Recently updated on March 28th, 2024 at 03:13 pm
With a history spanning over 5000 years, tea holds a significant place in China’s culture. It’s no surprise then that China boasts some of the most impressive teahouses.
In this article, we will show you 5 best Chinese style tea houses in Shanghai.
1. Old Shanghai Tea House 老上海茶馆
The Old Shanghai Tea House offers a taste of ‘old Cathay,’ with waitresses in silk qipao serving exotic teas and snacks like quails’ eggs and ‘Shanghai olives’ (pickled plums). Their menu has a wide variety, from passion fruit green tea to roasted watermelon seeds and cappuccino with ‘amorous peanuts.’ Prices start at 10 yuan for tea and 18 yuan for coffee. The walls are decorated with interesting items like 1930s tourist maps and old photos of Shanghai’s waterfront during its colonial era.
Address: 385 Middle Fang Bang Street 方浜中路385号
2. Chun Feng De Yi Tea House 春风得意楼茶馆
This place is named after the Tang-dynasty poem “House of Spring Breezes And Glee,” and it truly lives up to its name. With its cheerful, round-bellied patrons and the constant breeze from the nearby Huangpu River, joy is everywhere. Traditional wooden bench tables encourage conversation among strangers, while energetic waiters swiftly refill glasses with steaming copper pots. Although there’s no English menu, the house green tea, served with a side of salted peanuts for 10 yuan, comes highly recommended.
Address: 337 Middle Fang Bang Street 方浜中路337号
3. Huxinting Tea House 湖心亭茶馆
Mid Lake Pavilion Tea House, also known as Huxinting Tea House, is one of the oldest teahouses in Shanghai, serving tea since 1855. Located at the entrance of Yu Gardens, it boasts a traditional two-story wooden design. The iconic zig-zag bridge leading to the teahouse serves the purpose of keeping out demons who prefer to travel in straight lines. Over the years, many famous visitors to Shanghai, including Queen Elizabeth II and Bill Clinton, have enjoyed tea within its historic walls.
At Mid Lake Pavilion Tea House, you can expect the highest quality of tea. Their flowering teas, like Jasmine and Chrysanthemum blossoms, are especially popular. Alongside your tea, you’ll find traditional rice cakes and preserved plums served delicately on the side. Adding to the experience, the teahouse also features a resident orchestra, allowing you to enjoy traditional music as you sip your tea.
Address: No 257, Yuyuan Lu, Yu Garden, near Fuyou Lu 豫园老街257号
4. Wanling Tea House 婉玲茶苑
Wanling Tea House offers a variety of experiences tailored to your interest in Chinese tea culture. Named after its owner, Wan Ling, who brought her expertise from Fujian to Shanghai, the tea house is housed in a charming lane house in the former French Concession. Inside, you’ll find three rooms: the main tea room, where you can enjoy high-quality tea sourced from local farmers; a VIP room for tea lessons and ceremonies; and a public tasting room.
Many visitors come to Wanling for their specialty oolong Tie Guanyin, which undergoes a nine-step process before being served. The staff are happy to explain the process, ensuring you leave with newfound knowledge about tea. If you find a tea you love, you can continue your journey by ordering from their online store.
Address: No 1, 619 Jianguo Xi Lu, Xuhui District 徐汇区建国西路619弄1号
5. Zenjoy Tea House 禅溪茶馆
Nestled in the charming French Concession, Zenjoy Tea House offers a serene setting with lush greenery and views of a tranquil garden and pond. What sets Zenjoy apart is its unique seating options, including booths partially submerged in a koi fish pond, offering a truly relaxing experience.
If you’re looking for a tea house that serves more substantial meals alongside your tea, Zenjoy is the perfect choice. They offer a select menu of traditional dishes like tea eggs, beef noodles, and delectable tea-related desserts. Their drinks menu is diverse, featuring house specialties like Longjing, a pan-roasted green tea from Hangzhou, and Baihao Yinzhen, a prized variety of white tea.
Address: 396 Dagu Lu, Jing’an District 静安区大沽路396号
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