Chengdu is home to some of China's most fascinating tea traditions - from historic tea houses to famous local varieties and time-honored brewing rituals.
Chengdu's most famous tea house - thousands of locals and tourists sip tea and play cards in bamboo chairs. The authentic Chengdu tea house experience with a lake setting.
Full name: People's Park Tea House (人民公园茶馆)
Henan province green tea available widely in Chengdu - known for its tender leaves and refreshing vegetal flavor. Popular in all local tea houses.
Full name: Xinyang Mao Jian Green Tea (信阳毛尖)
Fujian oolong tea variety known for its floral and fruity notes. Served in Chengdu's traditional tea houses with unique local brewing methods.
Full name: Buddha's Palm Tea (佛手茶)
Traditional tea snacks served with tea - fried mahua Chinese fried dough, peanuts, and melon seeds. The tea and snack combination is a Chengdu institution.
Full name: Mahua Tea Snacks (麻花茶点)
Local Sichuan green tea from Jingshan area - earthy, slightly sweet flavor. Often served cold in summer as refreshing iced tea.
Full name: Jingshan Green Tea (景山茶)
Chengdu's unique fermented tea drink - sweet fermented rice combined with mild tea. A refreshing summer drink unique to Sichuan tea culture.
Full name: Chengdu Sweet Fermented Tea (老早茶)
The fascinating history behind Chengdu's tea culture
Sichuan has some of China's oldest tea traditions - the ancient Tea Horse Road began here, trading tea with Tibet. The humid climate creates ideal conditions for tea cultivation.
Chengdu's famous People's Park tea house tradition dates to the late Qing Dynasty. The city gained the nickname 'tea house capital of China' with thousands of tea houses serving all social classes.
Chengdu's tea houses are thriving - new specialty tea houses have opened with rare teas and tea ceremonies. The traditional bamboo chair tea house remains the social heart of the city.
Our licensed English-speaking Chengdu guides can help you visit the best tea houses, understand tea ceremonies, and purchase authentic teas.
Book a Chengdu Guide Now