Xi'an is home to some of China's most fascinating tea traditions - from historic tea houses to famous local varieties and time-honored brewing rituals.
Famous dark tea from Shaanxi - specifically produced in Xi'an's neighboring provinces. Known for its unique fungal bloom (jinshua) and earthy, mellow flavor. The tea of the ancient Silk Road.
Full name: Gluayue Dark Tea (茯砖茶)
Xi'an's tea culture revival - traditional Tang Dynasty tea ceremonies recreating the brewing methods of the Tang era when tea culture was codified. Available at cultural venues near the City Wall.
Full name: Tang Dynasty Tea Ceremony (唐代茶艺)
Green tea from the Qinling Mountains south of Xi'an - crisp, clean flavor from high-altitude tea gardens. Available at tea markets in the city.
Full name: Qinling Mountain Green Tea (秦岭绿茶)
Black tea produced in the Xianyang area - rich, full-bodied with notes of dried fruit. Growing in popularity in Xi'an's traditional tea houses.
Full name: Xianyang Black Tea (咸阳红茶)
Cultural district recreating Tang Dynasty markets - traditional tea house serving tea in the style of the Tang Dynasty silk road traders. Tea was an essential trade good on the ancient Silk Road.
Full name: Tang Dynasty Tea Market (大唐西市茶肆)
Though named West Lake, the most famous Longjing tea comes from Hangzhou - widely available in authentic Xi'an tea houses near the City Wall.
Full name: Longjing Tea (龙井茶)
The fascinating history behind Xi'an's tea culture
Xi'an (Chang'an) was where tea culture was first codified during the Tang Dynasty. Emperor Xuanzong established tea as an imperial tribute. Lu Yu wrote the Classic of Tea here - the world's first book about tea.
Xi'an was the starting point of the Silk Road - tea was one of the most important trade goods. The Gluayue tea was specifically created for the Silk Road trade.
Xi'an's Tang Dynasty tea ceremony is experiencing a revival with new cultural venues offering authentic tea experiences. The ancient Silk Road tea culture is being promoted as a tourist attraction.
Our licensed English-speaking Xi'an guides can help you visit the best tea houses, understand tea ceremonies, and purchase authentic teas.
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