3-hour Morning/Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street & Dimsum

Maliandao is the star here: a vast tea-trading district where you can taste eight kinds of Chinese tea, then sit down for a proper dim sum meal. It is a useful way to sample Beijing food and tea without having to choose a shop on your own.

I like the small-group format, which keeps the tea ceremony personal, and I like that the food is included rather than left to guesswork. The chance to try green, oolong, black, pu-erh, and white teas in one outing gives you a handy introduction to China’s tea culture.

The main consideration is the price, $99 per person. That is a fairer deal if you value a guide, a tea ceremony, and a full meal, but it may feel high if you only want to browse the tea market or order dim sum independently. Also, confirm the subway exit before setting out, since the information gives both Exit C and Exit D.

Key points at a glance

• Eight teas in one sitting: Taste green, oolong, black, pu-erh, white, and other teas during a guided ceremony.
• Maliandao Tea Street: Visit Beijing’s largest tea-trading street and see shops connected with tea farms.
• Dim sum included: Expect soup buns, steamed vermicelli rolls, chicken feet, shrimp ravioli, spring rolls, and other dishes.
• Two departure times: Choose a 10:00 a.m. morning outing or a 3:00 p.m. afternoon outing.
• Small-group setting: The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 people, with the itinerary also describing groups of eight or fewer.
• Simple subway meeting point: Meet near Wanzi Station on Line 7, then return to the same area at the end.

Why Maliandao Tea Street makes a good Beijing stop

Beijing has plenty of famous sights, but Maliandao offers a different look at the city. This is a commercial tea district, not a polished museum display. You walk through a major trading area where tea is bought, sold, sampled, and discussed.

That setting matters. Tea in China is not just a drink served after a meal. It can be a daily habit, a gift, a business product, and a point of regional pride. A guided visit gives you some structure as you move through the market, especially if you do not know the difference between a rolled oolong and a compressed pu-erh cake.

The tour takes you to two tea shops. The shops are described as places connected with real tea farms, which gives the tasting more context than a simple café stop. You can compare different styles instead of tasting one tea and calling it a day.

You should still expect a working market, not a quiet cultural performance. Tea shops may have sales in mind, and the size of the district can feel overwhelming without a guide. That is part of the point, but it also means this outing will suit you better if you enjoy shopping districts and food markets more than formal sightseeing.

The tea ceremony: eight varieties, one useful introduction

The tasting includes eight different teas. The named categories include green, oolong, black, pu-erh, and white tea, with other varieties possible during the session.

For a first introduction, this range is valuable. Green tea can show a lighter, fresher style. Oolong gives you a broader middle ground, with teas that may vary widely in aroma and body. Black tea offers a fuller profile, while white tea is usually treated as a more delicate style. Pu-erh brings a different experience altogether, especially if you are curious about aged or fermented teas.

The point is not to become a tea expert in three hours. It is to learn what you actually like. Pay attention to which cup you want to sip again, not just which tea sounds most impressive. You can also ask your guide how the teas differ in flavor, preparation, and origin.

The tea ceremony is included in the price. That helps justify the cost because you are not simply stopping at a shop and buying a drink. You have a guided tasting with a clear focus.

A practical note: the supplied meeting details list Wanzi Subway Station Line 7, but one section says Exit C and another says Exit D. Treat this as something to confirm with the operator before the day of your tour. An easy meeting point is useful only if you use the correct exit.

From tea market to dim sum table

After the tasting, the group goes to a nearby tea restaurant for dim sum. The meal is described as lunch or dinner depending on the departure time, so the morning tour gives you a midday meal while the afternoon tour works more like an early evening outing.

The food list is broad enough to make this more than a token snack. You might receive:

• Steamed soup buns
• Steamed vermicelli rolls
• Chicken feet
• Shrimp ravioli
• Spring rolls
• Other dim sum dishes

A soup bun is a particularly good reason to pay attention. Handle it carefully, since the filling can be hot and liquid. Steamed vermicelli rolls offer a softer texture, while shrimp ravioli and spring rolls give the meal some variety. Chicken feet are included for those who want to try a classic dim sum dish that may be unfamiliar.

The meal is also one of the tour’s strongest practical features. You do not have to decode a menu alone, decide how many plates to order, or worry about missing a local specialty. Your guide can help the group move through the meal, although the exact number of dishes and serving sizes are not specified.

If you are vegetarian, request the vegetarian option when booking. The tour says this is available, but it is not something to leave until you reach the restaurant. The listed food is varied, yet several dishes are meat or seafood based.

The food experience appears generous enough to leave you full. One detailed account describes pork dumplings and hand-pulled noodles in addition to tea and dim sum. Since the exact menu can vary, think of those dishes as possible additions rather than a guaranteed list.

A closer look at the timing and route

The tour lasts about three hours. You can choose a 10:00 a.m. start or a 3:00 p.m. start.

The morning departure is the natural choice if you want tea followed by lunch and still have most of the day ahead. The afternoon departure gives you a slower start and can fit around morning sightseeing. It ends later, so it may work well if you want to pair it with other plans earlier in the day.

The route is simple:

1. Meet near Wanzi Subway Station on Line 7.
2. Walk through Maliandao Tea Street.
3. Visit two tea shops.
4. Taste eight types of tea during a tea ceremony.
5. Eat dim sum at a nearby tea restaurant.
6. Return to the subway station or receive help getting a taxi.

The tour ends back at the meeting point. Your guide can send you to the station or help arrange a taxi, which is useful if you are still finding your way around Beijing.

The walk through the tea district is part of the experience, but the listing does not give a precise walking distance. Wear comfortable shoes and leave a little flexibility around the three-hour estimate. The duration is approximate, and meals and tastings do not always move at the same speed.

How the small group affects the experience

The maximum group size is 15 people. The route description also refers to a group of eight or fewer, so the actual size may be smaller depending on the date.

That range matters. Tea tasting works better when you can see what is being prepared and ask questions without competing with a large crowd. A smaller group also makes the dim sum meal easier to manage, particularly when several plates arrive at once.

The tradeoff is that the tour is not a private experience. You will share the tea ceremony and meal with other people, and the pace will be set for the group. If you want complete freedom to linger at one shop or order only your favorite dishes, an independent visit gives you more control.

The guide is an important part of the value. Renny is specifically described as warm, friendly, and helpful, with the visit including tea tasting, food, and assistance at the end. The experience depends on good guidance because Maliandao is large and the tea choices can be confusing for a first-time visitor.

Is $99 a good value?

At $99 per person, this is not a cheap food stop. You are paying for a guide, a tea ceremony, tastings of eight teas, a dim sum meal, local taxes, and help with the route.

The price makes more sense if you want three things in one booking: access to the tea market, guided tasting, and a substantial meal. Buying eight teas independently could also become expensive, especially if you are unsure what to choose. The included food removes another decision and gives the tour a clear beginning and end.

The value is weaker if you already know tea well, speak enough Chinese to shop comfortably, or mainly want a quick meal. In that case, you may prefer to visit Maliandao on your own and spend your money on tea purchases.

A group discount is listed as a feature, though the amount is not provided. Check the current booking price for your party before assuming a specific saving. The child rate also applies only when a child shares with two paying adults.

The strongest case for the price is convenience with real local content. You are not just being driven to a restaurant for a fixed meal. You are seeing a major tea market, comparing several tea styles, and eating familiar and less familiar dim sum with a guide nearby.

What kind of food and tea lover should book?

I would recommend this for you if you want a gentle introduction to Chinese tea and dim sum without spending time researching every shop. It is also a good fit if you enjoy trying foods such as chicken feet or soup buns and want someone to explain what is on the table.

It suits first-time visitors who want an activity outside Beijing’s main historic sights. The tour has a clear meeting point, uses public transportation, and finishes where it began. Most people can participate, and it is near public transportation.

Families can consider it, but check the child pricing rule. The child rate only applies when sharing with two paying adults. Anyone needing a vegetarian meal should request it ahead of time.

I would be more cautious about booking if you dislike group dining, have strict control over ingredients, or want a quiet, private tea lesson. The listed menu includes meat and seafood, and the group size can reach 15 people.

Useful preparation before you go

Confirm the meeting exit. The information gives both Wanzi Exit C and Exit D, so contact Lily’s Tour Company or check the final confirmation rather than guessing at the station.

Choose your time based on the rest of your day. The 10:00 a.m. option leads into lunch. The 3:00 p.m. option is better if your morning is already full and you prefer tea and an early evening meal.

Tell the operator about dietary needs at booking. A vegetarian option is available, but advance notice is required.

Bring room for tea purchases if you think you may want to buy something. The tour includes tastings, but personal purchases are not included. You will also want a little space in your schedule after the tour if you plan to continue shopping in the tea district.

Finally, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time if your plans change. The experience offers a full refund within that window. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book this Maliandao tea and dim sum tour?

Book it if you want a guided taste of two everyday Chinese pleasures in one compact outing. The combination of eight teas, a working tea market, and a full dim sum meal gives you more substance than a quick tasting counter.

The best reasons to go are the small-group setting, the broad tea selection, and the included food. Renny’s warm and helpful guiding style is another plus if that guide is assigned to your departure.

Think twice if $99 feels high for a three-hour activity, if you prefer to explore independently, or if you need a tightly controlled menu. For most first-time visitors who want an easy introduction to tea and dim sum, though, this is a practical choice with enough local character to earn its place in a Beijing itinerary.

FAQ

How long does the tea and dim sum experience last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

What time does the tour begin?

You can choose a 10:00 a.m. morning tour or a 3:00 p.m. afternoon tour.

Where do I meet the guide?

The meeting point is near Wanzi Subway Station on Line 7 in Beijing. The supplied details mention both Exit C and Exit D, so confirm the exact exit before you go.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point near Wanzi Subway Station. The guide can also help you get a taxi.

How many teas will I taste?

The tour includes tastings of eight different kinds of tea.

Which types of tea may be included?

The tasting may include green, oolong, black, pu-erh, white, and other Chinese teas.

Is dim sum included in the price?

Yes. Dim sum food for lunch or dinner is included, depending on your selected departure time.

What food may be served?

Possible dishes include steamed soup buns, steamed vermicelli rolls, chicken feet, shrimp ravioli, spring rolls, and other dim sum dishes. Pork dumplings and hand-pulled noodles may also be served, but the exact menu can vary.

Is a vegetarian option available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, but you need to request it when booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.