Explore the local tea traditions on a private tour in Hangzhou

Hangzhou is in Zhejiang Province, China. It is one of the most important tourist cities in China, famous for its natural beauty and historical and cultural heritage. It is the political, economic and cultural center of Zhejiang province as well. It's worthwhile to know that it's extremely humid in summertime, which is from early June to early September. The city was the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty from 1127 until the Mongol invasion of 1276. This historic city is a showcase for traditional medicine, religion and art as well as a shining example of China’s rapid economic development. Combining idyllic natural beauty, a grand heritage through the ages and an air of affluence, Hangzhou is one of the country’s most livable and pleasant cities to linger in.

The National Tea Museum of Hangzhou is the epicenter of knowledge and appreciation for China's favorite beverage. With a long history stretching through multiple centuries and cultures, tea is one of China's greatest treasures. This museum captures its history and the culture surrounding it for enthusiasts of all backgrounds. Hedged in by clusters of tea plantations on all sides, the museum is an excellent place to not only learn about tea but to see it being grown as well. The land surrounding the museum is cultivated to produce some of the best teas from the area. Many tea producing villages can be found in this area and contribute to the beautiful landscape surrounding the museum.

Longjing Tea or dragon well tea of more than 1200 years old is the No. 1 tea in China. With verdant color on the leaves, strong fragrance, sweet flavor and elegant form, Longjign tea is given the reputable name of the "Green Queen" and the "Golden Card" of Hangzhou city. Since its surrounding area has fertile land, multiple high mountains and very good climate, the Longjing Tea could grow under the God-given natural condition. Therefore, you can visit the plantation to appreciate a full land of Longjing Tea and know the essence of this precious and valuable tea in Chinese culture.

About 10 kilometers (6 miles) from downtown Hangzhou, Meijiawu Tea Plantation, also called Meijiawu Tea Cultural Village is not far from West Lake. It's a village with 600 years' history and famous as one of the main growing areas of Longjing tea. In the village, you can not only taste tea, but also participate in picking up tea leaves and making new tea if travelling there in spring! Besides, the Longjing tea is a great gift for your friends and family. Actually, Meijiawu village used to be unknown for a long time. Zhou Enlai, a former Chinese premier, brought attention to the area after a visit. Later, it was set up as one of the attractions for international visitors and has received more than 100 international celebrities and heads of state. Now, you can still see Wufu Bridge and a memorial hall in Meijiawu Tea Plantation built in memory of Zhou Enlai.

Qinghefang Ancient Street is a section of Hefang Street which is located at the northern foot of Wu Shan Hill in Hangzhou. It is just several hundreds meters away from the beautiful West Lake. With an area of 13 hectares (32 acres), the street is the only well-preserved part of the ancient city. As a miniature of the city's long history, it is the best place to embody the historical and cultural character of Hangzhou. Qinghefang Ancient Street has been the most flourished street in the city since the ancient time. During the Southern Song Dynasty (1127 - 1279 AD), Qinghefang with lots of shops, restaurants and teahouses was the center of politics, culture and commerce in the city. After so many years, it is still a prosperous business area. Many famous century-old shops are located in this ancient street, such as Wangxingji Fan Store, Zhangxiaoquan Scissors, Wanlong Ham Stack, Huqingyutang Pharmacy, Baohetang Pharmacy, Zhuangyuan House, Wangruixing, Yiyuanjindian, Jingyangguan and Sheep Soup Restaurant among others.