Chinese milk tea giant Chagee has recently opened a branch in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, igniting excitement among tea enthusiasts. Renowned for its fresh milk tea crafted from premium leaves, this new opening marks the rise of a burgeoning tea culture that is steadily making its mark on the city. With several locations across China, including Shenzhen and Zhuhai, these brands are easily accessible for those seeking new flavours.
Discover six must-try tea shops that highlight mainland China’s finest offerings. From homestyle brewed teas and traditional Chinese blends to invigorating healthy juices, these establishments cater to every palate. Whether you’re taking a break from shopping in bustling malls or simply looking for a delightful refreshment, these beloved tea shops provide the perfect respite. Keep reading to explore these popular brands.
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Customers at a Chagee store in Shanghai, China (Photo: Getty Images)
Cha Panda
Cha Panda has over 7,000 branches in mainland China (Photo: Xiaohongshu / @Cha Panda)
Taro fresh milk (Photo: Xiaohongshu / @Cha Panda)
Originating in Chengdu, Sichuan, Cha Panda opened its first store in Hong Kong’s Mong Kok this September, and has multiple branches in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai and beyond. With the charming giant panda as its mascot, the brand specialises in fresh fruit teas that combine natural fruits and premium ingredients with traditional Chinese teas. Among its signature offerings is the mango pomelo sago, a refreshing nod to a beloved Hong Kong dessert, perfect for quenching your thirst on hot days.
Modern China Tea Shop
Modern China Tea Shop is famous for its classical Chinese charm (Photo: Xiaohongshu / @Modern China Tea Shop)
The brand is popular among young consumers (Photo: Xiaohongshu / @Modern China Tea Shop)
Prior to the rise of Chagee, Modern China Tea Shop had already established itself as a prominent name in the Chinese tea beverage market. Founded in 2013, the brand remained rooted in Changsha until 2020, when it began expanding to other cities. Today, it proudly operates branches in Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan and Chongqing, along with a limited-time store in Shenzhen. Renowned for its seamless fusion of traditional Chinese brewing techniques and contemporary milk teas, the brand infuses classical Chinese aesthetics into its logo, drink names, packaging and store design. Expect innovative offerings such as osmanthus oolong tea with fresh milk and a latte crafted from Ceylon black tea, light cream and pecans.
Molly Tea
Popular snowy whipped cream series (Photo: Xiaohongshu / @Molly Tea)
The brand has recently collaborated with ‘My Little Pony’ (Photo: Xiaohongshu / @Molly Tea)
While Modern China Tea Shop may not be available in the Greater Bay Area, Molly Tea, founded in Shenzhen, offers an excellent alternative. This brand captures the essence of jasmine through a distinctive floral tea-curing technique. By mixing tea leaves with freshly picked flowers, the leaves absorb the enchanting floral aroma through capillary action. Once the petals are removed, the tea leaves are dried, resulting in a fragrant floral infusion. Signature offerings include premium jasmine milk tea and gardenia milk tea, each delivering a delightful and aromatic experience.
Ah Ma Handmade
Ah Ma Handmade is known for its hand crafted, freshly brewed drinks(Photo: Xiaohongshu / @Ah Ma Handmade)
Logan smoothie (Photo: Xiaohongshu / @Ah Ma Handmade)
Ah Ma Handmade, hailing from Guangxi, has quickly become one of the most popular tea brands in Shenzhen, with prominent locations in key areas such as One Avenue, KKOne, and MixC. The name Ah Ma, meaning grandmother in Chinese, reflects the brand’s commitment to freshly brewed, home-style beverages. Their standout creation, Da Mi Ma Shu (rice mochi), is a drink that combines traditional mochi with sticky rice, offering a soft and chewy texture bursting with rich rice flavour. Coconut enthusiasts will appreciate the refreshing coconut milk smoothie, featuring handmade water chestnut balls, organic corn kernels, and juicy watermelon for a vibrant and satisfying treat.
Auntea Jenny
Auntea Jenny was founded in 2013 (Photo: Xiaohongshu / @Auntea Jenny)
The brand has expanded its branches in Malaysia (Photo: Xiaohongshu / @Auntea Jenny)
Auntea Jenny from Shanghai now boasts over 8,000 stores nationwide, with prominent locations in central shopping districts in Shenzhen and Zhuhai. The brand’s logo captures the essence of the modern Shanghai woman—stylish, confident and dedicated to a luxurious lifestyle. One of the signatures is red glutinous rice milk tea, in which soft, chewy red glutinous rice is paired with the sweet, fragrant flavour of tea.
Hun Juice
Hun Juice specialises in fresh juice beverages (Photo: Xiaohongshu / @hunjuice)
The signature light green bottle (Photo: Xiaohongshu / @hunjuice)
Seeking a healthier choice instead of bubble milk tea? Consider Hun Juice in Shenzhen. The brand produces fresh fruit and vegetable juices using 100 percent pure, cold-pressed methods with no additives, creating healthy and light beverages—perfect for lactose-intolerant individuals. Their signature offerings include the Light Green Bottle, featuring kale, orange, pear and lemon, and the Supermodel Red Beet Bottle, with beetroot, pineapple and apple. Some drinks are available in eco-friendly glass bottles or one-litre containers.
Tips for online ordering—a queue-free guide
- Search for the brand name in WeChat or Alipay to access the mini-program feature.
- Locate and select the nearest store.
- Place your order online and complete your payment via WeChat or Alipay.
- Once the mini-program indicates “ready for pickup”, visit the physical store with your order confirmation number to collect your drink.
This article was originally published in Chinese by Cathy Huang.
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