Afternoon Tea and Dessert Tour on the Huaihai Road in Shanghai

The Afternoon Tea and Dessert Tour on Huaihai Road in Shanghai offers a unique culinary experience for those seeking to indulge in the city’s rich tea culture and delectable desserts. Carefully curated for a small group of no more than 10 travelers, this tour promises an intimate exploration of traditional Chinese delicacies, from classic mooncakes to dreamy Cantonese mousses. But the true delight lies not only in the flavors that tantalize the palate, but also in the captivating stories that unfold behind each delectable treat. Prepare to embark on a journey that not only satisfies the sweet tooth, but also unveils the fascinating history and traditions that shape Shanghai’s vibrant food scene.

Key Points

• The tour offers a small-group experience with a maximum of 10 travelers, providing an intimate and personalized exploration of Shanghai’s tea culture and local sweets.

• Highlights include sampling traditional Chinese mooncakes, participating in a classic tea ceremony, and indulging in popular Cantonese desserts like milk pudding and mousse cake.

• The tour starts at the South Huangpi Road Metro Station and concludes in the charming French Concession area, ensuring convenient access and a seamless experience.

• The tour has earned a Badge of Excellence with a 5.0 overall rating, indicating a high-quality and well-received experience for previous participants.

• Along With the culinary experiences, the tour includes immersive exploration of Huaihai Road, allowing participants to learn about Shanghai’s rich tea culture and traditions.

Overview of the Tour

This afternoon tea and dessert tour along Huaihai Road in Shanghai offers a small-group experience, with a maximum of 10 travelers. It has earned a Badge of Excellence with 15 reviews, rated 5.0 overall.

The tour highlights include sampling Chinese mooncakes at two pastry shops, participating in a classic tea ceremony at a tea house, tasting aromatic green and black teas while learning about tea drinking etiquette, and enjoying popular Cantonese desserts such as milk pudding, mousse cake, and almond tofu.

The tour starts at the South Huangpi Road Metro Station and ends in the French Concession area of Xuhui District, providing a delightful exploration of Shanghai’s rich tea and dessert culture.

Tour Highlights

The tour’s highlights include sampling Chinese mooncakes at two pastry shops along Huaihai Road.

Participants will then partake in a classic tea ceremony at a tea house, where they can savor aromatic green and black teas while learning about proper tea drinking etiquette.

In addition, the tour offers the chance to enjoy popular Cantonese desserts such as milk pudding, mousse cake, and almond tofu at a dedicated dessert restaurant.

This small-group experience, limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, promises an immersive exploration of Shanghai’s vibrant tea culture and delectable local sweets, providing a well-rounded culinary adventure along the historic Huaihai Road.

Itinerary Details

Participants stroll along Huaihai Road, learning about Shanghai’s vibrant tea culture.

They then visit two pastry shops to sample various mooncakes, typically served during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Next, they head to a tea house to experience a traditional tea ceremony, savoring pu-erh, ginseng oolong, jasmine, and Fujian black tea while learning about proper tea drinking etiquette.

The tour culminates at a Cantonese dessert restaurant, where travelers can indulge in classic cold sweets like milk pudding with purple sticky rice and mango purée.

The itinerary includes:

1. Exploring Huaihai Road and learning about Shanghai’s tea culture.

2. Sampling traditional mooncakes at two pastry shops.

3. Experiencing a tea ceremony and tasting different varieties of tea.

Meeting and End Points

The tour’s meeting point is Exit 2 of the South Huangpi Road station on Shanghai Metro Line 1, near the First CPC National Congress site. The tour concludes in the French Concession area of Xuhui District.

This convenient location allows participants to easily access the starting point of the tour, which explores Shanghai’s vibrant tea culture and delectable Cantonese desserts along Huaihai Road.

After the immersive tea ceremony, mooncake sampling, and indulgence in traditional cold sweets, travelers will end their culinary adventure in the charming French Concession neighborhood.

The well-organized meeting and end points ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout the entire afternoon tea and dessert tour.

Sampling Chinese Mooncakes

During the tour, guests sample an array of traditional Chinese mooncakes at two renowned pastry shops along Huaihai Road. These bite-sized delicacies, often enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, feature flaky pastry shells wrapped around sweet fillings like lotus seed paste, red bean, or egg yolk.

The tour guide provides insights into the cultural significance and regional variations of mooncakes, explaining how they symbolize family reunion and prosperity. Participants have the opportunity to:

1. Taste classic Cantonese-style mooncakes with smooth, creamy fillings.

2. Explore innovative flavors like green tea or chocolate mooncakes.

3. Learn the intricate process of mooncake-making from the pastry chefs.

This hands-on experience allows guests to deepen their appreciation for Chinese culinary traditions.

Experience Tea Ceremony

At the tea house, guests partake in a classic Chinese tea ceremony, savoring an array of aromatic green and black teas as the guide walks them through the intricate rituals.

The ceremony begins with the selection of the tea leaves, which are carefully measured and placed in a traditional teapot. The guide then demonstrates the proper technique for pouring the hot water, allowing the tea to steep and release its complex flavors.

Guests learn about the significance of tea drinking etiquette in Chinese culture, such as the proper way to hold the teacup and sip the tea.

This immersive experience allows participants to fully appreciate the nuances of Chinese tea culture and its time-honored traditions.

Tasting Cantonese Desserts

After experiencing the tea ceremony, guests then indulge in a selection of traditional Cantonese desserts at a renowned local restaurant. They savor cold sweet treats like refreshing milk pudding infused with fragrant purple sticky rice, as well as creamy mango purée nestled in a delicate almond tofu. These delectable desserts showcase the exquisite balance of flavors and textures that define Cantonese culinary artistry.

The tour also features:

1. A taste of classic Cantonese mousse cake, featuring layers of light sponge and silky-smooth cream.

2. An opportunity to learn about the history and cultural significance of these beloved desserts.

3. A chance to appreciate the artistry and attention to detail that goes into crafting these sweet masterpieces.

Additional Information

The tour provides confirmation at the time of booking and is wheelchair accessible. Children under 3 can join the experience for free, with stroller and infant seat options available. Participants are encouraged to advise any dietary requirements when booking. Guests have the flexibility to cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the tour start time without penalty. Pricing for the afternoon tea and dessert exploration starts from $82.00 per person.

Tour Features	Details
Confirmation	Received at time of booking
Accessibility	Wheelchair accessible
Children	Under 3 free, stroller and infant seats available

The tour’s flexibility and accessibility ensure a seamless experience for all travelers seeking to savor Shanghai’s vibrant tea and dessert culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available on All Days of the Week?

The tour’s availability is not explicitly stated in the details provided. Tour schedules can vary, so it’s best to check with the tour operator for the specific days and times the tour is offered.

How Long Does the Tour Typically Last?

The tour typically lasts around 3 to 4 hours, allowing participants ample time to sample Chinese pastries, experience a traditional tea ceremony, and savor Cantonese desserts at various stops along Huaihai Road in Shanghai.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and video recording are typically allowed during the tour, but participants should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for others. It’s advisable to check with the tour guide for any specific guidelines or restrictions.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Participation?

The minimum age requirement for participation is 3 years old. Children under 3 years old can join the tour for free, and stroller and infant seats are available to accommodate families with young children.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. Private tours allow for flexibility in group size, itinerary, and tailoring the experience to the group’s specific interests and dietary needs.

Recap

The Afternoon Tea and Dessert Tour on Huaihai Road offers an immersive experience for foodies.

Participants can savor traditional Chinese mooncakes, partake in a classic tea ceremony, and indulge in popular Cantonese desserts.

With a small group size, the tour provides an intimate and memorable exploration of Shanghai’s rich culinary heritage, culminating in the charming French Concession area.