Chengdu Life in the Slow Lane

Before newspapers, the teahouse was the place where locals would find out the latest news from their town and beyond, and perhaps even share juicy tidbits of gossip. Today in Chengdu, this tradition is alive and going strong: locals read the news at home, then head down to their favorite tea haunts to discuss stories with friends. For those who don’t like to read newspapers, merely sitting in a Chengdu teahouse should be sufficient to get an idea about what’s happening in the world.

Playing mahjong is as indispensable a part of Chengdu people’s lives as eating and sleeping.

Playing mahjong only just loses out to chatting in teahouses as locals’ favorite pastime.

Mahjong is a quintessential aspect of Chinese culture, and Chengdu’s mahjong culture enjoys special renown. For visitors to the city, playing mahjong seems just as important for locals as eating and sleeping. Mahjong boards are everywhere – not only in teahouses and parks, but also on trains and buses. On one train linking Chengdu and Chongqing that entered service in April this year, an entire carriage has been set aside for passengers to play the game.

On the rare occasion that Chengdu leisure-seekers aren’t in the teahouses or playing Mahjong, they’re probably out enjoying the beautiful natural scenery that surrounds their city. On weekends and holidays, residents also head for the countryside to enjoy some mountain hiking or river cruising.

Out in the countryside, the produce is even fresher than in the city. After a morning spent along a hiking trail, a quick lunch in a roadside restaurant can turn into a three-hour banquet at the drop of a hat.

Every Chengdu resident is a gourmand. They live for delicious food. Sichuan cuisine is actually counted among the four major Chinese culinary traditions. Restaurants in Chengdu, regardless of their size or location, must have at least one signature dish or a peculiar brand of culinary innovation. If they don’t they won’t survive amidst the fierce competition.

The slow pace of life in Chengdu has many fans. Residents welcome tourists who come to visit; they know their city is a treasure, and don’t mind sharing the bounty. Chengdu has been voted as the “Happiest City” in China for several years running. The title is fully deserved.