For nearly 5000 years, tea has been an integral part of Chinese life. Via the famous trading routes of the Silk Road and the Tea/Horse Road, tea  spread from the source to the outside world. Guided by some of China's leading tea authorities, trace these ancient routes and discover first-hand the lore and lure of tea. Explore remote mist-covered mountains where the legends of tea were born. Visit ancient cities where Emperors once ruled with teacup in hand. Tour ornate temples, lavish palaces, and historic landmarks. And, experience the charm of China's many colorful traditions as we visit famous tea producing and cultural regions.

Some exceptional tour highlights include: climbing the Great Wall; touring the expansive Forbidden City; a stroll through the scenic Temple of Heaven; excursions to verdant tea gardens where you can pick and even hand-make your own tea; attend a tea culture practicum at a university; guided tea factory tours; meetings and tea tastings with experts in tea production and trade; visit the remote 1700 year old tea tree; ride horses across the grasslands of Inner Mongolia drinking milk tea; and stay a night in the nomads' "yurt" tent.

Journey to Southwestern China to investigate the interesting processed of making Pu Erh tea; trek through the "Stone Forest", one of natures marvels; peek into the colorful, ritual-filled lives of China's Minority groups; learn Chinese calligraphy and useful phrases at a Chinese language school; taste exquisite teas just freshly made; ride the bamboo raft down the 9 Bend river in the enchanting Wuyi Mountains.

Revel in the ethereal aroma of a Jasmine tea factory at the height of production;  acquire new treasures wandering through traditional  markets; enter into the Nature Reserve for a visit to the famous Lapsang Souchong tea factory; dip into history as we learn the age old art of porcelain making in De Hua, visit the tea theme park; Delve into the spiritual essence of Chinese culture visiting a Taoist temple; and of course take in the ambiance at numerous tea houses; hike to see the legendary Big Red Robe tea bushes whose priceless leaves are still used as gifts to the political elite; plus many more surprises.

On the Beijing pre-tour extension; visit ancient historical sites that coexist with vibrant modern culture; get lost in tea supermarkets with hundreds of fascinating teas; visit a local family's residence for home-made dumplings; marvel at the amazing martial arts performance show; eat your way across China at the food stalls on Wang Fu Jing road; enjoy tea Beijing style at a local tea house, stroll through a beautiful park and join in the morning exercises of tai chi. 
 

On the enthralling Taiwan post-tour extension spend a day with a modern day tea master learning about the art of tea including tea making, brewing and even cooking with a lunch of tea dishes, tour the Palace Museum and see priceless treasures, visit oolong tea factories and learn about the many teas of Taiwan in guided tea tastings; experience Lei cha, the favorite brew of the Hakka minority people.

                                                             


Photo album from past
China Tea Tours

Copyright, 2007 The Tea House