China National Tea Museum

For those with a thirst for history and culture, the China National Tea Museum, surrounded by verdant mountains, blankets of green tea leaves, trickling streams and tranquil ponds, is a must-see.

Located in Shuangfeng Village (双峰村) southwest of West Lake is this national museum - Shuangfeng branch, which showcases a bewildering display of tea ranging from black to green, white to dark and from Yunnan brick to Fujian oolong. It consists of four separate buildings, the first of which is devoted to the history of tea cultivation, customs and ceramic tea sets. The second is for academic use, the third features six tea rooms in different styles and offers visitors the opportunity to sample a variety of teas, and the fourth building is dedicated to the art of tea ceremony.

1 May 2015 was a big day for the China National Tea Museum, which witnessed the addition of a sister tea museum located at the Longjing Tea Plantation in Longjing Area.

Both museums focus on tea, but each focuses on a different aspect of China's much-loved commodity. In the old one – Shuangfeng branch, one can learn about Chinese tea culture, try your hand at making red-ware used for making tea, view cherry blossoms and taste West Lake Longjing Green Tea, while in the new one - Longjing branch, one can learn about the world’s tea culture, enjoy mountain climbing and sightseeing as well as shop for some tasty teas in its many themed tea shops. No matter which museum you choose, both will leave you thirsty for more.

Opening Hours: 9:00-16:30 from Tuesday to Sunday; closed on Mondays and open as usual on national holidays

Address: 88 Longjing Road, Xihu District (Shuangfeng Branch); 268 Wengjiashan, Xihu District (Longjing Branch)

Telephone: +86 571 87964221