GUDAO (Zhejiang Ancient Trail): Hiking the Old Tea Trails of Southern China

Embark on a journey through the ancient trails of Songyang, where centuries-old villages are nestled in one of China’s most enchanting and prosperous regions. These historic paths, once trodden by locals visiting family and temples, are deeply intertwined with the cultivation and trade of tea, weaving a rich tapestry of culture and history.

Songyang is home to the largest tea trading market in China, a national hub where, as the saying goes, “tea that cannot be sold elsewhere finds its home.” The very pathways echo with the footsteps of tea merchants and farmers, blending the legacy of tea with the vibrant life of surrounding villages. Set in the scenic Songgu Basin of Southern China, these traditional Jiangnan-style villages are serene and picturesque, framed by breathtaking landscapes. Their secluded location has preserved a unique charm and cultural heritage, making Songyang one of the last remaining sites of these exquisite, timeless communities.

Join this captivating adventure, where tea takes center stage. Along these remote trails, witness the full tea journey—from cultivation and commerce to the simple joy of sipping a freshly brewed cup. Immerse in the stories, traditions, and landscapes that define this extraordinary region.

Seasonal Availability

What’s Included

What’s Excluded

We’re on the ground with you

During the planning phase, our team of specialist travel advisors based in China will design every detail of your trip with you. When you’re on the ground, they will then orchestrate your entire journey, maintaining close contact with each of your guides throughout your trip to ensure you’re having the best journey possible. With offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, and an expansive network of operational partners across the country, we are committed to ensuring that your journey is safe, reliable and comfortable from beginning to end. 

Your trip, your way

Flexibility is our highest-ranking complement. With over two decades of experience, we’ve run just about every type of journey you can imagine. No request is too strange, too extreme, or too exclusive. Our team regularly pulls off unprecedented logistical feats; nearly any time frame or budget is within our realm. No matter how you wish to experience China, we are here to bring that dream to life. 

We embody passion

WildChina’s guides are carefully handpicked for their knowledge and charisma, then meticulously trained to maintain our exceptional service standards. They are expert storytellers and passionate natives of the regions where they guide, having the perfect combination of local insights and service know-how to bring you seamless once-in-a- lifetime moments all across China. 

The little things, the big picture

We firmly believe that supporting local people and economies allows you to experience the soul of a destination, while also protecting and cultivating China’s cultures. From watching artisans’ hand–make shoes in Yunnan, to picking organic vegetables for dinner on a local farm in Fujian, our tours are designed to showcase and protect China’s heritage, both natural and human.