The Tea Road
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
Duration: 1 to 2 weeks
Group size: 8 to12 travelers
Theme: Teas of the Middle Kingdom
Route 1: Hangzhou–Fuding–Wuyishan–Anxi–Fuzhou (white, green & oolong teas)
Route 2: Kunming–Pu’er–Xishuangbanna (black & fermented teas)
Routes Overview
Embark on a pilgrimage through China’s sacred tea mountains, tracing the ancient routes where monks, traders, and farmers perfected the art of the leaf. From the mist-wrapped hills of Hangzhou, through the depths of Fujian, to the terraced peaks of Yunnan, this is a journey into the heart of Chinese tea culture, where each province reveals a new flavour, a new philosophy, and a new rhythm of life.
Walk through bamboo forests, sip from mountain springs, and meet the artisans who keep millennia-old traditions alive. From white and green to oolong, black, and pu’er, discover the full cycle of tea, from bud to brew.
Route 1
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Destinations: Hangzhou–Fuding–Wuyishan–Anxi–Fuzhou (white, green & oolong teas)
Travel from Hangzhou’s Longjing tea fields through Fuding, Wuyishan, and Anxi, discovering China’s most iconic teas with hands-on workshops and tastings. Meet master growers, explore ancient tea villages, and dive into jasmine traditions in Fuzhou. The journey ends in Xiamen for week-one travelers, while the continuing group flies on to Kunming to begin the second chapter of the expedition.
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Wander West Lake and explore Longjing tea villages with hands-on plucking and roasting.
Discover Fuding’s white tea traditions and artisan workshops.
Explore Wuyishan’s rock tea culture, Yancha gardens, and Taoist riverscapes.
Immerse in Anxi’s Tieguanyin production with rolling and roasting workshops.
Learn jasmine scenting in Fuzhou, then end in Xiamen with coastal culture and Min heritage.
Route 2
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destinations: Kunming–Pu’er–Xishuangbanna (black & fermented teas)
Journey through Yunnan’s highlands, from rice-terraced mountains and ethnic minority villages to the heart of Pu’er teaculture. Continue south into tropical Xishuangbanna, where Dai, Hani, and Jinuo traditions meet lush forests, river life, and ancient tea mountains. Explore hidden plantations, taste rare teas, and soak in jungle landscapes before concluding your journey in Jinghong and Kunming.
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Hike Yunnan’s rice terraces and stay in ethnic minority villages.
Taste legendary Pu’er teas, explore historic markets, and stay in a traditional courtyard house.
Experience Xishuangbanna’s tropical culture, Dai cuisine, and vibrant markets.
Visit ancient Gushu tea trees and work with tea masters in hidden mountain plantations.
Explore rainforest villages, river rides, canopy walks, and ethical elephant sanctuaries.
Highlights
Hand-pick and roast your own tea leaves alongside master growers
Visit ancient tea mountains and UNESCO-protected terraced plantations
Private tastings with century-old tea houses and tea masters
Learn the philosophy of Tea & Tao, meditation through brewing
Stay in traditional tea villas among the misty hills
Experience the origins of pu’er, China’s most prized aged tea
Why Join
This journey is for travelers drawn to the art, culture, and rituals of tea, who seek to explore ancient traditions, misty mountains, and hidden villages beyond the usual tourist paths.
From the serene hills of Fuding to the terraced peaks of Yunnan, you’ll taste, touch, and breathe tea at its source and guided by tea masters, discovering a side of China that is timeless, fragrant, and profoundly alive.
Conditions & Pricing
Conditions
What is included:
✅ Accommodation with breakfast
✅ Dinners featuring local cuisine
✅ All local transportation
✅ Expert local guides
✅ Drivers, fuel
✅ Complimentary drinks and snacks
✅ Visa support and assistance
✅ Travel insurance coverage
✅ Dedicated media team
What is NOT included:
❌ International flights
❌ Personal extra meals and expenses
❌ Optional activities
❌ Visa costs (when applicable)
Pricing
Route 1: From US$2,600
Route 2: From US$2,900
Full quote sent once the group is assembled.
Get 10% discount if you book both routes.
No worries! Feel free to contact us to get tailor made support to select your next adventure to China with Shambhala.
Not sure where to start?
Things to Know
Every expedition is designed to balance comfort, discovery, and a spirit of adventure. Before you join us, here are a few key details to help you prepare and make the most of your journey — from what to expect on the road to how we travel, stay, and experience each destination.
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Hangzhou
10–18°C — Mild, misty, and often rainy. Cool, damp tea fields and cloudy skies.
Bring: Light jacket, waterproof layer, good walking shoes.Fujian (Wuyi / Fuding / Anxi)
12–22°C — Warm, humid, with clouds and light rain; cooler in higher mountains.
Bring: Breathable layers, rain shell, anti-slip shoes.Yunnan
Lowlands (Xishuangbanna): 18–28°C — Warm, mostly dry, sunny afternoons.
Highlands (Pu’er / Lincang): 12–22°C — Mild days, cool nights, dawn mist.
Bring: Sun protection, light layers, warmer evening layer.
Overall: Mild to warm spring weather, cool mornings, and occasional rain.
East = wetter and mistier. Yunnan = warmer, sunnier, drier.
Essentials: Layers + light rain gear. -
We use a mix of high-speed trains, private vans, and one overnight Arctic train, offering a true overland experience through China’s winter heartland. It’s a comfortable and scenic way to witness the country’s vast diversity.
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You’ll stay in a mix of boutique hotels, cozy mountain lodges, and warm wooden guesthouses — all handpicked for charm, comfort, and atmosphere. Expect heated rooms, local character, and authentic northern hospitality.
From remote mountain trails to cultural hidden gems, we design seamless, small-group adventures that combine exploration, and authentic local experiences.
Explore 12 Expeditions in China with Shambhala
Ethnic China
Wild West I
Trans- Taklamakan
Silk Road Frontier
Northeast China
The Tea Route
Duku Highway
Mongol Crusades
Wild West II
Western Tibet
China Digital Economy
Bespoke Expeditions
Create your own adventure here.