Top Tea Houses in Shanghai

Shanghai offers a unique blend of traditional and modern tea culture, making it a haven for tea enthusiasts. From historic tea houses nestled within ancient gardens like Yu Garden (豫园), to contemporary tea lounges in the bustling heart of the city, Shanghai’s tea houses reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage and dynamic spirit. Visitors can enjoy exquisite tea ceremonies, explore the art of tea brewing, and immerse themselves in both historical and modern settings. Whether you’re looking for a serene tea experience in a classical garden or an elegant afternoon tea at a luxury hotel, Shanghai’s tea houses promise a delightful escape into the world of tea.

Shanghai, a city where the old meets the new, offers a wide range of tea houses that reflect the deep cultural history of China, alongside modern twists on traditional tea culture. From historic tea houses in classical gardens to contemporary tea lounges in the heart of the city, here are the top tea houses in Shanghai that you shouldn’t miss.

1. Famous and Historic Tea Houses

Yu Garden Lakeside Pavilion Tea House (豫园湖心亭茶楼)

Address: No. 218, Anren Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai (上海市黄浦区安仁街218号)
Located within Yu Garden (豫园), a famous classical garden, this tea house is a historic landmark where visitors can enjoy traditional tea while soaking in the beauty of its ancient architecture and serene lake views. With a legacy of hosting notable guests, including Queen Elizabeth II, the tea house offers a perfect blend of cultural richness and peaceful ambiance.

Features: A fusion of classical and modern elements, perfect for relaxing with a cup of tea while appreciating historical and natural beauty.

Peninsula Hotel Afternoon Tea (半岛酒店下午茶)

Address: 32 Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (上海市黄浦区中山东一路32号)
Tel: +86 21 2327 2888
Located by the Huangpu River, Peninsula Hotel offers a classic English afternoon tea experience with a view of the city’s skyline. The elegant tea service merges Western and Eastern influences, reflecting Shanghai’s cosmopolitan nature.

Features: A refined afternoon tea in an upscale setting, blending Eastern and Western cultural elements.

Gu Yi Garden Tea Ceremony (古猗园茶艺)

Address: No. 2111, Xin Min Road, Jiading District, Shanghai (上海市嘉定区新民路2111号)
Tel: +86 21 5912 1801
Gu Yi Garden (古猗园), a historic garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty, offers visitors a peaceful environment to experience Southern China’s traditional tea culture amidst ancient trees, relics, and monuments.

Features: An immersive experience combining historical gardens with traditional tea ceremonies.

2. Cultural and Unique Tea Houses

Da Ke Tang Cultural Tea House (大可堂文化茶楼)

Address: 789, Xintiandi, Huangpu District, Shanghai (上海市黄浦区新天地789号)
Tel: +86 21 5403 1111
Step into the world of 1930s Shanghai at Da Ke Tang, a cultural tea house that blends antique Baroque furniture with old Shanghai nostalgia. The space exudes charm and offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy traditional tea ceremonies while soaking up the historical atmosphere.

Features: A vintage setting with a nostalgic feel, popular among intellectuals and celebrities.

Wen Dao Yuan Historical Garden (闻道园历史底蕴)

Address: No. 158, Changqiao Road, Minhang District, Shanghai (上海市闵行区长桥路158号)
Tel: +86 21 6488 6622
Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Wen Dao Yuan offers a tranquil retreat where visitors can immerse themselves in the true essence of tea culture, surrounded by ancient architecture and rich historical relics.

Features: Deep cultural and historical significance, ideal for those seeking tranquility and a deeper connection to tea culture.

3. Tea Markets and Cultural Hubs

Tian Yi Tea Art Plaza (天乙茶艺广场)

Address: 2018 Huaihai Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai (上海市徐汇区淮海路2018号)
Tel: +86 21 5463 7833
This tea art plaza is a hub for tea lovers to explore the diverse world of tea through exhibits, performances, and interactive tea ceremonies. It combines the enjoyment of tea with artistic expressions, offering a lively atmosphere where tradition meets modernity.

Features: A cultural hotspot for tea lovers, blending art and tea education.

Qibao Old Street Tea Market (七宝老街茶市)

Address: Qibao Old Town, Minhang District, Shanghai (上海市闵行区七宝古镇)
Tel: +86 21 6436 3311
The ancient Qibao Old Street (七宝老街) offers a glimpse into old Shanghai with its charming tea shops and street markets. The tea market here is a great place to explore traditional tea varieties while experiencing the atmosphere of old Shanghai.

Features: A traditional tea market with a nostalgic vibe, perfect for those who want to experience old Shanghai’s charm.

4. Unique and Themed Tea Houses

Bai Fo Yuan Teapot Culture House (百佛园壶文化)

Address: 45 Zhenning Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai (上海市静安区真宁路45号)
Tel: +86 21 5237 3132
Bai Fo Yuan is not just a tea house, but a teapot museum, where visitors can explore the art of tea ware and Buddhist tea culture. The calm and spiritual environment offers a place for tea lovers to relax and appreciate the deeper connection between tea and mindfulness.

Features: A teapot museum and cultural center focused on Buddhist tea practices.

Song Yuan Tea House (宋园茶艺馆)

Address: 25 Songjiang Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai (上海市松江区松江路25号)
Tel: +86 21 5786 5285
Immerse yourself in the poetic ambiance of Song Yuan Tea House, a venue known for its traditional tea performances and connection to the ancient art of Chinese tea ceremonies. The house regularly hosts special tea events, offering a deeper understanding of tea culture.

Features: Traditional tea ceremonies with a focus on Chinese performance arts like Pingtan (评弹).

5. Other Notable Tea Houses

Yu Tai Oriental Tea Gallery (裕泰东方茶荟馆)

Address: No. 88, Expo Avenue, Pudong New District, Shanghai (上海市浦东新区世博大道88号)
Tel: +86 21 5169 8888
Wu Yu Tai’s flagship in Shanghai, this tea gallery offers a contemporary tea experience with a focus on high-quality teas. Located in the Expo Park, the gallery combines modern design with the essence of Chinese tea culture.

Features: A modern tea gallery offering high-quality tea with a fusion of traditional and contemporary elements.

Geng Yue Ren Tea House (耕月人茶馆)

Address: 1368 Expo Avenue, Pudong District, Shanghai (上海市浦东新区世博大道1368号)
Tel: +86 21 6136 6666
Located in the heart of the Expo District, Geng Yue Ren Tea House offers a quiet and serene environment for tea lovers to unwind. With its elegant architecture and seasonal tea offerings, it’s the ideal place to enjoy a cup of tea and relax.

Features: Seasonal teas and a tranquil atmosphere, with a focus on rejuvenation and relaxation.

Zhang Bo Shi Tea House (张博士茗茶馆)

Address: 23 Yuyuan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (上海市黄浦区豫园路23号)
Tel: +86 21 6131 8282
Known for its classic Chinese décor, Zhang Bo Shi Tea House specializes in Pu-erh Tea and other traditional teas. It offers a quiet environment where visitors can enjoy tea and unwind in a relaxing setting.

Features: A calm and reflective space for tea enthusiasts, ideal for a quiet afternoon.

Shanghai’s tea culture offers a rich and diverse experience, with historic tea houses that tell stories of China’s past and modern spaces that reflect the city’s dynamic growth. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in traditional tea culture or enjoy a contemporary tea experience, Shanghai’s tea houses promise to deliver an unforgettable journey.