In the picturesque landscapes of Kaihui township, just beyond Changsha’s urban sprawl, a cultural phenomenon is captivating city dwellers. The First Love Teahouse, housed within a repurposed rural supply and marketing cooperative building, has transformed into an unexpected pilgrimage site for urbanites seeking connection to simpler times.
The establishment masterfully recreates the agrarian atmosphere of 1980s rural China through its meticulous design and curated artifacts. More than 600 vintage objects donated by local villagers—including aluminum water kettles, enamel tea mugs, and traditional bamboo baskets—create an immersive environment that founder describes as a ‘rural cultural living room.’ This attention to authentic detail has earned the venue its nickname: ‘a teahouse grown on farmland.’
What began as a quiet nostalgic venture in September has evolved into a sensation, with patrons regularly enduring hour-long drives from downtown Changsha even on weekdays. The attraction extends beyond traditional tea service to include local specialty foods and vibrant cultural performances. Particularly popular are the Huagu Opera (flower-drum opera) shows that animate the main stage, combining with the aromatic tea steam and rhythmic drum beats to create a multisensory experience.
Patrons consistently report powerful emotional connections to the establishment. ‘The dishes, the performance, the culture—everything feels like from our childhood,’ remarked one guest who grew up in the region. This successful blending of heritage preservation with contemporary consumption patterns demonstrates how rural cultural elements can find new relevance in modern urban life, creating sustainable business models that celebrate traditional Chinese culture while meeting the psychological needs of today’s consumers.