Chongqing is home to some of China's most fascinating tea traditions - from historic tea houses to famous local varieties and time-honored brewing rituals.
The most popular tea in Chongqing - jasmine-scented green tea served at every meal. The city's abundant street tea stalls serve it constantly.
Full name: Jasmine Tea (茉莉花茶)
Unique Chongqing staple - tea made from roasted corn kernels. Sold at street stalls throughout the city - warming, nutty, and refreshing.
Full name: Roasted Corn Tea (玉米茶)
Green tea from nearby Emei Shan - one of Sichuan's Four Famous Mountains. Fresh, vegetal flavor available in Chongqing's tea houses.
Full name: Emei Shan Green Tea (峨眉山茶)
Famous tea street market in the historic Ciqioukou ancient town - dozens of tea stalls serving local and provincial teas in traditional settings.
Full name: Ciqioukou Tea Street (磁器口茶街)
Traditional herbal teas unique to Chongqing's hot, humid climate. Brewed from medicinal herbs and roots - an essential part of local food culture to counter the heat.
Full name: Chongqing Herbal Tea (凉茶)
Henan green tea widely consumed in Chongqing - the light, refreshing flavor complements the spicy local cuisine.
Full name: Xinyang Mao Jian Green Tea (信阳毛尖)
The fascinating history behind Chongqing's tea culture
Sichuan is one of China's oldest tea regions - the ancient Tea Horse Road began here, trading tea with Tibet. Chongqing was a key port on the Yangtze for tea transport.
Chongqing developed its own unique tea culture as a major Yangtze River port - teas from Yunnan and Sichuan converged here. The Ciqioukou area became famous for tea trading.
Chongqing's tea houses are beloved by locals - the city has more tea houses per capita than any other Chinese city. New specialty tea venues have opened alongside the traditional stalls.
Our licensed English-speaking Chongqing guides can help you visit the best tea houses, understand tea ceremonies, and purchase authentic teas.
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