Situated in a three-story lane house in the heart of the French Concession, the Song Fang Maison De Thé is a tea house with a difference. A perfect fit for its leafy surroundings, it's a labor of love created by Parisian owner and longtime Sinophile, Florence Samson, aka "Song Fang" in Mandarin.

Samson's passion for tea drinking has been nurtured during her ten years living in China and at the Song Fang Teahouse she has created her own unique and stylish homage to all that goes with it, from the leaves themselves and their surrounding history and ceremony to the utensils used to store, brew and serve.

Gorgeous sky blue tins line floor-to-ceiling walls and art deco-style glassware reflects the light from the window sills. There's always a friendly face behind the counter (often Florence herself), eager to talk you through the extensive selection of teas on offer in a knowledgeable yet accessible way.

There are over 60 blends to choose from and though the majority are Chinese (there's black tea, green tea, white tea, oolong, Pu'er and many blends and aromas—Yunnan special, Keenun, Ginseng Oolong, China Blue, Shanghai Dream to name but a few) Samson has also introduced a number of French blends. Sup them by the pot in the sunny and bright upper floors along with delicious jewel like cakes and macaroons from local French patissier Eric Perez, or take them away to be enjoyed at your leisure. Packaged in one of the vintage-style tins, tea from the Song Fang Teahouse makes a delightful and delicious gift or Shanghai souvenir.

Songfang Maison du Thé outlets can now also be found at the Bund and in Pudong.

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