Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse

The Mid-Lake Pavilion is Shanghai's oldest surviving teahouse, standing on the lotus pond at the heart of Yu Garden since 1784. Queen Elizabeth II sipped tea here; so have generations of Shanghai families. The all-wood structure, rebuilt piece by piece over two years of restoration, reopened in 2025 looking better than it has in a century.\n\nCross the Nine Zigzag Bridge - locals say evil spirits cannot turn corners - and order a pot of Longjing or biluochun with a tray of traditional pastries. Windows on three sides put the garden, the bridge, and the koi at eye level.