Huxinting Teahouse in Shanghai

Huxinting Teahouse (湖心亭茶楼) is the oldest existing waterside teahouse in Shanghai. Located in the center of the lotus pond on Jiuchao Bridge (九曲桥) in Yuyuan Garden (豫园), it was originally constructed in 1784 and was part of the Ming Dynasty Yuyuan Garden‘s landscape, known as Fuyi Pavilion (凫佚亭). The structure is built with traditional wooden architecture and bamboo wedge joinery, and retains Qing Dynasty inscriptions and plaques from famous calligraphers, maintaining the architectural style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

In 1855, it was converted into a teahouse, undergoing several name changes, including Yeshi Pavilion (也是轩) and Wanzai Pavilion (宛在轩). After being expanded in 1924, it took its current shape. Major restorations were conducted in 1982 and 2009 to enhance its cultural functions. The teahouse features a professional tea ceremony team and regularly hosts Jiangnan silk and bamboo music performances. Since 1986, it has received numerous foreign dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth II. In 2006, it was recognized as a “Shanghai Famous Teahouse” and, in 2011, was listed as a “Chinese Time-honored Brand” and one of the Top 10 Featured Teahouses in China.

Introduction to Huxinting Teahouse

Huxinting Teahouse is one of Shanghai’s landmark buildings, located in the center of the lotus pond on Jiuchao Bridge in Yuyuan Garden. It was originally part of the private garden of Pan Yunduan, a governor of Sichuan during the Ming Dynasty, and was known as a scenic spot in the garden. It was transformed into a teahouse in the 5th year of the Xianfeng Emperor’s reign (1855), making it the oldest existing teahouse in Shanghai today.

Features and Design

Huxinting Teahouse can accommodate over 200 people, offering a serene, elegant setting for tea drinking. The teahouse preserves a traditional Chinese architectural style, with a focus on wooden furnishings and decorative elements that highlight ethnic traditions. The teahouse serves a variety of fine teas, complemented by tea snacks, and the water used is specially purified to maintain a clear and sweet taste.

The teahouse also features regular tea ceremonies and performances of Jiangnan silk and bamboo music every Monday afternoon. Visitors can enjoy tea while appreciating the surrounding scenery, providing a unique cultural experience. The teahouse attracts a large number of domestic and international visitors each day, and it has hosted many world leaders, including Queen Elizabeth II. As a renowned cultural site, Huxinting Teahouse is recognized as a distinctive venue for state-level diplomatic visits, gaining international recognition.

The Bridge and Surroundings

The Jiuchao Bridge (九曲桥) is a distinctive feature of the area. The bridge is known for its nine turns and eighteen bends, with each angle varying in size. The granite bridge surface is carved with seasonal floral patterns, such as narcissus in January, apricot blossoms in February, peach blossoms in March, and plum blossoms in December. At the ends of the bridge, there are carvings of lotus flowers, symbolizing purity and elegance.

A white marble lotus fairy sculpture stands in the pond, greeting visitors with a smile. This entire setting forms one of Shanghai’s most iconic cultural landscapes, representative of the city’s opening era.

Architectural Structure

The entire building of Huxinting Teahouse is constructed entirely of wood, and it is notable for not using a single iron nail. The wooden components are joined using bamboo wedges. The entrance of the teahouse displays a plaque with the name Huxinting (湖心亭) written by calligrapher Jiang Fengyi, and the flying eaves are adorned with a banner proclaiming the teahouse as “The First Teahouse of Shanghai”. Inside the teahouse, another plaque written by calligrapher Gao Shixiong reads “The First Teahouse of Shanghai”, adding to the antique atmosphere of the place. Additionally, a stone monument from the Qing Dynasty, inscribed with the Lake Heart Pavilion Stele (湖心亭碑记) by Lu Xixiong, a prominent local scholar, provides historical context and commemorates the teahouse’s cultural heritage.

A Brief History of Huxinting Teahouse

  • 1781: The teahouse was purchased by a group of merchants specializing in blue fabric.

  • 1784: It was rebuilt in the center of the lake with a stone column, stone beams, and a wooden railing Jiuchao Bridge (九曲桥).

  • 1855: The teahouse changed ownership and was renamed Yeshi Pavilion (也是轩).

  • 1910: The name was changed to Wanzai Pavilion (宛在轩).

  • 1924: Huxinting Teahouse underwent an expansion.

  • 1982: The teahouse was fully renovated, a process that lasted for over a year.

  • 2009: A comprehensive maintenance and restoration project took place, restoring the teahouse to its former glory.

Major Events in the History of Huxinting Teahouse

Huxinting Teahouse (湖心亭茶楼) was originally built by Pan Yunduan (潘允端), the governor of Sichuan during the Ming Dynasty, as part of his private garden, Yuyuan Garden (豫园). It was initially named Fuyi Pavilion (凫佚亭).

In the 46th year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign (1781), a group of blue fabric merchants, including Zhu Yunhui (祝韫晖), Zhang Fucheng (张辅臣), Sun Xueqiu (孙学裘), and Mei Junzhan (梅君瞻), raised funds to purchase Huxinting. They demolished the small island, artificial rocks, and pavilions in the pond, rebuilding a two-story hexagonal pavilion. They also constructed Jiuchao Bridge (九曲桥), which connects the northern and southern banks to the teahouse, facilitating access. The pavilion and bridge were completed in the 49th year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign (1784), and the current layout of Huxinting and Jiuchao Bridge has remained for over 220 years.

In 1855, the merchants sold Huxinting, which was converted into a teahouse named Yeshi Pavilion (也是轩), making it the first teahouse on Shanghai Bund (上海滩). Over time, Huxinting became a popular gathering spot for business discussions and social gatherings.

During the Xuantong Emperor’s reign (清宣统), the teahouse’s owner fell into debt due to gambling and sold the business in 1910, renaming it Wanzai Pavilion (宛在轩). Due to its prime location and elegant design, Huxinting became one of the most prestigious teahouses in Shanghai at the time.

In 1924, Huxinting underwent a major renovation, adding a rectangular waterside pavilion, which gave it the layout it maintains today.

To meet the growing demands of Shanghai’s tourism industry, Huxinting underwent a major renovation in 1982, lasting over a year. After the renovation, Huxinting was restored to its original elegance, retaining its traditional appearance and incorporating a refined interior with a stronger emphasis on tea culture. It began offering traditional teas such as Tieguanyin (铁观音), Biluochun (碧螺春), and West Lake Longjing (西湖龙井). The traditional performances of Jiangnan silk and bamboo music (江南丝竹) were also revived, enhancing the teahouse’s atmosphere.

Ahead of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo (上海世博会), the teahouse underwent another two-month renovation to restore its historical appearance. This project involved reinforcing and preserving the building’s traditional wood structure, and reintroducing features such as the exposed beams and eaves. The exterior lighting was updated with energy-efficient LED lights, highlighting the ancient yet refined beauty of the architecture.

Historical Honors

Huxinting Teahouse has been a key institution in Shanghai’s cultural scene, earning numerous honors over the years, especially since the reform and opening-up period. Some of the significant recognitions include:

  • 1985–Present: Continuously recognized as a “Civilized Unit” at the district level for 26 years.

  • 1995: Awarded as the “Most Historic Teahouse in Shanghai” by China Tea Culture (中华茶文化).

  • 2000: Recognized as one of Shanghai’s Top 10 Featured Teahouses.

  • 2001: Named one of Shanghai’s Top 10 Leisure Teahouses.

  • 2004: Listed as one of China’s Top 100 Teahouses and one of China’s Top 10 Featured Teahouses.

  • 2005: Recognized as a Famous Trademark of Shanghai (上海市著名商标).

  • 2006: Awarded the title of “Shanghai Famous Teahouse”—the only such honor in Shanghai’s teahouse industry.

  • 2007: Recognized as the “Most Unique Shanghai Service Trademark”.

  • 2009: Elected as a Member of the Second Board of Directors of the Shanghai Tea Association.

  • 2010: Recognized as an Excellent Collective for the Shanghai World Expo Work and awarded “2010 Shanghai Commercial Service Brand”.

  • 2011: Awarded the “Expo Contribution Award” by the Shanghai Tea Society (上海市茶叶学会) and the “Tea Fragrance Expo Gold Cup Award” at the Shanghai Tea Industry Association (上海市茶叶行业协会).

Through its rich history, cultural significance, and outstanding service, Huxinting Teahouse continues to play a vital role in Shanghai’s tea culture, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s storied past while providing a serene space for tea drinking and socializing.