Guangdong liangcha (herbal tea), a national intangible cultural heritage of China, was developed by residents of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao region based on local climate and soil conditions under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine.

Made from Chinese herbal ingredients, the beverage is widely consumed for its heat-clearing and summer heat-relieving effects. Six time-honored herbal tea shops in Xiangzhou district, Guangdong province, are recommended for authentic tastes of this traditional wellness drink.

Koo Chun Tong

Founded in 1919, it was designated as a "Guangdong Time-honored Brand" in 2025.

A modern storefront of Koo Chun Tong. [Photo/WeChat account: zhxiangzhou]

Opening hours: 11 am–11 pm

Address: Qinglu Middle Road, Xiangzhou

Recommendations: herbal tea, pei pa koa (loquat paste), guilinggao (turtle jelly)

Average Spending: herbal tea: 10–15 yuan ($1.49–2.24), sweet soups: 15–25 yuan

Wan Fu Tang 

It was established in 2003 as a treasured local herbal tea shop in Zhuhai. All herbal tea and sweet soups are prepared with freshly purchased ingredients and brewed on site daily. For over two decades, it has maintained consistent flavors and consumer–friendly prices.

A traditional shop sign with classic Chinese calligraphy. [Photo/WeChat account: zhxiangzhou]

Opening hours: 11:30 am–10:30 pm

Address: Taoyuan Road residential community, No. 22 Taoyuan Road, Xiangzhou

Recommendations: heat–clearing and dampness–eliminating tea, wuhua cha (five flower tea)

Average Spending: 4–10 yuan

Ming Kee

Opening hours: 8 am–1 pm

Address: shop No. 55, Anfu Street, Cuihua new village, Meihua subdistrict, Xiangzhou

Recommendations: Heat–clearing and cold–relief tea, lung–clearing and cough–soothing tea

Average Spending: 5–13 yuan

Baicao

Opening hours: 10 am–11 pm

Address: shop No. 74, Xinhua Road, Fukang Garden, Meihua subdistrict, Xiangzhou

Recommendations: dampness-resolving and toxicity–releasing tea

Average Spending: 10–16 yuan

Wan Guangying

Opening hours: 13 pm–11 pm

Address: 52-54 Huahai Road, Xiangwan subdistrict, Xiangzhou (25 meters west of the intersection of Huahai Road and Bitao Road)

Recommendations: qingbuliang (a cool, refreshing and sweet soup served as a year–round dessert in Hainan)

Average Spending: 6–13 yuan

Deji Herbal Tea Dessert House

Opening hours: 9 am–1 pm

Address: Jida new village, No. 55 Yuanlin Road, Jida subdistrict, Xiangzhou

Recommendations: sober–up tea, eight–immortal fruit

Average Spending: 18–23 yuan.