Chinese Herbal Tea: A Guide to Traditional Drinks and Regional Tea Culture

In China, a cup of tea can be much more than a refreshing drink. It may be part of a daily routine, a gesture of hospitality, a familiar flavor from childhood, or a reflection of the ingredients and traditions of a particular region.

Among China's many traditional drinks, herbal tea occupies a distinctive place. In Guangdong, locals may visit a liang cha (凉茶) shop for a bitter, aromatic herbal infusion. Chrysanthemum tea is appreciated for its delicate floral character, while ginger and jujube drinks offer a warmer, more comforting flavor. Other preparations use ingredients such as dried tangerine peel, goji berries, licorice root or luo han guo, also known as monk fruit.

For travelers, exploring Chinese herbal tea is an opportunity to discover everyday food culture beyond famous dishes and major attractions. A traditional tea shop, a neighborhood market or a conversation with a tea specialist can reveal how local ingredients become part of daily life.

This guide introduces the main types of Chinese herbal tea, explains regional differences, suggests where to experience these drinks and offers practical advice for enjoying them during a trip to China.

Chinese Herbal Tea at a Glance

Chinese herbal tea is a broad category of drinks prepared by steeping, simmering or boiling flowers, herbs, roots, fruits, peels and other plant ingredients in water. Many herbal infusions do not contain leaves from the tea plant, although some blends combine herbs with conventional tea.

• Best-known regional tradition: Guangdong liang cha, or Cantonese herbal tea.
• Popular flower infusion: Chrysanthemum tea, known for its gentle floral aroma.
• Distinctive fruit-based drink: Luo han guo, or monk fruit infusion.
• Common home-style combination: Ginger and jujube tea.
• Useful destinations: Guangzhou and Foshan for liang cha, Chengdu for teahouse culture, and Hangzhou for traditional tea culture.
• Ordering tip: Ask about ingredients, added sweeteners and whether the drink contains actual tea leaves.

What Is Chinese Herbal Tea?

Chinese herbal tea is a broad term for drinks prepared by steeping, simmering or boiling herbs, flowers, roots, fruits, peels and other plant ingredients in water.

In everyday English, the phrase often refers to an infusion made without leaves from the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. This distinguishes many herbal drinks from green tea, black tea, white tea and oolong tea, all of which come from the same plant but are processed differently.

The distinction is useful when exploring Chinese menus, although terminology varies. Some drinks contain both tea leaves and herbal ingredients, while others are entirely caffeine-free plant infusions. Ingredients such as licorice root and certain botanicals also mean that an herbal drink should not automatically be assumed to be suitable for everyone.

Herbal Tea and Traditional Chinese Tea: What Is the Difference?

Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in casual conversation, they describe different categories of drinks.

Traditional tea

Green tea, black tea, white tea, yellow tea, dark tea and oolong tea are produced from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. Their flavors differ according to growing conditions, processing and brewing.

Herbal infusions

These drinks may be made from flowers, roots, fruits, leaves or other plant materials. Chrysanthemum, ginger, dried jujube and monk fruit are examples of ingredients used in various Chinese herbal drinks.

Blended drinks

Some preparations combine tea leaves with flowers, fruit, herbs or spices. Jasmine-scented green tea, for example, is different from a chrysanthemum infusion made without tea leaves.

For travelers, the simplest approach is to ask what ingredients a drink contains and whether it includes actual tea leaves.

1. Guangdong Liang Cha: The Tradition of Cantonese Herbal Tea

If you want to understand Chinese herbal tea culture, Guangdong is one of the most interesting places to begin.

Known as liang cha (凉茶), Cantonese herbal tea is deeply associated with everyday life in Guangdong and the wider Lingnan region. Traditional shops sell prepared herbal drinks, often displayed in jars or served in small cups. Some are lightly aromatic, while others are distinctly bitter and dark in color.

Despite the English translation of its name, liang cha does not always mean a chilled drink. The term is associated with a traditional category of herbal preparations, and drinks may be served at different temperatures depending on the recipe and shop.

What Is Liang Cha Made From?

There is no single recipe for liang cha. Ingredients vary according to the preparation and the traditions of the shop.

Commonly encountered ingredients or ingredient categories include:

• Chrysanthemum: Used for a floral aroma and a relatively delicate flavor.
• Honeysuckle flowers: Found in some traditional herbal preparations.
• Licorice root: Used in certain blends for its characteristic sweetness.
• Dried tangerine peel: Adds a fragrant citrus note.
• Other herbs and roots: Traditional recipes may combine multiple plant ingredients, producing flavors that range from earthy and bitter to sweet and aromatic.

Not every liang cha contains all these ingredients, and the composition of a particular drink should be confirmed with the seller.

What Does Liang Cha Taste Like?

The flavor depends on the recipe. Some versions are intensely bitter, while others have a more balanced herbal or slightly sweet character.

If you are new to Chinese herbal drinks, ask the shopkeeper which options are mildest or least bitter. You can also ask whether the drink contains added sugar or licorice.

The experience is as much about cultural curiosity as flavor. A traditional liang cha shop provides a glimpse into a familiar part of daily life in southern China, where herbal drinks have long been sold alongside other everyday refreshments.

Where to Experience Liang Cha

Guangzhou is a natural starting point because Cantonese food and drink traditions are closely connected with the city. Look for established herbal tea shops in traditional neighborhoods and commercial streets.

Foshan and other parts of Guangdong also offer opportunities to explore local herbal drink traditions.

In Hong Kong, related Cantonese herbal tea traditions are also widely recognizable, although this guide focuses on experiences within mainland China.

Travel tip: Do not assume that all traditional herbal drinks are mild or that every shop serves the same recipes. Ask about the ingredients, sweetness and serving temperature before ordering.

For more inspiration on exploring southern China's food culture, read Sunda Travel's Guide to Chinese Regional Cuisines.

2. Chrysanthemum Tea: A Floral Favorite

Chrysanthemum tea is one of the most recognizable flower-based drinks in Chinese tea culture. It is made by steeping dried chrysanthemum flowers in hot water, producing a pale golden infusion with a gentle floral aroma.

Depending on the flower variety and preparation, the flavor can be delicate, lightly sweet or subtly earthy.

Unlike a traditional tea made from Camellia sinensis, a pure chrysanthemum infusion contains no tea leaves. However, some packaged products blend chrysanthemum with green tea or other ingredients, so checking the label is useful if caffeine matters to you.

How Is Chrysanthemum Tea Served?

The simplest preparation uses dried flowers and hot water. Some people prefer to drink the infusion plain, while others add a little sugar or combine it with other ingredients.

Chrysanthemum tea may be served in a glass cup so that the flowers remain visible as they open in the water. In a teahouse, it may be presented as part of a broader tea selection.

Where to Try It

Chrysanthemum tea is widely available in Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Chengdu. You may find it in traditional tea shops, restaurants, teahouses and packaged-drink stores.

For travelers who are new to Chinese herbal infusions, it is often an approachable starting point because its floral aroma is relatively easy to recognize.

How to Enjoy It

Allow the flowers to steep according to the shop's instructions and taste the infusion before adding sweetener.

If you are exploring several kinds of Chinese tea, compare chrysanthemum tea with jasmine-scented green tea. Their aromas may seem similar at first, but their ingredients and flavor profiles differ.

3. Luo Han Guo Tea: Monk Fruit and a Distinctive Sweetness

Luo han guo (罗汉果), commonly known in English as monk fruit, is a small fruit traditionally used in Chinese food and drink preparations.

When prepared as an infusion, the dried fruit produces a distinctive sweet flavor. The drink is sometimes served on its own and sometimes combined with other ingredients.

What Does Luo Han Guo Tea Taste Like?

Monk fruit infusions are notable for their sweetness, which can be more pronounced than the drink's appearance suggests. Depending on the preparation, the flavor may also have a subtle dried-fruit or earthy character.

Some products combine monk fruit with chrysanthemum, dried tangerine peel or other herbs. The result depends on the recipe and the amount of each ingredient.

Where Can You Try It?

Luo han guo drinks can be found in herbal tea shops, traditional food stores and some restaurants in southern China. Availability varies by city and establishment.

Guangzhou is a useful place to look because of its established herbal drink culture, but you do not need to visit a specialist shop to encounter monk fruit. Packaged products are also sold in many Chinese supermarkets and food shops.

A Practical Note

A naturally sweet-tasting herbal drink is not automatically suitable for every dietary need. If you are monitoring sugar intake or have a medical condition that affects your diet, check the full ingredient list rather than relying on the drink's name or perceived health benefits.

4. Ginger and Jujube Tea: A Warm, Fragrant Combination

Ginger and jujube tea is a familiar combination in Chinese home-style drinks. Jujube, also called Chinese red date, contributes a rounded, fruity sweetness, while ginger provides a warming, spicy aroma.

Recipes vary. Some preparations use only ginger and jujube, while others include ingredients such as brown sugar or goji berries.

What Does It Taste Like?

Ginger adds a sharp, aromatic note that becomes more pronounced with longer simmering. Jujube contributes a mellow fruit flavor, creating a drink that can be both fragrant and sweet.

The amount of ginger, the type of jujube and any added sweetener can change the final taste considerably.

How Is It Prepared?

A common home-style method involves simmering sliced ginger and dried jujube in water until the liquid takes on their flavor. Some recipes add sugar, while others rely on the fruit's natural sweetness.

Preparation methods differ, and commercially sold versions may contain additional ingredients.

Where to Try It

You may encounter ginger and jujube drinks in traditional food shops, casual restaurants, herbal tea stores and home-style dining establishments. They are also sold as packaged products.

Rather than treating the drink as a specialist attraction, consider it an example of the ingredients and flavor combinations that appear in everyday Chinese food culture.

If you are visiting China in cooler weather, it may be an appealing alternative to an iced beverage, depending on your personal preference.

5. Goji Berry Tea: A Familiar Ingredient in Everyday Drinks

Goji berries, also known as gou qi zi (枸杞子), are widely used in Chinese cooking and drinks.

The dried berries are small, red-orange and mildly sweet. They may be steeped in hot water, combined with chrysanthemum or jujube, or added to other preparations.

What Does Goji Berry Tea Taste Like?

A simple goji berry infusion usually has a gentle, fruity character rather than a strong herbal bitterness. The berries soften during steeping, and some people eat them after drinking the infusion.

The flavor is often subtle, so goji berries are commonly combined with other ingredients when a more pronounced taste is desired.

Where to Try It

Goji berry drinks are widely available in tea shops and restaurants, and the dried berries can be found in markets and supermarkets.

For travelers interested in ingredients, a visit to a traditional food shop can be an opportunity to see how goji berries are sold alongside dried dates, mushrooms, herbs and other pantry staples.

Goji Berry Tea Is Not the Same as Traditional Tea

A pure goji berry infusion contains no tea leaves. If it is blended with green tea, black tea or another tea variety, the drink's caffeine content and flavor will depend on the ingredients used.

Ask the server or check the packaging if you want to avoid caffeine or have specific dietary requirements.

6. Dried Tangerine Peel Tea: A Fragrant Taste of Southern China

Dried tangerine peel, known as chen pi (陈皮), is an ingredient associated with several southern Chinese culinary traditions. It is used in cooking and in some herbal or fruit-based infusions.

Its aroma is citrusy and fragrant, with a more complex character than fresh orange peel. Depending on the preparation, the flavor may be lightly bitter, woody or sweetly aromatic.

How Is It Used in Tea?

Dried tangerine peel may be steeped alone or combined with ingredients such as red dates, other dried fruits or tea leaves.

The preparation can be simple: a small amount of peel is infused in hot water, allowing its aroma to develop. Other recipes use a longer simmer or combine several ingredients.

Where to Experience It

Guangdong is a useful region for discovering dried tangerine peel in food shops and traditional culinary settings. You may also encounter it in restaurants and specialty tea stores elsewhere in China.

For visitors interested in food culture, dried tangerine peel is a good example of how a single ingredient can move between cooking, drinks and traditional household practices.

7. Other Chinese Herbal and Flower-Based Drinks

China's herbal drink traditions are diverse, and the drinks listed above are only a starting point. Depending on the region, shop and season, you may encounter several other ingredients.

Honeysuckle Flower Infusions

Honeysuckle flowers are used in some traditional herbal preparations. Their flavor and aroma depend on the quantity, processing and other ingredients in the blend.

Lotus Leaf Drinks

Lotus leaves appear in certain traditional drink preparations. These are not the same as lotus seed tea or tea made from other parts of the plant, so ask which ingredient is being used.

Osmanthus Infusions

Osmanthus flowers are associated with a delicate, sweet floral aroma. They may be steeped on their own or combined with tea leaves and other ingredients.

Barley-Based Drinks

Roasted barley drinks are available in some Chinese food and beverage settings. They have a toasted, grain-like flavor and are distinct from both traditional tea and many herbal mixtures.

Regional Herbal Blends

Some herbal tea shops prepare their own blends from multiple plant ingredients. The flavor may be bitter, sweet, earthy or aromatic.

Because recipes can contain several ingredients, ask the seller to identify the main components before ordering, especially if you have allergies, are pregnant or take medication.

8. Where to Experience Chinese Herbal Tea

Chinese herbal tea is best explored as part of local food culture rather than through a fixed list of tourist attractions. Different cities offer different opportunities, from specialist shops to everyday restaurants and traditional teahouses.

Guangzhou: A Starting Point for Liang Cha

Guangzhou is one of the strongest choices for travelers who want to understand Cantonese herbal tea traditions.

Look for established liang cha shops and observe how the drinks are displayed, ordered and served. If the menu includes several blends, ask which ones are mild, bitter, sweetened or caffeine-free.

A herbal tea stop can be combined with a broader exploration of Cantonese food, traditional neighborhoods and local markets.

Foshan: Regional Food and Drink Traditions

Foshan offers another perspective on Lingnan food culture. Travelers can explore local restaurants, traditional commercial streets and food shops where regional drinks may be available.

As with Guangzhou, individual shops use different recipes, so the most interesting discovery may be a local specialty rather than a single nationally recognized drink.

Chengdu: Teahouses and Everyday Social Life

Chengdu is widely associated with its traditional teahouse culture. While many teahouses focus on green tea, jasmine tea and other conventional tea varieties, some restaurants and beverage shops may offer flower-based or herbal drinks.

The city's tea culture provides an opportunity to understand how drinking tea can be a social activity rather than simply a way to consume a beverage.

For a traveler, a traditional teahouse visit can be combined with local food, a walk through a historic neighborhood or a slower afternoon away from major attractions.

Hangzhou: Tea Culture and Regional Ingredients

Hangzhou is best known for Longjing green tea, but it is also a useful destination for exploring the wider culture of tea shops, traditional ingredients and regional food.

A visit to a tea shop can help you understand the difference between tea made from Camellia sinensis and herbal infusions made from flowers, fruits or other plant ingredients.

Pair the experience with a walk around West Lake or a visit to a local restaurant serving Zhejiang cuisine.

Beijing and Shanghai: A Wide Choice of Tea Shops

Beijing and Shanghai offer a broad selection of beverage shops, traditional tea retailers, restaurants and contemporary cafes.

In these cities, you may find packaged herbal drinks, chrysanthemum tea, monk fruit infusions and other plant-based beverages alongside traditional Chinese tea.

The variety makes them convenient places to explore, although a specialist herbal tea shop may provide more detailed information than a general cafe.

For broader destination ideas and practical travel information, explore Sunda Travel's China Travel Guide.

9. How to Order Chinese Herbal Tea

Ordering an unfamiliar drink can be part of the fun of exploring China's food culture. A few simple questions can help you choose something that suits your taste.

Useful Chinese Terms

These phrases can help you ask basic questions, but they do not replace checking a full ingredient list when you have a medical or dietary concern.

Ask About the Flavor

If you prefer a mild drink, ask whether the tea is bitter, sweet, floral or strongly flavored.

If you are unfamiliar with liang cha, you can ask for a small serving before ordering a larger amount. Some traditional herbal drinks have a much stronger flavor than visitors expect.

Check Whether It Contains Tea Leaves

A drink described as herbal tea may contain only herbs, flowers or fruit, but some blends also include green or black tea.

If caffeine matters to you, ask specifically whether the drink contains tea leaves or other caffeinated ingredients.

Confirm Sweeteners and Other Ingredients

Some preparations contain sugar, honey or other sweeteners. Others may include several herbs and roots.

If you have allergies, dietary restrictions or religious food requirements, ask about the ingredients and preparation method.

10. Chinese Herbal Tea and Health: What Travelers Should Know

Chinese herbal tea is closely associated with traditional food practices and, in some contexts, traditional Chinese medicine. However, cultural use and traditional beliefs should not be confused with established evidence that a drink treats or prevents a particular disease.

A herbal infusion is not automatically safe simply because it is natural or commonly consumed.

Herbal Tea Is Not a Substitute for Medical Treatment

Some drinks are traditionally consumed because of beliefs about their effects on the body. These traditions form part of China's cultural history, but the effects of individual ingredients depend on the preparation, amount consumed and the person drinking it.

Do not rely on herbal tea to diagnose, treat or prevent a medical condition, and do not replace prescribed medication with a traditional drink.

Ingredients and Interactions Matter

Herbs and plant extracts can cause allergic reactions or interact with medicines. Certain ingredients may be unsuitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people with particular medical conditions.

If you take medication, have a chronic condition or are unsure whether a particular ingredient is appropriate for you, seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Ask Before Drinking an Unfamiliar Blend

Traditional herbal tea shops may use several ingredients in one preparation. If the shop cannot identify the ingredients clearly, it may be better to choose a simpler drink.

Travelers with allergies should not assume that a drink is free of a particular ingredient just because it is not obvious from its appearance or taste.

Check the Label on Packaged Products

If you purchase herbal tea to take home, review the ingredient list, storage instructions and any applicable import requirements. Rules for bringing plant products across borders vary by destination.

For most travelers, the best approach is to enjoy Chinese herbal drinks as a cultural and culinary experience, while making informed decisions about what they consume.

11. How to Include Herbal Tea in a China Itinerary

Herbal tea is easy to incorporate into a broader trip because it is often available through everyday shops and restaurants. You do not need to build an entire journey around it.

Route 1: Guangzhou and Foshan — Cantonese Herbal Tea and Regional Food

Suggested duration: 4–6 days

Explore Guangzhou's Cantonese food culture, traditional commercial streets and local markets. Add a visit to a liang cha shop to discover the region's herbal drink traditions.

Continue to Foshan if you want to explore another city in the Pearl River Delta and compare its local food culture.

This route suits travelers interested in everyday culinary traditions rather than only major sightseeing attractions.

Route 2: Chengdu — Teahouses and Local Life

Suggested duration: 3–4 days

Explore Chengdu's traditional teahouses, local restaurants and neighborhood streets. Try conventional Chinese tea, then ask whether the venue or nearby shops offer herbal or flower-based drinks.

Combine the tea experience with Sichuan cuisine and time to explore the city at a relaxed pace.

Route 3: Hangzhou — Tea Culture and Scenic Landscapes

Suggested duration: 3–4 days

Discover Hangzhou's Longjing tea culture and the scenery around West Lake. Visit a tea shop to learn about green tea, then compare it with a flower-based infusion such as chrysanthemum tea.

This route is particularly suitable for travelers who enjoy landscapes, local food and learning about the ingredients behind traditional drinks.

Route 4: A Multi-City Culinary Journey

Suggested duration: 8–12 days

Combine Guangzhou, Chengdu and Hangzhou to explore three different perspectives on Chinese drink culture.

• Guangzhou: Discover Cantonese herbal tea and regional food traditions.
• Chengdu: Experience traditional teahouses and Sichuan cuisine.
• Hangzhou: Explore Longjing tea, regional dishes and scenic landscapes.

The aim is not to sample the largest number of herbal drinks, but to understand how beverages fit into different local cultures.

For itinerary inspiration, explore Sunda Travel's China Travel Guide and Guide to Chinese Tea Ceremonies. If you want to combine food experiences, cultural visits and time to explore at your own pace, consider Tailor-Made China Tours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Herbal Tea

What is Chinese herbal tea?

Chinese herbal tea is a broad category of drinks made by steeping or simmering herbs, flowers, roots, fruits, peels and other plant ingredients in water. Many versions contain no leaves from the tea plant, although some blends combine herbs with conventional tea.

What is liang cha?

Liang cha is a traditional category of herbal drinks strongly associated with Guangdong and the wider Lingnan region. Recipes vary and may combine several herbs or other plant ingredients. Some versions are bitter, while others have a sweeter or more aromatic flavor.

Which Chinese herbal teas should beginners try?

Chrysanthemum tea is often a useful starting point because of its floral aroma. Goji berry infusions may offer a gentler fruit flavor, while ginger and jujube drinks provide a warmer, spicier taste. Liang cha can be more bitter, depending on the recipe. Choose according to your taste and check the ingredients before drinking.

Where can I try traditional Chinese herbal tea?

Guangzhou is a useful starting point for exploring liang cha. Herbal drinks can also be found in tea shops, restaurants and traditional food stores in many large Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Hangzhou. Availability varies by venue and region.

Is Chinese herbal tea the same as green tea?

No. Green tea is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. Many herbal infusions use flowers, fruits, roots or other plant ingredients instead. Some blended drinks contain both tea leaves and herbs. If you want a caffeine-free drink, ask whether it contains tea leaves or other caffeinated ingredients.

Does Chinese herbal tea contain caffeine?

A pure herbal infusion made without tea leaves is generally caffeine-free, but blended products may contain tea or other caffeinated ingredients. Check the ingredients rather than assuming every drink described as herbal tea is caffeine-free.

Is Chinese herbal tea safe for everyone?

No single answer applies to every herbal drink. Ingredients can cause allergies, interact with medications or be unsuitable for certain people. Pregnant or breastfeeding travelers and people with medical conditions should seek appropriate professional advice when unsure about an ingredient.

Can I buy Chinese herbal tea to take home?

Packaged herbal teas are available in many Chinese food shops and supermarkets. Check the ingredients, storage instructions and the import rules of your destination before purchasing or carrying plant products across borders.

What is the difference between liang cha and chrysanthemum tea?

Liang cha is a broad category of traditional herbal drinks associated with Guangdong, and recipes may combine several herbs and roots. Chrysanthemum tea is a specific flower infusion made from dried chrysanthemum flowers. Its flavor is usually floral and relatively delicate, while liang cha can range from aromatic to distinctly bitter.

Discover China's Tea and Food Culture with Sunda Travel

Chinese herbal tea offers a window into the country's everyday culinary traditions. From the distinctive bitterness of Guangdong liang cha to the floral aroma of chrysanthemum tea, the sweetness of monk fruit and the warmth of ginger and jujube, each drink reflects a different combination of ingredients and local preferences.

The most rewarding experience comes from exploring these drinks in context. A visit to a traditional herbal tea shop in Guangzhou, a teahouse in Chengdu or a tea retailer in Hangzhou can reveal how beverages are woven into regional food culture and daily life.

Herbal tea is only one part of China's wider tea traditions. If you want to understand how tea is prepared, shared and appreciated across different regions, explore Sunda Travel's Guide to Chinese Tea Ceremonies.

You can also browse the China Travel Guide, discover more through Travel Experiences, or explore Tailor-Made China Tours to create a journey around local food, cultural traditions and the everyday experiences that make China memorable.

Travel note: Herbal drink recipes and ingredients vary by shop and region. Confirm ingredients before ordering, particularly if you have allergies, take medication or have specific dietary needs. Traditional use does not guarantee a medical benefit or make a drink suitable for everyone.