Teahouses, Beijing

This was one of our highlights but I am sorry to say that I can't remember the name of the place we went to. We learnt how to brew and drink various Chinese teas and out of 5 samples, I found the Black Dragon tea to my taste. The most fascinating one was the lotus pod that blooms into a flower when emersed in hot water - one can drink the tea, then keep the flower in water for a few days for decorative purposes.

I will say that we found it much cheaper to buy the tea at markets/ local superettes rather than at the Tea House because their mark up was quite incredible!

I'm sure with research and advice from your hotel manager, you can find one. There are many of these in Beijing.

If you are traveling to Beijing and want to combine both the traditional and new China, you cannot miss going to the Green Tea House Restaurant. Although I like the red lanterns and old architecture, this restaurant has a atmosphere unique for Beijing. Everything is presented in a way that will surprise you for being in China and they also have an extensive wine list and can say nothing bad about their service. I know this sounds like an ad, but I really had to pass on my thoughts because it is so different. By the way I have been in Beijing for almost 3 years.
Enjoy

After the excitement of visiting the Yonghegong (Lama Temple) and the Temple of Confucius in Beijing, stop off at The Confucian Teahouse for a relaxing and meditative tea ceremony.
Amidst the lattice screens and lanterns, experience authentic Gong Fu Cha - a traditional way of preparing oolong tea.
Don't be concerned if you are unsure about the formalities; beautiful girls dressed exquisitely in qipao will gently guide you through the ritual.
There are several teas, sourced from Anxi, Biluochun, Longjing and Yangxianxueya, to tantalise the tastebuds. Some special teas, produced for Emperors, sell for more than a thousand RMB!

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As We all know, tea was invented in china in the ancient times when a chinese emperor has hot water taken of which tea leaves fell and when he tasted the brew, it became popular! we all know that this was a state secret of imperial china and that a british zoologist smuggled tea leaves to india and sri lanka in the 17th century, the rest is history!

Chinese tea is still the best and the most original. In chinese tea houses they serve different kind of tea like oolong, green tea, chrysanthemum tea, infused fruit tea, red tea and others. price is about 4 RMB to 10 RMB a cup. They also sell packed tea leaves and earthern and ceramic tea pots and cup which ranges from 100 RMB to 500 RMB.

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Lao She was one of the most important Chinese writers of 20th century Chinese literature. Some of his outstanding works include the novel Rickshaw Boy (luo tuo xiang zi) and the pre-revolutionary play Teahouse (cha guan).

Lao She, a Manchurian descendent and a master in Beijing dialect, was born in Beijing in February 3, 1899 and died in August 24, 1966.

The Laoshe Tea House in Beijing, named for Lao She, opened its doors in 1988 and attracts many foreigners (this is one of the reasons the tickets for the shows are so expensive) and locals as well.

The Laoshe Tea House features daily performances and it has a wonderful environment, the reason why everytime I go to Beijing I always go there at least twice.

Besides the cum auditorium it also has a restaurant serving local cuisine and traditional snacks, it has some private compartments where you can appreciate some tea while socializing with your friends and it also has a small shop where you can buy some tea, teapots, cups, souvenirs, etc.

My experience tells me that you should always make a reservation at least in the day before because the shows are always packed.

The shows start at 19:50 and end by 21:20pm and the prices of tickets range from 60 Yuan to 180 Yuan.

The phone numbers I provide you down there are for reservations.

Enjoy your stay in Beijing big guy!

Famous 16th-century tea-master Sen Rikyu identified the four basic principles of what he called the "Way of Tea" as harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity.
The Chinese give great attention to their tea and the way they drink it. People have high requirements for the quality of the prepared tea leaf, the water they use to brew tea and the wares they use to prepare and serve tea.
But for us western tourists - it is just a nice opportunity to sit down, relax (your aching feet – from too much "must see activities"), and enjoy a nice coup of green tea.
My addvice on a tea: try Longjing (Dragon Well) tea (originates from West Lake, Hangzhou).

After a freezing morning in Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Jingshan park a welcome lesson on the art of Chinese tea.
5 types were presented to us, all very different, and tasty too.

GO TO SEE THE VARIETY SHOW AT THE LAO SHE CHA GUAN
It's HILARIOUS if you understand the Chinese...otherwise, it's really neat! All of the acrobatics, music, opera...everything in ONE SHOW!