The Top Tea Houses in Shanghai

Zenjoy is all about the atmosphere. This two story tea house in the French Concession is surrounded by a garden and pond, creating a tranquil hideaway in which to enjoy your tea. The inside is dark with the classic features of a Chinese tea house made slightly trendier for the upscale business clients it often attracts. As far as tea goes, you can have one of the staff brew you a pot in a traditional manner, or you can opt to do so yourself.

Wanling tea house, named for its owner, is separated into three zones. The first is the tea shop, where visitors can try teas from China and India. The second is a public tea room for tastings, and the third is a private reservations-only VIP tea room. Wanling tea house specializes in Tie Guanyin, a premium variety of oolong tea that goes through a nine-step process to make it into your cup.

Rated the number one tea house in Shanghai on Chinese review website Dianping, Yi She is an intimate tea tasting experience that must be booked in advance. Each tea is extraordinary in itself. Try a tea that is pu-er aged and fermented in a mandarin orange. The proprietor will pour all the teas himself and share his vast tea knowledge with you throughout the process.

Qingyun Ping is as much a tea house as it is a place to learn all about Chinese culture. In addition to tea tastings and classes, Qingyun Ping offers seminars and classes such as calligraphy and Chinese mythology. It’s easy to spend an afternoon soaking in everything this tea house has to offer, and while you do so, enjoy the complimentary dried fruits, nuts, and desserts selection.

Wang De Chuan is a famous Taiwanese tea brand established in 1862. They entered Shanghai in 2010 and now have four stores throughout the city, primarily located in high-end shopping districts. The best thing about Wang De Chuan is that you’re allowed to sample as much tea as you want for free before you buy it. They specialize in oolong and pu-er and also offer bilingual tea courses.

Xuyou Teahouse was established in 1951 right here in Shanghai. They sell over one hundred varieties of tea from around China as well as selected tea wares. Like Wang De Chuan, you’re welcome to “try before you buy” at Xuyou, although samples are only offered for certain teas.

Interested in traditional Chinese medicine? Renjian Chuanshuo, which means “The Legend of the Human World”, is the tea house for you. Even if you know nothing about tea, the attendants will be able to recommend the perfect tea for you based on the conditions of your body. The atmosphere is elegant and classical, and you will leave feeling refreshed and healthy.

Jiaoran Tea Garden makes tea tasting easy with a series of set deals for up to 16 people at a time. It’s no accident that Jiaoran calls itself a tea garden. You enter into a courtyard with a rock garden and stream, flowers, grass, and koi. All the tea was hand picked by the proprietor herself according to her professional sensibilities, so you know you’re getting the good stuff.

Located in a lane off of expat-frequented street Fumin Rd. in the French Concession, 柿Home from Home is a peaceful little hideaway, from the Japanese courtyard entrance to the cozy interior. In addition to offering tea tasting packages, the tea house offers Chinese-style terrarium classes and also has a calligraphy station.

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