Hangzhou: Longjing Village Tea Picking and Tasting Tour

This tour promises a taste of Zhejiang’s famed tea culture amid the lush hills of Longjing Village, famed for its delicate green tea. While the itinerary highlights include tea tasting, picking your own leaves, and strolling through picturesque tea gardens, recent reviews suggest a mixed experience worth understanding before booking.

What we genuinely appreciate about this tour is its focus on authentic tea experiences — you get to see the tea-making process, sample real Longjing tea, and enjoy scenic views of tea fields. The chance to pick fresh tea leaves and learn about the history behind Longjing tea adds a layer of participation many travelers seek. Plus, the opportunity to walk through an internet-famous tea garden offers some excellent photo moments.

However, potential travelers should note that based on recent feedback, the experience can be inconsistent. One reviewer mentioned the absence of a guide and feeling ripped off in a local store, which raises questions about the overall organization. If you’re after a well-guided, seamless visit, this may be a concern. Nevertheless, this tour might suit those who are flexible, curious about tea culture, and willing to navigate some unpredictable elements.

This experience is best for travelers eager for an authentic, hands-on encounter with Chinese tea, especially if they enjoy scenic walks and are comfortable with minor uncertainties. It’s less ideal for those seeking a luxury or highly structured tour, or travelers with mobility issues.

Good To Know

• Authentic tea activities include picking tea leaves and learning the tea-making process.
• Scenic landscapes of tea mountains and gardens provide great photo opportunities.
• Limited guidance and inconsistent organization may affect the experience.
• Cultural insights about Longjing tea add educational value.
• The price of $85 offers a chance for an immersive experience but might not include all services.
• Recent reviews highlight mixed experiences with guides and service, so manage expectations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Hangzhou’s Longjing Village: What to Expect

An Introduction to Longjing Tea and the Village

Starting your journey in Longjing Village, you’ll quickly notice the peaceful ambiance of lush tea hills stretching in every direction. The tour’s core focus is Longjing tea, one of China’s most prized green teas, celebrated for its delicate flavor and historic significance.

Most tours begin with a visit to the production area, ideally before the crowds arrive. Here, you get a glimpse into the traditional process of making Longjing tea, from handpicking to pan-frying — an essential step that gives the tea its distinctive aroma and flavor. The guide might briefly explain the history, but note that recent reviews suggest some tours lack in-depth explanations or a guiding figure altogether, leaving guests feeling somewhat lost.

The Tea Snacking and Tasting Experience

A highlight is tasting authentic Shifeng Longjing tea, which is usually served fresh from the pan. Expect to savor the subtle, grassy aroma and understand what makes this tea special. The tour includes a tea snack, adding a tasty local touch, and offers a chance to ask questions about the tea’s origins and brewing methods.

Visiting the Internet Celebrity Tea Garden

Walking through the Internet celebrity tea garden, you’ll encounter picture-perfect tea terraces and well-manicured landscapes. This part of the tour is particularly photo-friendly, with sweeping views of the tea fields. Guests can observe the daily conversations of tea farmers, which adds a real flavor of local life—if the tour is run smoothly.

One reviewer described this section as a “beautiful and fresh scenery,” ideal for photos and relaxation, although others noted that the quality of the experience can depend heavily on the guide’s engagement level.

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Picking Tea Leaves and Cultural Immersion

For those who enjoy a hands-on element, the tour offers tea picking, where you can try your hand at plucking tender leaves. The fresh mountain breeze makes this activity more memorable. Afterwards, you might get to see traditional tea pan-frying, a crucial step in producing high-quality Longjing tea.

Additional Notes on Tour Logistics

The meeting point is conveniently located next to well-known tea shops in Longjing Village, including Shifeng Meiling and Longjing West Lake. The guide is supposed to pick you up beforehand, but based on recent reviews, confirmation and clarity about the guide’s presence may vary.

The tour concludes back at the starting point, typically after a few hours of scenic walking, tasting, and learning. The entire experience is offered at $85 per person, which seems reasonable for the activities involved, though the value can be diminished if the guide’s engagement is lacking or if the organization feels disjointed.

The Practical Side: Price, Duration, and What to Prepare

The tour lasts a few hours, giving you a decent taste of Longjing tea culture without requiring a full day commitment. It’s priced at $85, which covers the tea tasting, picking, and garden strolls. This fee is fair considering the personalized experiences like tea picking and traditional processing demos, but it’s worth noting that some aspects—like guide quality—are hit or miss.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes since walking on uneven, sometimes muddy, paths is part of the experience. Bring a camera for capturing the scenic views and a bottle of water to stay refreshed amid the outdoor activities.

Recent Feedback and Considerations

One of the more telling reviews came from Markus, who lamented the lack of guidance and the store’s attempt to rip them off. This highlights a potential issue with transparency and organization, which could impact your overall enjoyment. If you value structured, guided tours with clear information, you might find this experience lacking.

On the flip side, some travelers appreciated the stunning views of the tea terraces and the chance to observe local tea farming practices firsthand. The genuine chance to participate in tea picking and taste authentic Longjing tea can be worthwhile, especially if you’re flexible and open-minded.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for those genuinely interested in Chinese tea culture, particularly Longjing tea. If you’re excited about scenic walks, local farming, and traditional processing, you’ll likely enjoy it. It’s also suitable for travelers who appreciate informal, photo-worthy landscapes and don’t mind some organizational hiccups.

However, if you prefer highly curated, guided experiences with guaranteed service quality, you might want to research alternative options or consider private tours. The inconsistent guidance and reviews of being “ripped off” should be a caution for budget-conscious travelers or those unfamiliar with local customs.

The Sum Up

The Hangzhou Longjing Village Tea Picking and Tasting Tour offers a hands-on look into China’s famed tea culture amid beautiful mountain scenery. You’ll get the chance to pick fresh tea leaves, taste authentic Longjing tea, and stroll through picturesque terraces—activities that can create lasting memories for tea lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

While the experience is generally affordable and provides authentic moments, recent feedback suggests that guidance and organization may not always meet expectations. If you’re flexible, curious, and prepared for some unpredictability, this tour can be quite rewarding.

Ultimately, it’s a good option for travelers seeking an immersive, scenic, and educational experience without a hefty price tag. But if seamless service and expert guidance are your priority, consider exploring other options or private arrangements.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
This tour involves walking, tea picking, and some outdoor activities, so it’s best suited for those in good mobility. It might not be ideal for very young children or travelers with mobility impairments.

How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts a few hours, giving enough time to explore the village, gardens, and participate in tea tasting.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, a camera for photos, and water to stay hydrated are recommended.

Are there any restrictions on smoking?
Yes, smoking is not allowed during the tour, especially in farming and production areas.

Is this tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, the tour is offered in several languages, including Chinese, English, Spanish, French, German, Gujarati, and Korean.

Can I cancel and get a refund?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility for your travel plans.

Does the tour include transportation?
You will meet at the designated location in Longjing Village; the guide is supposed to pick you up beforehand, but confirm this when booking.

Is there a guide during the experience?
The experience includes a guide, but recent reviews suggest that the level of guidance can vary, and some guests felt the guidance was insufficient.

In summary, this tour offers an authentic peek into Longjing tea’s world amidst gorgeous scenery, but it’s important to stay flexible about the organization and guide quality. For those eager to learn and participate firsthand, it could be a delightful addition to your Hangzhou itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby