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Chengdu: Savoring Life by the Cup


	Photo: Shinya Ichinohe

The teahouses of Chengdu embody the good life. Locals relax at establishments such as the century-old People’s Park Teahouse in downtown. Over tea they watch an opera performance, play Chinese chess, mahjong, discuss current events, conduct business, or just gossip. They can unwind with a traditional ear-cleaning, done with narrow metal files and tongs, small bamboo scrapers, and feathers.

Surrounded by a fertile plain known as the “Land of Abundance,” Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province in southwest China. Sichuan is known as one of the important birthplaces of tea cultivation and appreciation. While the frantic pace of life in other Chinese cities has resulted in the loss of local culture, Chengdu’s vibrant teahouse culture continues to thrive. Is tea a luxury easily supported by rising incomes? Or does Chengdu’s lack of sunshine spur people indoors (and the caffeine provides a shot of stimulation!)? Whatever the reason, Chengdu is dotted with thousands of tea houses and the saying goes: “Tea houses in Sichuan rank first in the world; tea houses in Chengdu rank first in Sichuan.”