Relaxing In A Chinese Teahouse In Chengdu

Traditional Tea House in People's Park In Chengdu

Traditional Tea House in People's Park In Chengdu

For just a public park, we sure are taking our own sweet time to go through it. Don’t blame me, it is just that I have never seen a public park as interesting as this one. Normally when I think of park, I would think of sitting down and relaxing. I never think of dancing, or even karaoke. But it is all hear and somehow it doesn’t look odd at all, it is somehow uniquely Chengdu.

Okay Maybe It is a Little Too Relaxing Here

Okay Maybe It is a Little Too Relaxing Here

The People’s Park in Chengdu caters to all kinds of relaxation, but a major part of this culture is the tea house culture. In fact the People’s Park in Chengdu has several tea houses within its boundaries. As the name implies, a tea house is just a place for people to gather sit together and have some tea. Much like how coffee shops function in the west.

Not So Authentic Tea Container

Not So Authentic Tea Container

We came across one such tea house in the park and promptly got ourselves some seats. The tea house sports a traditional Chinese architecture and the bamboo seats around the tables complete the scene. We ordered our tea and just looked around amazed at what we were seeing. The Chinese tea house experience feels very authentic until the waiter starts handing us glasses and pours hot water into a thermos. You can’t have them all.

Having Tea In a Tea House

Having Tea In a Tea House

My friend had some lemon tea and it really came with dried lemon and some wolfberries for flavor. I got my old reliable chrysanthemum tea with real chrysanthemum. Anything instant is a no-no. We managed to get seats right beside the large pond beside the tea house. At the pond visitors can rent boats and paddle around the pond. Actually, I wasn’t really sure how far they can paddle but I see them paddle beyond the tea house.

Two Young Ladies Rowing A Boat In the Pond

Two Young Ladies Rowing A Boat In the Pond

It was already past the peak hour for the tea house and they were already starting to stack the chair on top of each other. However, we still haven’t had our fill of tea. You can ask for all the hot water you need in case you run out of them. But there is only so much water you can take. The pond is already giving me funny ideas.

Even The Cat Is Relaxed

Even The Cat Is Relaxed

It was already getting dark and despite how relaxing this place is I do not want to fall asleep here. There were still a lot of people walking around. A group of people we passed by were doing some think like taichi. I’m really impressed with this place.

Back in Chongqing, I asked my friend whether or not he would like to stay in China, he answered with a quick no. Here in Chengdu, I asked the same question, this time he would be more amenable. It is really that nice here. The pace of life isn’t as fast as Chongqing or Shenzhen. If I would choose a place in China I would move to, I would choose Chengdu.

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