Hello, I’m Emma Lee, a foreign food blogger who has lived in China for many years. Instead of only visiting trendy restaurants, I prefer exploring everyday food culture in China, from street snacks and convenience store drinks to chain brands and upscale dining. I focus on real, approachable flavors that locals enjoy. MIXUE Ice Cream & Tea is one of those brands I keep coming across and ordering again and again in daily life. This MIXUE guide is based on my personal experience, covering what to order and what to know, and it’s written to help first-time visitors understand a brand that feels ordinary in China, yet incredibly representative of local food culture.

Introduction to MIXUE Ice Cream & Tea

MIXUE Ice Cream & Tea is one of the most famous ice cream and tea chains in China. With more than 50,000 stores nationwide, it ranks as the number one beverage brand in the country. The brand started in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, and has been operating since 1997. Among Chinese consumers, the most common word used to describe MIXUE is “cheap.” In China, most drinks from other chains cost around 15 CNY, while more premium brands like Starbucks often charge about 35 CNY. In contrast, most MIXUE drinks cost only 6 to 8 CNY. Despite the low price, the quality remains reliable, and it’s rare to hear about food safety issues related to MIXUE. Because of this, students and young professionals can enjoy it without worrying about their budget.

Another memorable feature is MIXUE’s extremely catchy theme song: “You love me, I love you, MIXUE Ice Cream & Tea.” Once you hear it, the melody stays in your head. Interestingly, this same tune is used in MIXUE stores worldwide, although the lyrics change depending on the country.

  • Chinese name: 蜜雪冰城
  • Best season to drink: All year round
  • Average cost per person: 8 CNY
  • Cities with stores: Most cities across China
MIXUE Ice Cream & Tea logo

How to Order at MIXUE

All MIXUE Ice Cream & Tea stores in China allow customers to order by scanning a QR code inside the shop. Payment is completed through WeChat Pay or Alipay. The process feels very similar to ordering at McDonald’s, and you can customize your drink easily.

  • Cup size: Medium, Large
  • Temperature: Hot, Room temperature, Regular ice, Less ice (if you order cold drinks in winter, less ice is a better choice)
  • Sugar level: Regular sugar, 70% sugar, 50% sugar, 30% sugar, No added sugar
  • Toppings (usually cost an extra 1–2 CNY): Common options include taro balls, tapioca pearls, crispy boba, pudding, coconut jelly (my favorite), and Oreo cookie crumbs

Tips: After scanning the QR code, you can use the built-in translation feature, which makes ordering much easier for non-Chinese speakers.

MIXUE Ice Cream & Tea ordering on WeChat Mini Program

Must-Try Drinks at MIXUE

Cheese Milk Cap Four Seasons Spring Tea

MIXUE Ice Cream & Tea cheese foam oolong tea
  • Temperature: Less ice
  • Sugar level: 30% sugar
  • Toppings: Tapioca pearls + Oreo cookie crumbs
  • Review: Shake it well before drinking. The cheese foam and Oreo crumbs settle at the top, and mixing everything together makes it much better. I honestly can’t resist Oreo milk tea combinations at all.

Strawberry Shaky Milkshake

MIXUE Ice Cream & Tea strawberry milkshake
  • Temperature: Regular ice
  • Sugar level: No selection needed
  • Toppings: None
  • Review: This drink combines strawberry jam, ice cream, and milk tea. The sweet-and-sour strawberry flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the ice cream. It does have a slight sour note, so if you don’t enjoy acidic flavors, you might want to skip this one.

Americano Coffee

MIXUE Ice Cream & Tea iced Americano coffee
  • Temperature: Less ice
  • Sugar level: Regular
  • Toppings: No sugar
  • Review: An iced Americano for 6 CNY is extremely rare in China. If you just want caffeine without spending much, this is a great deal.

Fresh Orange Punch

MIXUE Ice Cream & Tea fresh orange juice drink
  • Temperature: Less ice
  • Sugar level: No added sugar
  • Toppings: None
  • Review: This tastes much better than bottled juice from a supermarket. It’s freshly made and has a light, natural sweetness with a bit of citrus acidity, which makes it perfect for summer.

Taro Ball Grape Drink

MIXUE Ice Cream & Tea taro balls grape drink
  • Temperature: Less ice
  • Sugar level: No added sugar
  • Toppings: Crispy boba
  • Review: Sweet and fragrant, with a clean grape flavor and a light milky note. The drink feels refreshing rather than heavy, and the taro balls add a pleasantly chewy texture.