In China, tea is a traditional drink, that's not only good for your health but can also cultivate your mind. Teahouses become especially popular in the summer, as drinking tea can help you beat the heat. Citylife has some recommendations of good places for tea.

 

Beijing

 

Guozijian Yicheng Teahouse

 

Run by two beautiful girls who play the seven-stringed guqin (traditional Chinese zither), this place is elegant and classic. Guests here not only enjoy fragrant tea but also the melodies music of guqin. Moreover, if you are really interested, you can try your hand at having a tea ceremony with other guests.

 

Address: No. 8, Guozijian Avenue, Dongcheng District

Tel: 010-62461567

 

Minghui Teahouse

 

Located in a divine temple, this place will provide you a shelter of serenity. The teahouses here are divided into six private rooms so guests can be fully relaxed in the comfortable environment. The staff are all dressed in traditional clothes of the Qing Dynasty. When savoring a cup of tea, you may feel your troubles have disappeared.

 

Address: Inside Dajue Temple, Haidian District

Tel: 010-62461567

 

Yiqingquan Teahouse

 

Boasting an amazing decor, this teahouse is more like a grand courtyard full of classic style. All the furniture is made from rosewood, which adds a much more traditional atmosphere. It's also famous for its engraved decorations, From the gilded tablets with Chinese characters to jade exhibits, this teahouse provides you an ideal environment for savoring tea. Sometimes, there are folk music concerts which add much more fun to the atmosphere.

 

Address: Chengjian Mansion, No. 18, Beitaipingzhuang Road, Haidian District

Tel: 010-82076012

 

Shanghai

 

Peng Chacha

 

Besides fragrant tea, this place is also famous for its entertainment facilities as it offers poker, chess and many other games. Guests here can enjoy tea while chatting and playing games. On the first floor, there are many kinds of nuts and snacks to try. And the second floor has many small rooms, which offers more privacy for conversation.

 

Address: No. 549, Jianhe Road, Changning District

Tel: 021-62385615

 

Taihe Teahouse

 

Showcasing a lot of antique furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, this place attracts many people who appreciate traditional Chinese culture. As for the tea, its selection and quality may defy your imagination. Even the water for making tea is trnsported from the famous Hutiao Spring in Hangzhou. So when you enter the teahouse, you can get fully immersed in the tea fragrance. And the decoration of this teahouse is also gorgeous. There are man-made brooks and bridges, which can make you feel like you are tasting tea in a natural environment.

 

Address: No. 569, Pudong Avenue, Putong New District.

Tel: 010-6887880

 

(Citylife, China Daily, June 25, 2007)