Tea worth tasting

Where to start

Try specialist tea shops or established department stores. Qianmen in Beijing and the Yuyuan area in Shanghai are starting points for browsing, rather than guarantees about any individual seller.

Before you pay

• Ask to taste before buying, where tasting is offered. Compare the tea itself rather than the presentation box.
• Read the ingredients, net weight, origin and storage instructions. A familiar place name alone does not prove a grade or origin.
• Keep the original sealed packaging and receipt. Check your destination’s food and plant rules before choosing a blend.

When to walk away

Skip unlabelled herbal mixtures when you cannot identify every ingredient. Do not buy tea on medical or investment claims.

Getting it home

Pack a small sealed tin or pouch inside a bag. Keep it dry and away from strong odors. Food and agricultural declarations may still apply.