People’s Park (Chengdu) — Teahouses, Lotus Lake & Local Life
People’s Park (人民公园) is Chengdu life in one place: bamboo-chair teahouses, elders playing mahjong, kids boating on the lotus lake, and dancers filling plazas at dusk. It’s an easy, low-cost outing for au pairs and students—perfect for language practice and people-watching.
What to Expect
- Heming Teahouse: the city’s classic outdoor tea spot with bamboo chairs & bird song.
- Lotus Lake: pedal/row boats (seasonal blooms in summer).
- Square dancing & tai chi: mornings/evenings; join respectfully from the side.
- Water calligraphy: locals “paint” characters on paving stones with giant brushes.
- Matchmaking corner: weekend “parent boards” posting profiles for sons/daughters.
Top Things To Do
Have Tea Like a Local
- Order jasmine tea (茉莉花茶), tieguanyin, or green tea.
- Refills are common—wave to staff or say “可以续水吗？”.
- Watch/learn a round of mahjong with friends from class.
Boat & Stroll
- Rent a pedal boat for 20–40 minutes (deposit + ticket).
- Lotus bloom photos in late spring–summer; mornings = softer light.
Try Water-Brush Calligraphy
- Ask to try a giant brush; write your name in Chinese.
- Water dries quickly—fun, zero waste.
Peek at the Matchmaking Corner
- Respect privacy; photos of boards or people only if invited.
- Great cultural insight, best on weekend afternoons.
Ear-Cleaning & Etiquette (Optional)
- Ask price first and confirm what’s included (basic vs. extended service).
- Choose licensed staff with clean tools; skip if you’re uncomfortable or have ear issues.
- Sit still; follow instructions—tools look scary but should never hurt. Stop if you feel pain.
Best Time to Visit
- Morning: Tai chi, quiet tea, cool temps.
- Late afternoon → evening: Square dancing, lights around the lake, lively teahouses.
- Weekdays are calmer; weekends are bustling and great for people-watching.
Summer can be hot—aim for shade at the teahouse and bring a small fan.
Getting There
- Metro: Ride to the central station named for the park, then follow signs to the gate.
- Taxi/Ride-hailing: Drop at “People’s Park Main Gate”; pedestrian paths inside.
- Pairings: Combine with Kuan Zhai Alley or Jinli + Wuhou Shrine the same day.
Budget, Payment & Practical Tips
- Tea is inexpensive; boats and ear-cleaning are add-ons—confirm prices.
- QR pay (WeChat/Alipay) is standard; carry small cash as backup.
- Bring tissues/hand gel, sunscreen, bug repellent (summer), and a reusable bottle.
- Keep valuables zipped; parks are friendly but crowded at dusk.
Simple Visit Plan (1.5–3 Hours)
- Enter the park → Heming Teahouse for a pot of jasmine tea (practice “可以续水吗？”).
- Stroll the lotus lake → optional pedal boat photos.
- Watch water calligraphy → try writing your name.
- If weekend: pass by the matchmaking corner (observe quietly).
- Exit toward metro or head to Kuan Zhai / Jinli for dinner.
Useful Vocabulary
- 人民公园 — People’s Park
- 鹤鸣茶社 — Heming Teahouse
- 麻将 — mahjong
- 广场舞 — square dancing
- 荷花 / 荷塘 — lotus / lotus pond
- 续水 — refill hot water (for tea)
- 相亲角 — matchmaking corner
- 采耳 — ear cleaning
FAQ — People’s Park
Is it free?
Public entry is typically free; boats/ear-cleaning/tea cost extra.
Kid-friendly?
Yes—boats, open paths, and plenty of benches. Keep kids away from the lake edge.
Can I bring snacks?
Light snacks are fine; keep the park clean and use bins provided.
Photos okay?
Yes for scenery. Ask before photographing people at close range.
Experience Chengdu Like a Local
We’ll help you order tea, find the liveliest corners, and pair People’s Park with a night market stroll—so your Chengdu day feels relaxed, authentic, and memorable.
Join Our Au Pair Program