Hangzhou: Longjing Village Tea Picking and Tasting Tour

Imagine strolling through tea fields, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and learning about one of China’s most celebrated teas — all for $85 per person. This tour promises a visit to Longjing Village, a place renowned for its prestigious Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, combined with engaging activities like tea picking and traditional tea tasting. The experience spans several hours, offering a taste of Hangzhou’s cultural tea scene along with scenic vistas that make your camera happy.

What we like about this tour is the chance to sample authentic Longjing tea directly from the source and to see the beautiful tea gardens that frequently earn the title of “Internet celebrity” spots. The guided aspect, including a chance to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a tea snack, adds a layer of authenticity that’s hard to beat.

Yet, there are some considerations. Based on reviews, some travelers found the guiding and service lacking, with reports of poor organization and even attempts to overcharge. This can be a concern if you’re expecting a smooth, well-managed experience.

This experience seems best suited for tea enthusiasts, people curious about Chinese tea culture, and those willing to pay a bit for what should be a scenic, educational outing. If you’re comfortable with the potential for variability in service quality, it could still be a memorable part of your trip.

Key Points

• Authentic Longjing Tea: Taste and learn about the famous West Lake Longjing tea directly from the production area.
• Scenic Walks: Enjoy strolls through tea gardens and picturesque Nine Creeks.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about the history and process of tea-making from your guide.
• Interactive Experience: Pick your own tea leaves and observe traditional pan-frying techniques.
• Photo Opportunities: Capture beautiful tea fields and mountain views.
• Mixed Reviews: Expect some variability in guide quality and organization.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect

Starting Point & Location

The tour begins in Longjing Village, a short distance from Hangzhou’s city center. The meeting point is right next to notable tea shops, such as Shifeng Meiling and Longjing West Lake. The guide will pick you up beforehand, so there’s no need to worry about transportation. This simplifies things and helps avoid the hassle of navigating busy streets.

Visit to the Tea Production Area

One of the highlights is entering the tea production area early to avoid crowds. Here, you’ll get a close-up look at how Longjing tea is processed — from fresh leaves to the final product. You’ll taste Shifeng Longjing, a highly regarded variety, and learn about the distinctive roasting and pan-frying techniques that give the tea its characteristic flavor and aroma.

Tea Tasting & Snacking

A tea snack is included, giving you a chance to savor the delicate aromas of the tea while enjoying some local treats. As one reviewer pointed out, this is a moment to appreciate the authentic flavor of well-made Longjing, which can be quite different from supermarket versions. Understanding the history from your guide adds depth, especially if they share stories about Longjing tea’s significance in Chinese culture.

Strolling through Internet Celebrity Tea Gardens

Next, you’ll wander through popular local tea gardens—some areas known for their Instagrammable views. These spots afford great photo opportunities and a chance to see how tea farmers go about their daily routines. The Nine Creeks provide a scenic backdrop for some fresh air and peaceful landscapes.

Tea Picking & Cultural Experience

One of the most engaging parts is picking your own tea leaves. This hands-on activity allows you to connect directly with the process of tea cultivation. You’ll also observe a pan-frying demonstration, giving insight into traditional techniques that help preserve the tea’s flavor.

End of Tour

The experience wraps up back at the initial meeting point, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for Longjing tea and the lush scenery of Hangzhou’s tea mountains.

Is it Worth the Price?

At $85 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive look at Longjing tea, including sampling, picking, and educational insights. While this price might seem steep, it’s important to consider the value of direct access to production areas, the scenic walks, and the hands-on activities. However, given the mixed reviews—particularly one mentioning the lack of guide support and a rip-off attempt—it’s worth approaching with cautious expectations.

In comparison to other experiences, this tour provides more culture and photo opportunities rather than luxury or seamless service. If you’re a tea lover or someone eager to see the landscape behind the famous tea, it could be worthwhile. But if smooth organization and guide interaction are your priorities, you might want to explore other options.

The Realities of the Experience

While some travelers find value in the scenic beauty and tea tasting, others report frustrations. One reviewer, Markus, lamented, “No guide, no answers, and the store tried to rip us off,” indicating that service quality may vary. This highlights the importance of managing expectations — you may get a self-guided feel or encounter less attentive staff.

Despite these issues, the views of tea fields and mountains are genuinely stunning, making it clear why this area is famous. The authenticity of the tea tasting and the chance to engage with farmers provide a genuine cultural flavor that can enrich your visit if managed well.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Wear comfortable shoes: Expect some walking on uneven terrain.
• Bring a camera: The scenery and tea gardens are highly photo-worthy.
• Stay hydrated: Bring water, especially if the weather is warm.
• Be aware of organization issues: If you have specific expectations about guide interaction, clarify beforehand.
• Arrive early: To avoid crowds and get the best photo opportunities.
• Check weather conditions: Clear days will enhance both your experience and photos.

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Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re genuinely interested in Chinese tea and the scenic beauty of Hangzhou’s mountains. It suits travelers who are comfortable with some logistical variability and who value authenticity over polished service. If you’re a photographer, the lush tea fields and mountain vistas will delight you.

However, if you prefer a highly organized tour with detailed explanations and attentive guides, this might not be the best fit. The mixed reviews suggest that expectations should be managed, especially regarding guiding and service quality.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since the tour involves walking through tea gardens and some hands-on activities, it could be suitable for children, but expect some walking on uneven terrain. Keep an eye on younger kids, as guides may not always be available to assist.

How long does the tour last?
It’s designed as a few-hour experience, but the exact duration isn’t specified. Expect it to be a half-day activity, giving ample time for sightseeing, tea tasting, and picking.

Are there any language options besides Chinese?
Yes, the tour is offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Gujarati, and Korean, making it accessible for international travelers.

Can I book this tour with flexible payment?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now with the option to pay later, which offers some flexibility if your plans change.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and water are recommended. Remember, smoking is not permitted during the tour.

Is this suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, likely due to walking and uneven paths.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some peace of mind if your plans are uncertain.

Will I get a guide throughout the experience?
The reviews suggest that guide support may vary, with some travelers feeling neglected or unsupported during the tour.

Final Thoughts

If you value authentic cultural experiences and enjoy scenic walks amid lush tea gardens, this tour offers a glimpse into Longjing’s renowned tea culture. The opportunity to pick your own tea leaves and taste prime Longjing in its birthplace makes it appealing. However, be prepared for possible organizational hiccups and variable guide support.

For tea aficionados and those eager to capture gorgeous landscapes, this could be a memorable part of your Hangzhou trip — just approach with realistic expectations. If smooth logistics and guided explanations are your priority, consider researching other options.

Ultimately, this experience balances beautiful scenery and culture against some organization challenges. It’s best suited for independent-minded travelers who want to connect with the land and tradition behind China’s most famous tea.

In summary, this tour offers a genuine peek into Longjing tea culture amid stunning mountain scenery. While it may not be flawless, the chance to taste fresh tea, pick your own leaves, and photograph lush hills makes it worth considering — especially if you’re flexible and eager to learn about Chinese tea traditions firsthand.

You can check availability for your dates here: