Hangzhou: Tea Culture Masterclass with Hands-on Workshop

Join a tea culture masterclass in Hangzhou. Visit the China National Tea Museum, enjoy a vegetarian buffet at Xiangji Temple, and learn the art of Song-style tea whisking.
Begin your journey at the China National Tea Museum, where you'll discover the six tea families and the evolution of tea drinking practices and tea-house culture. Learn to identify a tea leaf in the wild, smell the variety of tea aromas, try your hand at grinding tea, and take a walk in the tea garden.

Next, head to Xiangji Temple, the only temple in China dedicated to the "Kitchen Bodhisattva" (监斋菩萨), making it the spiritual heart of Chinese vegetarian culture. Enjoy a Buddhist vegetarian buffet and cleanse your palate and mind before the afternoon session.

Continue to a tea-tasting ceremony and learn to appreciate tea wares. Feel the weight, texture, and temperature conductivity that defines a 'masterpiece' vs. a 'souvenir'. 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.

Finally, head to a private studio and learn the art of Dian Cha (点茶), the sophisticated "latte art" of the 12th century. Trace the origins of Song dynasty tea preparation and get step-by-step instruction to whisk the tea and inscribe a fleeting character or design onto your own bowl of tea.

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.