Development and Present Situation of Tea Shops

Macao was an important entrepot for the export of tea leaves from China to Western countries as early as in the 17th century. By early 20th century, the unstable political landscape of China and its economic upheavals had made Macao a relatively peaceful place for its tea leaves trade to flourish. A handful of tea shops were opened in Macao, whose business thrived during the time of the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Second World War for there was a massive demand for tea leaves. When China regained its leading position in tea production after its victory over the Japanese, many tea shops of Macao went out of business over time.

The Rua de Cinco de Outubro was one of the districts concentrated with tea shops in early Macao. Most of them had closed down in between the 1930s to 1980s with only a few able to withstand the test of time.