China's Controversial Restaurant Offers Lion Cub Cuddles with Tea

In a novel yet controversial business venture, a restaurant in the northern province of Shanxi, China, has begun offering patrons the opportunity to cuddle with lion cubs during a four-course afternoon tea experience. The Wanhui restaurant, located in Taiyuan city, has attracted significant attention on social media platforms, particularly WeChat and Weibo, where videos and images of customers cradling the cubs have gone viral.

The unique dining experience, priced at 1,078 yuan (approximately $150), includes not only lion cub cuddles but also encounters with other animals like llamas and turtles. The restaurant has reported selling around 20 tickets daily since its opening in June 2025, according to a report from the state-run Shanghai Daily. However, this practice has sparked widespread concern regarding animal welfare and legality, with critics voicing their disapproval online.

"The service has raised serious concerns about legality and animal welfare," the Shanghai Daily stated, highlighting the growing backlash against such animal interaction experiences that commodify wildlife for entertainment purposes. Many social media users criticized the initiative, describing it as a luxury experience accessible only to the wealthy. One user on Weibo remarked, "This is for the rich to play," while another called for authorities to take action, expressing concern for the animals involved.

Animal welfare organizations have also condemned the practice. According to Dr. Ming Zhao, a wildlife conservation expert from the China Academy of Sciences, allowing patrons to cuddle with wild animals can lead to significant stress and health issues for the animals. "While it may appear as a harmless activity, the psychological impact on cubs can be detrimental, and such experiences often normalize the exploitation of wild animals for human entertainment," Dr. Zhao noted in a statement released on August 1, 2025.

This controversy follows a similar incident in June 2025, when authorities investigated a hotel in Chongqing for offering a service that let red pandas awaken guests in their beds. Such ventures have raised alarms among animal rights advocates and government officials alike, suggesting a need for stricter regulations concerning wildlife interactions in commercial settings.

In light of the backlash, experts argue that the Chinese government should consider implementing clearer guidelines regarding animal welfare in the hospitality and entertainment industries. "Legislation is crucial to protect these animals from exploitation and ensure that such practices do not continue to proliferate," stated Dr. Li Wei, a professor of veterinary medicine at Peking University.

As public sentiment continues to evolve regarding the treatment of wild animals and their roles in human activities, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to this growing trend of animal interaction experiences in China. The implications for animal welfare, tourism, and ethical standards in the industry could be significant as more voices call for change in how wild animals are treated in commercial settings.