Old Beijing teahouse returns after 40 years

Dashilar Teahouse reopens after 40 years, April 19, 2014. [Photo/CFP]

Dashilar Teahouse, once a Beijing landmark which has been closed for nearly 40 years, reopened on Tuesday.

The new teahouse is opposite its old site on Dashilar Street, a famous ancient business thoroughfare outside Qianmen.

With two storeys, the ground floor sells teas and the second floor is the tea drinking area.

All furnishings are made of wood. "After research, we specially provided old-fashioned square tables," said a spokesman.

The building displays historical items related to Dashilar Street in particular and Beijing in general such as pictures, paintings and sculptures.

Preparations took almost a year before opening. The original teahouse closed during the 1970s due to safety reasons.

"It's good to have such a place on Dashilar Street," said a customer from outside Beijing. He said he got to know much about Beijing's history and enjoyed old Beijng's culture.