Huxinting Teahouse
Iconic pagoda teahouse on a pond in Shanghai's Yu Garden, offering traditional tea ceremonies and historic charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Huxinting Teahouse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic pagoda teahouse on a pond in Shanghai's Yu Garden, offering traditional tea ceremonies and historic charm.
"A beautiful, historic spot for tea, but be mindful of prices and service."
🍵 Understand Tea Pricing
Be aware that prices can be high. Ask for a menu to see options and avoid tourist traps.
🗣️ Clarify Orders
Confirm what's included with your tea order to avoid unexpected charges for snacks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pagoda Architecture
Floating garden on the pond
Admire the iconic, ornate pagoda-style building set on a picturesque pond, a true Shanghai landmark.
Traditional Tea Ceremony
Inside the teahouse
Experience the art of Gongfu tea, with demonstrations of traditional brewing and serving techniques.
Scenic Pond Views
From the teahouse windows
Enjoy tranquil views of the surrounding pond and garden, offering a peaceful escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tourist Buzz
Tea Etiquette & Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍵 Understand Tea Pricing
Be aware that prices can be high. Ask for a menu to see options and avoid tourist traps.
🗣️ Clarify Orders
Confirm what's included with your tea order to avoid unexpected charges for snacks.
🎶 Be Prepared for Noise
Live performers can be loud, which might detract from a peaceful tea experience.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The architecture and setting are incredibly photogenic, perfect for stunning shots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🍵 Understand Tea Pricing
Be aware that prices can be high. Ask for a menu to see options and avoid tourist traps.
🗣️ Clarify Orders
Confirm what's included with your tea order to avoid unexpected charges for snacks.
🎶 Be Prepared for Noise
Live performers can be loud, which might detract from a peaceful tea experience.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The architecture and setting are incredibly photogenic, perfect for stunning shots.
🧐 Ask About First Steep
Inquire about the Gongfu tea tradition of discarding the first steep for optimal flavor.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Huxinting Teahouse is praised for its beautiful, historic architecture and picturesque setting within Yu Garden. Visitors enjoy the traditional Chinese tea ceremony and the unique experience of drinking tea in a pagoda on a pond. However, many find it to be a tourist trap with overpriced items and inconsistent service, with some encountering misleading charges.
"Tea house was within the beautiful Yu garden. House was classical Chinese style building with a lot of traditional arts & crafts. The had lot of varieties of tea. The demonstrated how to perfectly make the Chinese style tea, specially the green tea. Price tag on each items was very high. A good but expensive place to visit in Yu garden, Shanghai."
Rajendra Sanjelchhetri
"When we went the main restaurant location was closed, so we had to go to the annex. The atmosphere was fine, but they had live performers that were distractingly loud. The tea itself was okay, not as good as other teahouses, but the worst thing was probably the snacks, all of them besides the quail eggs were pretty bad. Overall this is very much a tourist trap, not worth the time and money"
Kassidy T
"Even though the place and tea were good, the waiter set us up for a tourist trap. When we said we wanted tea, he made us choose between three types. We did so and then he came and said the food was "free", while setting up several plates of snacks for us. He didn't care that we clarified we are vegetarian, left them anyway. Later on, he quickly brought the check and charged us. I began to susowcs about the "free" statement and asked for a menu, just to realize he had charged us with the most expensive package of the menu. There were cheaper options with just tea. Later on, when I wanted to bring this all to the light he was nowhere to be found. Huge disappointment."
Ariadne Papacostas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Huxinting Teahouse is located within the famous Yu Garden in Shanghai. You can reach Yu Garden via metro lines, with Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden Station being a popular choice. From the station, it's a short walk to the garden entrance.
Yes, Huxinting Teahouse is a prominent feature within the beautiful Yu Garden complex, making it a must-visit when exploring the garden.
The teahouse is accessible via charming bridges and walkways from the main garden paths, offering scenic routes to its entrance.
While there are parking lots near Yu Garden, public transportation is generally recommended due to potential traffic and parking availability issues in the area.
No, Huxinting Teahouse is situated inside Yu Garden, so an entrance ticket to the garden is required to access the teahouse.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need a ticket to enter Yu Garden, which houses Huxinting Teahouse. There might be separate charges for specific tea experiences or packages within the teahouse itself.
The teahouse generally follows the opening hours of Yu Garden. It's best to check the latest hours before your visit, as they can vary.
Prices can be on the higher side, as it's a popular tourist destination. It's advisable to ask for a menu to understand the pricing for different teas and packages.
Yes, there are often various packages that include different types of tea and snacks. Be sure to clarify what's included to avoid misunderstandings.
Advance booking is not typically mentioned as a requirement, but during peak times, it might be beneficial to arrive early or be prepared for a wait.
🎫 🍵 Onsite Experience
A wide variety of Chinese teas are available, including green tea and Pu'er. You can also experience unique offerings like tea brewed inside dried oranges. +1
Gongfu tea is a traditional Chinese tea ceremony that emphasizes skill and artistry in brewing. It often involves multiple infusions and specific pouring techniques.
The first steep, or 'rinse,' is often discarded in Gongfu tea preparation to awaken the tea leaves and remove any dust, leading to a better-tasting subsequent infusion. +1
Yes, the teahouse typically offers Chinese delicacies and snacks to accompany the tea. However, some reviews suggest the quality can be inconsistent.
Absolutely! The traditional architecture, pond setting, and ornate decor make it a highly photogenic location. 
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic pagoda from across the pond, the intricate details of the architecture, and the serene garden views. The interior also offers traditional aesthetics.
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of other guests and avoid intrusive shots, especially during tea ceremonies.
Late afternoons can offer beautiful golden hour light, while mornings might provide softer light and fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Drone photography is typically not permitted in densely populated tourist areas like Yu Garden to ensure safety and respect for visitors.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide architectural shots and details. A smartphone with good low-light capabilities also works well.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, be mindful that the traditional tea ceremony might not hold the attention of very young children for long. Snacks are available, but their quality can be hit or miss. It's best to manage expectations regarding the 'kid-friendliness' of the service and focus on the visual spectacle and the garden exploration.
💰 Budget Travelers
To manage costs, consider ordering just tea without any accompanying snacks, or opt for the most basic tea selection. Visiting during off-peak hours might also offer a slightly more relaxed, though not necessarily cheaper, experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Aim for the golden hour in the late afternoon for the best light. Be patient to capture moments without crowds, especially if you're looking for unobstructed shots of the building and its surroundings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Gongfu Tea
Key aspects of Gongfu tea include using a small teapot or gaiwan, multiple short infusions, and careful temperature control. The first steep, often referred to as a 'rinse,' is typically discarded. This step is crucial for awakening the tea leaves and washing away any dust, ensuring a cleaner and more nuanced flavor in subsequent brews.
While the experience at Huxinting can be tourist-oriented, understanding the principles of Gongfu tea can enhance your appreciation. It's a practice that encourages mindfulness and a deeper connection with the beverage.
Historical Significance and Restoration
After a substantial two-year restoration, the teahouse has been revitalized, preserving its historical charm while modernizing its facilities. This renovation aimed to maintain its architectural integrity and its status as a cultural landmark.
The teahouse's unique location on a pond, connected by bridges, adds to its historical allure. It offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience a piece of old Shanghai, contrasting with the modern Pudong skyline visible from certain vantage points.
Navigating the Tourist Experience
To make the most of your visit, it's recommended to be proactive. Always ask for a menu to understand the pricing and what's included in any package. Clarify any offers of 'free' snacks to avoid unexpected charges.
While the atmosphere and setting are beautiful, managing expectations regarding the service and cost is key. Focusing on the visual appeal and the unique tea ceremony can help you appreciate the historical and cultural aspects of the teahouse.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit