If you’re a tea lover, China is the place to be—the country’s passion for tea dates back thousands of years. Whether you fancy chrysanthemum or oolong, here are the 3 best tea markets in Shanghai to explore next time you’re in the mood for a cup of tea.
1. Tianshan Tea City 天山茶城
Tianshan Tea City, a multi-level haven for tea enthusiasts, houses over 150 shops and stalls offering a diverse range of Chinese teas and complementary items.
Navigating through this extensive tea marketplace, you’ll encounter stores selling various types of loose-leaf teas, including popular choices like oolong, Longjing, and black tea. Additionally, there’s a selection of fruit-infused and health-focused varieties to explore.
Get ready for a semi-tea ceremony experience – many places will brew tea for you to sample before making a purchase. However, it’s essential to do your research beforehand. While most standard 500g bags typically range from 35 to 100 RMB, be wary as some shop owners may try to overcharge inexperienced buyers.
The main entrance to Tianshan Tea City is located on Zhongshan West Road. The first floor is primarily dedicated to tea, while the second floor features both tea and tea-related accessories. On the third floor, you’ll find some intriguing and often pricey curios for sale.
Address: 520 Zhongshan Xi Lu Yuping Lu Changning District 长宁区中山西路520号, 近玉屏路
2. Daning International Tea City 大宁国际茶城
Daning Tea City is similar to Tianshan Tea City but isn’t as popular with tourists. It specializes in a variety of loose-leaf teas but also sells stunning hand-painted ceramics, fans, calligraphy pieces, and more. The vendors are friendly, and some stalls may offer basic English assistance. As with any tea market, it’s a good idea to sample the teas before making a purchase and explore the different options available.
Address: 1536 Gonghexin Lu, near Luochuan Zhong Lu 共和新路1536号，近洛川中路
3. Laoximen Tea Plaza 老西门古玩茶城
Another fantastic tea market to visit is Laoximen Tea City. Similar to Tianshan, it offers a wide selection of high-quality tea leaves and products, including tea sets.
However, Laoximen Tea City isn’t limited to tea-related items. Visitors can also discover calligraphy, ceramics, and jewelry within the complex! Keep in mind that it’s helpful to know basic Chinese before visiting Laoximen, as most vendors there may not speak English.
Address: 1121 Fuxing Dong Lu, near Xizang Nan Lu 复兴东路1121号，近西藏南路
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