I visited the tea plantation as part of a Nexus Holidays group tour. The location is scenic and relaxing. Lots of photo opportunities. We heard a very interesting presentation on the benefits of green tea, followed by a Q&A session with a member of the staff who had extensive training in the specialized area of "tea science." Samples of green tea were provided. We were given the opportunity to purchase a variety of tea products, but I did not feel pressured to do so at all. Along with others, I did make a purchase, which included complimentary shipping to my home in Florida. Overall it was a very pleasant and interesting experience, and one I would recommend.

This Tea Plantation Village is only a short drive from West Lake. We went as part of our TripADeal tour. I was half interested to go as I do drink green tea but I must say, I learned a lot about how they grow and pick the tea here. Its all by hand and by families who have lived on the plantation for generations. Some of these tea farmers are quite prosperous as the legend of the Longjing tea and its superior qualities have spread internationally. This is the most famous base for producing Dragon Well Longjing tea. We all had the chance to taste the tea which they drink without using a strainer as they eat all the tea leaves too, for its health properties. As we toured West Lake later in the day, we did notice a lot of the cafes there were serving this tea everywhere and it seemed popular with all ages. And yes, we succumbed to the hard sell, coming away with a small container of the dried tea leaves, as well as the concentrated form of it as FDA approved polyphenol capsules or tablets, equivalent of 8 or 20 cups of tea. Well, it does appear to cure everything so why not give it a go?!! And as if you needed more, there was a shop that you could buy more tea, tea glass drinking bottles, cups, you name it, they sold it. Yes, we fell for that one too!