Hangzhou: Tea Culture Masterclass with Hands-on Workshop

This is an immersive journey of Chinese tea. We begin as history seekers in museum, transform into apprentices in temple, and culminate as practitioners mastering the art of Song Dynasty tea practice.
-9:30 | Private car service to the destination

09:30 – 12:00 | The Tea Archive: China National Tea Museum
Ever wonder about the differences between different
tea types or how Ancient Chinese people drink tea?
Come find the answers!
Learn: From discovering the six tea families and the evolution of tea drinking practices and tea-house culture to identifying a tea leaf in the wild.
Experience: Smell the variety of tea aroma, try your hand at grinding tea and take a walk in the tea garden.

12:30 – 14:30 | Lunch Options
Option A – The Zen Plate: Buddhist Vegetarian Buffet at Xiangji Temple
Cleanse your palate and mind before the afternoon session. Xiangji Temple, named in the Song Dynasty, is the only temple in China dedicated to the Kitchen Guardian Bodhisattva (监斋菩萨), making it the spiritual heart of Chinese vegetarian culture.
Option B – Lakeside Flavors: Lunch at Green Tea Restaurant
Located just steps from the Tea Museum, this renowned local favorite offers a relaxed, casual alternative. Savor creative Jiangnan dishes such as baked Chilean sea bass with lotus leaf, Green Tea fried rice, and the famous “bread temptation” dessert – perfect for guests who prefer a non‑vegetarian meal or authentic Hangzhou daily dining.

15:00 – 16:00 | The Expert’s Eye: Tea Ware Appreciation and Tea-tasting
Learn to appreciate: The instructor will demonstrate how to appreciate tea wares. Feel the weight, texture, and temperature conductivity that defines a 'Masterpiece' vs. a 'Souvenir'.
Savor the Subtle Difference: Immerse yourself in a traditional Chinese tea-tasting ceremony. In this tranquil setting, discover how different tea wares uniquely shape the flavor and aroma of the tea. Find your personal favorite through this meditative procedure.

16:10 – 17:10 | The Masterclass: Song-style Whisking (Dian Cha)
In a private studio, you will learn the Art of Dian Cha (点茶). This is the sophisticated "latte art" of the 12th century.
Historical Retrospective: Tracing the origins of Song dynasty tea preparation.
Hands-On Session: Step-by-step instruction to whisk the tea and inscribe a fleeting character or design onto your own bowl of tea.

17:10 | Private car delivered to the designated location

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.