What are the famous teahouses in Chengdu?
Chengdu's famous teahouses include Heming Teahouse, Guanyinge Old Teahouse, Daci Tea House, Chenjin Teahouse, and Shunxing Old Teahouse. Some are tucked away in public parks, some sit within ancient temple grounds, and others have preserved their century-old appearance — offering different experiences for different tastes.
Which teahouses are the most famous?
1. Heming Teahouse
Located inside People's Park, Heming Teahouse is one of the oldest surviving teahouses in Chengdu. For over a hundred years, locals have come here to drink tea and bai long men zhen (chat leisurely). It's also the top choice for visitors who want to experience Chengdu's famous slow-paced lifestyle.
What makes it special: Open-air seating under bamboo trees, traditional bamboo chairs and covered-bowl tea (gaiwan). Ear cleaning service available. Lively, authentic atmosphere.
Average cost: ~20 RMB per person
Opening hours: 08:00 – 22:00
2. Guanyinge Old Teahouse
Located in Peng Town, Shuangliu District, this teahouse has over 150 years of history. It is the only teahouse in Sichuan that still preserves a traditional "tiger stove" (clay brick stove with multiple burners). A favorite among photographers.
What makes it special: Century-old wooden building, water boiled on a tiger stove, raw and unpolished old-Chengdu street-life atmosphere.
Average cost: ~13 RMB per person
Note: Closed on Sundays. Plan your visit accordingly.
Which teahouses offer the most unique atmosphere?
1. Daci Tea House
Tucked inside Daci Temple in the city center, right next to the bustling Taikoo Li shopping district. Outside the temple walls, a busy commercial hub; inside, a quiet, ancient monastery.
What makes it special: A peaceful retreat from the urban buzz. Zen atmosphere within an ancient temple. Perfect for relaxation and daydreaming.
Average cost: ~30 RMB per person
Note: Check the temple's current entry policy (free or ticketed) before visiting.
2. Xiangyuan at Wenshu Temple (Wenshu Yuan)
Located inside Wenshu Temple, this teahouse offers a tranquil environment and is also known for its vegetarian food.
What makes it special: Traditional temple architecture. You can try calligraphy copying of Buddhist sutras. Serves vegetarian desserts.
Average cost: ~44 RMB per person
Phone: 028-65260110
3. Wangjianglou Park Teahouse
Located inside Wangjianglou Park, surrounded by bamboo groves and near the Jinjiang River.
What makes it special: Enjoy bamboo views and river scenery. A daily leisure spot for local Chengdu residents.
Average cost: ~20 RMB per person
Which teahouses feature live performances?
1. Shunxing Old Teahouse
Located on the third floor of the Chengdu International Convention & Exhibition Center. The interior is decorated in an antique style, resembling a tea culture museum.
What makes it special: Live folk performances including face-changing (bian lian), fire-spitting, and yangqin (Chinese dulcimer). Suitable for business entertaining or tourists looking for a cultural showcase.
Average cost: Minimum spend ~28 RMB per person
2. Yuelai Tea Garden
Located on Huaxing Zhengjie Street, Jinjiang District. Known as the "nest of Sichuan opera."
What makes it special: Year-round Sichuan opera performances, sometimes featuring Plum Blossom Award winners (top national theater award).
Opening hours: 11:00 – 23:00
3. Zide Teahouse
Located inside Huoshui Park (Living Water Park). Features intangible cultural heritage performances on weekends.
What makes it special: You can drink tea on a boat. Weekend afternoons offer face-changing, storytelling (pingshu), and other traditional performances.
Average cost: ~25 RMB per person
Quick Comparison Table (for reference)
| Teahouse | Location | Best for | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heming Teahouse | People's Park | First-time visitors, lively atmosphere | ~20 RMB |
| Guanyinge Old Teahouse | Peng Town (Shuangliu) | Photography, history lovers | ~13 RMB |
| Daci Tea House | Daci Temple (city center) | Quiet temple vibe, escaping crowds | ~30 RMB |
| Xiangyuan (Wenshu) | Wenshu Temple | Vegetarian food, calligraphy | ~44 RMB |
| Wangjianglou Teahouse | Wangjianglou Park | Bamboo & river views | ~20 RMB |
| Shunxing Old Teahouse | Int'l Convention Center | Face-changing performances | ~28 RMB min. |
| Yuelai Tea Garden | Jinjiang District | Sichuan opera | Varies |
| Zide Teahouse | Huoshui Park | Boat tea, weekend shows | ~25 RMB |
