English high teas popular among middle-class women

The 24-year-old tea lover Lian Xiaoying convinced her husband to treat her and a group of friends to a British style afternoon tea experience at the Annvita English Tea Company salon in Beijing's central district of Sanlitun.

The group of friends was catching up with each other while sipping a fruity tea and nibbling on cucumber sandwiches and English scones before dinner time.

"I really enjoy drinking tea, that's why my husband decided to bring us here. It is peaceful and classy," said Lian while holding a delicate porcelain cup. "We don't normally do afternoon tea because it is expensive. However, it is a nice treat once in a while."