A new era, steeped in tradition

In recent years, the industry has demonstrated remarkable vitality, he notes, from the emotional consumption trend of "boiling tea around the stove" to cross-sector innovations under the "tea culture plus" model.

"The sector is activating consumption potential through diversified formats, injecting fresh momentum into the upgrading and expansion of consumption during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, and playing an increasingly significant role in the national strategy of expanding domestic demand and boosting consumption," Jiang elaborates.

At the edge of the bustling crowds and traffic flow of Beijingnan (Beijing South) Railway Station, the teahouse Cha Zi Tang is quietly conducting an experiment that subtly challenges traditional notions of what a teahouse should be.

It forgoes deliberately crafted classical seclusion, with its first floor resembling more of a bountiful tea laboratory.

All six major tea categories are available, including rare varieties like yellow tea. Beyond tea leaves, shelves display precious herbal ingredients and other tea-substitute beverages and tonics, says founder Lei Mingfeng, a native of Ya'an, Sichuan province.

With 12 years' experience in navigating Beijing's tea industry, Lei says that two years ago, it was the right time for him to open a teahouse.

The core engine of this hub is hidden on the second floor. In contrast to the first floor's product displays, the upper level houses several clean, minimalist private rooms.

With a modest daily foot traffic of only 10 to 15 guests, this space is pivotal to Lei's business model.

"In Beijing, rent and labor costs are high. We must rely on enhanced service to quickly cover costs," he explains. His secret weapon is a "proactive in-room brewing service".

"When tea masters actively entered the rooms to provide professional brewing and explanations for business clients, sales of tea and membership cards saw a noticeable increase," he says.

"The people who come to us are different from those who go to the Starbucks next door," Lei adds.

"They need privacy, have higher demands for the environment, and possess stronger spending power".

With per-person spending on a pure tea service ranging from 100 to 300 yuan, he targets a clientele with expectations for quality and expertise.