Lisa asked me this question today:

‘ Before I came to China, I was always dreaming to drink tea in those old Chinese houses and I was pretty sure I could find one because tea should be everywhere in China. But when I am in Shanghai, I just found Starbucks everywhere.  Where are those nice tea houses, I mean real Chinese tea houses?’

Yes, she is right. I just found it was really hard to recommend a nice tea house in Shanghai.

Actually there are some tea houses in some residential blocks but most just for people playing cards or Mahjong, which I don’t like.

Then I asked a few friends for their suggestion and tonight I took Lisa to a tea house in Yu Garden called Moonlight Teahouse to experience the real Chinese tea culture.

The tea house is located on the fourth floor of Yu An Ge, which is opposite to the Dragon Gate Mall. 

Moonlight Teahouse in Yu An Ge building. The real entrance is at the back lane of the building

To be honest, it is a bit difficult to find its entrance in the crowded, messy, noisy Yu Garden (If you have been there, you know what I mean). The real entrance is actually behind the building in a small narrow lane called An Ren Street.

In the small narrow back lane called An Ren Street, you will find the entrance of Moonlight Teahouse

When I stepped out of the lift, everything seemd to stop, no noise, no crowds. I was taken back to the time thousands of years ago.

Moonlight Teahouse

I was told every piece of furniture and the little things was carefully selected by the owner. And it did create the perfect quiet old historical Chinese environment.

Moonlight Teahouse

The service was great. All the staff I met there were very friendly. And always quick response to our needs.

A private room in Moonlight Teahouse

Minimum 98RMB per person including tea, and other snacks such as nuts, chicken wings, barbecued prawns, fruits etc (buffet).  And free Wi-fi. So it is a good place to spend an afternoon there even you are alone.

Moonlight Teahouse buffet snack bar

When we finished our tea, we decided to have a bit tour in this quiet afternoon and we found there is an open terrace attached to the largest private room.

The open terrace at Moonlight Teahouse where you can view both west and east of the Huangpu River

And then we had the gorgeous view of both Yu Garden and the futuristic modern view of Lujiazui in Pudong and the river. While the Bund is still under construction, this place might be a good choice to have the contrast of old and modern Shanghai.

Gorgeous view from Moonlight Teahouse open terrace

Tags: Eating in Shanghai

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