Chengdu

1. Teahouses in Chengdu

Teahouses are an integral part of Chengdu’s culture and daily life. They are not just places to drink tea but also social hubs where locals gather to chat, play mahjong, or simply relax.

Popular Teahouses

1. Heming Teahouse (鹤鸣茶馆)

   • Location: Inside People’s Park (人民公园), downtown Chengdu.
   • Unique Features: One of the oldest and most famous teahouses in Chengdu, Heming Teahouse offers a quintessential Sichuan teahouse experience. It’s located in a serene park setting, making it perfect for people-watching and soaking in the local atmosphere.
   • Price Range: 20–50 RMB per person, depending on the type of tea.
   • Cultural Significance: This teahouse is a living example of Chengdu’s slow-paced lifestyle. Locals often spend hours here sipping tea and chatting.
   • Local Tip: Try the jasmine tea or Sichuan green tea, served in traditional gaiwan (lidded bowls). Don’t hesitate to ask for hot water refills, which are customary.

2. Shunxing Old Teahouse (顺兴老茶馆)

   • Location: Chengdu Jinjiang Theater (锦江剧场).
   • Unique Features: This teahouse combines tea culture with Sichuan opera performances, including the famous face-changing (变脸) act.
   • Price Range: 50–100 RMB per person, including tea and snacks.
   • Cultural Significance: It’s a great place to experience the intersection of tea culture and Sichuan’s performing arts.
   • Local Tip: Arrive early to secure a good seat for the opera performance.

3. Wangjianglou Teahouse (望江楼茶馆)

   • Location: Wangjianglou Park (望江楼公园).
   • Unique Features: Located near the Jinjiang River, this teahouse offers a tranquil environment surrounded by bamboo groves.
   • Price Range: 30–60 RMB per person.
   • Cultural Significance: The park and teahouse are dedicated to Xue Tao, a famous Tang Dynasty poet, and the area is steeped in literary history.
   • Local Tip: Pair your tea with local snacks like sunflower seeds or peanuts, which are often available.

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Etiquette in Teahouses

• Tea Pouring: If someone pours tea for you, tap the table with two fingers as a gesture of thanks.
• Refills: It’s common to ask for hot water refills. Simply lift the lid of your gaiwan or teapot slightly to signal the staff.
• Noise: Teahouses can be lively, with people chatting or playing mahjong. Embrace the atmosphere—it’s part of the experience.
• Time: There’s no rush in a teahouse. Feel free to linger for hours, as this is a place to relax.

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2. Cafes in Chengdu

In recent years, Chengdu has seen a boom in trendy cafes, blending modern coffee culture with local aesthetics. These cafes often cater to younger crowds and expats.

Popular Cafes

1. The Bookworm Chengdu

   • Location: Yujie East Road (玉洁东路), near the U.S. Consulate.
   • Unique Features: A combination of a café, bookstore, and cultural space. It’s a favorite among expats and offers a cozy atmosphere for reading or working.
   • Price Range: 30–60 RMB for coffee or snacks.
   • Local Tip: Check their event schedule for book readings, live music, or trivia nights.

2. Manner Coffee

   • Location: Multiple branches across Chengdu.
   • Unique Features: Known for its minimalist design and high-quality coffee at affordable prices.
   • Price Range: 15–30 RMB for coffee.
   • Local Tip: Try their signature flat white or cold brew.

3. NU Café

   • Location: Taikoo Li (太古里), a high-end shopping district.
   • Unique Features: A chic café with a focus on sustainability and healthy food options. It’s a great spot for brunch or a light meal.
   • Price Range: 50–100 RMB for coffee and food.
   • Local Tip: Sit on the outdoor terrace for a view of the bustling Taikoo Li area.

4. % Arabica

   • Location: Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu.
   • Unique Features: A globally recognized coffee brand with a sleek, modern design. Their coffee is made from beans roasted in-house.
   • Price Range: 30–50 RMB for coffee.
   • Local Tip: Their latte art is Instagram-worthy, so don’t forget to snap a photo.

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Etiquette in Cafes

• Ordering: Most cafes in Chengdu operate on a self-service model. Place your order at the counter and pick it up when your name or number is called.
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is common, but you may need to ask for the password.
• Seating: During busy hours, it’s polite to vacate your seat once you’re done if others are waiting.

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3. Cultural Significance

• Teahouses: Chengdu’s teahouses are deeply rooted in the city’s history and culture. They reflect the Sichuanese philosophy of enjoying life at a leisurely pace. Historically, teahouses were places for intellectuals, merchants, and commoners to gather and exchange ideas.
• Cafes: The rise of cafes in Chengdu represents the city’s modernization and its embrace of global trends. Many cafes incorporate local elements, such as Sichuan flavors in desserts or tea-infused coffee drinks.

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4. Price Ranges

• Teahouses: 20–100 RMB per person, depending on the type of tea and location.
• Cafes: 15–100 RMB per person, depending on the type of drink or food.

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5. Tips for Visiting

1. Language: While some cafes may have English-speaking staff, most teahouses are frequented by locals, so basic Mandarin phrases or a translation app can be helpful.
2. Cashless Payment: Most establishments accept WeChat Pay or Alipay. Carry some cash if you’re visiting older teahouses.
3. Timing: Teahouses are busiest in the late morning and early afternoon. Cafes are popular in the afternoon and evening.
4. Dress Code: Casual attire is acceptable in both teahouses and cafes.
5. Local Snacks: Many teahouses and cafes offer snacks like sunflower seeds, peanuts, or Sichuan-style pastries. Don’t hesitate to try them!

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6. Unique Offerings

• Tea Art Performances: Some teahouses, like Shunxing Old Teahouse, offer tea art performances where servers pour tea from long-spouted kettles in an acrobatic style.
• Sichuan Flavors: Look for cafes that incorporate Sichuan ingredients, such as chili-infused chocolate or tea-flavored desserts.

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Chengdu’s teahouses and cafes are more than just places to drink tea or coffee—they are windows into the city’s soul. Whether you’re savoring a cup of jasmine tea in a historic teahouse or enjoying a flat white in a trendy café, you’ll find that these establishments embody the city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.