Photo Credit: Getty Images
A restaurant in China’s northern Shanxi province is under intense scrutiny after launching a controversial afternoon tea experience that lets guests cuddle lion cubs alongside a four-course meal. The Wanhui restaurant, located in Taiyuan city, has gone viral on Chinese social media platforms like WeChat and Weibo, where photos and videos show patrons cradling the cubs like human babies.
The offering, priced at 1,078 yuan (approximately $150), includes animal interactions as part of a premium dining package. Wanhui opened in June and reportedly sells about 20 tickets per day to customers seeking this unusual experience, according to the state-run Shanghai Daily. The restaurant’s Douyin (Chinese TikTok) page also features other animals on display, including llamas, turtles, and deer.
Despite the apparent popularity, the stunt has provoked widespread criticism. Many online users condemned the venture as exploitative and potentially dangerous, with concerns centering on the health and safety of both the animals and the guests. “This is for the rich to play,” commented one Weibo user. “Ordinary people can’t even afford to drink.” Another user called for government intervention, stating, “The relevant departments should take care of it.”
Animal welfare concerns have taken center stage in the backlash. Critics question the legal and ethical implications of using wild animals, especially endangered or exotic species, as part of a commercial entertainment experience. “The service has raised serious concerns about legality and animal welfare,” Shanghai Daily reported on its official WeChat page.
The timing of the controversy is also notable. Just weeks earlier, authorities in Chongqing launched an investigation into a hotel that allowed red pandas to climb onto guests’ beds as part of a so-called “wake-up service,” prompting further debate over the commercialization of wildlife in the hospitality industry.
Attempts to reach Wanhui for comment have so far been unsuccessful, according to Reuters.
The practice of using wild animals as marketing tools or gimmicks is not new in China, but the lion cub tea set has pushed public concern to a new level. With rising awareness around animal rights and stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws in the country, many online users are calling for immediate regulatory oversight.
For now, Wanhui’s afternoon tea continues to draw attention—but not for the reasons the restaurant may have hoped.
