Beijing Tea Houses: Chinese Tea Types, Tea Culture & Etiquettes

What are they?

Traditional gathering places called Chaguan, where people drink tea, socialize, enjoy local entertainment.

What can you do there?

Sample jasmine tea, try traditional snacks, watch tea preparation, or attend performances featuring Peking opera, acrobatics and other Chinese arts at selected venues.

Why visit?

Experience Beijing’s tea culture, discover local flavors, take a cultural break from sightseeing.

When should you go?

Late mornings for a quieter visit, afternoons for a sightseeing break, or evenings for scheduled performances. Spring & autumn are pleasant for courtyard seating.

How much does it cost?

Prices range from a simple tea order to premium tastings, performance packages. Check whether tea, snacks, entertainment are included before paying.

How long can you stay?

Allow 30 to 60 minutes for a casual tea stop, around 2 hours or more for a performance experience.

Basic Etiquette

Be gentle with the tea sets, follow your host's lead, and always ask before taking photos of performers. Tapping two fingers on the table is a traditional way to thank someone for pouring tea, but don't worry about getting it right.

Types of Tea Houses & Tea

Jasmine tea is a big favorite among locals. Classic tea houses are often lively and social, while modern tea cafes and upscale lounges offer a totally different vibe.

Lao She Teahouse

First time visitors

Traditional Chinese performances, tea, Beijing snacks in one venue.

Performance tickets vary by show, seating. Book ahead & confirm inclusions.

For an all in one cultural experience without arranging separate activities.

Alice’s Tea House

Tea enthusiasts & curious beginners

Guided Chinese tea tastings & explanations of traditional brewing.

Confirm current tasting prices & availability.

To learn about Chinese tea rather than watch a performance.

Tang Ren Tea House

Scenic tea breaks

Traditional style tea room near Shichahai, suitable for a slower visit by the water.

Check the current menu & prices before visiting.

For a relaxed tea stop paired with a lakeside walk.

Hutong tea houses around Nanluoguxiang & Yandai Xiejie

Solo Travelers

Small tea rooms in historic alleyways, with varied styles & atmospheres.

Prices & reservation requirements depend on the individual venue.

For a flexible afternoon exploring Beijing’s old neighborhoods.

Aman Summer Palace

Luxury Travelers

Refined surroundings & a special occasion tea experience near the Summer Palace.

Premium pricing, confirm tea service & access for non hotel guests.

For an upscale experience combined with a visit to the royal gardens.

Huang Ting Tea Lounge at The Peninsula Beijing

Premium Tea & Food Pairings

A beautiful hotel lounge that serves many types of tea alongside fresh dim sum.

Confirm current afternoon tea offerings, prices, reservations.

For polished service, a more indulgent tea & food experience.

Preference

For cultural immersion & a taste of old Beijing.

For a casual drink, contemporary flavors, or a quick break.

For premium tea, elegant surroundings & a slower afternoon.

Atmosphere

Historic décor, communal seating, sometimes lively & theatrical.

Contemporary design, casual & often photo friendly.

Refined interiors, quieter surroundings, attentive service.

Tea selection

Jasmine tea, loose leaf varieties, traditional Chinese brews.

Classic teas, fruit teas, milk teas, creative blends.

Premium loose leaf teas, curated selections.

How is tea served?

Pots or gaiwans, sometimes with repeated hot water refills.

Individual cups, teapots, cold brews, or takeaway drinks.

Often tableside service or guided tea preparation.

What else can you do?

Enjoy snacks, socialize, or watch traditional performances at selected venues.

Meet friends, relax, or grab a drink between attractions.

Enjoy afternoon tea, desserts & carefully paired food.

Approx. Budget

Varies from simple tea orders to paid cultural experiences.

Usually the more casual, flexible option.

Generally the most expensive option.

Best Time to Visit

Afternoon for a relaxed session or evening for a scheduled show.

Anytime you need a quick refreshment.

Afternoon for a leisurely tea service.

Best For…

Travelers interested in traditional Beijing culture.

Travelers who prefer modern drinks, informal settings.

Travelers seeking comfort, premium service, or a special occasion.

Green Tea 

Fresh, grassy, vegetal, sometimes Nutty.

Glass cup or Teapot.

Those who enjoy light, refreshing flavors.

Black tea (hong cha)

Malty, smooth, sometimes fruity or smoky.

Porcelain teapot or gaiwan.

Those who prefer a fuller bodied cup.

White Tea

Delicate, floral, subtly sweet.

Glass teapot or gaiwan.

Anyone who prefers gentle flavors.

Oolong Tea

Floral, creamy to roasted & mineral rich.

Small teapot or gaiwan, often brewed in multiple short infusions.

Curious drinkers who want complex aromas.

Yellow tea

Mellow, soft, sometimes sweet & gently nutty.

Glassware or porcelain teapot.

Those who want to explore a less common Chinese tea.

Fermented Tea, including pu-erh

Earthy, woody, rich, with flavors that vary by age & processing.

Teapot or gaiwan, often with repeated infusions.

Those who enjoy deeper, robust flavors.

Jasmine tea (mo li hua cha)

Fragrant, floral, refreshing.

Glass cup, teapot, or Gaiwan.

First time visitors wanting to try a Beijing favorite.

Longjing (Dragon Well)

Fresh, nutty, gently sweet.

Glass cup or teapot.

Green tea lovers who prefer a smooth finish.

Tie Guanyin

Floral, aromatic, smooth, with a lingering finish.

Gaiwan or small teapot with repeated infusions.

Those interested in exploring oolong tea.

Pu-erh

Earthy, woody, rounded.

Teapot or Gaiwan.

Those who prefer deep flavors over delicate floral notes.

Arriving & Seating

A host may guide you to a communal table, private room, or courtyard seat.

Ask about minimum spending requirements before choosing a private room.

Choosing your tea

You select tea by the pot, gaiwan, or individual serving, depending on the menu.

Ask the host for recommendations if the tea names are unfamiliar.

Tea Preparation

Staff may prepare the tea at your table, or you may brew it yourself using a pot or gaiwan.

Gongfu style brewing uses small quantities of water & multiple short infusions. Not every venue offers a formal demonstration.

Refills

Staff may add hot water or prepare additional infusions, depending on the tea & service.

Confirm whether refills are included in the price.

Paying the Bill

You pay at the table or cashier, depending on the establishment.

Check the menu prices & final bill for additional snacks, premium tea upgrades or service charges.

Express Gratitude

In some Chinese tea settings, tapping two fingers lightly on the table thanks someone for pouring tea.

Simple verbal thank you or smile is perfectly fine.

Accept Refills Politely

Hosts may offer more tea or hot water during your visit. Some venues use specific signals for refills.

Follow the host's lead. Leaving a Gaiwan lid slightly open may signal a refill request in some settings.

Sip at your own pace

Tea drinking can be a leisurely social experience.

Take small sips, appreciate the aroma, enjoy the conversation. There's no need to rush.

Handle Teaware Carefully

Gaiwans, small cups, teapots can be hot or delicate.

Hold them carefully, ask the host to demonstrate any unfamiliar brewing techniques.

Respect Photography Rules

Other guests, performers may prefer not to be photographed.

Ask before recording performances.

Check Prices before ordering

Tea, snacks, premium varieties, private rooms may be charged separately.

Confirm prices, refill policies, minimum spending rules before ordering.

Check Dietary Requirements

Traditional snacks may contain nuts, glutinous rice, or animal derived ingredients.

Ask about ingredients or preparation if you have any restrictions.

Understand the Service style

Not every tea house provides a formal ceremony or guided tasting.

Ask what the experience includes before booking or ordering.

Pay using an accepted method

Payment options vary between independent tea houses & luxury venues.

Check whether international cards, WeChat Pay, or cash are accepted.

Know the Tipping norm

Tipping is not expected at ordinary Chinese tea houses.

Check the bill for any service charge at luxury hotel lounges.

Pea Yellow cake (wandou huang)

Traditional Beijing sweet made from split peas.

Soft, smooth, Mildly sweet.

Jasmine Tea or Green Tea

Beginning to Beijing's traditional dessert culture.

Rolling Donkey (ludagun)

Glutinous rice rolls filled with red bean paste & coated in soybean flour.

Chewy, sweet, Slightly nutty.

Black Tea or Jasmine Tea

Local sweet with contrasting textures.

Hawthorn treats

Candied hawthorn, hawthorn strips, or fruit jellies.

Tangy, fruity, sweet.

Green Tea or Jasmine Tea

Offers a refreshing contrast to any floral tea.

Spiced Peanuts

Peanuts seasoned with salt & spices.

Crunchy & savory

Black tea or Pu-erh

A simple snack that balances deeper, richer teas.

Roasted Seeds

Sunflower or watermelon seeds.

Toasted, nutty, crunchy.

Green Tea or Oolong Tea

Traditional nibble for leisurely tea drinking & meet ups.

Braised Soybeans

Soybeans cooked with seasonings.

Savory, soft & Umami rich.

Black Tea or Pu-erh

Substantial savory option at venues that serve it.

Osmanthus cake

Sweet cake flavored with fragrant osmanthus flowers.

Floral, delicate, & lightly sweet

White tea or Green tea

Worth trying at more refined tea services.

Cantonese dim sum

Small savory or sweet dishes served at hotel tea lounges.

Varies from steamed & savory to sweet pastries

Oolong tea or Black tea

Best for afternoon tea rather than a light snack.