Free: All time
The earliest records of tea consumption originated in China, dating to as far back as the 10th century BC. Thus, it’s probably a good idea to spend your extra time in Beijing trying out the tea from all around China. Maliandao Tea Market is the perfect place for it. This famous tea street is over 1.5 km long and boasts over 1,000 retailers and teahouses. Although it’s mostly for wholesalers, vendors are normally happy to let visitors sample the tea. With the sheer amount of stores, you can technically spend a couple hours teashop-hopping. If you’re purchasing tea gift to bring home, this is the place to get them, for the price will be lower than shops in touristy areas.
Address: Maliandao Street, Beijing, China
Opening hours: Daily 9am – 7pm
Direction: Subway Line 4 to Dalingjing Hutong Station, then take bus 109 to Dawanzi Station
Phone: +86 6334 3963
Website: www.maliandao.org
Photo credit: Charles Frith (Flickr CC), Go Shop Beijing
