Location & Accessibility

Nestled within the Wuyi Mountain National Key Scenic Resort in Fujian Province, Tea Soul sits alongside the scenic 303 Provincial Road, just a short drive from the Jiuqu Toll Station. This hidden gem is perfect for travelers who want to escape urban hustle while diving into China’s iconic tea culture. The area is surrounded by emerald peaks and winding rivers, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

To get here, drive off the Jiuqu Toll Station on the highway and follow the signs toward the tea plantations. If you’re not driving, local buses from Nanping City drop you near the resort’s entrance, and taxis are affordable for the final stretch.

Natural Wonders

Tea Soul is cradled by Wuyi’s dramatic landscapes. Towering red sandstone cliffs, lush forests, and the crystal-clear Nine Bend River (Jiuqu Creek) create a postcard-worthy backdrop. Early mornings here are magical—mist wraps around the mountains like a silk scarf, and the sunrise paints the tea fields in golden hues.

Don’t miss the Phoenix-shaped Peaks, where legend says a phoenix once brought tea seeds to bless the land. Wander through endless green tea terraces, and breathe in the crisp air scented with fresh tea leaves. It’s no wonder this place inspired ancient poets to write about “mountains that breathe tea”!

Cultural Roots

At Tea Soul, every step feels like a journey through China’s tea history. This is the birthplace of Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe), the world’s most famous rock tea. Local farmers here still hand-pick leaves using centuries-old methods. You can visit tiny tea workshops to watch leaves being roasted over wood fires—a tradition passed down through generations.

The site also honors scholars like Zhu Xi, a宋代philosopher who once taught here. His old cottage, now a museum, shows how tea became intertwined with Chinese philosophy. Try your hand at tea-picking or learn to whisk a perfect cup during live tea ceremonies hosted by local experts.

Practical Perks

Tea Soul isn’t just pretty—it’s visitor-friendly. The area has cozy teahouses serving snacks like tea-infused mooncakes and light meals with fresh mountain ingredients. For stays, book a room in the Tea Lodge, where you can wake up to the smell of steaming tea.

English-speaking guides are available for tours, and rental bikes let you explore without breaking a sweat. Souvenir shops offer everything from tea sets to handmade puppets, but the real treasure is buying a tin of Wuyi rock tea straight from the source—it makes a unique gift!

Immersive Experience

A day at Tea Soul feels like stepping into a living tea ceremony. Start with a bamboo raft ride down the Nine Bend River, guided by boatmen who share local folklore. Then hike the Cloud Bridge Trail, where stone carvings left by ancient travelers add a historical twist to the scenery.

Cap it off with a visit to a working tea farm. Pluck leaves yourself, then relax in a teahouse to savor your harvest. As the sun sets, the cliffs glow orange, and the river reflects the sky—a moment that makes you understand why Wuyi’s tea is called “soulful.”

Whether you’re a tea aficionado or just love nature, Tea Soul offers a deep, calming escape. Pack comfy shoes, bring a camera, and prepare to leave with a heart full of tranquility—and maybe a suitcase full of tea!