A teahouse steeped with historic vibrancy

"Young people prefer single servings over traditional pot service, and they want choices for mixing and matching teas and snacks," Rong explains. "We're adapting while maintaining our core identity."

The teahouse has also attracted foreign visitors. "They will walk here to sit down and drink tea," Rong says. Nearly 40 percent of the teahouse's daily visitors are international tourists. Huxinting's menus come in multiple languages, with an introduction to Chinese tea culture.

"This teahouse is wonderful, with its beautiful, peaceful atmosphere and immersive music. I didn't know its history before, but I'm fascinated by it," says Valeriia Vinokurova, a visitor from Russia.

Most international visitors start with familiar jasmine or black tea, but here, they can experience premium quality, says Rong, noting that many want to try famous teas like Longjing for a taste of authentic Chinese flavors.