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Embark on a journey through the ancient trails of Songyang, where centuries-old villages are nestled in one of China’s most enchanting and prosperous regions. These historic paths, once trodden by locals visiting family and temples, are deeply intertwined with the cultivation and trade of tea, weaving a rich tapestry of culture and history.
Songyang is home to the largest tea trading market in China, a national hub where, as the saying goes, “tea that cannot be sold elsewhere finds its home.” The very pathways echo with the footsteps of tea merchants and farmers, blending the legacy of tea with the vibrant life of surrounding villages. Set in the scenic Songgu Basin of Southern China, these traditional Jiangnan-style villages are serene and picturesque, framed by breathtaking landscapes. Their secluded location has preserved a unique charm and cultural heritage, making Songyang one of the last remaining sites of these exquisite, timeless communities.
Join this captivating adventure, where tea takes center stage. Along these remote trails, witness the full tea journey—from cultivation and commerce to the simple joy of sipping a freshly brewed cup. Immerse in the stories, traditions, and landscapes that define this extraordinary region.
Today is the day, the start of your WildChina adventure. Step off the plane in Lishui and meet your local WildChina guide in the airport arrivals hall. Then Drive to Diaotan Village (less than 1 hour drive), the starting point of this journey.
Diaotan is a picturesque village amidst beautiful bamboo groves, where local boutique hotels blend with historic houses and stony paths. Join a welcome tea ceremony to get to know your guides and companions.
In the afternoon, hike to a tea field where you’ll have the opportunity to pick your first type of tea on this trip — Longjing Tea (Dragon Well Tea) — one of the most popular kinds of tea in Songyang.
Begin your morning hike through Xiaben and Shangben, the last authentic remnants of Jiangnan-style villages, where the essence of Songyang thrives amid quaint dirt paths and wooden houses. In Xiaben, explore the Ancestral Hall and Public House, adorned with intricate murals and sculptures, as a local villager shares captivating stories and traditions. Continue to Shangben, where ancient houses cluster closely together, offering a glimpse into traditional rural life.
Trek through a shaded woodland trail to Xiaolingtou Village for a refreshing tea break, then enjoy a scenic downhill hike to Qiukeng Village, where a local lunch awaits at a pavilion with stunning village views.
After crossing a mountain range, stop at a tea field to pick fresh white tea leaves, then continue to Huangtian Village to learn the traditional craft of incense making from local villagers—a specialty invented here and passed down through generations.
Settle into your mountaintop campsite in Huangtian Village, where pre-set tents and breathtaking open views await for a serene night under the stars.
Rise early to witness the sunrise over the Songgu Basin. Then, embark on an hour-long downhill hike along centuries-old pilgrim paths to Fangchang Temple.
Fachang Temple is one of the most bustling temples in Songyang that served as protector for traders and villagers. Burn incense at the temple, just as those who sought favorable weather and bountiful harvests for their tea. This temple is also known as a gathering place for Zhangcun kung fu, adapted from the famous Shaolin kung fu by practitioners seeking refuge. Learn from a Zhangcun kung fu inheritor.
A mystifying blend of western and Chinese architecture, Baihanluo is a church like no other, set in the bucolic wilds of northwest Yunnan. Built by French catholic missionary Annet Genestier at the end of the 19th century, the structure was razed to the ground by an angry mob in 1905, only to be rebuilt soon after. Standing beneath the vaulted ceiling by candlelight is a transcendental experience, as is the wild fruit wine – a legacy of the church’s French origins – said to be among the region’s finest.
Start your day at the bustling Zhenan Tea Trading Market, the final stop for Songyang tea before it reaches other cities. Then, gather for a heartfelt closing tea ceremony, where you’ll enjoy one last cup of tea and receive the tea you picked during the journey, beautifully packaged as a cherished souvenir to take home.
Your WildChina guide will escort you to the airport and help you check in for your flight home.
Yunding Xiankengyuan Boutique blends eco-friendly practices with Jiangnan charm, set amidst lush paddy fields and local culture.
Nestled on historic Songyang Old Street, Guandoo Mansion Songyang Wenli Hotel is a masterpiece of heritage and modernity.
Seasonal Availability
October – August
Please note that there might be some activity adjustments from December to February due to the tea production pause.
What’s Included
What’s Excluded
Please use the inquiry form on the right-hand side of this page or email info@wildchina.com to get started. One of our travel designers will be in touch accordingly to start the process of planning your custom China trip!
1. Deposit:
Once you are ready to book, a $500 USD per person planning fee is required to begin reserving your arrangements. This will go towards your total trip costs and will be taken off your final balance amount.
2. Full payment:
Full trip payment will be requested 60 days prior to departure. If you’re booking within 60 days of your departure, you may be asked to pay make the full payment straight away.
Payments can be made via credit card, bank transfer, WeChat or Alipay.
For detailed information on what to prepare for hiking and camping, please refer to our FAQ page.
We’re on the ground with you
During the planning phase, our team of specialist travel advisors based in China will design every detail of your trip with you. When you’re on the ground, they will then orchestrate your entire journey, maintaining close contact with each of your guides throughout your trip to ensure you’re having the best journey possible. With offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, and an expansive network of operational partners across the country, we are committed to ensuring that your journey is safe, reliable and comfortable from beginning to end.
Your trip, your way
Flexibility is our highest-ranking complement. With over two decades of experience, we’ve run just about every type of journey you can imagine. No request is too strange, too extreme, or too exclusive. Our team regularly pulls off unprecedented logistical feats; nearly any time frame or budget is within our realm. No matter how you wish to experience China, we are here to bring that dream to life.
We embody passion
WildChina’s guides are carefully handpicked for their knowledge and charisma, then meticulously trained to maintain our exceptional service standards. They are expert storytellers and passionate natives of the regions where they guide, having the perfect combination of local insights and service know-how to bring you seamless once-in-a- lifetime moments all across China.
The little things, the big picture
We firmly believe that supporting local people and economies allows you to experience the soul of a destination, while also protecting and cultivating China’s cultures. From watching artisans’ hand–make shoes in Yunnan, to picking organic vegetables for dinner on a local farm in Fujian, our tours are designed to showcase and protect China’s heritage, both natural and human.