Shanghai loves afternoon tea, but Pina Bausch is taking this fascination to a whole new level, and we mean that quite literally. You can now enjoy your tea and cakes while floating above the lilongs of Shanghai on the new Sky Ring at the top of Joy City Mall.
To enjoy the adorably packed afternoon tea stack on the wheel, you’ll have to scan the below QR code (only in Chinese) and pre-book. Once you arrive, you’ll be whisked into a pod and will then have two rotations (12 minutes each) to work your way through the set of nine sweets. You’re even given a couple of little plates, forks and gloves so things don’t get messy. Helpful tip, don’t spend your entire first rotation taking pictures of yourself and the food as you’ll be hard pressed to finish the rest in one more rotation.
The cakes themselves are mostly delicious - somewhat surprising considering the high potential for flavour to be an afterthought in this touristy picnic gimmick. There’s a moreish cheesecake with a fluffy interior and crisp crust, as well as cute little ‘naked cakes’ (un-iced) made with Italian Mascarpone and New Zealand butter - mmm. Our only disappointment with the set was that the scone didn’t come with jam and cream.
So let’s talk cost, because afternoon tea in Shanghai comes with a price tag, and now there’s a wheel ride thrown in to confuse the formula. In total, the nine sweets plus two hot drinks comes to 298RMB - ouch - which also includes the two rotations on the Sky Ring, and all the selfie ammunition you’ll need to flood your WeChat Moments for the hours that follow.
Not a sweet tooth? Never fear. Pina Bausch is also offering dinner sets to be enjoyed on the wheel as you sail above the glittering evening lights of Shanghai. Prices range from 999RMB-1,314RMB, and thankfully they give you 12 rotations, so you’ll have more time to kick back and relax.
If you’re in the market for a fun/unique/extravagant/weird afternoon tea experience, scan this QR code and pre-book. It’s pricey, but hey, this is Shanghai baby.
Pina Bausch is at Level 8, Joy City, 180 Xizang Bei Lu, near Qufu Lu, Hongkou district.