The best places to enjoy afternoon tea in Shanghai
Where to enjoy afternoon tea in Shanghai?
As China’s largest city, Shanghai is a must-visit for many people travelling to the Far East. Its modern and expansive skylines provide a beautiful and vibrant metropolis to explore, whilst its historic architecture ensures the perfect combination of east and west.
The Shanghai food and drink scene is just as diverse. Ranging from local street food shacks to Michelin-starred restaurants, every budget and palate can be catered for.
A food trend that has been rising in popularity in recent years is afternoon tea. We will argue that Brits do it better, but Shanghai certainly deserves that coveted runner-up spot with a number of luxurious and innovative experiences available throughout the city.
Having afternoon tea in Shanghai is now a must when visiting the city, but where should you head for the best afternoon tea in town? Here, we reveal our rundown of afternoon tea hotspots in the heart of Shanghai.
Fairmont Peace
Located on the famous Bund, Fairmont Peace Hotel is a luxurious establishment that promises exquisite décor and impeccable service. Despite all its extra trimmings, the hotel is famous in its own right.
The Fairmont Peace Hotel is renowned throughout the city and around the world for its history, with its afternoon tea a tradition that dates back to the 1930s.
You can enjoy afternoon tea all week, but booking a table for Saturday’s Tea Dance is highly recommended. As the name of the event suggests, it’s not just cakes, scones, and sandwiches that are served, you can enjoy dancing too!
Four Seasons Pudong
Offering a traditional afternoon tea experience in very modern surroundings, Four Seasons Pudong provides something a little different. It’s not just the décor that will grab your attention, however.
Your selection of stunningly served sandwiches, sweets, and scones will be accompanied by a choice of Chinese teas and luxury tea brands from around the world.
The Peninsula
Afternoon tea isn’t an experience, but a ritual at The Peninsula. The hotel is a favourite haunt for locals and visitors alike, with its location on the Bund providing stunning waterfront scenery and plenty of opportunities for people-watching.
Afternoon tea is served in The Lobby and whilst you may not get to take in the views that the hotel is known for, you can enjoy a relaxed ambience. You’ll be serenaded with live classical music in The Lobby courtesy of a string quartet or pianist.
Ladies What Travel enjoyed afternoon tea at The Peninsula, here’s what they had to say about the experience:
“The place itself was classically beautiful, with staff always at hand to fill your pot or answer any questions. The food is beautifully presented and wonderfully tasty whatever version of afternoon tea you choose, but I have to say, for me the Heritage Afternoon Tea won over the Basque version. Why? It simply had more of the flavours and textures I liked! The Peninsula Hotel is a great place to enjoy afternoon tea in Shanghai. Good food in a gorgeous setting. What more could you want?”
JW Marriott
From edible chocolate chip cookie cups filled with milk to tea served in a clear glass pot and warmed by a tealight candle, JW Marriott Shanghai offers afternoon tea like no other. The experience has been crafted by the hotel’s incredible and innovative pastry chef, and you’ll be in awe of his creations.
Enjoy this fabulous afternoon tea with a view of the historical side of Shanghai. The 38th-floor Lobby Lounge where afternoon tea is served boasts views of the Puxi skyline, Tomorrow Square, and Shanghai Museum.
