Authentic Tea Houses Of Chengdu

Chengdu is a city where people know how to relax, life moves a little slower here.

“Chengdu is a city where people know how to relax, life moves a little slower here,” a familiar phrase we have all heard many times from Chengdu locals, Chinese friends who have moved here, and expats alike. But as we find ourselves standing in a line, 10 people deep and almost the same number wide, waiting for the 8am commuter train into the city, it’s hard not to think: Are we missing something, because life here seems pretty damn fast.

Chengdu’s 14million residents dwarf most European cities. It can feel overwhelming as a foreigner to live in or visit such a large city. Where to even begin? What neighbourhoods to visit, what things to do, what to see? Well, if you’re looking for the quieter side of Chengdu, a side with rich culture, old history, and laid-back afternoons, one of Chengdu’s many tea houses could be the perfect spot. Chengdu really does have a lot of tea houses. There are modern and minimalistic tea houses, cosy and musty tea houses, tea houses with live traditional Chinese music, and tea houses a futuristic twist.

There are modern and minimalistic tea houses, cosy and musty tea houses, tea houses with live traditional Chinese music, and tea houses a futuristic twist.

Throughout the next three post we will explore 3 of the oldest and most authentic tea houses in the city; three must see spots to sit down and share a cup of tea with friends and locals.