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13 days: 17th April - 30th April 2025
Shanghai - Yixing - Mo Gan Mountain - Long Jing - Yellow Mountain - Wu Yi Mountain
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We warmly welcome you to Shanghai as you begin your journey from your home country. To ensure a smooth start, please plan to arrive in Shanghai on the 16th or by the morning of the 17th.
Once you’ve settled in, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and begin your adventure with a visit to Yu Garden, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Shanghai’s Old City, followed by a stroll through the vibrant Yuyuan Bazaar.
In the evening, we’ll indulge in an authentic Shanghai dining experience at the Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant, where you’ll savor the iconic Xiao Long Bao—Shanghai’s famous soup dumplings.
Congratulations! Your Tea Tour of China has officially begun!
Our private chauffeur will take us on a scenic journey from Shanghai to Yixing, located in southern Jiangsu province. During the three-hour drive, you’ll witness the transition from Shanghai’s bustling urban energy to the lush, natural beauty of Jiangsu’s countryside.
After lunch, we’ll explore a bamboo forest, where towering, swaying bamboo stalks create a truly magical atmosphere. A refreshing hike through this serene landscape will be the perfect way to stretch, unwind, and immerse yourself in nature after the drive.
Today is all about Yixing teapots!
In the morning, we step back in time to visit a 600-year-old Dragon Kiln, a historic masterpiece that has been used for centuries—and is still in operation today—to fire Yixing teapots. These teapots are crafted from the renowned Zisha clay, a rare and prized material found only in the hills of this region.
Next, we visit the esteemed studio of Grand Master Dong Ya Fang and her daughter Zhou Shu Yuan, two of China’s most renowned Yixing teapot artists. Many of you may already own pieces from their collections, and now you’ll have the chance to witness their mastery firsthand as they guide us through the intricate process of Yixing teapot making.
Then, it’s time to get your hands dirty! With their expert guidance, you’ll have the unique opportunity to craft your very own Yixing teapot, experiencing the artistry and tradition behind these world-famous teapots.
Yesterday, you made a teapot—now it’s time to brew something in it!
Today, our private chauffeur will drive us to Mo Gan Mountain in Deqing County, a breathtaking region known for its exceptional green, yellow, and red teas. Upon arrival, we’ll join the tea farmers and processors for a freshly prepared lunch at the tea factory, where we’ll share a meal alongside the very people who cultivate and craft these remarkable teas.
Make sure you eat your fill, because after lunch, it’s time to earn your keep! You’ll step into an organic tea garden, where you’ll hand-pick tea leaves, just like the skilled tea pickers who have perfected this craft over generations. With your tea baskets full of freshly picked leaves, you’ll journey down the mountain alongside the farmers, delivering the tea to the factory.
There, you’ll witness firsthand how green tea is processed, from fresh leaves to the beautifully crafted teas enjoyed worldwide. And of course, no visit would be complete without tasting a variety of their finest teas!
See that photo at the top of this page? The one with the pagoda on a lake, with a mountain just visible through the haze in the distance—beautiful, isn’t it? Well, today, you’re going to step into that picture and fall in love with the place.
Welcome to Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province and one of China’s seven ancient capitals. With its breathtaking West Lake, misty mountains, and lush vegetation, Hangzhou has long been celebrated as “paradise on earth”, drawing visitors from around the world.
Today, we take a well-earned break from the physical labour of making teapots and picking tea, slowing down to enjoy a leisurely stroll around the stunning West Lake. As you walk its scenic paths, you’ll witness firsthand just how beautiful China can be.
After soaking in the serene beauty of the lake, we’ll head to He Fang Street, also known as “Old China” Street, where we’ll indulge in delicious local cuisine and explore the vibrant night market—a perfect way to end the day.
This morning, we begin our journey with a visit to China’s National Tea Museum, where you’ll delve into the rich history, culture, and artistry of Chinese tea.
Next, we head to the beautiful and tranquil Long Jing Village—the birthplace of one of China’s most famous and beloved teas: Long Jing, also known as Dragon Well Green Tea.
Here, we’ll visit our Long Jing tea farmer’s home, where the family will welcome us with a freshly prepared homemade meal. The food is incredible, made from locally sourced ingredients and cooked with care. As we relax on the terrace, we’ll take in breathtaking views of Long Jing’s rolling tea terraces, where straw-hatted tea pickers roam, carefully plucking the finest tea leaves.
While we wait for our meal, we’ll have the chance to sample the freshest harvest—tea that has been picked and processed just hours before.
After a delicious meal and plenty of tea, we’ll continue our journey with a scenic walk up to the Longjing Imperial Tea Garden, followed by a visit to the Shi Feng Mountain tea plantation, where we’ll witness firsthand the beauty and craftsmanship behind this world-famous tea.
Today, we hit the road as we leave Hangzhou and journey to Huang Shan—Yellow Mountain.
This scenic drive takes us deeper into one of China’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Upon arrival, we’ll board a cable car that will carry us to the top of Yellow Mountain, offering stunning panoramic views of the misty peaks and ancient pine trees along the way.
Once we reach the summit, we’ll check in to our mountaintop hotel, a truly unique experience that allows us to immerse ourselves in the serene beauty of this legendary landscape. Before settling in, take a leisurely walk around the hotel, where you’ll be greeted by jaw-dropping vistas that change with the light and mist.
Tonight, we stay at the very top of Yellow Mountain, surrounded by the awe-inspiring scenery that has inspired poets, painters, and travelers for centuries.
Lace up your hiking boots, throw on your cagoule (rain jacket for our American cousins), and top up your tea flask—today is all about embracing the breathtaking beauty of Yellow Mountain!
But be warned... it’s going to be a challenge—prepare for a long trek with many steps to ascend and descend. That said, it’s not as tough as it sounds, and there are shortcuts for those who need them—including sedan chair carriers if you fancy a lift!
To truly make the most of this incredible location, we highly recommend waking at 4 AM and heading to the edge of the mountain to watch the sunrise. If the weather cooperates and it’s clear, the view is utterly breathtaking—a sight that will stay with you forever. If it’s cloudy or raining, well… you can always enjoy the fresh mountain air with a hot cup of tea in hand.
After the sunrise, we’ll return to the hotel for a well-earned breakfast before setting off on our 7km (4.3 mile) hike to the western side of the mountain. Along the way, we’ll take in some of Yellow Mountain’s most spectacular scenery and ascend to its highest peak—Lotus Peak.
Finally, after an unforgettable day of hiking and sightseeing, we’ll descend via cable car, floating gently down to the base of the mountain, reflecting on the stunning landscapes we’ve just conquered.
It's going to be a long drive before we arrive in at our next destination: Wuyi mountain - home to one of my favourite teas - Wuyi Rock tea. This is probably one of my favourite areas of China. I know we keep using the words 'stunning' and 'beautiful' and 'breathtaking' but you cannot deny that Wuyi is all these things and more.
We will broadly say to our Wu Yi Rock tea farmers family and meet the head of the family Master Wu who is the sixth generation of his family to process their divine Wuyi Rock Teas... it's safe to say.. they got their processing techniques 'to a T'!
We will taste many of their beautiful Wu Yi Rock Teas.
This morning, we step into the very heart of Wu Yi Mountain, venturing deep into the Zheng Yan area, home to the legendary Da Hong Pao mother bush and other precious Wuyi cultivars used to craft some of the world’s finest rock teas.
Here, we’ll immerse ourselves in the intricate microenvironments that shape the unique character of Wuyi tea. As we walk through this sacred landscape, we’ll begin to truly feel the terroir—the aroma of the mineral-rich rocks, the softness of the moss beneath our feet, and the incredible diversity of plant life that all contribute to the distinctive taste of Rock Tea.
In the afternoon, we return to the tea factory to witness the intricate processing of Wuyi tea, gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every leaf. Our journey continues with more tea tasting, but now, after everything you’ve experienced in the Wuyi Mountains, you’ll begin to truly understand what terroir means.
With each sip, you’ll taste the very essence of the landscape—the mist, the rocks, the centuries of tradition—all captured in a single cup of Wuyi tea. And from this moment on, every time you drink a Wuyi tea, you will always remember this walk through the mountains.
This morning, we embark on a breathtaking journey down the Nine Curves River aboard a traditional bamboo raft. As we gently drift along the winding waterway, we’ll take in the stunning natural beauty of Wu Yi Mountain, passing through dramatic cliffs, lush greenery, and even encountering a few gentle rapids along the way.
In the afternoon, we venture to a hidden side of Wu Yi Mountain, where we’ll visit exclusive tea gardens that are only accessible to locals. This is a rare opportunity to experience a more secluded, untouched part of Wuyi’s tea-growing heritage, deepening our appreciation for the land and its tea.
As night falls, you’ll have the option to witness something truly unforgettable—the “Impression Da Hong Pao” show. This outdoor theatrical performance is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. It’s a masterpiece of choreography, music, dance, theater, fireworks, and an awe-inspiring light show, all set against the natural backdrop of Wu Yi’s majestic mountains.
It’s an experience that’s hard to put into words—but one that will leave you spellbound.
This morning, we visit my red tea farmer in Wu Yi Mountain, where we’ll experience the beauty and depth of Wuyi’s exquisite red teas. This is a delightful opportunity to savor a selection of these exceptional teas, each with its own unique character and flavor. Among them, we’ll have the privilege of tasting Jin Jun Mei, one of the most esteemed and treasured red teas in the world.
In the afternoon, we take a journey back in time with a visit to Xia Mei Ancient Village, once a thriving center of the tea trade during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Here, we’ll uncover the rich history of the village and its role in the Ancient Tea Road, where merchants once transported tea across vast distances.
Alternatively, you may choose to explore the vibrant tea market, where you can browse and purchase high-quality teas and beautiful tea wares, bringing home a piece of your Wuyi tea journey.
This morning, we visit the local tea market—your final chance to pick up any last-minute teas or tea wares to bring home. Take your time exploring the variety of high-quality teas, handcrafted teapots, and unique tea accessories, ensuring you leave with a special reminder of your journey through China’s tea regions.
After our visit, we’ll begin the drive back to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to a hotel near the airport for a comfortable overnight stay before your departure. If you’re extending your time in China, we’ll drop you off at your chosen hotel in Shanghai, allowing you to continue your adventure at your own pace.
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