The Qibao Teahouse in Qibao Ancient Town is the oldest operating teahouse in Shanghai. Open for more than a century, it's still a place for people to socialize and enjoy one of life's enduring daily rituals.

A visit to the teahouse in Minhang District is a trip in nostalgia - and it's authentic.

For only 2 yuan (30 US cents), you can stay all day, sip green tea and enjoy a traditional Suzhou pingtan performance of storytelling to music.

Qibao, 18 kilometers from downtown Shanghai, was built in the Five Dynasties Period (907-979 AD). It grew rapidly in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and flourished in the Ming (1348-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

Most of the customers are farmers and retirees. "Opening at 4am and closing at 6pm, we are open 365 days a year," says manager Zhao Hongyu.

The teahouse features eight traditional-style ba xian zhuo (literally eight immortals table) with benches, a brick fireplace and teapots aplenty. About 400 pots of tea are served every day.

Across the courtyard, paved in tiny old bricks, is a theater for Suzhou pingtan. Rows of elderly people sit on long benches, sipping tea, fanning themselves and listening to the storytelling.

The 2 yuan for tea includes a ticket.

(Shanghai Daily July 10, 2008)