A Tea Journey Through Fujian

About this Journey
Join us on a tea-themed journey through Fujian, one of China’s most important tea-producing hubs, home to dramatic mountains and gorges, and a sprinkling of atmospheric temples and monasteries.

Itinerary
Day 1 Wuyi Shan
High up in northern Fujian Province rests Wuyi Shan, an idyllic mountain range bordering Jiangxi Province. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wuyi Mountains are home to dramatic gorges, a sprinkling of atmospheric temple and monasteries, and the most extensive biodiversity in southeast China. Hiking trails and the zigzagging Nine-Bend Creek crisscross this alpine retreat, passing through lush forests and deep canyons. Drink in the gorgeous mountain vistas along with a sample of the famous oolong tea that is cultivated in the region.
Welcome Dinner in Wuyishan
Join your fellow guests for a Welcome Dinner. During dinner, you’ll get to know each other, your WanderEastern guide, and learn more about the journey ahead. Your guide will give a short lecture on the history of local history and introduce you to the local cultures and customs that we’ll see throughout the trip.
Meals included: dinner
Day 2 Wuyishan
Yongle Temple
Today we visit the Yongle Temple, a Buddhist temple and monastery in Wuyishan, is home to a spiritual tea grown and brewed by the resident monks. Chan cha, which translates to “meditation tea” is a focal point of the philosophy and culture of this temple. As your stroll around the beautiful landscape, your WanderEastern guide will highlight the unique aspects of the tea culture here, and the history and influence of Buddhism in this region before dining at a vegetarian dining hall among the monks.
Wuyi Mountains
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wuyi Mountains are home to the largest biodiversity in southeast China. Located in northern Fujian province, along the Jiangxi border, the Wuyi Mountains are a government-protected conservation zone open to few visitors. Explore the gorgeous mountain scenery and sample the famous types of Wuyi tea cultivated in the region.
Da Hong Pao Tea Trees Scenic Area
If there is one thing the Wuyi Mountains are famous for, it’s Da Hong Pao tea. Literally meaning ‘Big Red Robe,’ Da Hong Pao is one of the most renowned oolong teas in all of China. More than that, it’s one of the most expensive teas in the world. The scraggly tea trees are stubborn, to say the least, often growing defiantly in the gaps between boulders. Walk among the tea trees, and pick the leaves if the season is right, before sitting down for a warming cup in a local teahouse. The flavor is redolent of minerals, thanks to the rainwater that trails down the limestone gorges and karst spires, feeding the mountain streams. Keep an eye out for one of the six mother trees as you explore, all insured to the tune of one hundred million yuan.
Impression Dahongpao
Set in an outdoor tea park, Impression Dahongpao is a spectacular live show produced by Zhang Yimou, famed for his production of the opening and closing ceremonies in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The70-minute show highlights the tea culture of the area with choreography encompassing over one hundred live performers on a 360-degree rotating stage.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3 Wuyishan
Royal Tea Garden
The Royal Tea Garden was originally created as the official tea supplier to the Emperor of the Yuan Dynasty. Many of the prosperous buildings built during the ancient times still remain, and is now open to the public. Surrounded by mountains and streams, sip on the tea of royalty past in the emperor’s tea garden as your guide tells you more about the history and present-day function of this tea stop.
Tianyou Peak
Stretching toward the sky in the Wuyi Mountains and resting near the fifth and sixth bends of the Nine-Bend River, Tianyou Peak, or Heavenly Tour Peak, is really like a stairway to the clouds. After a climb up Tianyou Peak’s 828 steps, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking (both figuratively and literally) bird’s-eye view of the encompassing hills and the valley below. Although the steps are steep, the panorama at the top is more than worth the energy.
Yanzike Eco Tea Plantation
Yanzike Eco Tea Plantation is a government-led initiative to encourage organic tea farming practices. The plantation is a model project aiming to promote ecology and inspire innovation and prides itself on not using any chemical fertilizers or pesticides anywhere on the plantation. In March of 2021, President Xi Jinping visited the Yanzike Eco Tea Plantation in person to view and support the ongoing project.
Wuyishan Tea Factory
Wuyishan is a magnificent region resplendent with a vast diversity of flora and fauna yielding a positively picturesque setting around the winding Nine Bend River. This area is most famous, however, not for the scenery but for the tea. At the Wuyishan Tea Factory learn about the process of tea yancha (rock tea), from root to cup, and sample some of the local varieties yourself with a tea tasting.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4 Wuyishan to Fuding
Xiamei Village
Once the heart of the Qing Dynasty tea trade and the initial hub for the export of the region’s Da Hong Pao tea, Xiamei Village is steeped in history. Nestled near the Wuyi Mountains, the village played a key role in the transport of tea, the evidence of which – a tiny stream that cuts through the town – still remains. Men would once float tea from the mountains down a shallow river and through the village before beginning its journey north. Bask in the rural quietude as you wander the cobblestone streets and chat with the locals.
Next stop: Fuding
Fuding is home to China’s most cherished white tea. Dating back to imperial times, white teas are sipped esteemed today much as they were by emperors and courtesans of times past. White teas are revered for their delicate, rare, and beautiful aromas and flavors, andmost are still handpicked, and hand processed, making the artisanship that went into their creation part of the experience.The ride from Wuyishan to Fuding will take around 4.5 hours.
An Evening to Yourself
Rest up, and spend the remainder of your final evening as you please.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5 Fuding
Mount Taimu
Surrounded by the sea on three sides, Mount Taimu is known for its spectacular granite rock formations and secluded caves. With over 360 different stone settings, Mount Taimu is a place with endless legends and stories. Enjoy a light trek before a private tea break overlooking the breathtaking panorama.
Diantou Town
Diantou means “best shop” in the Hakka dialect, and the streets boast well-preserved Hakka residential houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). Today, it is also the key production base and trading center for white tea in Fuding, with an abundance of tea shops. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea and explore the legend of Changting, a famous historical and cultural city in Fujian province.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6 Departure from Fuding
Panxi Town
They say, to determine the quality of the tea, one must look at the mountain it is grown on. Panxi is a remote region with an average elevation of 2,300 feet above sea level. Famously known for their white tea grown in this high elevation, your WanderEastern guide will highlight the unique methods of tea farming here, while you sip on the high-altitude tea and enjoy the local favorite snack of oil-fried pancakes.
Your Train/Flight Back Home
Your WanderEastern guide will escort you to the train station/airport and help you check in for your train/flight home.

Your Accommodations

LIU SHANG SHORESIDE HILLS BY THE STREAM HOTEL Boutique
The Liu Shang Shoreside Hills by the Stream Hotel, is aptly, though verbosely, named. This boutique property features stream-side accommodation and dining areas and cleanly designed interiors balancing traditional Chinese elements with modern minimalism. Local tea is also infused into the mantra here and can be ordered and enjoyed on site before heading off to the nearby Wuyi Mountains where it is sourced.

DAHUANGBANSHAN INN 3-Star
Dahuangbanshan Inn is conveniently located in Taimu Mountain. Modernly designed interiors with thoughtful traditional Chinese elements throughout. The minimalistic concrete restaurant is warmed with inviting tones of warm wood elements resembling a sophisticated teahouse. Step inside to experience the perfect harmony of East meets West.

Details

What’s Included

• All accommodations based on double-occupancy including breakfasts, as indicated in the itinerary
• All meals, as indicated in the itinerary, and drinking water
• All admission fees and activity expenses, as indicated in the itinerary
• Ground transportation, including airport/train transfers
• Services of an English-speaking WanderEastern guide

What’s Excluded

• International and domestic flights, domestic trains, plus relevant taxes
• Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
• Travel and medical insurance
• Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
• Expenses of a personal nature
• Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
• Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers

TRIP COST

$3480 USD per person 

Single Supplement $1080 USD per person