Sip
Aside from its pagodas and picturesque landscapes, Hangzhou is also synonymous with longjing, a locally grown green tea prized for its light, sweet taste and aroma. Guo’s Villa is a perfect respite from the tourist throngs along West Lake. Inside the low tiled wall is a garden with lotus-covered ponds and a courtyard where locals gather for tea and gossip. Tea fanatics might head to Old Dragon Well Imperial Tea Garden to pay homage to the 18 bushes set aside for the Ch’ing dynasty emperor Qianlong. Nearby is Longjing village, where you’ll see plenty of tea farmers peddling their wares. But head straight to our favorite: the hospitable Qi Family will pour you a cup of their green elixir before you buy.
