Location & How to Get There

Eight Immortals Tea Plantation sits in Haicang District, Xiamen, nestled between gentle hills and coastal breezes. It’s a 30-minute drive from Xiamen’s city center, near the Canglin East Road (No. 543, Canglin 2nd Road). If you’re coming from Xiamen North Railway Station, take Metro Line 1 to Haiwangcun Station, then a quick taxi or bus ride gets you there. Self-driving? Plenty of free parking is available, and the scenic drive through Xiamen’s rural roads feels like a mini-adventure!

Natural Scenery: A Green Blanket

The tea plantation sprawls across rolling hills, covered in neat rows of tea bushes that look like green waves. In spring, you’ll spot fresh leaves glistening with morning dew, while summer brings lush, vibrant shades. Sunrise here is magical—the mist lifts slowly, revealing layers of tea fields stretching into the horizon. For photography lovers, the panorama viewpoints offer framed shots of mountains, sky, and endless green. Don’t forget your sunhat; even on cloudy days, the altitude means cooler air and strong UV!

Cultural Stories: The Legend of the Eight Immortals

This place isn’t just about tea—it’s steeped in folklore! The name Eight Immortals Tea Plantation comes from a Chinese legend about eight divine beings who brought blessings to the land. While you won’t see actual immortals, the tea house displays colorful murals and statues showing their playful spirits. Guides might share tales of how the immortals once rested here, leaving behind “luck and longevity” (locals swear the tea has a special energy!). It’s history light enough for a casual visit, but fun to imagine.

What to Do: More Than Just Tea

At Eight Immortals Tea Plantation, you’re not just a spectator. Try hand-picking tea leaves under farmers’ guidance—it’s trickier than it looks! Afterward, learn traditional tea-processing techniques (think twisting, roasting, and smelling the aroma). The real treat? Tasting sessions in the plantation’s cozy lodge. Sample oolong teas with names like “Rouge” or “Ti Kuan Yin,” and pair them with local snacks like peanut cookies. Pro tip: Buy a tin of Eight Immortals’ own blend—it’s smuggled back home by many visitors!

Practical Tips: Plan Your Visit

The plantation is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Wear comfy shoes—those hills are steeper than they look! Bring cash, as some vendors prefer it (though bigger purchases take cards). If you get hungry, the on-site Tea House Cafe serves decent meals, but save room for tea-infused ice cream. Oh, and weekends can get crowded, so mornings are peaceful.

Why It’s Worth a Detour

Even if you’re short on time in Xiamen, Eight Immortals Tea Plantation offers a unique mix of nature, culture, and hands-on fun. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who crave a break from city crowds. Plus, the photo ops are endless—think endless green rows, rustic wooden bridges, and those iconic murals. End your visit by sipping tea on the deck, watching the sun sink over the hills. Trust us: This isn’t just a tourist spot—it’s a little piece of Xiamen’s soul.