Laoshe Teahouse attracts customers of different ages. Teahouses have become popular again in recent years after seeing their business decline with the arrival of Western cultural influences. [Photo by Liu Xuan/provided to China Daily]

Wen will sometimes choose a teahouse to meet with friends, drink tea while talking to them, or play a board game.

He is not the only one who enjoys the teahouse.

Yin Zhijun, president of Laoshe Teahouse in Beijing, said: "With tea and snacks, many people now use teahouses as their parlor to do business because it is relatively formal but also relaxing. They feel the office is too serious, while home is too private."

She said increasing numbers of companies prefer teahouses to host banquets thanking customers for their support every year.

Teahouses are also popular among the young generation. From elementary school students to young adults, this generation is flocking to teahouses more than ever before. According to the Laoshe Teahouse's estimate, the average age of consumers is about 30.