Guanmingge Tea House in Beijing

Guanmingge Tea House (广茗阁茶楼) is a traditional tea house located at 61 Gulou West Street (鼓楼西大街61号) in Beijing (北京市), China. Established in 2004 by a group of cultural enthusiasts, it officially opened in 2005. The building follows a traditional wooden structure and is adorned with elements such as Chuihua Gate (垂花门), mortise and tenon craftsmanship, and hand-painted decorations. Inside, it features antique-style furniture and wood carvings, and is divided into tea seating areas, folk art exhibition rooms, and performance spaces for traditional arts. The tea house provides both tea-drinking leisure and artistic performances.

Located near the cultural landmarks of Shichahai (什刹海), Bell Tower (钟楼), and Drum Tower (鼓楼), the tea house thrives as a platform for promoting old Beijing (老北京) folk culture. Its proximity to various historical hutongs (胡同) further enhances its appeal as a hub for Beijing’s cultural experience.

Since 2006, the tea house has been collaborating with the Beijing Youth Xiangsheng Troupe (北京青年相声剧团), hosting weekly Xiangsheng (相声) performances, making it a central place to experience Beijing’s traditional quyi (曲艺) culture. In 2012, the Da Dou Xiangsheng Troupe (大逗相声团体) joined, creating regular weekend performances that focus on local Beijing culture. According to Tripadvisor data from 2025, the tea house ranks 33rd in Beijing’s concert and performance venues, offering traditional Xiangsheng and travel information services.

Key Features of Guanmingge Tea House

  • Location: 61 Gulou West Street (鼓楼西大街61号), in the Shichahai (什刹海) area, close to cultural landmarks such as the Bell Tower (钟楼) and Drum Tower (鼓楼).

  • Architecture: The tea house uses traditional wooden structures, with Chuihua Gate (垂花门) and mortise and tenon craftsmanship, along with antique-style furniture and wood carvings.

  • Cultural Experience: A hub for Beijing local culture, with a focus on traditional Xiangsheng (相声) performances. It’s a place to experience Beijing’s folk culture, including music and comedy performances.

Tea and Performance Experience

Guanmingge Tea House blends traditional tea-drinking with live performances, offering guests a chance to experience Xiangsheng (相声), a unique style of Chinese comedic performance, as well as other traditional art forms like Kuai Ban (快板) and Shuanghuang (双簧). The performances are interactive, making them a great option for younger audiences and those eager to connect with the lively atmosphere of Beijing’s traditional arts.

In addition to performances, guests can enjoy tea such as Jasmine Tea (茉莉花茶) and Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶), paired with traditional snacks like sunflower seeds (瓜子) and peanuts (花生). The tea house maintains an affordable price range, making it accessible for both locals and tourists.

Practical Information

  • Operating Hours: Open all day, with performances typically in the evening, from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM on Saturdays.

Ticketing and Pricing

  • Tickets for Performances: Xiangsheng performance tickets can be purchased via Damai (大麦网). Ticket prices vary:

    • Front-row seats: 100–120 CNY.

    • Rear seats: 60–80 CNY.

    • Second-floor couple tickets: 80 CNY.

  • Tea and Snacks: Tea sets such as Jasmine Tea and Chrysanthemum Tea are priced at 38 CNY per pot, with snacks available to complement your tea.

Transportation

  • Public Transport: Take Bus No. 5 or Bus No. 135 to the Denai Gan Shuiqiao station (德内甘水桥), or walk 15 minutes from Jishuitan Subway Station (积水潭地铁站).

  • Driving: Parking is available at the Gulou West Side Parking Lot (鼓楼西侧停车场), as parking conditions have been improved in recent years.

Cultural Significance

Guanmingge Tea House plays an important role in the preservation and promotion of traditional Beijing culture. It focuses on Xiangsheng (相声) and other traditional quyi (曲艺) arts, offering performances every week and creating a vibrant space for cultural exchange. The tea house is a vital cultural venue for locals and tourists alike, blending tea culture with the lively entertainment scene of old Beijing.

User Reviews

  • Environment Rating: 5.0/5.0. The tea house is well-loved for its historical ambiance and authentic Beijing atmosphere.

  • Performance and Cultural Experience: While the performances are appreciated, some visitors from southern China report difficulty understanding the local dialect.

  • Transportation: Taxis can be difficult to find after the performances, so it’s recommended to plan ahead.

  • Affordable Experience: The venue is praised for offering a more affordable experience compared to other major Beijing cultural institutions such as Deyun Society (德云社), while still providing an authentic taste of local culture.