Mahjong Houses in Chengdu — How to Play, Where to Go, Etiquette

Mahjong (麻将 májiàng) is a favorite Chengdu pastime—played in teahouses, neighborhood parlors, and modern “mahjong houses” with automatic tables. It’s social, strategic, and a great way for au pairs and students to connect with locals. This guide explains how venues work, beginner basics, etiquette, and what to expect.

What Is a “Mahjong House”?

• Dedicated rooms with automatic tables that shuffle and build walls for you.
• Tea and snacks available; some offer light meals or allow delivery.
• Pay by the hour or by table package; evenings and weekends are busier.
• Options range from casual neighborhood spots to upscale private rooms.

Ask for a non-smoking room if you prefer; many venues can accommodate or improve ventilation.

Who Can Play & How to Join

• Typical tables are 4 players. Go with friends or ask the staff if there’s a table open to beginners.
• Some parlors and teahouses run beginner-friendly hours—great for learning.
• Bring cashless pay (WeChat/Alipay). Carry your ID if the venue requests it.
• Language tip: “我们是新手，可以玩简单规则吗？” (We’re beginners; can we play simple rules?)

Mahjong Basics (Crash Course)

Rules vary by city and venue (e.g., local Sichuan styles). Agree the ruleset and scoring before you start.

Etiquette & Table Manners

• Handle tiles gently and keep your hand hidden from others.
• Place discards neatly in front of you; don’t throw or splash tiles.
• Act in turn: Don’t reach for the wall or discard out of order.
• Call clearly: Say pēng/chi/gāng/hú loudly enough; otherwise it’s a pass.
• No coaching mid-hand unless everyone agrees it’s a teaching table.
• Phones on silent; step away for calls to keep the flow.

Costs, Booking & What to Bring

• Fees: Usually hourly or per-room; split among players.
• Booking: WeChat/phone reservations recommended on weekends or holidays.
• Food & drinks: Tea service is common; some venues sell snacks or allow deliveries.
• Comfort: Light jacket (AC), hand wipes, and a small power bank.

Beginner-Friendly Start (30–45 Minutes)

Safety & Cultural Notes

• Stay with your group; keep personal items zipped and on your chair.
• If a table seems intense/competitive, ask staff for a quieter room for beginners.
• Confirm whether the venue is smoking or non-smoking.
• Play for fun—avoid money stakes unless everyone explicitly agrees (and it’s permitted).

Useful Vocabulary

• 麻将 (májiàng) — mahjong
• 碰 / 吃 / 杠 / 胡 — peng / chi / gang / win
• 东南西北风 — East, South, West, North winds
• 红中 / 发财 / 白板 — Red, Green, White dragons
• 自摸 (zìmō) — self-draw win
• 点炮 (diǎnpào) — discard that lets someone win

FAQ — Mahjong Houses

Can beginners join a public table?
Sometimes, but it’s better to go with friends or ask staff for a teaching-friendly table.

Is English instruction available?
Not always. Bring a friend who knows the basics or ask for simple rules and play slowly.

How long is a session?
Casual play runs 1–3 hours; you can stop after any hand if everyone agrees.

Do I need to bring tiles?
No—venues provide tiles and automatic tables.