China · TEA TASTINGS

The 15 Best Tea Tastings & Tea House Visits in China

30 tours  ·  from $9 a head

Tea here is a two-hour sit-down, not a takeaway cup. The 15 below cover the Chengdu park houses, the Hangzhou plantations and the ceremony sessions in Beijing and Shanghai, with prices and how many pours you get.

Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony Experience - Arriving on Jiànnèi Avenue near Chang An Grand Theater
Tea Tastings, Tour Reviews, Tours in Beijing

Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony Experience

1.Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 74 reviews · 30 minutes - 3 hours · from $9Our pick

Meet an English-speaking host and tea master in Beijing for a 30-minute to 3-hour Chinese tea ceremony. Taste five teas, including Oolong, Pu-erh, green, jasmine, and flower tea, while learning water temperature, steeping, and pouring. Richard Li and Feye are among the hosts praised for clear explanations. Tea purchases are optional.

“The lesson was incredible and the teacher was very polite. It was one of the highlights of my stay in Beijing. I will strongly recommend this activity.”

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Beijing Culture: Tea Ceremony, Heritage Instrument & Calligraphy - Tea ceremony: learning through taste and ritual
Calligraphy & Craft Classes, Calligraphy and Craft Classes in Beijing, Historical Tours, Tea Tastings, Tour Reviews, Tours in Beijing

Beijing Culture: Tea Ceremony, Heritage Instrument & Calligraphy

2.Beijing Culture: Tea Ceremony, Heritage Instrument & Calligraphy

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · from $78Top rated

Spend 2.5 hours at Beijing’s private 813 Creative Park venue learning tea ceremony, calligraphy, and Guqin music. A bilingual guide with a master’s degree in history and sociology explains the rituals, while cultural specialists lead the hands-on sessions. Tea snacks, traditional clothing, photos, and a small group of up to eight are included.

“I didn’t expect to feel so moved. Playing the Guqin while the master guided my fingers felt like stepping into another time. It was quiet, personal, and completely different from anything else in my itinerary.”

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Tea Tasting and Pairing Concept Workshop - Meeting Vivian at MingCha Tea House
Food & Drink, Tea Tastings, Tour Reviews, Tours in Hong Kong, Workshops

Tea Tasting and Pairing Concept Workshop

3.Tea Tasting and Pairing Concept Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · from $65

Meet tea master Vivian at MingCha Tea House in Chai Wan for a 90-minute, hands-on workshop. You’ll taste four premium teas, practice Gongfu brewing with traditional tea ware, examine tea leaves before and after steeping, and pair the cups with dried nuts, chocolate, and flower honey toast. A family-friendly option and two start times are available.

“I loved this experience. We tried four different teas and learned about how to brew and serve a proper cup of tea. Oue tea master was knowledgeable, engaging and most of all, kind. She helped us get a taxi back to our hotel and waited with us until it arrived.”

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Biking Real Shanghai& Tea Tasting Experience - Starting at the Garden Hotel on Maoming Road
Cycling Tours, Food & Drink, Tea Tastings, Tea Tastings in Shanghai, Tour Reviews, Tours in Shanghai

Biking Real Shanghai& Tea Tasting Experience

4.Biking Real Shanghai& Tea Tasting Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 45 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $88

Ride through Shanghai with a guide such as Ellen or Helen, passing Old Town back alleys, the Former French Concession, Fuxing Park, and other central districts. Your group is limited to six, with a bike, helmet, bottled water, photos, and a traditional tea tasting included. Expect local streets, city history, and a relaxed look at everyday Shanghai life.

“An excellent tour with a great guide, Ellen was friendly, knowledgeable and more than happy to answer any questions we had. The food was really good with lots of variety across three stops. Thanks, Ellen!”

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Chinese Tea ceremony in Beijing Hutong courtyard - Arriving near the Forbidden City
Hutong Tours, Tea Tastings, Tour Reviews, Tours in Beijing

Chinese Tea ceremony in Beijing Hutong courtyard

5.Chinese Tea ceremony in Beijing Hutong courtyard

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 26 reviews · 1 hour · from $31

Meet English-speaking hosts, including Limeng, in a traditional Beijing Hutong courtyard about 150 meters from the Forbidden City’s east gate. Choose green, black, wulong, or Pu’Er tea, learn how to brew and drink it, and enjoy small snacks. The one-hour visit also offers an easy look at local family life and nearby historic sites.

“It was really good! We learned a lot of new things about tea! Very interesting flavours and how to drink tea! Our guide helped us so much before and after our tour!! Thank you so much for telling us were to eat the best (and not touristic!!) Beijing Duck!!”

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Half-Day Hangzhou Yunxi Bamboo Forest and Tea Plantation Experience - Lunch, dinner, and the rhythm of a half-day
Half-Day, Tea Tastings, Tour Reviews, Tours in Hangzhou

Half-Day Hangzhou Yunxi Bamboo Forest and Tea Plantation Experience

6.Half-Day Hangzhou Yunxi Bamboo Forest and Tea Plantation Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $130

Spend four to five hours with a private guide and driver exploring Yunxi Zhujing Scenic Resort, then visit Meijiawu or Longjing Tea Village. You’ll walk among bamboo, see tea plants, taste local tea, and share a Chinese lunch or dinner. Guides such as Lin, Rebecca, and Mr Pan, also called Tony, have been praised for their warm local insight.

“Enjoyed my tour with Lin very much. She was knowledgeable and friendly about the area, local culture.”

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Leshan Buddha + Panda Base or Old Tea House Private Day Tour - The two-hour road to Leshan
Giant Panda Tours, Leshan Giant Buddha Tours, Panda Tours in Chengdu, Private, Tea Tastings, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Chengdu

Leshan Buddha + Panda Base or Old Tea House Private Day Tour

7.Leshan Buddha + Panda Base or Old Tea House Private Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $99

Spend a full day with a private English-speaking guide and driver, choosing Chengdu’s panda base or Pengzhen’s old tea house before visiting Leshan Giant Buddha. Guides such as Cora and Victor are praised for clear explanations, local food help, and photography tips. You can hike, take the boat, or do both. Entrance fees and meals cost extra.

“Cora was wonderful and welcoming. She taught me about all the areas of the Pandas and the history of Leshan and the Giant Buddha. The driver was courteous. The car was immaculate.”

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Afternoon Tea and Dessert Tour on the Huaihai Road in Shanghai - Tea ceremony near Xintiandi
Dessert Tours, Tea Tastings, Tea Tastings in Shanghai, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai

Afternoon Tea and Dessert Tour on the Huaihai Road in Shanghai

8.Afternoon Tea and Dessert Tour on the Huaihai Road in Shanghai

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $82

Spend three hours with a local guide, possibly Jim, walking Huaihai Road and the Former French Concession. You will taste mooncakes at two pastry shops, watch a tea ceremony with several Chinese teas, and finish with Cantonese sweets such as milk pudding, mango purée, and almond tofu. Groups are limited to 10 per booking.

“Great tour - learned a lot about different types of tea, and about how tea is properly prepared and served. Desserts were great and made a nice compliment to the tour. Would highly recommend.”

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Private Beijing Markets Tour with Tea Tasting at Hongqiao Pearl Market - What the private format changes
Food & Drink, Markets, Private, Shopping Tours, Tea Tastings, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Beijing

Private Beijing Markets Tour with Tea Tasting at Hongqiao Pearl Market

9.Private Beijing Markets Tour with Tea Tasting at Hongqiao Pearl Market

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · from $88

You’ll visit Panjiayuan Antique Market and Hongqiao Pearl Market with a private English-speaking guide and hotel transport. Expect tea tasting, bargaining help, souvenir shopping, and time for lunch at your own cost. Guides including Lily, Lisa, and Lucy have been praised for making market shopping easier and more fun.

“I wanted to experience Beijing shopping without getting overwhelmed so I booked this tour. I got a fantastic Tea Ceremony experience and the chance to head right to the best and most famous shop in the Pearl Market, finished off with a wonderful and authentic lunch featuring Peking Duck. My guide took excellent care of me. Wonderful morning.”

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3-Hour Shanghai Yu Garden &Old Town Private Tour with Tea Tasting - Walking through Old Town and Nanshi
3-Hour Experiences, Food & Drink, Old Town & Ancient Village Tours, Private, Tea Tastings, Tea Tastings in Shanghai, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai, Yu Garden & the Bund Tours

3-Hour Shanghai Yu Garden &Old Town Private Tour with Tea Tasting

10.3-Hour Shanghai Yu Garden &Old Town Private Tour with Tea Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · from $80

Meet your English-speaking guide at your downtown Shanghai hotel and ride to Yu Garden for classical pavilions, ponds, and Qing Dynasty design. Continue through Old Town’s market lanes, then enjoy a tea tasting. The private format allows a flexible pace, with guides such as Annie, Sunny, Sunni, and May mentioned by name in past bookings.

“This was an excellent tour. The guide was pleasant and very knowledged. One of the best tours ever. I would highly recommend this tour.”

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Half-day Private Mahjong course in Local Tea House - From the market to a Chinese-style tea room
Half-Day, Private, Tea Tastings, Tour Reviews, Tours in Chengdu

Half-day Private Mahjong course in Local Tea House

11.Half-day Private Mahjong course in Local Tea House

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · from $60

Spend three to four hours with a local English-speaking guide, possibly Lance, exploring a Chengdu spice market before learning Mahjong in a Chinese-style tea room. You’ll taste Sichuan ingredients, enjoy tea and snacks, and play a real game in a private setting. Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered.

“We had a wonderful experience with our guide checking out a local market and then learning to play mahjong. The guide was friendly and personable and was eager to show us his neighbourhood and patient with his teaching. It was also great to be in a less touristed area and see a different side of Chengdu.”

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Food & Drink, Lunch Experiences, Private, Tea Tastings, Tea Tastings in Shanghai, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Shanghai

Private Shanghai City and Zhujiajiao Combo Tour with Boating, Tea Tasting, Lunch

12.Private Shanghai City and Zhujiajiao Combo Tour with Boating, Tea Tasting, Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · from $228

Start with a private guide and driver at your Shanghai hotel, then visit Zhujiajiao for a boat ride, tea tasting, snacks, and lunch. Return to Shanghai for Nanshi, Yuyuan Old Street, and Tianzifang. Guides such as Ella can adjust timing, including an earlier start during busy holiday periods.

“I was in Shanghai for Mid-Autumn. Jenny warned me that traffic in and out of town will be heavier than usual. In discussion, she made it possible to start the tour a little earlier to minimize the time on the road.”

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Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall and Tea House Private Tour - Reaching Mutianyu from central Beijing
Great Wall Tours, Mutianyu Great Wall Tours, Private, Tea Tastings, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Beijing

Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall and Tea House Private Tour

13.Mutianyu Great Wall and Tea House Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · from $98

Travel from your central Beijing hotel to Mutianyu with an English-speaking driver, spend about three hours on the Great Wall, then join a 45-minute tea ceremony near the site. Linda’s Guide & Driver Service provides private transport, entrance tickets, bottled water, and six tea tastings. Cable car, toboggan, and lunch cost extra.

“Linda our tour guide is excellent ! She took the time to explain the history and the facts behind building of the Great Wall . Highly recommend ！”

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Shanghai: Song Dynasty Tea Ceremony Experience - Arriving at 168 Aomen Road in Putuo
Tea Tastings, Tea Tastings in Shanghai, Tour Reviews, Tours in Shanghai

Shanghai: Song Dynasty Tea Ceremony Experience

14.Song Dynasty Tea Ceremony Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $78

Meet your English-speaking tea master at 168 Aomen Road in Shanghai’s Putuo District. In 90 minutes, you’ll learn to whisk powdered tea in the Song Dynasty style, use a tea bowl and bamboo whisk, and explore the ritual’s history, aesthetics, and mindful rhythm. Your private group receives tea, tools, photos, and WhatsApp support.

“A beautiful teahouse and a fantastic experience. The tea ceremony was a highlight, and the rich, smooth flavor of the tea was exquisite. Highly recommend!”

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6-Hour Private Chengdu City Walking Tour with Tea Tasting - Kuanzhai Alley, Chengdu’s famous walking street
Food & Drink, Private, Tea Tastings, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Chengdu, Walking Tours

6-Hour Private Chengdu City Walking Tour with Tea Tasting

15.6-Hour Private Chengdu City Walking Tour with Tea Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 10 reviews · from $115

Spend five to six hours walking through Chengdu with a private guide, visiting Qingyang Palace, Huanhuaxi Park, Qintai Road, Kuanzhai Alley, People’s Park, and Songxianqiao. You’ll taste local snacks, eat noodles, and enjoy a one-hour kung-fu tea ceremony. Guides such as Bruce and Andie are praised for their easygoing, flexible approach. Hotel pickup is available, but the return taxi costs extra.

“I had a fantastic morning out with Bruce. I would highly recommend this trip as a great way of seeing Chengdu. I definitely got more out of my visit from doing this tour. Bruce was very knowledgeable and we had a very chilled morning Read more”

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New in Tea Tastings

★ 5.0Private Qibao Ancient Town Walking Tour with Tea Tasting and Calligraphy ExperienceFrom $1004 reviews
★ 5.0Chinese Tea Ceremony ExperienceFrom $1593 reviews
★ 4.0Classic Afternoon Tea Voyage in Hong Kong for 4 Pax4 reviews
★ 5.0Hangzhou West Lake and Tea Plantation Half Day Tour4 reviews
★ 4.5Experience Chengdu: Private Tea-Making Day Tour of Mengdingshan Tea PlantationFrom $2407 reviews
★ 5.0Private Tour to the Temple of Heaven and Tea tasting at the Maliandao Tea cityFrom $1173 reviews
★ 5.0Beijing Tai Chi and Tea Ceremony ExperienceFrom $954 reviews
★ 5.0Chinese Tea Ceremony ExperienceFrom $1433 reviews
★ 4.8City Tour with Elephant Hill & Ming Tea TastingFrom $465 reviews

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