Chengdu's tea culture boasts a long history and profound heritage. It is not only an integral part of Bashu culture (the ancient Sichuan region) but also a microcosm of the local way of life. Known as the "Leisure Capital," Chengdu’s tea culture is celebrated for its relaxed, inclusive, and highly social nature, giving rise to a unique "teahouse phenomenon" and tea-drinking customs.

Chengdu’s tea culture can be traced back to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC–AD 24). By the Tang and Song Dynasties, with the flourishing of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road, Chengdu had become a major hub for tea trade and consumption.

Today, Chengdu’s teahouses are often tucked away in alleys and parks, where bamboo chairs, wooden tables, and covered-bowl tea sets are standard. The atmosphere is casual and unhurried. This cultural practice is more than just drinking tea—it’s a philosophy of life, allowing people to soak in the city’s vibrant energy and vitality amid the soothing aroma of tea.

If you visit Chengdu, be sure to set aside half a day to experience its tea culture at the Century-Old Heming Teahouse in People’s Park.