Lao She Teahouse

Lao She Teahouse

Lao She Teahouse is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Lao She Teahouse is a teahouse named after the People's Artist Mr. Lao She and his famous play. Established in 1988, it now covers an operating area of over 2,600 square meters and is a multifunctional comprehensive teahouse that integrates a book teahouse, dining teahouse, and tea art teahouse. In this classic Chinese-style setting full of Beijing charm, you can enjoy a daily performance at Lao She Teahouse that showcases outstanding traditional Chinese arts such as Peking Opera, folk music, acrobatics, magic, and face-changing.

At the same time, you can sample a variety of famous teas, imperial pastries, traditional Beijing snacks, and authentic Beijing cuisine served as tea banquets. Since its opening, Lao She Teahouse has hosted nearly 47 foreign heads of state, numerous celebrities, and over two million domestic and international visitors, becoming a distinctive “window” showcasing China’s cultural heritage and a “bridge” connecting friendships both at home and abroad. The Qianmen Courtyard Tea House is another innovative endeavor by Lao She Teahouse to promote Beijing culture and tea culture. Modeled on the classic form of a traditional Beijing siheyuan (courtyard house) and inspired by the profound philosophy of tea art, it blends the elegance and grandeur of the capital to create the teahouse of your dreams. Here, you’ll find only tranquility and ease — listen to the soothing sounds of the guzheng, watch exquisite tea ceremonies, savor fragrant tea, and enjoy a well-deserved half-day of leisure amid tea.

Located in Qianmen, an area known for its high commercial value, Lao She Teahouse features interior decor dominated by traditional Chinese style, with darker tones, imperial lanterns, mahogany tables and chairs, and a classic stage that exude timeless charm. It boasts a considerable scale in terms of floor space and number of tea tables. Here, you can enjoy tea or order dishes, including Peking duck, and the range of services offered is quite comprehensive. Another distinctive feature of Lao She Teahouse is its strong Buddhist influence, with Buddha statues displayed at the entrance and on various platform levels.

To enjoy tea at Lao She Teahouse, head to the third floor, where most of the tea varieties are flower-scented and green teas. The tea service mainly consists of cupped tea (with covered bowls), along with oolong tea — there are about twenty types of tea available. The accompanying tea snacks are homemade, come in a variety of flavors, and have their own unique charm.

The clientele at Lao She Teahouse is mostly foreign tourists and travelers. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons, there are opera appreciation events and Peking Opera performances. Evening shows featuring opera and acrobatics start at 17:40, with ticket prices ranging from 40 to 130 yuan per person. The program includes comic duets, storytelling with musical accompaniment, and Peking Opera performances — lively and entertaining. If you have foreign friends or relatives visiting from out of town, Lao She Teahouse is an excellent place to entertain them.