Shenzhen is the "universe center" of handcrafted tea drinks: HEYTEA, NAYUKI, and Bawang Chaji all originated in Guangdong, and you can find a tea shop every couple of steps. For Hong Kongers, heading north for milk tea means more choices, lower prices, and frequent new products to try. Here are 5 must-drink recommendations:
🧋 HEYTEA — The tea drink leader from Guangdong
HEYTEA started in Jiangmen and became famous nationwide. Its signature drinks include Cheesy Grapes, Cheesy Strawberry and other fruit teas — made with real ingredients and a fragrant tea base. There are so many branches in Shenzhen you can't count them all; every mall has one. Average cost ¥20-35. Ordering through the App can save you queue time, and there are frequent member discounts.
🍓 NAYUKI — The pioneer of fruit tea + soft European bread
NAYUKI started in Shenzhen and focuses on "a good cup of tea + a bite of soft European bread": fruit teas like Dominant Strawberry and Dominant Orange are loaded with ingredients, and paired with freshly baked soft European bread (pastry) it makes the perfect afternoon tea. Average cost ¥25-40.
🏔️ Bawang Chaji — "Tea-base world" Chinese-style milk tea
Bawang Chaji is famous for its "fresh original-leaf milk tea." Its signature Boya Juexian uses jasmine snow bud as the tea base, with a balanced milk-and-tea aroma that isn't cloyingly sweet. The packaging features stunning Chinese-style design, and it frequently collaborates with IPs. Average cost ¥18-30.
🌸 Jasmine Milk White — Fresh jasmine tea base
Jasmine Milk White is a rising star in recent years, specializing in fresh milk tea with a jasmine tea base: signature Jasmine Milk White and Osmanthus Longjing feature a delicate floral aroma and just the right sweetness. The minimalist, artsy storefronts are perfect for photos. Average cost ¥15-25.
🍦 Mixue Ice Cream & Tea — Budget pick under ¥5
Mixue is the "Pinduoduo of the milk tea world": lemonade for ¥4, ice cream for ¥3, and even pearl milk tea for around ¥8 — laughably cheap. While it can't compare to premium tea shops, it wins on price and has an enormous number of branches. Walk past one and you'll want to grab a cup. Average cost ¥5-12.
Tea drinking tips
- Order through the App: HEYTEA, NAYUKI, and Bawang Chaji all have official Apps/mini-programs — new users get discount coupons
- You can customize sweetness and ice level: Hong Kong tastes are better suited to "less sugar / half sugar" — the mainland default is usually on the sweeter side
- Keep an eye out for new products: these brands constantly release seasonal limited editions, and people on Xiaohongshu are always the first to try them
- To save money, check Meituan or Dianping for group deals — afternoon tea hours often have discounts
- Most tea shops have seating, so when you get tired from walking around, you can sit down and take your time
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