A Spectacular Concrete Tea House With River Views In China

Hangzhou, the capital of China’s Zhejiang province, is known worldwide for two things: the natural beauty of its heritage listed West Lake, and the production of its treasured local green tea. More than 700 teahouses can be found here, with those situated around West Lake offering some of the most impressive views in the region. ‘Teahouse in Jiuxing Village’ is positioned on a sloping plot of land where the Fuchun River, Lanjiang and Xin’an Rivers meet, with views of the mountainous landscape ahead. The establishment has a distinct identity both in terms of its size, at almost 2500-square-meters, and its use of materials, being comprised entirely of concrete. The venue features two separate buildings: the tea house itself with multiple storeys and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and a second complex with open platforms. On the roof of this building, a circular slab of concrete was removed to create an opening to the sky. ‘Teahouse in Jiuxing Village’ is a striking location for reflection, rejuvenation, or social interaction.