Travel
Sampling Longjing tea in Hangzhou, China
One among China’s most necessary vacationer cities, Hangzhou, within the jap province of Zhejiang, is famend for its pure magnificence and classical Chinese language surroundings.
Whereas most guests to Hangzhou are, understandably, drawn to the town’s well-known and undeniably lovely West Lake, the sheer variety of vacationers within the space can generally be overwhelming. These searching for a respite from the crowds and house to get pleasure from Hangzhou’s verdant magnificence needn’t go far, nevertheless. The rolling hills that occupy the world to the west of West Lake are residence to the town’s different main declare to fame – Longjing inexperienced tea plantations – and amongst them, secluded climbing trails, hidden caves and quiet family-run tea outlets. It’s the proper antidote to Hangzhou’s extra hectic scenic spots.
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Tea centre of China
Hangzhou has lengthy been a significant centre of tea manufacturing in China – cultivation of the plant right here goes again properly over 1000 years. Fertile soils, pure water and a pleasing local weather mix to supply the town’s well-known Longjing (龙井, lóngjǐng) – or dragon properly – inexperienced tea. The identify most likely comes from the local village of the same name, which in flip presumably bought its identify from an eponymous properly, whose waters apparently twisted and danced like a Chinese language dragon after heavy rainfall.
It’s stated that Emperor Qianlong (1735–1796), of the Qing dynasty, initially made Longjing tea widespread throughout China and finally the world. Legend has it that whereas visiting tea plantations within the space he turned so within the harvesting actions that he requested to hitch in. Whereas selecting the tea, he obtained phrase that his mom in Beijing was ailing and, in his haste to depart, put the leaves he had picked into the sleeve of his gown. On his return, his mom smelt the aromatic aroma of the leaves and requested for tea to be created from them. After ingesting the brew, so the story goes, she made a full restoration and the emperor declared Longjing tea a treatment for all ills, enhancing its recognition across the nation.
The definitive first cease on any journey exploring Longjing tea in Hangzhou’s is to one of many two branches of the China National Tea Museum. The unique department is the nearer to the town, simply on the sting of the tea plantation space and occupying a number of hectares of land devoted to the artwork, cultivation and tasting of tea. The newer, second Longjing Scenic Area branch is additional up the hill alongside Longjing Lu into ever-more densely planted tea fields. At each branches you may strive totally different teas and study how and why this humble plant has had such a huge effect on the world.
How longjing tea is made
Longjing is taken into account probably the greatest teas in China, with its fame mirrored in its worth – the primary harvest of the yr in March and April can fetch upwards of ¥6000 (round US$875) per kilo. The perfect stuff is price extra, even, than gold.
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Harvest season typically lasts from late March till the top of the summer season, throughout which period you’ll see straw-hatted staff selecting the leaves by hand and baskets of contemporary leaves overlooked to dry within the solar everywhere in the space.
After this preliminary drying course of, the leaves are dry stir-fried in a wok till they’re practically brittle sufficient to interrupt when touched. This stir-frying methodology provides Longjing tea leaves their attribute flat form and, when brewed, they produce a yellow-green tea that has a powerful, strong flavour with a light, lingering and frivolously bitter after-taste.
Sampling Longjing in Hangzhou
There are typically two methods Longjing tea is served in Hangzhou. The commonest and fewer formal manner in fundamental teahouses and shops is with the tea leaves served in a big glass mug or cup with scorching water poured immediately onto them. Individuals then drink from that cup, consistently topping it up with contemporary boiled water from an insulated flask. It’s thought that utilizing glassware to serve Longjing took place round a century in the past, when glass was an costly materials and utilizing it was a mirrored image of excessive socioeconomic standing. Whereas that’s not the case, the custom has caught.
This manner of ingesting the tea produces a powerful, bitter preliminary brew, so you’ll want to preserve topping your glass up with contemporary water to melt the style. This methodology additionally takes some time, as you’ll want to wait till the leaves settle, and the water cools sufficiently, earlier than you may correctly drink – though, by accident consuming a tea leaf is nothing to be anxious about. Use the ready time to ponder the fabulous views from the balconies of most of the family-run tea outlets in Wengjiashan Village, one of many numerous villages dotted throughout nestled the tea plantation space the place you may strive the well-known beverage.
A extra refined manner of making ready and serving Longjing will be loved throughout a conventional tea ceremony at both of the branches of the China Nationwide Tea Museum or at one of many many high-end teahouses within the space, reminiscent of Ming Jia Ju Teahouse. Often led by a tea grasp, who may have spent years finding out the artwork of brewing the proper cup, the ceremony is a really formal, and complex, means of ‘appreciating’ the tea leaves, warming the teapot and washing and steeping the leaves, alongside numerous intricate steps in between. It’s a prolonged course of however by the point you get to really ingesting the tea, you’re feeling fairly assured that that is the premier strategy to respect Longjing’s distinctive flavour.
For a special tackle ingesting Longjing tea, head to Lingyin Temple the place you may achieve an understanding about ‘zen’ tea tradition. Zen tea refers to tea grown, made and consumed by monks solely. The extremely ritualised means of selecting, making ready and serving the tea helps the monks on their journey to enlightenment. Yearly, towards the begins of the harvest season, the temple hosts the Cloud Forest Zen Tea Efficiency to advertise this distinctive side of monastic life.
It’s not simply as a drink, nevertheless, which you could strive Longjing tea; lots of Hangzhou’s native dishes use the tea leaves so as to add flavour. Essentially the most well-known of those is Longjing stir-fried prawns (lóngjǐng xiāré, 龙井虾仁), which mixes juicy river prawns with the crunchiness of contemporary tea leaves. You may can do that and different basic Hangzhou dishes, and sup a glass of tea, at Maocao Wu restaurant, which sits proper on the sting of the plantations.
Exploring tea nation on foot
When all of the sitting, sipping and considering wonderful surroundings will get too sedentary, the tea plantations themselves are a beautiful space to discover on foot. There are numerous climbing trails main from each Wengjiashan Village and Dragon Well Tea Village – two of the bigger villages within the plantation space.
These trails lead you up near the tea bushes, and are sometimes fully abandoned, principally utilized by tea pickers when harvesting. Be warned although – from summer season by way of into autumn, Hangzhou is scorching and humid, and mosquitos are ubiquitous. Pack repellent for any deliberate climbing actions.
A very good and comparatively simple path takes you from Santai Shan Lu, simply west of West Lake, up by way of forests dotted with the tombs of varied native dignitaries. When you attain the highest of the hill (it’s a little bit of a climb up stairs) and the Santai Pavilion, which has been immortalised on dozens of work of West Lake, the path both leads off north in the direction of Longjing Lu or west in the direction of the Southern Peak, a forested hill with a small, fairly pavilion on prime. From right here, the path descends down previous huge expanses of tea plantations and gives fantastic views of the encompassing countryside. The trail emerges at Yanxia Cave, a naturally shaped limestone cave that options Buddhist statues carved into the partitions. The earliest of those statues date from the 5 Dynasties interval (907-960) and the Music dynasty (960-1027). From right here, it’s a straightforward stroll up the highway to Wengjiasha Village for extra tea should you want it!
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Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
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