Best Shanghai Milk Tea Guide 2026: 10 Must-Try Drinks & Shops
Shanghai milk tea isn’t just a drink — it’s a full cultural experience. In a city mixing tradition and high-speed modern life, milk tea has evolved into a unique form of Haipai-style creativity. From century-old tea influences to trendy experimental drinks, every cup tells part of Shanghai’s story.
To help you explore the city through its flavors, here are 10 must-try Shanghai milk tea shops, including classics, innovators, hidden gems, and crossover creations. Perfect for anyone searching for Shanghai drinks, milk tea shops, or the best Shanghai milk tea.
I. Classics — Where “Haipai Milk Tea” Began
1. LELECHA — The Fruit-Tea Icon
Signature: Strawberry Peach Cheesy Tea — fresh strawberry mash, peach juice, and salty cheese foam. Shake before drinking for the perfect texture.
Why Visit: A staple for anyone exploring Shanghai milk tea for the first time.
Locations: City-wide; popular stores include Nanjing East Road & Xujiahui.
Price: ¥28–32
Tips: Order low sugar for fresher fruit flavor; the Nanjing East Road store pairs well with a Bund stroll.
2. HEYTEA — The Modern Pioneer
Signature: Osmanthus Alley — oolong milk tea with osmanthus syrup and dried osmanthus flakes.
Why Visit: Captures the scent of early-autumn Shanghai nongtang alleyways.
Locations: Jing’an Crystal Galleria / Xintiandi Plaza
Price: ¥25–28
Tips: The Xintiandi location offers beautiful shikumen backdrop photos.
3. Chayan Yuese (Shanghai Limited) — Affordable & Well-Loved
Signature: Whispering Oolong — Ceylon tea, fresh milk, cream, and crushed pecans.
Why Visit: Rich flavor at an unbeatable price — loved by locals and travelers.
Locations: Hongyi Plaza / Global Harbor
Price: ¥18–22
Tips: Expect lines at Nanjing East Road; Global Harbor is quieter.
II. Innovators — The “Milk Tea Labs” of Shanghai
4. CHUNFENG — Wellness-Style Milk Tea
Signature: Royal Jelly Tonic Water for Late Nights — ginseng, honey water, goji berries.
Why Visit: Shanghai’s most iconic “health-style” milk tea.
Locations: TX Huaihai / Jiuguang Department Store
Price: ¥32–38
Tips: Choose low sugar; “Oil-Scraping Water” may be too strong for sensitive stomachs.
5. FU XIAOTAO — Japanese-Inspired Aesthetic Milk Tea
Signature: White Peach Oolong Fresh Milk — peach pulp + oolong + cream snow cap.
Why Visit: Soft, pastel colors — extremely photogenic.
Locations: Tianzifang / Ri Yue Guang Mall
Price: ¥26–30
Tips: Combine with a Tianzifang artsy afternoon walk.
6. 7BUSH — Mango Lovers’ Paradise
Signature: Yang Zhi Gan Lu smoothie — mango, pomelo, sago, coconut milk.
Why Visit: Possibly the best mango-based Shanghai drink.
Locations: Raffles City / Super Brand Mall
Price: ¥22–25
Tips: Perfect for a refreshing break during People’s Square shopping.
III. Niche & Local — Hidden Shanghai Milk Tea Gems
7. Āmā’s Handmade — Guangxi Flavors in Shanghai
Signature: Mochi Milk Tea — handmade mochi + black sugar pearls + fresh milk.
Why Visit: A “drinkable dessert”; everything is made fresh daily.
Locations: Hongqiao Tiandi / Qiantan Taikoo Li
Price: ¥35–40
Tips: Limited daily supply — visit before 11 AM.
8. Nishou Tea Dance — Chinese Aesthetic Atmosphere
Signature: Frost Red Snow Roll — black tea milk base topped with a cream snow cap.
Why Visit: Hanfu-inspired packaging + elegant ink-wash designs.
Locations: Yuyuan / Qibao Old Street
Price: ¥20–25
Tips: A great stop during a Yuyuan Temple cultural visit.
IV. Crossovers — When Milk Tea Meets Something New
9. Manner Coffee (Milk Tea Line)
Signature: Osmanthus Longjing Latte — Longjing tea with milk, topped with osmanthus.
Why Visit: For coffee fans exploring Shanghai drinks beyond milk tea.
Locations: Wukang Road / Binjiang Avenue
Price: ¥20–25
Tips: Take it on a romantic riverfront walk in Lujiazui.
10. Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea — Brown Sugar Boba Fresh Milk
Signature: Brown Sugar Boba Fresh Milk — freshly cooked handmade brown-sugar pearls + fresh milk; shake 15 times for perfect flavor.
Why Visit: Soft, chewy pearls with nostalgic “grandma-made” warmth in every sip.
Locations: City-wide Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea branches (Changle Road; Xintiandi Style).
Price: ¥20–¥25
Tips: Changle Road is close to the Duozhuayu Physical Store—browse vintage clothes or vinyls after your drink. Xintiandi Style location pairs perfectly with a shopping break.
⭐ Summary: Milk Tea Is One of the Best Ways to Experience Shanghai
From classics to niche finds, these 10 shops show why Shanghai milk tea is such an essential part of the city’s food culture. Whether you prefer bold fruit teas, wellness-style drinks, or creative crossovers, you’ll always find something new — because Shanghai never stops reinventing its drinks scene. Discover more of Shanghai’s best eats on our Shanghai Local Food Trails.
Tell us: Which one will you try first? 🥤✨
Shanghai Milk Tea FAQs
What makes Shanghai milk tea unique?
Shanghai milk tea is smoother and less sweet than other styles, often with creative flavors that highlight the tea itself.
What are the must-try milk tea drinks in Shanghai?
Try classic milk tea, roasted oolong milk tea, and seasonal fruit or specialty drinks recommended by each shop.
Which Shanghai milk tea shops are worth visiting?
Local boutique shops and popular chains are both worth trying. Focus on those with signature drinks and high-quality ingredients.
How sweet is milk tea in Shanghai?
Most shops allow customizable sweetness. Locals often choose 30–50% sugar or no sugar to enjoy the tea flavor.
How much does a cup of milk tea cost?
On average, a cup costs RMB 18–35, with boutique shops slightly higher for premium ingredients.
When and where should I drink milk tea in Shanghai?
Milk tea is available year-round. Stop by near tourist areas or metro stations, iced in summer, hot in winter.
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