Do I need a visa to travel to China?

China offers 30-day visa-free entry for citizens of several countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Malaysia. A 240-hour transit visa-free policy is also available for 53 countries. For others, a tourist visa (L Visa) is required.

What is included in a QTour private tour?

Every booking includes a private guide speaking your language (English, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Spanish and more), private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver, all entrance fees, hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, and airport transfers. An optional photographer with DSLR and drone is available.

What is the best time to visit China?

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-November) are the best times to visit most of China. The weather is mild, skies are clear, and crowds are smaller. Summer is ideal for Tibet and Inner Mongolia.

How much does a private China tour cost?

A private tour with 4-star hotels typically costs $150-300 per person per day, including guide, driver, vehicle, hotels, entrance fees, and domestic transport. Prices vary by itinerary length and accommodation level.

The art of Chinese tea — from the six major tea types to the traditional tea ceremony and the best tea regions to visit.

Six Major Tea Types

Chinese tea is classified into six categories based on processing method: Green (Longjing, Biluochun), Black (Keemun, Lapsang Souchong), Oolong (Tieguanyin, Da Hong Pao), White (Bai Hao Yin Zhen), Yellow (Junshan Yinzhen), and Dark/Pu'er. All come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, but differ in oxidation and fermentation levels.

Tea History

Tea was discovered in China around 2737 BC by Emperor Shennong. The Tang Dynasty (618-907) saw tea become a daily drink, and Lu Yu wrote "The Classic of Tea" (Cha Jing), the first comprehensive tea book. The Song Dynasty popularized whisked tea, and the Ming Dynasty established loose-leaf tea brewing. The Silk Road and tea horse trade route spread tea across Asia and Europe.

Tea Ceremony (Gongfu Cha)

Gongfu Cha is the traditional Chinese tea ceremony, emphasizing skill and precision. It uses small clay teapots (Yixing), small cups, and multiple short infusions. The process includes warming the vessels, rinsing the leaves, and pouring with specific techniques. Each infusion reveals different flavor notes. The ceremony is a meditation in mindfulness.

Famous Tea Regions

Hangzhou produces Longjing (Dragon Well), China's most famous green tea. Fujian is known for Oolong teas like Tieguanyin and Da Hong Pao, plus white teas. Yunnan is the home of Pu'er tea, a fermented dark tea that improves with age. Sichuan produces Mengding Ganlu. Each region's terroir gives its teas unique characteristics.

Tea and Travel

Tea tourism is growing in China. Visit Longjing Village near Hangzhou to see tea plantations and participate in spring harvest. Explore the tea mountains of Yunnan where ancient tea trees grow. Visit Yixing in Jiangsu to see the famous purple clay teapot workshops. Tea houses in Chengdu's Renmin Park offer an authentic local tea experience.