Join the likes of George Bush (!) and take time out to do something a little different in Beijing. This Tea House is fabulous, located at 3 Qianmen Avenue: here’s their website giving details of prices, performances etc. www.laosheteahouse.com

You can choose how close to the stage you sit and throughout the show your table is filled with traditional Chinese snacks. A rather talented tea-pouring waiter is constantly on hand to make sure your cup is never empty (from a great height!).

The evening show, which I went to, is a mix of music, opera, magic, stand-up and dance: it was a really brilliant experience. They even have a screen up with introductions in English to the different performances. We paid 100RMB and got a table 3 rows from the front with excellent views and the theatre is very small and atmospheric.

It’s a great experience, so do something different, visit this tea house!

Enjoy!