Tea is to China what wine is to France—not just a beverage, but a way of life, a cultural touchstone, and an art form that has been refined over thousands of years.
A Brief History
Legend has it that Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea in 2737 BC when leaves from a wild tree blew into his pot of boiling water. Whether true or not, tea has been central to Chinese culture for millennia.
The Six Great Teas
1. Green Tea (Longjing) - Unoxidised, fresh and grassy. Hangzhou's Dragon Well is the most famous.
2. Black Tea (Hong Cha) - Fully oxidised, rich and malty. Keemun is a classic.
3. Oolong - Semi-oxidised, complex and aromatic. Tieguanyin from Fujian is renowned.
4. White Tea - Minimally processed, delicate. Silver Needle is the premium variety.
5. Pu-erh - Fermented and aged, earthy and complex. Yunnan's specialty.
6. Yellow Tea - Rare and subtle, similar to green but with a unique processing method.
Tea Experiences on Our Tours
- Hangzhou: Visit the Dragon Well tea plantations and learn to pick and process tea leaves
- Chengdu: Spend an afternoon in a traditional tea house, watching locals play mahjong
- Fujian: Explore the birthplace of Oolong tea in the Wuyi Mountains
The Gongfu Tea Ceremony
This traditional brewing method, originating in Fujian and Guangdong, is an art form. Small teapots, multiple short infusions, and careful attention to water temperature bring out the best in each tea.
Baker's Tip
*"In China, tea is never rushed. When a host refills your cup, tap the table with two fingers—it's a silent thank you. And never let your guest's cup go empty. These small gestures show respect and understanding of the culture."*
Experience Chinese tea culture on our China Signature — Imperial Heritage tour.