From Hangzhou: Longwu Tea Village, Longmen Town & Dam Tour

From Hangzhou: Longwu Tea Village, Longmen Town & Dam Tour — A Detailed Look

Imagine stepping out of bustling Hangzhou for a day to walk through lush tea fields, learn traditional tea-making techniques, and explore historic streets—all topped off with a peaceful riverside walk beside a uniquely shaped dam. This tour, priced at $263 per person, offers a well-rounded glimpse into Zhejiang’s rich cultural landscape, combining natural beauty with the charm of centuries-old towns.

What we particularly like about this experience is the hands-on tea-picking at Longwu Tea Village, where you can experience the simple pleasure of gathering your own Dragon Well tea leaves and see how they’re pan-fired by a local master. The other highlight is the walk through Longmen Old Town, where ancient stone lanes and traditional architecture create a quiet, evocative atmosphere—an authentic step back in time.

A small possible consideration is that the tour runs about 10 hours, which might feel long for some travelers, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are not particularly interested in tea or old towns. It’s best suited for those eager to explore rural Zhejiang, appreciate traditional tea culture, and enjoy scenic riverside views. If you’re curious about China’s ancient towns and love natural landscapes, this tour is a strong choice.

Ideal for travelers seeking a mix of culture, scenic beauty, and engaging hands-on activities. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning about local crafts and history, and prefer a guided experience with balanced free time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Tea Experience: Hand-pick tea leaves and learn traditional frying techniques.
• Historical Charm: Walk through streets of Longmen Old Town, rich with Ming-Qing architecture.
• Scenic Stop: Relax at Longlin Dam with stunning dragon-scale-shaped water flows.
• All-Inclusive Value: Includes transportation, guide, entry fees, and a countryside lunch.
• Small Group: Personalized experience with groups of 1-6 people.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Exploring Longwu Tea Village: The Heart of Tea Culture

Starting your day at Longwu Tea Village, you’ll find yourself among endless rows of vibrant green tea bushes, stretching to the horizon. The calm, rural setting is perfect for a relaxed stroll. The highlight here is hand-picking your own tea leaves—an activity loved by many travelers for its tactile connection to traditional farming methods. As one visitor noted, “The best part was definitely choosing my own leaves and seeing how they’re processed into tea.”

Learning how to fry Dragon Well tea with a local master provides an authentic glimpse into the craftsmanship behind China’s most famous green tea. The pan-firing process is both an art and a science, and the guide’s explanations make it accessible even for newcomers. We loved the way the master explained the importance of timing and temperature, helping us appreciate the delicate process that gives Dragon Well its signature flavor.

Next, you’ll experience a Song-style tea ceremony, which involves grinding tea, whisking, and carefully dotting foam into artful designs. It’s a beautiful way to understand the elegance of Chinese tea culture and to see how tea was enjoyed by scholars centuries ago. For many, this ritual transforms the simple act of drinking tea into a graceful, almost meditative ceremony.

A countryside lunch rounds out the morning, with dishes featuring Longjing shrimp, bamboo shoots, and fresh, locally brewed tea. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that offers a taste of rural Zhejiang cuisine—something not to be missed. The value here is clear: a full, satisfying meal included in the cost, with ingredients thoughtfully prepared and locally sourced.

Longmen Old Town: A Window into the Past

After a delicious lunch, the tour moves to Longmen Old Town, where time seems to slow. The streets are stone-paved and lined with traditional Ming-Qing architecture—mansion houses, bridges, and family temples that tell stories of centuries past.

Exploring the local museums and family temples, you’ll gain insight into significant figures who shaped the area’s history. The streets are peaceful, and many visitors comment on the authenticity and quiet beauty of this ancient town. One traveler remarked, “Walking through Longmen felt like stepping into a living history book, with every corner telling a story.”

If you’re interested in local crafts, you can browse shops for unique souvenirs or snacks, or enjoy a tea break in a riverside teahouse—perfect for watching the world go by. The atmosphere here is tranquil, offering a nice contrast to the busy city life of Hangzhou.

Longlin Dam: The Dragon-Scale Marvel

The final stop is the Longlin Dam, a stepped water dam whose surface resembles dragon scales—hence the name. Water flows gently over the layered stones, creating a shimmering effect that is especially beautiful when captured in photographs.

Here, you can relax and reflect on your day, soaking in the scenery of bamboo groves and stone bridges. Many reviewers mention that this peaceful riverside walk provides a calming end to a busy day of sightseeing and learning. The rhythmic shimmer of water against the layered stones is a visual treat, blending natural beauty with human engineering.

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Practical Details and What to Expect

Your day begins with a pickup in Hangzhou, with the guide confirming your details the night before. The tour lasts about 10 hours, making it a full but rewarding experience. The group size is kept small (1-6 people), fostering a more personal and engaging atmosphere. Tours are guided in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, French, and Russian, increasing accessibility for international travelers.

The tour fee covers entry tickets for Longwu Tea Village and Longmen Old Town, plus the included lunch. It does not include personal expenses, so you might want to bring some cash for extra snacks or souvenirs.

While the experience isn’t suited for wheelchair users due to the uneven streets and outdoor terrain, most travelers praised the flexibility and comfort of the organized transport and timing. Plus, the option to reserve and pay later adds convenience for planning.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience appeals most to travelers interested in Chinese tea culture, historic towns, and scenic landscapes. It’s perfect if you’re keen on hands-on activities like tea-picking and appreciate learning about traditional crafts. The focus on authentic rural scenery makes it ideal for those wanting a break from the city’s hustle.

If you’re looking for a relaxed day filled with cultural insights and beautiful views, this tour offers a well-balanced mix. However, if you prefer urban sightseeing or have mobility issues, this might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a rare chance to experience Zhejiang’s rural charm, centuries-old architecture, and traditional tea culture, all wrapped into one meaningful day. The hands-on activities and scenic stops are genuinely engaging, making it a worthwhile investment for curious travelers. The inclusion of a local countryside lunch and small-group size enhance the experience’s value, making it both authentic and personal.

While it’s a full day—around 10 hours—you’ll leave with a richer understanding of China’s tea traditions and a handful of beautiful memories. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone looking to see more of Zhejiang’s countryside, this tour ticks many boxes.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off anywhere in Hangzhou city are included. Your guide will confirm the exact details the evening before.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 10 hours, allowing plenty of time to explore each stop comfortably.

What language is the tour guided in?
Guidance is available in several languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, French, and Russian.

Are meals included?
Yes, a hearty countryside lunch featuring local delicacies is included in the tour price.

What should I bring?
A valid passport or ID card is required, and comfortable outdoor clothing is recommended, especially for walking through tea fields and historic streets.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

This full-day journey offers a genuine taste of Zhejiang’s tea culture, historic architecture, and scenic beauty, making it a compelling option for travelers eager to experience the authentic countryside just outside Hangzhou.

You can check availability for your dates here: