During your stay in Guilin while on one of our China tours, you may take advantage of the optional visit to the Guilin Tea Science and Research Institute. This would be a half-day event and requires a minimum of 6 participants.
Founded in 1956, the institute has an experimental tea farm covering an area of 42 hectares and boasts 250 species of tea plants. The predecessor of the institute was said to be one of the tea suppliers to the imperial court during the Ming Dynasty. The farm sits on fertile soil ideal for tea growing. During harvesting season, the farm employs 150 workers full time to pick tea leaves. Each year the institute produces around 42 tons of organically grown tea of different types and flavours.
Many of our guests who have visited the Guilin tea farm recommend that we include the tea farm visit in our itineraries as a standard feature. We are reluctant to do that for fear of unannounced closure from time to time.
What to Expect during the Guilin Tea Farm Visit
Upon arrival at the team farm, you’ll sit through an hour-long talk on tea including its history, varieties and the techniques involved in the production of high-quality tea. Given by a resident expert who speaks perfect English, the talk is not only informative but also extremely engaging. Afterwards, you’ll go outside to pick tea leaves and learn how to roast them.
