Chinese Tea

Photo & story by: Debbie Stock

China is known throughout the world for its superb tea growing regions and excellent teas. Many consider the beverage an elixir to good health and some simply can't go a day without drinking it. 

I visited a tea plantation in the mountainous outskirts of Hangzhou and learned about tea growing and proper tea preparation. Several options for tours and tastings include:

• Zhejiang Qianzhang Yougu Tea Garden in Xinchang County, Zhejiang Province, specializing in Longjing tea
• Zhejiang Hangzhou Longjing Tea Garden southwest of West Lake, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province also specializing in Longjing tea

Our group was then offered an opportunity to purchase premium teas. Sadly for me, I passed up the chance. Not only was the cost high by American standards (a small container was close to $100,) but I simply ran out of room to buy anything after filling my suitcase with silk comforters and sheets.

If tea's your "thing" you can book tours to visit the tea growing regions throughout China, pick tea, and immerse yourself in tea with tastings and acquisition of some of the world's finest!

Next photo: West Lake (Souzhou) Boat Ride