Location & Accessibility

Houting Tea Shop is tucked away in a quiet corner of Xiang’an District, just a stone’s throw from the Bank of China branch on Xiangxi Road. While it’s off the main tourist trail, that’s part of its charm! To get here, take Bus 755 or 711 to the Máxiàng Town stop—the shop is a 5-minute walk south, near a cluster of traditional red-brick houses. If you’re driving, park along Xiangxi Road (free spots are often available) and look for the tea shop’s modest wooden sign.

Getting There

Public transport is straightforward but slow—expect a 1.5-hour ride from Xiamen Island. For a quicker trip, rent a bike in downtown Xiamen and pedal along the coastal bike path (~40 km, 2–3 hours). The route passes fishing villages and salt fields, making the journey itself an adventure. Just keep an eye on Google Maps, as some rural roads lack clear signs.

Natural Scenery

The area around Houting Tea Shop feels like a time capsule. You’ll find it nestled beside a canal lined with banana trees and old wooden boats. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom across the street, while summer brings dragonflies darting over the water. Bring bug spray if you sit outside, but the breeze keeps it cool. At sunset, the sky turns pink, reflecting off the canal—a perfect Instagram moment!

Cultural Vibes

This isn’t just a tea shop—it’s a window into local life. The owners, a third-generation tea family, serve tea the traditional way: boiling water in a clay pot, steeping leaves in tiny porcelain cups. They’ll happily explain how Xiamen’s mild climate affects tea growth or why their Tieguanyin (iron goddess) is so smooth. Don’t miss the wall of vintage tea tins and handwritten price lists—it’s like stepping back 30 years!

Amenities

Don’t expect luxury, but the basics are covered. There’s a shaded patio with bamboo chairs, free Wi-Fi (password: ask the owner!), and a shared toilet inside the shop. If you’re hungry, they offer simple snacks: peanuts, dried squid, and mooncakes. Cash-only, so hit an ATM beforehand. Pro tip: Buy a packet of their house-blended tea—it’s cheaper than souvenir shops and tastes way better!

Visiting Tips

Mornings are best—the shop gets crowded with locals after lunch. Start with a pot of jasmine tea (~¥20) and chat with the owner, who speaks enough English to share stories. Try the “gongfu tea” ritual if you’re curious: they’ll use tiny cups and a fancy tea tray. For photos, snap the canal view from the bridge or the shop’s doorway framed by hanging plants. Leave time to wander nearby—the alley behind the shop leads to a hidden temple with a 300-year-old banyan tree!

Houting Tea Shop isn’t about grand sights, but about soaking in Xiamen’s slower pace. Pair it with a visit to nearby Chengqian Temple or the oyster shell farms for a full “local Xiamen” experience. Just remember: this gem is easy to miss, so save the address in your phone!