The best Chinese tea? Do this countdown with us

Wherever you go in China, you’ll hear claims from locals that the best Chinese tea is to be found in their region. Irrespective of whether it’s north, south, or anywhere in between, it seems claimants for China’s best tea are everywhere.

Now we totally understand that perspective.

It’s true, there are a lot of wonderful Chinese teas. It’s also true these teas are discoverable in every corner of the country. From the Fujian mountains to the hills of Hangzhou , there is diversity in types of Chinese tea and benefits which any drinker yields from their consumption.

With the best teas in China title up for debate, the team at ChinaTours.com figured it was worth throwing our yuan’s worth into the mix. After all, we are tea lovers too. In fact, some of our team could be considered just a *little* tea crazy. As travelers like you, we love sourcing the best of the best and we figured it’s only fair to share our love of tea with you.

So here it is. The ultimate list of best Chinese teas according to ChinaTours.com.

Before we get to the bottom of the tea cup of China’s best teas, it’s probably a good idea to recap on some Chinese tea essentials. Bear in mind many factors influence the creation of a tea from the ‘best of’ list: the environment in which it’s grown, how it’s processed, the way it’s stored. Make no mistake. A ‘best Chinese tea’ is never a stroke of luck. No, the Chinese approach to tea, beautifully described in The Classic Art of Tea well over 1,300 years ago, is a serious business. According to the book’s author,  Lu Yu, who is revered as the ‘Sage of Tea’ and who established traditions and practices that endure today, there is a definitive art to growing, processing, and drinking Chinese tea, irrespective of where it’s grown.

That said, there are certain locations throughout China that offer more favorable conditions for growing tea. It’s these locations which are fundamental to assuring tea quality. It’s why we’ve put together our list based on the places where the tea is grown.

So, to the list. Let’s do this!

#10  Liu’an Guapian (六安瓜片) – Green tea

A staple on just about any list of China’s best teas, Liu’an Guapian is a green tea with an enviable reputation. Grown in Liu’an county in Anhui Province (a land-locked region in China’s east), teapedia.org states the literal translation for Liu’an Guapian Tea is Liu’an Melon Seed. Why melon seed? Well, the Chinese with their poetic descriptions for just about everything think the oval, flat shape of dried leaves bear a striking resemblance to melon seeds.

Whether you agree or not, the uniqueness of the tea’s processing is enough to make even a novice tea drinker sit up and pay attention. Liu’an Guapian tea is processed from the second leaf on the branch, rather than leaf buds like most other Chinese teas. The central vein of each leaf is removed (yes, by hand), and the leaves are then pan-fried and shaped, a process which prevents oxidation. If green tea is your thing, then it’s hard to pass up on Liu’an Guapian.

#9 Anxi Tieguanyin (安溪铁观音) – Oolong tea

With Anxi Tieguanyin, we move into the realm of oolong tea. From Fujian province, Anxi  Tieguanyin tea reflects all the health-giving qualities of a traditional oolong tea – vitamins, minerals, amino acids, beneficial tea polyphenol antioxidants that protect liver cells, lower blood pressure and produce the best weight loss effect of all Chinese tea varieties. The history of Anxi Tieguanyin tea is one based on legend.

Depending on who you believe there are variations, however suffice to say the origins of Anxi Tieguanyin tea may have been humble, but it’s position in the best ten Chinese teas means a high level of respect is warranted. Correct processing Anxi Tieguanyin tea is vitally important because even if the growth and harvesting are done right, without proper processing, the tea’s quality can be negatively affected. When you drink a cup of Anxi Tieguanyin tea, you’re definitely drinking a brew steeped in folklore.

#8 Yunnan Pu’er (云南普洱) – Fermented tea

Looking for a tea that will last the distance? You’ll find it with Yunnan  Pu’er. In a class of its own, Yunnan Pu’er, is made from large leaf varieties of camellia sinensis. What’s special about this tea? Yunnan Pu’er earns its place in the best Chinese tea list because it can be aged for decades or longer, just as you’d do with a collectible bottle of wine. The fermentation process used to produce Yunnan Pu’er allows it to be aged, allowing the tea to gain in flavor and texture.

#7 Qimen Black Tea 祁门红茶 – Black tea

A famous Chinese black tea, Qimen tea first emerged during the nineteenth century. Also grown in Anhui Province like Liu’an Guapian tea, Qimen has distinctive flavor blends that make it sound more like a bottle of wine than a health-giving tea. Perhaps another reason Qimen tea is so highly valued is because of the particularly slow withering and oxidation processes that are applied to draw out its aroma and flavor. As a black tea, Qimen has gained popularity in the west, so it may just find its way into your trove of travel mementos on a China tour.

#6 Huangshan Maofeng (黄山毛峰) – Green tea

Drama and tragedy befall even the great among us so it’s no surprise to learn that Huangshan Maofeng green tea is a brew steeped in a saga. If you can’t go past an enduring love story, this is definitely a tea to add to your stash. It’s said that Huangshan Maofeng green tea grew out of the love between a beautiful young woman and her scholar beau. The local landowner wanted the girl for himself, and while he took steps to thwart their love when the girl discovered her lover had been murdered, the tears she cried over his grave became the rain, while the grave metamorphosed into a tea tree. Now if that’s not enough to soften the heart of any hardened tea critic, nothing will! Do yourself a favor and try a cup of Huangshan Maofeng green tea – and feel the love!

#5 Junshan Yinzhen (君山银针) – Yellow tea

On the hunt for a famous Chinese tea? Look no further. Apparently a personal favorite of the late Mao Zedong, Junshan Yinzhen tea is a rare and treasured thing. Although it is identified as a yellow tea, Junshan Yinzhen is sometimes sold as a white tea, making it even more special for collectors and novices alike. Junshan Yinzhen tea grows on Junshan Island (in Hunan Province’s Dongting Lake to be exact). As it happens, this is perfect tea growing territory. Yellow tea differs from other teas in its production. Instead of being rolled and shaped, yellow tea buds are sorted by hand, heated, and wrapped in small bundles. In the final step, the tea is dried. Sweet and fruity in flavor, the location where it’s produced, and the laborious production process, means there is only a limited amount of tea produced each year. Time to save up and savor!

#4 West Lake Longjing (西湖龙井) – Green tea

Longjing – or Dragon Well – tea grown around Hangzhou, is the most expensive and arguably the best green tea in China. Rich in health giving properties, Longjing tea has been heralded as a salvation for a whole host of ailments: detoxing, eyesight improvement, oral health, cancer prevention, improving heart health, weight loss, protection against ionizing radiation, and more. With a list of benefits like that it’s easy to understand why it was deemed gong cha, or tribute tea.

#3 Xinyang Maojian (信阳毛尖) – Green tea

A product of Xinyang in Hubei province, Xinyang Maojian green tea earns its place in the list of China’s best teas for many reasons, not least of which are its distinctive characteristics – the dark green leaf color and the long, thin leaf shape. There are many things that must be in alignment to produce the perfect Xinyang Maojian tea. Among them is the ideal time at which the tea leaves should be harvested, namely in spring and fall. The very best quality leaves? Well, they’re harvested mid-April. These tea leaves are so rare, they are sold at more than two or three times the price of tea leaves harvested after this time. Hmm, it might be an idea to add this to your list of must-haves when searching for the best Chinese teas.

#2 Dongting Biluochun (洞庭碧螺春) – Green tea

Yet another green tea, Dongting Biluochun is translated literally as ‘green snail spring’ for its resemblance to a tightly wound spiral. Delicate and delicious in flavor, Dongting Biluochun has been appreciated by peasants and princes over the years. It is grown in Suzhou, Jiangsu and is arguably Chinese very best green tea, but we’ll leave that decision to you!

#1  Wuyi Mountains Da Hong Pao (武夷山大红袍) – Oolong tea

The origins of Wuyi Mountains Da Hong Pao oolong tea conjure up the classic image of Chinese tea heritage. Picture a glorious mountain in Fujian province. Add a tale of imperial proportions that resulted in the healing of a Ming dynasty emperor’s mother. Steep it in a rich history of evolving production techniques and you’ll have arrived in ‘black dragon’ tea territory. Fragrant, dark, and sought after internationally, you may just need to visit a Wuyi plantation while on tour to gain an appreciation of the age-old traditions for planting, picking, and processing this most illustrious of tea leaves. But be prepared to pay. Wuyi Mountains Da Hong Pao tea is the most expensive tea in the world. And that makes it a truly precious brew!

Can’t decide which of the best Chinese teas to start with? Relax! A visit to one of the Chinese many quality tea shops is an education process in itself. When you travel with us, we can take you there. Whether it’s a single stop or an all-encompassing Chinese tea tour, we’ve got you covered.

ChinaTours.com is dedicated to helping western travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and elsewhere enjoy an authentic experience of China, including adventurers on the hunt for the very best Chinese tea. We are passionate Chinese tea drinkers too. In fact, we source the tea we drink from all corners of China – and would love to take you there. If you’d like to learn how to choose Chinese tea like a local, or even take a totally food-focused tour of China, just let us know. We’re here to share your travel passion. Enquire via our contact form and we’ll respond within 24 hours.

A Chinese tea ceremony is synonymous with life in China. Hardly a surprise given that tea has been cultivated in China for more than three thousand years.

There’s no doubt that Chinese tea provides many health-giving properties, but the tradition of the Chinese tea ceremony draws more from a desire to create a spiritual and social connection with others through ritual than to simply be a healthy pastime.

The art and science of drinking Chinese tea in a ceremony is something to be learned. In fact, much has been written on the subject, including our series of Chinese tea blogs . In fact, it’s an art form on a whole new level.

Steeped in tradition and science, there are very definitive requirements for the water, the tea itself, tea sets used, and the environment in which the ceremony takes place. The people involved in the tea ceremony are also an important factor and must bring with them a quiet reverence to the experience. As such, tea is seen as a medium that transforms the relationship between people and things into something meaningful.

In China, the rich tradition of tea ceremony integrates many elements, with music, calligraphy, decoration, flower arrangements and performance among them. Referred to as the six beauties (or essential aspects) of the tea ceremony, they are intended to guide both the uninitiated and well-versed in what is necessary for this lovely timeless ritual.

‘Six Beauties’ of the Chinese Tea Ceremony

 #1 The beauty of people

People are the most fundamental element in a tea ceremony, and are often thought to be the most beautiful. The understanding of beauty here reflects both inner (spiritual) and outer (physical) beauty. In simple language this means that who you are is more important than how you appear. Come to a tea ceremony ready to shine your best self.

 #2 Tea leaf beauty

It’s no small statement that the appearance of tea can fill a person with a deep pleasure. With the appearance of each tea leaf to be considered (should it be flat and smooth, or straight and even?), it’s important to recognise there is such a ‘thing’ as tea leaf beauty. The color of tea leaves should also be pleasing to the eye, while the tea’s taste is equally important. Over the ages, this has varied. For example, tea lovers in the Qing dynasty praised the West Lake Longjing tea claiming it carried the ‘sweet smell of orchids; a long and continuous aroma and was clear and light, seemingly tasteless. And the sign that a tea is truly beautiful and Zen-like? There is no taste after drinking, a fact greatly influenced by the beauty of the tea leaf.

#3 Source beautiful water

In Chinese tea ceremony parlance, water is considered ‘the mother of tea’. It seems that ancient tea ceremony wisdom had a certain logic to it, with claims made that 8 parts tea leaves with 10 parts water will brew 10 parts tea, while 10 parts tea leaves with 8 parts water will brew 8 parts tea.

With clean water now readily available, there is no longer the pressure to source purified water, however tea ceremony artists do try to remove chlorine in tap water, or choose mineral water that contains less calcium and magnesium. The point here? Use the best quality water you can get your hands on.

#4 Drink from a beautiful tea set

If water is the mother of tea, then the tea set is the ‘father of tea’ – or so it’s claimed. Ever since tea became a ‘thing’ in China it has been accompanied by the proliferation of beautiful Chinese tea sets. Tea sets take many and varied shapes and sizes, but one thing they do share: the balance of beauty and function that highlight the whole tea ceremony experience. The finest tea sets take natural shapes, are made with pure materials, decorated simply with meaningful art. Of course, a tea set’s beauty is a secondary concern to its practical performance. It must also set off the soup color of tea, maintain a strong fragrance, and to be easy and enjoyable for the user.

#5 Enjoy the tea ceremony in a beautiful environment

The environment in which a tea ceremony is conducted is of equal importance to every other element of beauty. In short, it must be aesthetically beautiful and cultivate a sense of tranquility and peace in each person attending. It should encourage a desire to return to nature. As such, tea ceremony connoisseurs believe this allows people and nature to come into communion with each other.

#6 Appreciate the art form

Not only is a tea ceremony an opportunity to imbibe tea, it is also the chance to practise the fine art and skill of conducting the tea ceremony itself. Even today, a Chinese tea ceremony is considered an art form, with the practical aspects considered beautiful in and of themselves. The right tea, tea set, environment, and water are of equal importance as the cleanliness and hygiene of the environment. The science of the ceremony focuses on the time taken to brew the tea and tea ratio. Careful attention is paid to the details of tea ceremony etiquette, including the utensils used to perform the ceremony.

It’s clear there’s a whole lot more to a Chinese tea ceremony than boiling some water and pouring it on tea leaves. In fact, it can – and should be – a reverential experience. If you’re ready to try it while on tour in China, let us know. We can make arrangements for you to attend a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and create a travel memory you’ll love forever.

ChinaTours.com is dedicated to helping western travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and elsewhere enjoy an authentic experience of China, including adventurers on the hunt for the very best Chinese tea. We are passionate Chinese tea drinkers too. In fact, we source the tea we drink from all corners of China – and would love to take you there. If you’d like to enjoy an authentic Chinese tea ceremony or travel to parts of China where tea is grown, just let us know. We’re here to share your travel passion. Enquire via our contact form and we’ll respond within 24 hours.

Traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, has appealed to the curious and those wanting-to-be-cured for millennia. With its origins dating back as far as 3,000 years – or so legend has it – Traditional Chinese Medicine has gained favor in the West as well, particularly as it is practiced more widely and its benefit better understood.

Travel to China on tour and there’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy an authentic TCM experience.

Apart from countless practices where patients receive treatment, there are entire hospitals dedicated to delivery of traditional Chinese medicine treatments, even as western medicine becomes more popular.

As with many areas in technology and science, the Chinese were well advanced of their western counterparts at the same time. Legend has it that as far back as 3,000 BC, Xuanyuan Huangdi is said to have penned the first medical work, supposedly stating “it was possible to use words and organize them into large scale medical works”. Although never officially substantiated, this way of thinking certainly set the stage for an approach to medicine that advocated prevention and the preservation of health.

History of traditional Chinese medicine through the ages

A study of the history of Chinese medicine reveals many firsts and a prolific interest in wanting to expand understanding and practise. Here are just a few highlights from the history of TCM.

Traditional Chinese medicine did not emerge in isolation. Over the course of thousands of years, there has been a cross-pollination of influences from surrounding cultures and people, including Indian ayurvedic medicine, Buddhism, Arab-Islamic medicine.

Its influence spread further thanks to the masterful works of medical scientist, Li Shizhen’s Compendium of Materia Medica, with the pharmacology practises it details embraced in Japan, Vietnam, Korea, and even into Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. In many ways, the Ming dynasty (1368 – 1644) was a period of great development in TCM and it is during this time its peak was reached. Although advances in Chinese medicine continued during the Qing dynasty, the focus was more on treatment of infectious diseases. Since the conclusion of the last dynasty in 1911, the influence of western medicine has seen both approaches adopted in medical treatments.

Theory of traditional Chinese Medicine

The theory of traditional Chinese Medicine is based on the theory of essence and qi (energy), yin and yang, and the five elements; wood, fire, soil(earth), gold(Metal), and water. All Chinese medicine theories, diagnostic methods, and treatment can be found in the masterpiece Huang Di Nei Jing. Essentially, Chinese medicine is founded on establishing a dynamic balance between man and nature. When this balance is disrupted, disease appears.

This is why Chinese medicine never looks at symptoms in isolation and why prevention of disease is intrinsic to its holistic approach.

Diagnosis and treatment also reflect this interconnectedness between all things, that is, the relationship between mind and body. For example, a ‘prescription’ may include:

• Guidance on emotional control
• Notes on diet (foods to limit or eliminate)
• Exercise recommendations, such as swimming, running, and qi gong
• Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, massage, and moxibustion (where the body’s meridians and acupuncture points are heated).

The modern practise of Chinese medicine also includes compound preparations which are injected intravenously or intramuscularly. The use of injections is one of a number of contemporary innovations in Chinese medicine that continues to develop and standardize the practise of this ancient form of care.

What about a modern TCM experience?

Appreciation of traditional Chinese medicine isn’t limited to the local population. TCM is fascinating to those who live further afield in the west too and the opportunity to enjoy an authentic experience in-country might seem like one that’s too good to pass up. If that’s you, be sure you do your research well before departure and find out what is available to include on your China tour. Captivating cities like Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shanghai offer so much diversity in culture and a genuine experience of China’s best and we would love to help you make the most of your travel time.

Fascinated by China and its rich legacy of traditional Chinese medicine. Why not make this part of a fully guided multi-day small group or private tour. Our team of travel consultants can advise on enriching activities like an authentic TCM experience that will make for beautiful travel memories on your China vacation. Reach out – We are here to help!

There is something utterly calming and restorative that arises from the simple act of pouring boiled water onto crisp, tight tea leaves. The sound of water plunging to the bottom of a pot.

The slow spread of color as flavor seeps through water. The promise of peace, relief, and calm – if only for a few moments. 

It’s any wonder then that tea has infused the very lifeblood of Chinese people. You simply cannot walk down a bustling Beijing thoroughfare or a high street in Shanghai without seeing locals hurrying by, the ubiquitous tea flask with a fresh brew clasped in hand. 

Even a western traveler with no knowledge of Chinese tea will know that tea is an integral part of life for Chinese people. No doubt you’ve heard the saying “I wouldn’t do it for all the tea in China”, but never really understood what it meant. So let’s clear that up with a little tea back story in this blog.

Why choose Chinese tea?

The fact is tea is part of the fabric of being Chinese. You’ll discover as much when you explore China on tour. In fact, you’ll be hard pressed to make your way around this vast country without some exposure to this elixir of life in which the locals place so much faith.

Like many things in China, the origins of Chinese tea reach back thousands of years and are steeped in popular legend. While there are references to Chinese tea in literature dated at 5,000 years, there is one story that beautifully captures the transformative nature of tea.

It is widely believed Emperor Shen Nung (Shennong) fortuitously happened upon tea when a camellia was blown into his cup of boiled water around 2737BC. He rather fancied the flavor that resulted from this convenient twist of fate and declared the brew to be a winner. Whether there is truth in the legend we’ll never know, however, more serious – and perhaps legitimate references to tea – were found around 1046 BC in Erh Ya, China’s first dictionary.

Consumed originally for its medicinal benefits, over time, Chinese tea – its production, preparation, and consumption – has evolved into a form of art. Incredibly, traditions established thousands of years ago endure today.

The classic art of Chinese tea

It’s said the art of drinking tea was popularized through the work of a (perhaps not so humble) Buddhist priest, Lu Yu. It was Lu who penned The Classic Art of Tea, in which he provided careful notes about exactly how to brew, steep, and serve this most noble of beverages. He claimed that nothing short of water from a slow-moving stream and tea leaves placed delicately in porcelain cups was acceptable. And the ideal spot for savoring the brew? Well, naturally that was sitting under a pavilion looking out over a water lily covered pond with a fair maiden. It seems that despite his poetic tendencies, Lu was a practical man too. He is attributed with tea production techniques that are still used today. Nobody can say he wasn’t committed to his art.

Like boiled water drawing out the flavor of your favorite jasmine tea, the culture of tea gradually seeped into every aspect of Chinese life. Now there can be no China without tea. In fact, some Chinese tea (white, yellow and the post-fermentation process of Pu’er tea) is ‘collected’ in the same way a westerner collects wines.

“Three years is medicine. Seven years a treasure”

Fascinated? We are too. Read on to learn a little more of the surprising and interesting facts behind this life-giving beverage.

Types of Chinese Tea

In Chinese tea parlance, there isn’t just one tea; there are many. In very simple terms, this means, there is no one-size-fits-all. No, when it comes to Chinese tea, there are classifications. Simply put, these classifications reflect the amount of fermentation which occurs when the tea is processed. This results in a scale of tea strength and color once the tea is brewed. 

Here’s what that looks like.

Visually, it’s easy to distinguish between the different types of tea, however a little more detail may help with understanding your tea purchases on tour.

What’s the difference between the types of tea?

Tea connoisseurs will argue about the distinctions between the types of tea, but that’s not our purpose here. We want you to feel confident you can ‘talk tea’ when you cross the threshold of any tea shop in China. So for the purposes of education we’ve explained the basics of each main type of tea.

Green tea

You’ve possibly been living under a rock if you haven’t heard about the health-giving benefits of green tea. Officially evaluated by the World Health Organisation as the only healthy beverage for inclusion in a healthy diet, green tea certainly has its fans. It’s been heralded as a salvation for a whole host of ailments: detoxing, eyesight improvement, oral health, cancer prevention, improving heart health, weight loss, protection against ionizing radiation, and more. 

Traditionally, green tea is picked and processed in the spring and it’s said, the fresher the better for drinking – and the more you’ll pay for your tea. While every part of China claims to grow the best tea, Longjing or Dragon Well tea grown around Hangzhou, is the most expensive – and arguably the best green tea in China. 

Ardent Chinese tea drinkers will favor green tea in the spring and summer, but if you’re like us at ChinaTours.com, you’ll drink it any time you like.

White tea

White tea has a similar composition to green tea and is highly regarded for its health-giving attributes too. Because it is rich in flavonoids, white tea is antibacterial, and has an antioxidant and anti-radiation effect, and it’s these very properties which have seen white tea and its extracts included in skin care products. 

Even if you feel white tea’s anti-ageing effects are difficult to swallow, you can drink this wonderful beverage all year round, knowing it’s good for your health.

Yellow tea

Yellow tea is yet another Chinese tea revered for its health benefits. Looking for a digestive aid? Yellow tea may help. In Chinese medicine, yellow tea is considered helpful for indigestion, loss of appetite, or excess weight. Science has shown yellow tea is rich in nutritional ingredients, such as tea polyphenols, amino acids, soluble sugars, and vitamins. It’s even considered helpful in the prevention and treatment of esophageal cancer.

Yellow tea is considered similar to green tea, but more mellow in flavor. This may be due to the fact it is fermented prior to being dried. It may also be due to similarities in production, which like green tea, involves a ‘wok fry’ process, albeit for less time and at a lower heat. The ‘yellow’ comes from ‘trapping’ moisture inside the tea, which leads to oxidation and fermentation.

Oolong tea

The mention of Oolong tea conjures up the quintessential Chinese tea experience. With many styles and flavors of oolong (or wulong) tea available, among the most famous are those grown in the Wuyi Mountains. It is here you will find the home of production for specialty teas like Da Hong Pao. Given tea produced in Wuyi Mountains is said to have cured the mother of a Ming dynasty emperor, it’s hardly a surprise to learn that oolong tea from this region commands the same price as a collectible bottle of wine.

Oolong tea is rich in ‘methylated catechins’, giving it anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant functions. It’s also believed to have properties that protect liver cells, lower blood pressure, and produce the best weight loss effect of all Chinese tea varieties.

Black tea

Black tea is actually called ‘red’ tea in China due to the color of leaves once they oxidize. Like all other Chinese tea, black tea reputedly has many health benefits. A potion for warming the stomach and those with a poor constitution, black tea has also been shown to lower cholesterol. Among the other benefits of this beverage is how well it holds its flavor; up to several years in fact. This longevity made it a kind of currency used for trade between Mongolia, Tibet and Siberia well into the 19th century.

Want to introduce a little black tea into your repertoire? Buy yourself a brick and try drinking it in autumn and winter for best benefits. 

Dark tea

You might be thinking, first black tea and now dark tea. Aren’t they the same thing?

Not at all. Dark tea – or ‘hei cha’ – is defined as any tea which is passed through a second fermentation process. Let’s explain. All tea will go through a process wherein it is withered, dried and shaped. The tea is fired to kill off any enzymes in the plant to prevent breakdown of the leaf. 

On the other hand, dark tea is put through a second post-production fermentation process. As a consequence, the microorganism which emerges through this process makes the tea a probiotic. The tea is ‘aged’ and over time – months or even years – the chemistry of the tea changes.

There’s even more good news about dark tea. It can be consumed all day (as the Chinese do) and it offers health benefits like fat reduction, lowered blood sugar levels, and immunity support. And it’s a tea that keeps on giving. Dark tea can be re-steeped many times.

The wrap up on Chinese tea

We know this won’t answer all your questions about Chinese tea, but it may help you to understand a few of the nuances around different types of tea. You can read more about Chinese tea, including how to choose a Chinese tea, where to buy the very best Chinese teas, tea ceremonies, and all tea-related matters in our Travel Guide.

ChinaTours.com is dedicated to helping western travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and elsewhere enjoy a genuine experience of China. That means we’re always searching for ways to clear up the confusion around vital aspects of Chinese culture to make your tour exactly what it should be – the content of beautiful travel memories. If you’d like to know more about the very best Chinese tea, or even take a totally tea-focused tour of China, just let us know. We are tea connoisseurs ourselves and would love to share our passion with you. Enquire via our contact form and we’ll respond within 24 hours.         

We’ve blogged before about how traditional Chinese architecture can be a little overwhelming and confusing, especially if you’re trying to decipher its meaning on your first China tour.

Like many aspects of local culture, traditional Chinese architecture styles have endured. Surviving millennia, the various distinct styles are usually the hallmark of a particular period in Chinese history.

To the untrained eye, the various architectural features, such as the bilateral symmetry, open compounds within buildings, and the deep cosmological and mythological symbolism inherent in design and structure, can make it difficult for a novice to really understand the significance of a building. In fact, when you’re traveling on a busy China tour, all the culture, buildings and stories behind them can become a blur.

So with that in mind, let’s simplify the complexity around traditional Chinese architecture so you can make the most of every minute on tour – and maybe even share a few fun facts with family and friends when you arrive home.

Different styles, different places

A good rule of thumb that applies to the styles of traditional Chinese architecture is remembering that each distinct style is associated with a particular region in the country.

Now you may not remember which style originates in each region, or even where each region is, however, at least you’ll be aware that not all styles are found everywhere in China.

In the table below, we’ve summarized these styles of architecture and the regions they’re found in, as well as the typical features associated with each one.

As with much of Chinese culture, the distinctive style specific to each region tells a unique story in this first of a two-part series, you can discover the basics and come to appreciate the significance of each on your journey through China.

Wan (Hui) style architecture

Wan – or Hui – style architecture is perhaps the most well-known and easily recognizable styles among the six.

How will you know it? Well, if you’ve ever seen the traditional white folk houses with grey tiled roofs that are prominent in marketing for China tours, that’s Hui-style architecture.

Found in southern China, these traditional buildings are now World Heritage listed. They are recognizable as folk houses, ancestral temples and archways, which are all considered to be the ‘masterpieces’ of Hui style.

Carvings are also synonymous with Hui style architecture, with wood, stone and brick all used for decorative effect. The incredible skill applied by the traditional craftsman is only to be admired, and while the often ornate and intricate details have withstood the test of time, it is hard to find a modern equivalent that even comes close to the same level of work.

Typical Hui-style folk houses are surrounded by high courtyard walls. The ingenious design saw rainwater from roofs flow into courtyards, symbolic of the philosophy maintained by the ancient Anhui merchants who believed that ‘fertile water does not flow into the fields of other people’.

Another distinctive feature of Hui-style buildings is the patchwork of horse-head walls. Not only does this create a beautiful profile for these buildings, but it also integrates the wisdom of the Anhui people. The cleverness of this design is found in its ability to slow and even prevent a fire from spreading through a building, making it safe, reliable, and ingenious.

Su style architecture

There’s every chance you’ll recognize Su style architecture too. Think beautiful Chinese gardens, tranquil water, weeping willows – it’s the kind of quintessential scene from a Chinese silk painting you’d expect to find on your travels.

Su style architecture has existed in Jiangsu and Zhejiang gardens for thousands of years. Thoughtful garden layout encompassing different plants and structures is one of its salient features. Su style architecture is also associated with high warped ridge angle roofs, decorative gates, arcades, and windows. Along with gardens characterized by winding paths, murmuring streams, rockeries, birds, and fish, Su style brings a sensibility and artistic charm to traditional Chinese architectural design.

Fine examples of Su style architecture can be found in some of the best Jiangnan water towns , located south of the Yangtze River. Here days can be spent wandering through the picturesque and pretty streets and canals that are a stark contrast to the big city bustle found elsewhere in China.

Min style architecture

Min style architecture can only mean one thing: Fujian Province. Popular in the southern region of the province, the distinctive tulou enjoys a history that spans hundreds of years, with historians believing they were built as far back as the 12th century.

Tulou are appreciated for their superb engineering, which uses a design that relies on heavily-packed earth walls that are nearly two metres thick. They are usually round or square in shape, with well-known examples found in Yongding and Nanjing. Up to five storeys high and the capacity to accommodate several hundred people, tulous were always intended to be highly functional, keeping enemies out and residents safe.

Now a source of interest to local and international historians, anthropologists, and of course, those taking a China tour, seeing these unique buildings is certainly the stuff of beautiful travel memories.

Interested and want to know more?

Why not join us on one of our thoughtfully curated China culture tours  where you can experience the very best in traditional Chinese architecture?

Explore with us and we’ll help bring your travel dreams to life.

** Information for this article was sourced from Wikipedia and WeChat Public Account ID: www1shoucangcom

ChinaTours.com is dedicated to helping western travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and elsewhere enjoy an authentic experience of China, including those keen to learn and appreciate more of China’s traditional Chinese architecture styles. Many of our tours are culture-focused, offering the chance to dive deep into your exploration and learning. We can also tailor a tour that covers an area or region that is of particular interest to you. Want to know more? Just ask us! We’re here to share your passion for learning and all things culture-related. Enquire via our contact form and we’ll respond within 24 hours.