Anxi Tea Garden and Hong’En Rock From Xiamen

Xiamen, the coastal gem of Fujian Province, serves as the gateway to the renowned Anxi Tea Garden and Hong’En Rock. This captivating tour promises an immersive exploration of the region’s rich tea heritage. Visitors can expect to traverse the scenic landscapes, uncover the secrets behind premium Tieguanyin oolong, and indulge in a culinary delight amidst breathtaking vistas. With private transportation and expert guidance, this experience offers a unique blend of cultural insight and sensory indulgence that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. There’s more to discover about this enchanting journey into Fujian’s tea traditions.

Good To Know

• Explore the Anxi tea region, the birthplace of the renowned Tieguanyin oolong tea, and visit the scenic Hong’En Rock during a full-day private tour from Xiamen.
• Enjoy an organic Chinese lunch at a local farm, learn about Tieguanyin production processes, and participate in seasonal tea-picking activities if available.
• Discover Xiamen’s historical significance as a key port on the ocean Silk Road and learn about Fujian’s rich tea cultivation heritage dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
• Benefit from private transportation and an expert local guide who will provide in-depth commentary on tea history, culture, and insights into the Tieguanyin tea production.
• Experience a highly rated tour, with positive feedback on value for money, safety, and the guide’s ability to provide excellent insight into the local tea industry.

Overview and Pricing

This full-day tour offers visitors the chance to explore the renowned Anxi tea region and the scenic Hong’En Rock from Xiamen.

Priced from $293 per person, the 8-hour experience includes private transportation, an expert local guide, and an organic Chinese lunch.

Guests can look forward to learning about the history and production of the premium Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess) oolong tea, as well as opportunities to participate in seasonal tea-picking activities.

With free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides flexibility for travelers.

Xiamen Port and Fujian’s Tea History

Xiamen Port played a key role as a crucial point on the ocean Silk Road, facilitating the global trade of goods, including tea from the surrounding Fujian province.

As an early provider of tea to the foreign market, Fujian has a rich history in tea cultivation and production:

1. Anxi, a small mountainous county, boasts a tea farming legacy dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

2. Today, Anxi produces around 15,000 tons of oolong tea annually from 16,700 acres of tea gardens.

3. The region is renowned for its production of Tieguanyin, a premium oolong tea considered the birthplace of this variety.

4. Fujian’s tea industry has played a significant role in the global tea trade, with Xiamen Port serving as a key gateway for its distribution.

Anxi: Birthplace of Tieguanyin Oolong

Why does Anxi hold such significance in the world of tea? This small mountainous county in Fujian province has a long and rich tea farming history dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

It’s the birthplace of the premium Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess) oolong tea, one of the most famous teas globally. Anxi’s ideal climate and soil conditions allow for the cultivation of over 16,700 acres of tea gardens, producing an impressive 15,000 tons of oolong tea annually.

On this tour, you’ll have the chance to learn about the intricate process of Tieguanyin production, from picking the leaves to the careful oxidation and roasting steps that give this tea its distinct flavor profile.

Tour Experience and Highlights

The tour begins when a local expert guide meets participants at their hotel at 8:30 AM.

They’ll then transfer to a private vehicle for transportation to the tour highlights:

1. Visit Anxi Hongen Rock for scenic views overlooking the tea gardens.
2. Enjoy an organic lunch at a local farm to experience the region’s cuisine.
3. Learn about the history and production methods of the premium Tieguanyin oolong tea, including opportunities to participate in tea picking and processing (based on season).
4. Taste several fine teas from the renowned Anxi tea-growing region.

The tour provides an immersive experience into Xiamen’s tea culture and history.

Private Transportation and Expert Guidance

This immersive tea tour kicks off when a local expert guide meets participants at their hotel.

They’ll board a private vehicle and set out for the scenic Anxi region. The guide provides in-depth commentary on the area’s rich tea history and culture throughout the journey.

Travellers can sit back and enjoy the views as the private transportation whisks them to the Anxi Hongen Rock. Along the way, the guide shares insights into the production of Tieguanyin, the famous iron goddess oolong tea.

With the guide’s expertise, guests gain a deeper appreciation for this renowned tea-growing region and its time-honoured traditions.

Organic Lunch and Tea Tasting

After exploring the scenic Anxi Hongen Rock, the tour moves on to an organic lunch at a local farm. Here, guests can savor a delicious meal made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The experience provides a glimpse into the region’s sustainable agricultural practices.

The lunch offers:

1. Seasonal produce from the farm’s gardens
2. Authentic Fujian cuisine showcasing local flavors
3. An opportunity to interact with the farm owners
4. A peaceful setting amidst the tea gardens

Following the meal, the group delves deeper into the local tea culture, learning about the renowned Tieguanyin oolong and participating in tea tasting.

This immersive experience allows guests to appreciate the art and tradition behind Anxi’s celebrated teas.

Seasonal Tea Picking and Production

Depending on the season, guests may have the opportunity to witness and participate in the intricate process of tea picking and production.

During the spring and fall harvests, visitors can join local farmers in hand-picking the tender tea leaves. They’ll then observe the delicate steps of withering, rolling, and oxidizing the leaves to produce the region’s renowned Tieguanyin oolong tea.

Guests can lend a hand in these time-honored techniques, gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and care required. This hands-on experience provides unparalleled insight into the origins of this sophisticated beverage, elevating the tasting experience that follows.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customers have provided a solid overall rating of 4 out of 5 for the Anxi Tea Garden and Hong’en Rock tour.

Reviewers have praised the tour for its:

• Value for money (4/5)
• Safety (4/5)
• Service (4/5)
• Organization (4/5)

As one customer, Chris, noted in a verified review from June 2018: "This was a great tour that provided excellent insight into the tea culture and production of the region."

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for this tour. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes suitable for exploring the tea gardens and hiking trails. Light, breathable fabrics are recommended to ensure comfort during the activities.

Are Children and Infants Allowed on the Tour?

Children and infants are generally welcome on the tour. Travelers should contact the tour provider for specific policy details and to ensure the tour activities are suitable for young participants.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated During the Tour?

The tour provider can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs can be catered for during the included lunch, as long as the customer informs the provider prior to the tour.

Are There Any Physical Requirements to Participate in the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any strict physical requirements, but participants should be able to walk short distances and navigate uneven terrain. Those with mobility issues can discuss accommodations with the tour operator.

What Happens if the Tour Is Canceled Due to Weather Conditions?

If the tour is canceled due to weather, customers will receive a full refund. The tour operator provides a flexible cancellation policy, allowing customers to cancel up to 24 hours in advance with no penalty.

The Sum Up

The Anxi Tea Garden and Hong’En Rock tour from Xiamen offers an immersive and memorable experience for tea enthusiasts. Travelers can explore the scenic landscapes of Anxi, learn about the region’s renowned Tieguanyin oolong tea, and participate in the tea-making process. With private transportation, expert guidance, and an organic farm-to-table lunch, this tour provides a unique blend of cultural insight and culinary delight amidst breathtaking views.