Chengdu Teahouses — Where to Go, What to Order, Etiquette
Teahouses are the heart of Chengdu life—quiet mornings with old friends, lazy afternoons of mahjong, and evening chats by the river. For au pairs and students, a teahouse visit is an easy, affordable way to soak up local culture, practice Mandarin, and slow down.
Types of Teahouses You’ll Find
Classic Park Teahouses
- Outdoor seating, bamboo chairs, thermos of hot water, birdsong and opera rehearsals in the distance.
- Perfect for reading, journaling, or language exchange.
Riverside & Courtyard Teahouses
- Atmospheric lanes and waterfront views; great for sunset sessions and photos.
- Expect simple snacks and a relaxed pace.
Opera Teahouses
- Watch Sichuan Opera or short face-changing sets while sipping tea.
- Table seating; some include basic tea in the ticket.
Modern Tea Studios
- Gaiwan lessons, curated leaves, tastings; quieter, study-friendly spaces.
- Often sell premium loose-leaf to take home.
Short on time? Pick a park teahouse for classic bamboo-chair vibes or a courtyard for pretty photos.
How to Order (and What Arrives)
- Choose a tea type from the menu board or tray of jars; price usually includes refills of hot water.
- You’ll get a cup or gaiwan (lidded bowl) and a thermos or table kettle for self-refills.
- Snacks like 瓜子 (sunflower seeds) are common; some spots allow outside snacks.
Local Teas to Try (Chengdu & Sichuan Favourites)
竹叶青 (Zhúyèqīng) — “Bamboo Leaf Green”
- Crisp, fresh green tea with light sweetness; very popular around Chengdu.
- Brew cooler (≈80°C) and short to keep it sweet.
蒙顶甘露 (Méngdǐng Gānlù) — Mengding Sweet Dew
- Historic Sichuan green tea; floral and gentle.
- Lovely for first-time tasters who prefer soft flavors.
茉莉花茶 (Mòlì Huāchá) — Jasmine Green
- Fragrant and soothing; beginner-friendly and common in park teahouses.
普洱 / 黑茶 (Pǔ’ěr / Hēichá)
- Earthy, smooth dark teas (from Southwest); comforting on cooler days.
Gaiwan Basics (2-Minute Lesson)
- Warm the cup with hot water; pour out.
- Add tea leaves (about 1–2 tsp). Pour water along the side, not directly on leaves.
- Steep short: 10–30 seconds for green tea; longer for dark teas.
- Hold lid slightly ajar and sip, or decant into your cup. Refill with hot water as flavor fades.
Etiquette & Easy Mandarin
- Refills: Place the gaiwan lid slightly tilted to signal “more hot water, please.”
- Quiet vibe: Keep voices low; many guests read, play cards, or nap.
- Mahjong rooms: Ask staff before joining; some teahouses rent by the hour.
- Basic phrases: “来一壶茉莉花茶，可以续水吗？” (One pot of jasmine, can we get refills?)
- Clean-up: Staff handle cups; tidy shells/seeds into the dish provided.
When to Go & What to Bring
- Morning: Locals reading newspapers, tai chi nearby—peaceful and cool.
- Afternoon: Best for language exchange, journaling, or homework.
- Evening: Courtyards and riverside spots turn cozy; some host music or opera sets.
- Bring: Small cash/QR pay, tissues, sunscreen/hat for outdoor seats, a book or flashcards.
Simple Teahouse Plan (90 Minutes)
- Choose a park/courtyard teahouse → order a local green tea.
- Practice Mandarin with a friend: self-intro, weekend plans, food favorites.
- Refill water and try a second tea or snack; stroll the nearby lanes after.
Useful Vocabulary
- 茶馆 / 茶楼 — teahouse
- 盖碗 (gàiwǎn) — lidded tea bowl
- 续水 (xùshuǐ) — hot water refill
- 瓜子 (guāzǐ) — sunflower seeds
- 清香 / 醇厚 — light & fragrant / rich & mellow
FAQ — Chengdu Teahouses
How much does it cost?
Park teahouses are very affordable; modern studios cost more for premium leaves and quiet space.
Can I study with a laptop?
Often yes in modern tea studios; classic park teahouses are more analog (no plugs, outdoor seating).
Is there a time limit?
Usually no for parks/courtyards—refill as needed. Some studios set session times for tastings.
Do they have food?
Snacks are common; simple noodles or dumplings appear at some spots. You can always eat nearby after.
Sip & Slow Down with Masons Au Pair
We point you to photogenic teahouses, show you how to order with a gaiwan, and bundle tea breaks into language-exchange meetups so you can practice Mandarin in true Chengdu style.
Join Our Au Pair Program