It was a lazy afternoon when I wandered into People’s Park in the heart of Chengdu. I didn’t have a plan — just a desire to slow down. The park was buzzing with life: elderly couples dancing, children chasing bubbles, birds singing in the trees. But what drew me in was the hum of conversation from the teahouses.
I picked a seat at the famous Heming Teahouse, under the shade of a wide umbrella. A waiter brought me a tall glass of jasmine tea, filled with floating blossoms. The locals around me were sipping slowly, chatting or just sitting in silence. Some were playing mahjong; others were reading newspapers, entirely at ease.
Suddenly, a man with a toolkit approached. I learned he was a traditional ear cleaner — a unique Chengdu specialty. With a delicate touch and tiny tools, he offered an experience I never expected at a teahouse.
That afternoon, I spent nearly three hours doing almost nothing. And yet, it was one of the most peaceful, memorable moments of my trip. In Chengdu, tea isn’t just a drink — it’s a way of life.
