Rural homestay boom written in tea leaves
Guesthouse owners create immersive cultural experiences to attract urbanites, Yang Feiyue reports in Huzhou, Zhejiang.
"Guests have shown a strong desire to pay more for the tea experiences we arrange," Xu says.
Born and raised in the village, the woman in her 30s started blending her homestay with intangible cultural heritage, particularly tea culture, in 2023.
"This idea came about because my uncle is a national-level inheritor of the local tea-making craft and its profound history," she explains.
Zisun tea originates from Changxing and boasts a history of over 1,200 years. It used to be highly prized and designated as an imperial tribute tea during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Crafted through meticulous traditional techniques, Zisun tea is distinguished by its fine, tender buds, subtle purplish hue, and shape resembling bamboo shoots — hence its name, which means "purple bamboo shoot" tea.
To integrate tea culture into the guest experience, Xu pays attention to the environment and activities.
"Each of the 16 rooms in two buildings is stocked with Zisun tea and has a designated tea-tasting area," she says.
"On every floor, there are books about tea and collections of essays from local authors. Guests can enjoy tea while reading, which creates a quiet, immersive experience."
