Chengdu, located in the center of Sichuan Province, has beautiful scenery, but it is also famous for its tea ceremony. The Chengdu tea ceremony is a harmonious mixture of the ancient way of life and languid comfort, and it offers people a chance to learn about the city. This article will unveil the secrets of enjoying the real Chengdu tea ceremony, in order to assist you to travel in Sichuan better.
The Rich Cultural Heritage of Chengdu Tea Ceremony
Chengdu’s tea culture goes back more than a thousand years and is simply a way of life. More formal, ritualistic tea ceremonies are practiced elsewhere in China, but the Chengdu tea ceremony is purely about simplicity, friendship, and the uncomplicated pleasure of tea drinking. People gather in teahouses to socialize, play mahjong, or simply to seek peace.
The core of Chengdu tea ceremony is the epitome “Gaiwan tea”. The three-piece tea set with tea lid, tea bowl and tea tray is not just practical but also representative of local wisdom. The tea lid can be used to stir the tea, skim the tea leaves, or adjust the water temperature; the tea tray provides stability and elegance. Its form is the essence of function and beauty, and contains in itself the essence of Chengdu tea culture.
Experiencing the Chengdu Tea Ceremony: A Step-by-Step Guide
Choosing the Right Teahouse
Chengdu has many teahouses, each having its own character. Visit an old town to experience the authentic atmosphere of a traditional teahouse.
People’s Park Teahouse: It is one of Chengdu’s most favorite teahouses, and the teahouse offers a traditional atmosphere. Covered with greens and encompassed by a serene lake, it is a classic spot for natives and travelers alike. You may sit on bamboo chairs here, feel the gentle breeze, and watch the world go by as you drink your tea.
Kuanzhai Alley Teahouse: Located in the center of old Kuanzhai Alley, the teahouse combines ancient design with contemporary facilities. Apart from having a cup of tea, you are also welcome to stroll round the surrounding alleys, have a look at some local handicraft shops, and have some local Sichuan street food.
Selecting Your Tea
Chengdu provides a number of teas to suit every taste.
Jasmine Tea: Locals’ most popular pick, jasmine tea is produced by perfuming green tea with jasmine flowers. Aroma is light and taste is refreshing, hence a perfect choice for an idle afternoon.
Pu’er Tea: As it is smooth to taste and has medicinal properties, Pu’er tea is usually aged to feel a more intense taste.
The Beauty of Tea Art
Having chosen your tea, it is now time to enjoy the tea art performance. At Chengdu, tea artists will present their talented tea pouring technique, which is adorable and precise. They pour scalding water from a high position with a long-spouted copper teapot into the lid-covered bowl, making a beautiful arc. This heats up the tea set not only but also allows the outflow of tea fragrance. Tea artists’ movements are rhythmic and elegant, which also enhances the enjoyment of drinking tea.
Pairing with Local Snacks
No tea-drinking session in Chengdu is complete without some delicious local snacks. The city is famous for its spicy cuisine, but there are also many sweet and savory snacks that pair perfectly with tea.
Spicy Peanuts: A classic snack in Chengdu, spicy peanuts are coated with a blend of Sichuan pepper, chili powder, and other spices. They add a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor to your tea.
Egg tarts: Sichuan flavor is added to the egg tarts, and they are typically infused with local spices, so their sweet and pungent flavor is distinctive.
Tsampa: This healthy Tibetan snack made of flour derived from highland barley, tsampa can be mixed with butter tea to create a thick, nutritious paste.
Tips for a Perfect Tea-Drinking Experience
Time Choice
The best time for visits to Chengdu teahouses is in the afternoon when the sun is soft and surroundings are serene. One can have a less raucous experience by not visiting at peak hours, particularly on weekends.
Etiquette
Although the Chengdu tea ceremony is relatively casual, there are some simple etiquette to follow as well. Once the tea artist has poured the tea for you, knock on the table with the index and middle fingers as a sign of gratitude. In addition, it is etiquette not to fill the teacup by yourself, and wait for others to pour the tea for you
Photography Tips
Most of the teahouses in Chengdu have beautiful scenery that is ideal for photography. But before taking pictures, especially when taking photos of the tea artists performing or other customers, please get permission first.
Conclusion
The Chengdu tea ceremony is not just a way of drinking tea; it is a lifestyle, a custom, and a celebration of life. You may be a tea aficionado or are looking for something different; the Chengdu tea ceremony is worth your while. So next time you find yourself in Chengdu, do pop into a teahouse, order a cup of tea, and take in the ambiance of this ancient city.We are a professional travel agency in Chengdu, with experienced tour guides to serve you. We look forward to your contact.
