Unique Tea Markets and Teahouses in Beijing
If you’re in Beijing and want to find a distinctive place to drink tea and experience tea culture, these tea markets and teahouses are sure to surprise you, beyond the usual sightseeing spots.
Beijing’s Tea Landmarks
If you want to browse all kinds of tea and tea ware in one stop, start with Maliandao. It’s Beijing’s largest tea distribution center, where bustling street life and upscale tea culture exist side by side.
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Beijing International Tea City 北京国际茶城 : A landmark building in Maliandao, enormous in scale, with everything from tea and tea ware to tea-related accessories. If you want a reliable shop, try this one—many locals come here to hunt for good finds. adress: No. 6 Courtyard, Maliandao Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, China 北京市西城区马连道路6号院
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Chama Tea City 茶马茶城: Formerly Jingmin Tea City, it has more than 20 years of history. It also combines wholesale and retail, so you can wander slowly and soak up the atmosphere of an old tea market. Adress: No. 21, Maliandao Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, China 北京市西城区马连道路21号
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Third District Commercial Street 第三区商业街 : Located in the core area of Maliandao, this is an open-style street with Chinese antique architecture. It’s not only fun to stroll; the basement also has all kinds of snacks and a convenience market, full of everyday local life. It’s perfect for shopping, eating, and taking in tea culture as you go. Adress: No. 8 Courtyard, Chama Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China 北京市西城区茶马街8号院
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Chaoyue Tea Village 朝悦茶村: A relatively new China-chic tea village with a very photogenic design. Many people in Hanfu go there for photos. It focuses on Pu’er tea and offers “7-day worry-free returns/exchanges,” which is very beginner-friendly. Adress: 4th Floor, West Zone, Chaoyue Baihui, Wangsiying Township, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China 北京市朝阳区王四营乡朝悦百惠西区4层
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Lingzhixiu Tea City灵之秀茶城 : Located in Mentougou District, this is a comprehensive tea city for in-depth tea culture experiences. Its Jingxi Huangqin tea (skullcap tea) is a local specialty, and its production technique is intangible cultural heritage. You can taste a tea you won’t find elsewhere.
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Distinctive Teahouse Experiences
If you don’t want to buy tea and just want to sit somewhere with a story, these teahouses each have their own charm and offer a different taste of Beijing.
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Lao She Teahouse 老舍茶馆 : If you want the most authentic old Beijing flavor, this is a must-visit. You can not only drink tea but also watch crosstalk, storytelling, face-changing, and other performances. It’s like a living museum of old Beijing culture. Adress: Building 3, Zhengyang Market, Qianmen West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China. 北京市西城区前门西大街正阳市场3号楼
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Laijinyuxuan 来今雨轩 : Tucked inside Zhongshan Park, it was a favorite haunt of writers and literati such as Lu Xun and Lao She. You can try Lu Xun’s favorite winter vegetable buns and the “Great Writer’s Afternoon Tea,” and feel the literary atmosphere in a century-old establishment. Adress: Inside Zhongshan Park, No. 4 Zhonghua Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China 北京市东城区中华路4号中山公园内
Tips for Tea Tasting and Exploring Tea Markets
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Feel free to taste: In tea markets like Maliandao, it doesn’t matter if you don’t know much about tea. Walk boldly into a shop and ask to taste; the owner will usually gladly brew tea for you. Buy only after you find something you like.
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Shop around: Tea prices vary widely. It’s wise to visit several shops and compare quality and price, especially if you want to buy premium tea.
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Enjoy the atmosphere: Some tea markets are attractions in themselves. For example, the antique-style buildings of Third District Commercial Street and the China-chic style of Chaoyue Tea Village are great for photos. You don’t have to buy tea.
