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Tea plantation near Shanghai

Hello guys!

Can you tip me about the easiest tea plantation to reach from Shanghai for a solo person (short taxi ok, long out of my budget)?

I heard about some around Suzhou, Anji & Hangzhou but not sure how to reach them... Also, it'd need to be done as a daytrip from Shanghai.

Thank you! 🙏🏻

If you are looking for a tea plantation near Shanghai that is accessible as a day trip and does not require long or expensive travel, you have several good options. The key is to focus on plantations within 1–2 hours from the city, ideally reachable by high-speed train plus a short taxi ride.

Here are the main options:

  • Meijiawu Tea Village, Hangzhou – Famous for Longjing (Dragon Well) tea. About 1.5–2 hours from Shanghai by high-speed train to Hangzhou East Station, then a short taxi ride (20–30 minutes). The village has guided tours and tea-tasting sessions, and walking around the plantation is easy for solo travelers.
  • Huangshan Tea Plantations – While Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is further away (about 3–4 hours by high-speed train), the surrounding plantations like Xinan are picturesque. A bit tight for a day trip but possible if you start very early.
  • Shimen Tea Village, Suzhou/Anji area – Closer than Hangzhou in some cases. Anji is about 2 hours from Shanghai by train plus taxi, known for Anji white tea. Smaller, quieter, and ideal for a solo traveler on a budget.

Practical tips for a solo day trip:

  • Book high-speed train tickets in advance to secure seats, especially on weekends.
  • Use a local taxi or ride-hailing app like Didi for the final leg from the train station to the tea village.
  • Check if the plantation offers guided tours or tastings in English if you prefer structured visits.
  • Consider starting early from Shanghai (around 7–8 am) to make the most of your day.

For a solo traveler with a budget-friendly focus and minimal taxi use, Meijiawu Tea Village in Hangzhou is probably the easiest and most rewarding option. Short train + short taxi, good facilities, and well-suited for a day trip.

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The attractions mentioned in this question

Meijiawu
Hangzhou
Huangshan
Suzhou
Suzhou
Anji
Shimen
Longjing
Shanghai

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