Hangzhou has one of the most famous green teas in China: Longjing. But beyond that, as a modern city and former capital of the Song Dynasty, Hangzhou offers many different ways to enjoy tea, which will definitely expand your imagination.
We’ve selected three very different tea experiences, all rooted in Hangzhou’s unique culture and traditions. I promise they will be special!
- Kombucha
While it’s trendy worldwide today, it actually has roots in China. You’ll make your own fermented tea using a SCOBY culture and your choice of ingredients. It’s a hands-on process, and you’ll see how tea transforms over time into something completely different… (Your drink will need time to ferment, so you can take it with you and enjoy it at the end of your trip.)
- Diancha
This is a tea technique from the Song Dynasty, using powdered tea and a bamboo whisk to create a smooth layer of foam on top. It was once enjoyed by ancient scholars and is considered a form of meditation because it’s easy to enter a flow. It’s quiet, focused, and very different from modern tea drinking. You’ll experience both the similarities and differences between Diancha and matcha, as well as the cultural connection between Tokyo and Hangzhou during the Song Dynasty.
- Longjing Tea
You’ll taste Longjing tea, the signature green tea of Hangzhou and one of the most famous in China. Depending on the weather, you’ll either experience boiling Longjing tea in a cosy setting, or try a modern twist like Longjing coffee, which is a creative speciality developed by Hangzhou youth.
- Locals
The experience takes place indoors, where you can relax and chat with your friends while enjoying the rest of the tour. What makes it even more special is that your host is not a professional guide, but a Hangzhou local who genuinely loves tea and comes from a diverse background, maybe a local grandma, a university student, or a family.
It’s not only about sharing knowledge, but also about having a warm afternoon tea chat with new friends. Many travellers and locals stay in touch after the experience.
We and your local friends can’t wait to have the chance to explore everything with you!
