Whether you’re a traveling tea drinker or simply a lover of history, visiting a tea museum can be an interesting experience and if the specific location allows it, a great place to take photographs.
Here is a list of what we consider to be the best tea museums in the world.
Table of Contents
Tenfu Tea Museum in Zhangzhou, Fujian, China
The Fujian province of China is considered a bedrock of the history of tea.
Not only do they have a rich history involving tea, but they also have a bustling town full of tea shops.
Located in Zhangzou, the Tenfu Tea Museum is the largest tea museum in the world.
They have quite a few attractions, including a main hall which is dedicated to the history of tea, a tea tasting room, a Japanese tea room, and a calligraphy and Chinese painting room.
Hangzhou National Tea Museum in Xihu, Hangzhou, Zheijiang, China
The West Lake in Hangzhou is the origin of one of the most famous Chinese teas, known as Long Jing, or Dragon Well.
Hangzhou is also home to the Hangzhou National Tea Museum.
At the museum you can learn about tea history and culture, as well as participate in traditional tea ceremonies.
Pinglin Tea Museum in New Taipei, Taiwan
We didn’t forget to add Taiwan to our list.
If you’re a fan of tea museums, then the Pinglin Tea Museum is a must-visit.
They have four different halls which offer a variety of educational activities.
Ceylon Tea Museum in Hantana, Sri Lanka
The Ceylon Tea Museum is located near Kandy, which is thought to be the first region of Sri Lanka to cultivate tea.
The museum is comprised of two floors of exhibits, a library, a cafe, and a shop where you can purchase Ceylon tea.
The Flagstaff House Museum of Teaware in Hong Kong
The Flagstaff Museum of Teaware is located in Hong Kong.
It is a great place to learn about tea history, as they have both permanent and special exhibitions.
They also have a theater where they play tea-related movies and a gift shop.
Tea Museum Shizuoka in Shimada, Shizuoka, Japan
Shizuoka is one of the more premier tea growing prefectures in Japan.
Their tea museum provides a great atmosphere to learn about tea.
At this museum, you can even harvest tea and grind matcha.
Jeju Osulloc Tea Museum in Jeju, South Korea
Jeju is a beautiful Korean island which happens to be famous for its tea.
Unique features of the Jeju Osulloc Tea Museum includes a tea roasting room and a wide selection of teacups from around the world.
Cau Dat Farm Ancient Tea Museum in Da Lat City, Lam Dong, Vietnam
Vietnamese teas aren’t as popular as Chinese, Indian, or Japanese teas, but Vietnam has their own unique history and culture involving tea.
The Cau Dat Farm Ancient Tea Museum opened just a few years ago and was Vietnam’s first tea museum.
If you’re interested in Vietnamese tea, then you may want to consider visiting this museum.
Gorreana Tea Museum in Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal
Located in Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the center of the Atlantic Ocean, is Europe’s oldest tea plantation, which is called Gorreana.
Gorreana is still producing tea today, and if you choose to, you are able to visit their plantation and tea museum where you are allowed to explore various aspects of tea manufacturing.
Twinings Tea Museum in London, England, UK
The Twinings flagship store has a history of over 300 years and is known to be the Oldest tea shop in London.
At this location, they also have a small tea museum which is dedicated to the Founder of Twinings, Thomas Twining.
Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum in Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia
Last on our list is the Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum in Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia.
Their collection contains over 5,500 teapots of various styles and origins.
They also have a tearoom where they offer a selection of traditional tea.