Hangzhou: Private Guqin, Tea, and Calligraphy Tour

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on a private tour. Learn the art of brewing tea, discover the legacy of the Guqin, and practice calligraphy. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
-9:30 | Private car pick up

10:00 – 11:30 | The Scholar’s Resonance: Guqin Immersion
The History: Under a master’s guidance, uncover the legacy of the Guqin—the seven-stringed zither that was the soul of the Song literati and a UNESCO-recognized treasure.
The Practice: In a hands-on session, learn the fundamental fingerings and play a simple, haunting melody. Feel the instrument’s resonance become your own.

11:45 – 13:45 | Lunch
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.

14:15 – 14:45 | The Art of Brewing: A Masterclass in Traditional Chinese Tea
Half an hour that will change every cup you make from now on
In this focused, intimate session, a tea master will guide you through the essential principles of brewing Chinese tea – a craft that balances science, intuition, and respect for the leaf.
You will learn:
Water temperature – why delicate teas need 75°C
Vessel choice – when to use a porcelain gaiwan, a clay teapot, or a glass pitcher
Steeping time – from lightning‑fast rinses to longer infusions that unlock hidden layers

15:00 – 15:45 | Art on the Foam: Dian Cha Mastery
Learn the Art of Dian Cha (点茶). This is the sophisticated "latte art" of the 12th century.
Hands-On Session: Step-by-step instruction to whisk the tea and inscribe a fleeting character or design onto your own bowl of tea.

16:00 – 17:30 | The Scholar’s Brush: A Calligraphy Journey
No previous experience needed.
Part 1 – The Living Line (20 min)
Step into the quiet world of Chinese calligraphy, where every stroke carries meaning. You will learn why calligraphy is considered the highest form of Chinese visual art, above even painting.
Part 2 – The Tools & The Touch (15 min)
Meet the Four Treasures of the Study: brush, inkstick, paper, and inkstone. Your teacher will demonstrate the correct way to hold the brush. You will practice making basic strokes.
Part 3 – The Story Inside a Character (20 min)
Discover how Chinese characters evolved from pictures to symbols.
Part 4 – Your Brush Meets Silk (25 min)
Practice writing a few seal‑script characters on rice paper.
Part 5 – Your Masterpiece (10 min)
Write meaningful characters – in seal script on a beautiful sheet of xuan paper.

17:45 | Private car service to the designated location

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