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Discover Local in Chengdu

This place is always buzzing with energy as eager diners line up ready to taste its renowned flavours. As you queue, thoughtful staff bring you snacks to welcome you before you even step inside. Once seated, you’ll be offered a wide selection of fresh ingredients to choose from, which are then brought to the table to be cooked in your hotpot. The emphasis is on fresh, high-quality ingredients and a personalised dining experience. Signature picks are crispy pork, beef tripe, quail eggs and treats like brown sugar glutinous rice cakes. Pair them with your own concoction from the dipping sauce bar. The antique decor adds a charming touch. A combination of bold, spicy flavours, moderate pricing and a warm atmosphere makes this spot a must-visit if you’re looking to discover the heart of Chengdu’s culinary culture.

Find your favourite dish at Chuanxi Bazi Hotpot

Here, you can experience the ritual of drinking Gaiwan tea, served in a lidded cup and saucer set that symbolises the harmony between heaven, earth and humankind. As you sip away in this environment, it’s easy to appreciate the deep cultural significance of the ancient practice. 

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Expect a lively and welcoming ambience, with large round tables and traditional furnishings. Immersed in a decor of Ming and Quing architecture, you can even take in a captivating Sichuan Opera performance. Top off the experience by sampling spicy Sichuan cuisine too, as the staff bring you trays of local dishes to try.

Savour Gaiwan tea at Shun Xing Old Teahouse

Nestled in a leafy corner by the Xiaojia River, this ancient teahouse offers a balance of tradition and tranquility. Sip your tea as you enjoy the artistry of a live Sichuan opera performance or play on the nearby stage. It’s the perfect spot to spend a leisurely afternoon, whether you’re catching up with a companion or simply reflecting quietly. 

The tea itself is served in Gaiwan three-piece lidded teacup and saucer sets. Each piece is symbolic: the lid represents Heaven; the saucer, Earth; and the bowl, Humankind. There’s also a delightful code to the service. If you need more hot water, simply tilt the lid on the saucer, and a server will promptly assist. When you’ve had your fill, turning the lid upside down signals you’re ready to leave.

Sip on Gaiwan tea at Chenjin Tea Store

Built in 1923, it remains one of the city’s oldest and most iconic tea houses, cherished by locals. Choose a table by the lake to enjoy the most tranquil view of the park. From there, scan the QR code or await an attendant to order your tea. Allow yourself an hour or two to soak up the atmosphere – the hum of conversation, the greenery waving in the breeze and the clink of cups on saucers. No need to worry about your tea getting cold: Gaiwan cups have lids!

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If you’re here on a weekend, you may witness a long-spout teapot performance. In a unique display of Sichuan artistry, the performers gracefully manipulate metre-long copper teapots, pouring tea with an elegance that feels like a dance. It's an unmissable prelude to savouring your cup of tea.

Experience Gaiwan tea at Heming Teahouse

Shu Yan Fu’s performances bring history to life, from the grandeur of Han palace dances to the refined beauty of Tang Dynasty poetry. Dishes are abundant and beautifully crafted – be sure to arrive hungry to savour them all. Delicate flavours and mild spices delight the palate, but the journey doesn’t end with the food – Shu Yan Fu offers a blend of traditional music, mesmerising dance performances, and light and shadow artistry to create a feast for all the senses. The atmosphere is captivating, weaving together traditional costumes, graceful melodies and cultural storytelling, inviting you to step into a timeless world of romance and refinement.

Dive into local history at the Shu Yan Fu Dinner Show

Whether you’re new to Sichuan cuisine or a seasoned spice lover, don’t miss Yuan Li Hotpot, a beloved local eatery where the experience goes beyond the food. The restaurant’s interior, designed with red bricks shaped like ocean waves, reflects the fiery essence of Sichuan hotpot, a dish defined by its bold use of red chili peppers and signature spice. Yuan Li’s soup base, a rich blend of beef tallow, chili oil, peppercorns, bean paste, ginger and spring onions, strikes a perfect balance between velvety richness and mouth-tingling heat. You can choose from an impressive menu, offering over 100 fresh ingredients – from crisp vegetables and tender meats to seafood and bean-based specialties. Hotpot here isn’t just a meal; it’s a social ritual, bringing people together around a bubbling pot of flavours.

Discover Local in Chengdu

Sip on Gaiwan tea at Chenjin Tea Store

Experience Gaiwan tea at Heming Teahouse

Savour Gaiwan tea at Shun Xing Old Teahouse

Dive into local history at the Shu Yan Fu Dinner Show

Discover Chengdu’s favourite meal at Yuan Li Hotpot

Find your favourite dish at Chuanxi Bazi Hotpot