Chenghuangge Tea House in Hangzhou

Chenghuangge Tea House (城隍阁茶楼) is located at the top of Wushan (吴山) in Hangzhou (杭州), Zhejiang Province, China. The building was completed in 2000 and features a seven-story structure (including one underground floor) that reaches a height of 41.6 meters. Combining architectural styles from the Song (宋), Yuan (元), and Ming (明) Dynasties, the tea house is a blend of cultural heritage and scenic beauty. The top level offers panoramic views of West Lake (西湖), Qiantang River (钱塘江), the surrounding city, and the mountains.

The tea house was constructed on the site of the original Chenghuang Temple (城隍庙), continuing the cultural traditions of Chenghuang Mountain (城隍山) from the Southern Song to Ming and Qing Dynasties. It also houses the Zhou Xin Memorial Hall (周新祠), which serves as an educational base for integrity and cultural education.

In the period between October 2024 to January 2025, the building will undergo its first full renovation since its construction, with a focus on refurbishing the building’s exterior and improving facilities.

The tea house is a key venue for cultural tourism in Hangzhou and hosts activities such as the Dragon Boat Festival “Chenghuang Procession” (端午“城隍巡游”) and exhibitions of hydrangeas (绣球花展), along with tea ceremonies and traditional Hanfu (汉服) interactions to promote the cultural heritage of the Song Dynasty.

Key Features of Chenghuangge Tea House

  • Location: The tea house is located at the peak of Wushan (吴山), offering a breathtaking view of West Lake (西湖), Qiantang River (钱塘江), and the city of Hangzhou.

  • Architecture: The building merges the architectural styles of the Song, Yuan, and Ming Dynasties, with a focus on traditional design. Its interior features a display of the “Southern Song Hangzhou Cityscape” (南宋杭城风情图) and stone carvings of historical figures.

  • Cultural Significance: Chenghuangge Tea House actively preserves the Southern Song tea culture (南宋茶文化) through live tea ceremonies and hosting heritage tea-making activities. It also serves as the venue for the Provincial Tea Culture Committee (省茶文化专委会) events.

Tea House Experience

The tea house is a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Guests can enjoy a tea ceremony experience that is based on the Song Dynasty (宋代) tea culture, with tea served in traditional styles along with Song-era tea snacks. A variety of teas and snacks such as tea-scented oil cakes (茶香酥油饼) and matcha fruit desserts (抹茶凉果) are available. There are also performances of traditional Jiangnan silk and bamboo music (江南丝竹), adding to the cultural richness of the experience.

The tea house is designed for guests who wish to enjoy the scenic beauty while sipping tea and learning about the cultural significance of tea in Chinese history. The tea house regularly hosts international dignitaries, having welcomed various prestigious guests over the years.

Practical Information

  • Location: Chenghuangge Tea House is located in Chenghuangge Scenic Area (城隍阁景区) in the Wushan (吴山) area, Hangzhou, with a panoramic view of West Lake (西湖).

  • Hours of Operation: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, in sync with the opening hours of the Chenghuangge Scenic Area (城隍阁景区).

Tea and Dining

  • The tea house offers traditional Song-style tea ceremonies and a variety of ancient tea snacks. The price for a tea set ranges from 70 to 100 CNY, and pure tea is available for 20 CNY per person, which includes the tea utensils.

  • Entertainment: Enjoy traditional performances and Jiangnan silk and bamboo music while savoring your tea.

Entrance and Tickets

  • Ticketing: A ticket for the Chenghuangge Scenic Area (城隍阁景区) is required to access the tea house, which costs 30 CNY.

Transportation

  • Public Transport: Take a bus to Wushan Square Station (吴山广场站) (Lines Y8, 40, etc.), then walk up the mountain for about 10 minutes.

  • Driving: Parking is available at the underground parking lot at Wushan Square (吴山广场地下停车场).

Cultural Background

Chenghuangge Tea House plays a significant role in preserving the Southern Song tea culture (南宋茶文化). It regularly hosts traditional tea activities and serves as the venue for events by the Provincial Tea Culture Committee (省茶文化专委会). The building itself features architectural displays from the Song, Yuan, and Ming Dynasties, such as the “Southern Song Hangzhou Cityscape” (南宋杭城风情图), further reinforcing its cultural significance.

Customer Reviews

  • Environment Rating: 5.0 (out of 5), praised for its historical ambiance and beautiful surroundings.

  • Dining: The tea house mainly offers pre-made snacks, so it is recommended to focus on the tea service.

  • The tea house has received various honors, such as “Hangzhou Famous Teahouse” (杭州名茶楼) and “Hangzhou Old Teahouse” (杭城老茶馆), with its tea snacks winning several awards at municipal competitions.