Maliandao is the largest tea market in northern China and home to if not all the tea in China, then an awful lot of it. There are brews from all over the country here, including pu'er and oolong, while Maliandao Road has hundreds of tea shops, where prices for tea and tea sets are lower than in tourist areas.

Although it's mostly for wholesalers, the market is a great place to wander for anyone interested in tea and the vendors will happily invite you in to sample some. They also sell tea sets here, with prices ranging dramatically depending on the design, glaze and porcelain used. A single tea cup can cost upwards of CNY 150, or you can pick up a basic tea set in the market and the nearby shops for CNY 450. Maliandao Road is south of Beijing West Train Station. To find the tea market, look for the statue of Lu Yu, the 8th-century sage who wrote the first book on growing, preparing and drinking tea, which stands outside it.

Entering Maliandao Tea Market, you are immersed into the strong scent of the tea and characteristic tea sets. The vendors on the first and second floor of the market are hospitable and welcome you to taste the tea even if you don't want to buy.

Location: 11 Maliandao Street, Guang'anmenwai, Xicheng District

Buses: Take bus 46, 89, 414, or special line 27 (27专线) to Maliandao Hutong (马连道胡同).

Source: lonelyplanet.com