Chinese tea education · In English

What draws
you to tea?

A culture you want to understand. A moment to slow down. A craft to master. Discover where Chinese tea could take you, with English-language learning at IACT.

Find your reason to begin ↗Help me choose
Online & in ChinaEnglish-language teachingPractical learning
Mabol teaching Chinese tea leaf characteristics to a group of learners
Your place at the tea table.A teaching moment from the academy’s own classroom.
International Academy of Chinese Tea
Initiated by Discover Cha
Based in Kunming, Yunnan
Connecting tea knowledge and culture
Led by Mabol Mei Zhong
Master’s degree in Tea Science
Your reason is a good place to start

Tea can meet you
where you are.

You may be seeking knowledge, connection, or simply a cup you understand a little better. What feels closest to you?

Learners exploring Chinese tea together in an IACT classroom
Picture your beginning

A closer connection to Chinese culture

Explore how a leaf becomes part of hospitality, history, and everyday life. Learn to recognise regional traditions and the choices behind the cup.

Start with the culture ↗
A glimpse of your experience

Get closer to tea.
And the people behind it.

Discover through your senses, your hands, and the places you visit. Tap a photograph for a closer look.

Learn through doing.

Explore the craft behind the leaf.

Follow tea to its origins.

Connect the cup with a place.

Share the discovery.

Learn alongside other curious tea people.

Actual photographs from IACT’s published website. Experiences vary by course, route, and season.

Why Chinese tea?

Every cup opens
a different world.

Six tea categories. Regional craft. Changing traditions across the dynasties. Discover how Chinese tea connects history, people, and everyday life.

Step into Chinese tea culture ↗
Mabol Mei Zhong, founder of Discover Cha and lead tea educator
Meet the person guiding your journey

Meet Mabol.
Your guide to Chinese tea.

Mabol Mei Zhong founded Discover Cha to share tea knowledge and connect cultures. Her teaching brings tea science, practical skills, and English-language communication to the same table.

Tea ScienceMaster’s degree
Discover ChaFounder
Tea educationCore course designer & lead teacher
Ask about learning with Mabol ↗Her story & credentials ↗
Start with what brings you here

Give your curiosity
a place to grow.

Start with the experience that speaks to you. Then explore the format, skills, and practical details.

Discover Cha tea samples prepared for study
For curious learners

Learn Chinese tea.

Build your understanding of tea categories, tasting, and brewing.

Live online or in personEnglish
See the course essentials

Chinese Tea Sommelier
Published formats: four weeks online or four full days in person.

Published standard group fee: RMB 7,500. Packages, materials, certification, and inclusions vary. Request current dates and an itemised quote.

Ask about learning tea ↗
A collage of actual classroom, tasting, and brewing photographs from IACT
For your next chapter

Develop your tea skills.

Explore specialist study or a pathway towards teaching tea.

Pu’er specialisationTeacher training
Explore the possibilities

Discuss Pu’er Tea Specialist study or Training of Tea Trainers. Teaching preparation follows a Sommelier foundation and has separate assessment requirements.

Planning a tea business? Tell us your goal. A dedicated entrepreneurship programme is currently a proposal.

Discuss your next step ↗
Tea travellers at Jingmai ancient tea forest
For cultural explorers

Experience tea in China.

Meet tea landscapes, craft, and culture through a study journey.

Tea origin journeysSeasonal routes
Plan your experience

Explore full study tours or selected sections. Regular tour seasons are April and October. Routes, activities, length, and fees vary.

Request the itinerary, teaching language, accommodation details, and inclusions before booking.

Explore a tea journey ↗

Not sure where to begin? Tell us what interests you. Published course information is a guide; confirm current availability and fees with the academy.

Coming from another country?

Feel curious.
Feel prepared.

Start with your goals. Get clear on how you’ll learn and what to arrange before you commit.

Ask your first question ↗
Can I study in English?

IACT offers English-language tea education. Confirm the teaching language for your chosen course or journey.

Can I learn online?

Explore live online Sommelier study or recorded lessons. Ask about session times, your time zone, sample shipping, and equipment. Preview recorded lessons ↗

What should I arrange for studying in China?

Confirm the venue, dates, accommodation, dietary needs, and travel requirements. Ask the academy what local support and documents it can provide for your programme.

What does certification involve?

The Sommelier pathway includes attendance, homework, written work, an oral presentation, and practical assessment. Ask for the current requirements and a sample certificate, including issuer and recognition details.

Taste more thoughtfully.

Build a vocabulary for what you notice in tea.

Brew with intention.

Understand the choices behind your cup.

Share what you learn.

Bring tea knowledge into conversations and experiences.

Choose what comes next.

Continue into specialist study or teacher training.

Meet the expert committee ↗Discover our partner network ↗
You don’t need to have it all figured out

Tell us what
draws you to tea.

A question, a personal interest, or an idea for your future. Share what brings you here, and ask the academy about a starting point that suits you.

Email the academy ↗

Add a question (optional)

Preview form: enquiries are saved for website review, not sent to the academy. For a live enquiry, use email or WeChat.

Website concept for review · Photographs from IACT’s published website · Enquiry notification to the academy is not connected.
Find your place in tea.Let’s talk ↗