China Dark Tea Museum

China Dark Tea Museum

Nestled within an architectural complex featuring Huizhou-style buildings, the 10-story China Dark Tea Museum stands grand and eye-catching as a landmark of Anhua—the hometown of dark tea in China.

Tea came before the county. Stepping into this currently the only museum in China dedicated entirely to dark tea, the first floor’s “Charming Anhua” exhibition showcases the region’s stunning landscapes and rivers that led to the establishment of the county due to tea. The tea trees here “grow spontaneously along cliffs and streams without being planted,” yielding high-quality leaves. On the second floor, “The Fragrance of Dark Tea” immerses visitors in the historical and cultural atmosphere of Anhua’s dark tea. Here, artifacts, photos, and detailed descriptions reveal the remarkable benefits of Anhua dark tea, its history as an “official tea,” the origin of the tea-horse trade, and the reasons behind its role as border sales tea… Most striking is the “Ten Thousand Catty Tea” (weighed according to the old 16-tael system), also known as the “King of World Teas,” weighing an astonishing 360.25 kilograms. The artistry involved in crafting such tea is truly admirable, reflecting the wisdom and diligence of the people of Anhua.

The main exhibition on the third floor, “Traces of Time,” presents the profound humanistic history of Anhua, exuding the same intoxicating historical fragrance as the dark tea itself.

Head up to the fourth floor of the museum to the tea tasting area, where you can enjoy a cup of richly brewed Anhua dark tea. With its lingering aroma, coupled with a view over the meandering Zijiang River, you’ll find a deep sense of relaxation wash over you.

Time Needed

About 2 hours

Transportation

By car

Admission

Free

Location

Huangshaping Ancient Tea Market, Anhua County, Yiyang City, Hunan Province