Few cities in the world have such a laid-back lifestyle as Chengdu. People here seem to be obsessed with relaxation and enjoyment. Of all the cities, inhabitants of Chengdu are the most adept at pursuing pleasure and comfort. “Ba shi” and “anyi (巴适、安逸, delightful and relaxed) ” are the two catch words frequently used by local people to express their attitude toward life. No wonder, there is a wide-circulated saying that“young people must not go to Sichuan,” which implies the fear that the “ba shi” and “an yi” life may fritter away the young people’s great aspiration, and the slow pace of life-style may slow them down to fulfill their dreams.

1. What are the major factors behind the unique leisure lifestyle in Chengdu? There are quite a few reasons to account for this phenomenon.

Firstly, geographically, Chengdu is situated in the Sichuan Basin, surrounded by ranges of mountains. It was once isolated from other parts of the country and almost inaccessible to the outside world. This can be well justified by the common saying “the road to Sichuan is more difficult than that to Heaven.”

Secondly, the favorable climate, and abundant natural resources, as well as the altruistic irrigation from the Dujiangyan made Chengdu the center of the “Land of Plenty,” which ensured an ample supply of food and materials for local people, although the region’s economic backwardness and poor transportation means produced a lot of laborers and idlers.

Thirdly, as Chengdu was a back-rear territory, away from the plague of wars and chaos, people here lived a quiet and easy life, and their consumption habits tended to be practical.

Fourthly, in the past, a lot of immigrants came to Chengdu, including poets, men of letters and talents. The work they left behind have greatly affected and enriched the local culture and well blended with the indigenous characteristics.

All of the above mentioned elements are essential for the development of the city’s distinctive characteristic and the cultivation of the character of its people to be tolerant, inclusive and exclusive. These local qualities play an important role in the development of theleisurely way of life in Chengdu.

2. Diversified activities for relaxation and recreation.

a) “ Pao cha guan (泡茶馆, steeping in a teahouse)”

“Going to a teahouse” has long been a custom to be observed by local people. Teahouses in Chengdu are the embodiment of the leisurely and relaxed life.

b) “Chi huo guo (吃火锅, eating hot pot)”

Hot pot is a traditional Sichuan dish. Currently, it has been greatly improved and perfected.

It is more popular than ever before, so much so that people in Chengdu seem to get addicted to it. On average, a Chengdu citizen would eat hot pot at least once or twice a week.

c) “Da mahjong” and “dou di zhu” (打麻将, playing

mahjong; 

斗地主, fighting against the landlord - a

card game for three).

People in Chengdu are keen on playing mahjong and the card game either at home or in teahouses. No wonder some people put it as a joke: “You could hear

the rattling sound of mahjong playing even on the airplane.”

d) Foot-Massage and Ear-picking

The foot-massage is becoming more and more popular in Chengdu, just like the ear-picking in the old days. This is a new way to relax, that is to go to a professional foot-massage parlor, where

you can get feet massaged, while dozing off for a rest; whereas, the traditional way of ear-picking has now become a rare-to-get fun.

e) Karaoke and Square Dancing

Local residents, especially the retired senior citizens, have recently become more enthusiastic about practicing singing at karaoke in the afternoon; and in the evening, it has become a fad to dance together in squares, parks or open spaces by rivers. This is called Square Dancing.

f) 

“Pao bar (泡吧, going to a bar)”

Bars are another line of landscape in Chengdu. Like teahouses, all kinds of bars can be seen everywhere in the city, attracting the people, especially young smart boys and pretty girls.

Recently, in Chengdu there emerged a lot of avant-garde bars that have a booming business.

Outside the gates of these bars are always long waiting queues, while inside is fully packed.

g) Agritainment (农家乐)

Chengdu is the birthplace of a new-type eco-tourism in China. It is known as “Agritainment,”that is, people get together with a few friends or family members and go to a rural family-run

courtyard, where they can have a cup of tea, taste local delicacies, play mahjong and have chitchat under the trees and among flowers. This type of relaxation suits Chengdu locals, who are always eager to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle, as well as secular worries.

3. Conclusion

In Beijing, time is opportunity; in Shanghai, time is vogue; in Guangzhou, time is money; in Chengdu, time is living.

The leisurely life style of Chengdu, imbued with a profound Ba-Shu culture, fully reflects

Chengdu people's attitude toward life and has its own intangible value.

It's true that people of Chengdu are good at seeking fun and relaxing life. However, if you think of them as a group of lazy bones who are solely pursuing comfortable, it would be a big

mistake and a real misunderstanding. On the contrary, they never stop creating something new and something special, such as new styles of teahouses and bars, and the new type of dishes and the new model of agritainment. In fact, they know the rope of how to live, and are good at making money and having fun. In one word, what Chengdu people pursue is to work-in-leisure and to work with leisure.