Top 10 Tea Houses in Shanghai

People Enjoy Tea at an Ancient
Chinese Style Teahouse

Tea is an indispensable part of people's daily life in China. Cafe houses have mushroomed in recent years; however, many Chinese people still prefer to relax at a teahouse. In Shanghai, over 3,000 teahouses are in operation, providing a wide range of choices to appreciate the charm of the varied and brilliant Chinese tea culture.

Many best & famous places to drink tea are gathered around Shanghai Old Street area. You can experience a teahouse after visiting the nearby Old City God Temple or Yu Garden. Most teahouses in the city are decorated in an ancient Chinese style. They serve excellent Chinese tea as well as simple local food and snacks. Hereunder is the list of Top 10 Tea Houses in Shanghai. This information will enrich your leisurely stay in Shanghai.

1. Mid Lake Pavilion Tea House Shanghai

Chinese name: 湖心亭 (hú xīn tíng)
This is the oldest tea house in Shanghai. It is a big pavilion in the middle of an artificial lake in the Yu Garden. This Yuyuan tea house, linked to the lakeshore by Jiuqu Bridge, was originally built in 1784 and became a teahouse in 1855. The long Huxinting tea house history attracts many political leaders and celebrities from all over the world. Here you can have high-class tea and delicious snacks such as preserved plums and small glutinous rice dumplings.
Average cost per person: CNY100
Location: No. 257, Yuyuan Road, Huangpu District

2. Zenjoy Shanghai

Chinese name: 茗约禅溪 (míng yuē chán xī)
Zenjoy Shanghai can be regarded as one of the top 10 tea houses in Shanghai.
Average cost per person: CNY180

Dagu Road Branch
Location: No. 396, Dagu Road

Changping Road Branch
Location: No. 535, Middle Fuxing Road

3. Yi She Tea House Shanghai

Chinese name: 一舍 (yī shè)
Yi She Tea House is one of the famous tea house in Shanghai. In a very elegant decoration, this teahouse attracts many young people. Once you order a pot of tea, free snacks are provided.
Average cost per person: CNY150
Location: No. 31, Lane 223, Wanhangdu Road

4. Old Shanghai Tea House

Chinese name: 老上海茶馆 (lǎo shàng hǎi chá guǎn)
It is one of the popular tea places in Shanghai, offering quality tea. You can also taste distinctive soup mixed with tea and snacks from other parts of the world.
Average cost per person: CNY80
Location: No. 385, Middle Fangbang Road

5. De He Tea House

Chinese name: 得和茶馆 (dé hé chá guǎn)
Decorated in a traditional Chinese style, this capacious teahouse makes you feel relaxed and comfortable, becoming one of the top 10 tea houses in Shanghai. Apart from great tea, it also serves a buffet dinner of various snacks and fruits. Mahjong & chess room and free WIFI are accessible here.
Average cost per person: CNY130

West Jianguo Road Branch
Location: 2F, Luwan Gymnasium, No. 135, West Jianguo Road, Luwan District (between South Shaanxi Road and Ruijin 2nd Road)

East Jiangwan Road Branch
Location: Room no. 118, 1F, Zone 3, Hongkou Football Stadium, No. 444, East Jiangwan Road, Hongkou District

6. Taihe Tea House

Inside a Teahouse

Chinese name: 泰和茶馆 (tài hé chá guǎn)
Being one of the top tea houses in Shanghai, Taihe combines tea drinking, tea set selling, dining and massage. By ordering a pot of tea, you can enjoy various snacks for free. In addition, tea art performances are sometimes played here.
Average cost per person: CNY110
Location: No. 569, Pudong Avenue, Pudong New Area (near Dongfang Road)

7. Yaqu Teahouse

Chinese name: 雅趣茶道 (yǎ qù chá dào)
Established in 1995, Yaqu attracts a great many guests. Nowadays, it is on the list of Top 10 Tea Houses in Shanghai. Its quiet and pleasant environment will make you feel relaxed. Various snacks and fruits are served together with quality tea.
Average cost per person: CNY70

Lujiabang Road branch: No. 693, Lujiabang Road, Huangpu District (near Kualong Road)

Yaqu Teahouse•Zhong He Tang: No. 800, East Guoshun Road, Yangpu District (near North Shuangyang Road)

8. Annvita Tea Boutique

This is a small teahouse, mainly serving British tea. Rose tea is highly recommended. You could also try the fruit tea.
Average cost per person: CNY150

Middle Fuxing Road Branch
Location: Building No. 27, No. 529, Middle Fuxing Road

Wanxiangcheng Branch
Location: L364, Wanxiangcheng Shopping Mall, No. 1799, Wuzhong Road

9. ChinFond Teahouse

Chinese name: 清风人家 (qīng fēng rén jiā)
Being one of the top 10 tea houses in Shanghai, it is a popular chain teahouse wth more than 20 branches in Shanghai now. Apart from tea, you can enjoy a buffet dinner here.
Average cost per person: CNY100

Taolin Road Branch
Location: No. 477, Taolin Road, Pudong New Area

Laoximen Branch
Location: 2F, No. 1318, Zhonghua Road

Nanhui Branch
Location: 3F, No. 252, Chengdong Road, Jiannan Town

Qibao Branch
Location: 4F, No. 1910, Qixin Road

10. Absolutea

Chinese name: 茶观 (chá guān)
Average cost per person: CNY120
Location: No. 1166, West Yan'an Road

- Last updated on Jan. 20, 2020 -

Questions & Answers on Top 10 Tea Houses in Shanghai

Asked by Anne Benton from AUSTRALIA | Jan. 17, 2020 17:22

Tea house near Flower bird and insect market and fabric market?

We will be in Shanghai on 1 May 2020 and hooecto find a nice old style tea house in same area as insect and fabric markets. What is closest tea house please?

Answers (3)

Answered by Jim from NEW ZEALAND | Jan. 18, 2020 19:33

Which flower bird and insect market you intend to go? As I know, some big flower bird and insect markets has been closed forever.

Answered by Anne Benton from AUSTRALIA | Jan. 19, 2020 17:33

The Flower Bird and Insect Market I read about was at south Xizang Road, Laoximen, Huangpu, Shanghai. It is offered as a segment of a tour so I understood it was still in operation. There are many pics of it on the net.

Answered by Suzy from SINGAPORE | Jan. 20, 2020 21:33

You can go to Zemingshe(泽明社), located at N0.1121, 4F,458,Laoximen, East Fuxing Road.

Asked by Johan Bester from SOUTH AFRICA | Jan. 10, 2015 07:40

Oolong tea in Shanghai

Hi everybody,

I recently visited SH and went to a tea shop close to the Westin Bund hotel. There I bought some oolong tea. I have subsequently ran out and would like to get some more. I have the packaging left and can send a picture to whomever could advise me on the brand/type.

Thanks

Answers (1)

Answered by Eva from FRANCE | Jan. 12, 2015 01:39

Hey, you’re suggested to post your question on the forum of TravelChinaGuide. There you may get help sooner.

Asked by Lisa from USA | Mar. 27, 2014 02:46

Tea houses in Shanghai

I'm currently in the Chang Ning district and looking for a good tea house that is not touristy (and also not expensive). Anyone know of a tea house that fits that bill and how to get there?

Answers (1)

Answered by Emily from DENMARK | Mar. 28, 2014 21:21

Well, I am a bit familiar with two in this district:
1. Qing Lai Tea House at 3F, No. 1048, Loushanguan Road (near Changning Road), with the average cost of around CNY30 per person!
2. Bi Feng Tang at 5F, Changfang International Plaza, No. 789, Tianshan Road, with the average ost of arond CNY70 per person!

Asked by Ms.Jenna from FINLAND | Aug. 19, 2010 16:21

Hi,

I'm coming to Shanghai on september 2nd for two weeks. My hotel locates at Xuhui district. Where can I find good teashops that sell varieties of loose tea. I would like to buy some good chinese tea to take back home.

Thank you for your answer

Answers (4)

Answered by Mr.Jamie | Aug. 19, 2010 22:07

Tea shop could be found easily in the city. At every large supermarkets and department stores, you could purchase good tea. Before purchase the tea, you could ask for a taste in advance.

Answered by Mr.Eric from USA | Aug. 19, 2010 23:20

Jenna,
I don't know any tea shops exactly in the Xuhui district...but I have gone to a couple of really nice shops more near Peoples Square. One is Wan Ling Tea House on Changhue Road, the other is down near the Bund...I'll try to find the name of it. Is this your first time visiting the city?

Answered by Ms.Jenna from FINLAND | Aug. 20, 2010 13:16

Jamie: Thank you for your answer. I didnt know that I could ask for a sample before buying, that would never happen in Finland :).

Eric: Yes, this is my first visit to Shanghai. It's also my very first trip abroad :). And thank you so much for replying.

Answered by Mr.Eric from USA | Aug. 21, 2010 00:54

Jenna,
The really fantastic tea house down at the Bund is: Tea Fragrant Garden, No. 500 Zhongshandong 1 Road. The tea may be a little more expensive here, but the sampling & tasting experience that they offer is very interesting. You could make a day of it by walking along the Bund...then find a nice restaurant in the same area. Let me know if you would like any more info...