Teahouses turn nostalgia temples

Yi, the founder, has noticed a shift toward more mindful spending in this age of uncertainty. "Consumers are becoming more rational, opting for peaceful experiences over extravagant meals and nightclubs," he said. In this context, the teahouse aims to offer exhausted urbanites a space for a "psychological massage", where they can truly relax and reconnect with nature, he added.

In Changsha, a city renowned for its vibrant consumption landscape, the revival of tea culture is evident through a diverse array of teahouses, each offering unique experiences to cater to contemporary urbanites.

Shuguang Tea Factory in Yuhua district presents a grand and integrated vision. Housed in a renovated 4,000-square-meter building that once served as an industrial plant, the complex transforms its manufacturing heritage into a sanctuary for modern leisure. Beyond its tea offerings, which range from traditional brews to modern infusions, the venue also features the Hunan Rice Noodle Expo — an exhibition and dining space showcasing signature noodle dishes from 16 cities across the province. Since its opening in October, the space has quickly become a popular urban hot spot.

Not far away, in the bustling Furong district, Dongmao Street Teahouse has been designed as an "urban cultural living room" for both locals and tourists. Here, a single cup of tea is priced at 8 yuan ($1.14), and a piece of congyou baba, a savory, donut-shaped classic local snack, is just 2 yuan.

With its modest pricing, the teahouse has become a daily retreat for elderly residents from nearby areas, while tourists often visit to capture its unique ambiance.

"At its peak, we sell over 3,000 cups of tea a day," said Li Jiang, a founding partner of the teahouse.

Contact the writers at limuyun@chinadaily.com.cn