas, experiencing firsthand the craftsmanship behind this beloved oolong. This visit is also a chance to ask questions, take notes, and capture stunning photos, making it an invaluable moment for deepening your appreciation and knowledge of Tie Guan Yin tea.
In the morning, we will drive to Yong Ding Tu Lou, a journey of approximately three hours, as we travel deeper into one of China's most historically and architecturally fascinating regions.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Tu Lou, an incredible collection of large, technically sophisticated earthen defensive buildings that have stood for centuries. Built by the Hakka people, these remarkable structures are designed to house multiple generations of families, offering both communal living and fortified protection. Their circular and square designs, made entirely of rammed earth, wood, and stone, are engineered to withstand earthquakes, sieges, and the test of time, making them a testament to ancient Chinese ingenuity. Some of these buildings are over 600 years old and still serve as homes today.
In the morning, we will drive to Chaozhou City, a journey of approximately three and a half hours, as we travel to one of China’s most celebrated tea and cultural hubs. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a delicious lunch, sampling some of the region’s finest cuisine.
After lunch, we will take a leisurely walk through the charming old streets of Chaozhou, where centuries of history meet modern vibrancy. Our journey will lead us to a contemporary Chaozhou-style tea house, where we will have the opportunity to taste some of the most exquisite Phoenix Dan Cong Oolong teas. With their complex aromas and layered flavors, these teas are among the most highly prized in the world. If we are lucky, we may also witness a traditional tea ceremony performance accompanied by live music, adding to the atmosphere of this truly immersive experience.
The following day, we will venture into the breathtaking Wu Dong Village on Phoenix Mountain, home to one of the most famous tea gardens in the region. This area is renowned for its ancient tea bushes, some of which are centuries old, producing exceptional Phoenix Dan Cong Oolong teas. As we walk through the mountain tea gardens, we will enjoy freshly brewed Dan Cong Oolong in its place of origin, allowing us to appreciate its depth and complexity while surrounded by the very landscape that shapes its character.
The next day, we will visit Master Zhang’s pottery workshop, where traditional Chaozhou teapots are meticulously crafted. These teapots are an essential part of Chaozhou Gongfu tea brewing, designed to bring out the best in Dan Cong Oolong. You’ll have the chance to observe the fine craftsmanship behind these handmade teapots, learning about the techniques and history that make them so special.
In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore Chaozhou at your own pace. Whether you choose to wander through historical sites, visit more tea houses, or simply take in the local culture, this is a wonderful opportunity to soak in the beauty and charm of this fascinating city.
Today, unfortunately, your tea tour adventure comes to an end. In the morning, we will fly back to Shanghai, a journey of approximately two and a half hours, marking the final leg of our incredible exploration of China’s tea regions.
Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and have time to freshen up and relax before the evening’s gathering. For those who wish, we will come together for a relax tea tasting and final farewell dinner, a chance to reminisce about our adventures, share stories, compare notes, and, of course, show off the wonderful teas, teapots, and other treasures collected along the way.
This will be a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences, friendships, and knowledge gained throughout this journey—memories that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Optional Day Trip to Yixing by Train.
For those interested, Juyan offers an optional day trip to Yixing, the renowned home of Zisha teapots. We will visit the studio of Master Dong Ya Fang and her daughter Zhou Shu Yuan, whose exquisite teapots are cherished by collectors worldwide.
During the visit, they will guid us through the intricate process of crafting a Yixing teapot, sharing their expertise and techniques. Then, it's time to get hands-on-you'll have the unique opportunity to create your own Yixing teapot under their expert guidance. A truly immersive experience for tea and craftsmanship enthusiasts!
Date: 7th May – 16th May 2025
Group Size: Limited to 6 people for an intimate and immersive experience.
Tour Guide: Juyan (Fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese)
Cost and booking:please contact us for enquiries.
Our travel package covers: 10 nights hotel room (mainly in 4 stars); all meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner; domestic transportation (we have a private chauffeur), entrance fees for parks and mountains and other scheduled activities.
Tour cost does not include: International flights to and from Shanghai, visas arrangements (but we are happy to advise you in booking your flight to China and procuring your visa) travel insurance, medical insurance and immunisations, optional tours, shows, tips and personal expenses.
Tour group size: Limited to 6 people for an intimate and immersive experience.
If you would like to learn more about The Chinese Tea Company's Tea Tour of China, have any questions, or wish to book your place on our next tour, please fill in the form to the right or contact us directly at +44 (0) 20 8960 0096.
We look forward to welcoming you on this unforgettable journey into the heart of China's tea culture!
