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Tea Tasting in China

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As a fan of green and white tea before my trip around the world, I was excited to reach China where tea drinking is the norm.  I spent a lot of time tea tasting in China (mostly black and green), and people watching in the parks.

Large thermuses of hot water are given to customers who order tea in the People's Park of Chengdu, China.
Large thermuses of hot water are given to customers who order tea in the People's Park of Chengdu, China.
Snow on Green Lake Jasmine tea
Snow on Green Lake Jasmine tea
All of the accutrements are on display for a typical Chinese tea tasting ritual.
All of the accutrements are on display for a typical Chinese tea tasting ritual.
The more expensive teas are sold in discs or blocks.
The more expensive teas are sold in discs or blocks.
Adam, from England, gave me his copy of The Beach before we went our separate ways in China. The photo was taken while I was reading and enjoying a glass of hot, herbal tea in a Chengdu park.
Adam, from England, gave me his copy of The Beach before we went our separate ways in China. The photo was taken while I was reading and enjoying a glass of hot, herbal tea in a Chengdu park.
A pitcher of thick, salty Tibetan butter tea was way more than I could handle.
A pitcher of thick, salty Tibetan butter tea was way more than I could handle.
When you go to a tea shop in China for a tasting, they'll serve you as many refills of the little cups as you can handle.
When you go to a tea shop in China for a tasting, they'll serve you as many refills of the little cups as you can handle.
Loose green tea for sale at a shop in Chengdu, China.
Loose green tea for sale at a shop in Chengdu, China.

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About Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 68 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Comments

  1. Katie says

    Visiting China gave me a great appreciation for tea. Relaxing in the tiny town of Lijiang I was able to taste many varieties, and suck down some tasty dragonflies (a specialty in Lijiang). While there I stayed at the Banyan Tree Lijiang http://www.globalbasecamps.com/china/lijiang-hotel/banyan-tree-lijiang.

  2. Cornelius Aesop says

    I want to enjoy some tea tasting and a tea ceremony while in Japan this December. I think the rest of the world has such a great appreciation for tea compared to the US...and maybe Canada not sure if they fancy tea.

  3. Marie says

    Really nice essay! I'm a tea fanatic. I especially liked seeing real pen and paper for your notes sitting there. Sometimes I get the impression that people don't know how to use pen and paper anymore...and they go really nicely with a cup of tea. Both things help us to slow down and enjoy.

  4. GlobalButterfly says

    I miss tea in China sooooo much! Great pics!!!

  5. Jrobinson says

    What an amazing experience. It's really travel using all your senses!

  6. Dave says

    Good eye Marie! I have to admit that since I began traveling with a Blackberry, I haven't been writing in a journal when I go out to eat alone. Usually my notebooks were the way I preferred to track expenses and personal thoughts (that were often way too boring to make for good blog fodder).

  7. Gabriel Hummel says

    Tea, good food, and a kickass experience.

    Cannot be missed by any gringo

  8. Gabriel says

    tea, food, and good times

    What more could a gringo want?

  9. Wildlife Holidays says

    Great post, amazing pictures. I love tea and China! Well it is the home of tea and for a Brit that is like mecca!

  10. Suzy Lounge Bar says

    I think China has the best tea in Asia. These tea's are very relaxing and good for the health.

  11. Sonya says

    Very cool! This is an inspiring post for tea drinking travelers!

  12. Harshitasahay says

    The photographs are really amazing