Heming Teahouse has operated inside People's Park in Qingyang District since 1923, making it one of Chengdu's oldest continuously running teahouses and a defining example of the city's slow-paced, tea-centered social culture. The setting is a lakeside open-air pavilion with rows of bamboo armchairs arranged under trees beside the park's central pond, creating a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere far removed from the pace of a typical restaurant. Jasmine tea is the house specialty, refilled continuously through the visit by kettle-wielding servers, and is traditionally paired with sunflower seeds and light snacks purchased from roaming vendors within the teahouse. The park is also historically associated with traditional ear-cleaning services offered by wandering practitioners, a curiosity rather than a food item that many visitors come specifically to observe. There is no reservation system; seating is first-come, first-served, and the teahouse can fill with locals playing cards or mahjong on weekend mornings and afternoons.
| Price | ¥20-50 ($3-7) per person |
|---|---|
| Hours | 08:00-22:00 daily |
| Reservations | Not required, walk-in only, seating is first-come first-served |
| Address | Inside People's Park, Shaocheng Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China |
Signature dishes
- Jasmine tea
- Sunflower seeds and snacks
- Ear-cleaning service (non-food)
Good to know
- Known for
- A lakeside open-air teahouse operating since 1923 inside People's Park, a hub of Chengdu's slow-paced tea culture
Weather through the year in Sichuan
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Sichuan.
Location
Inside People's Park, Shaocheng Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
30.6598, 104.0632 View on map
Highlights
- One of Chengdu's oldest teahouses, operating inside People's Park since 1923
- Lakeside open-air seating on traditional bamboo armchairs
- Continuous jasmine tea service paired with sunflower seeds and snacks
- Traditional ear-cleaning performances, a well-known local curiosity
Tips for visiting
- Arrive early on weekends to secure a lakeside seat before local card and mahjong groups fill the tables
- Order jasmine tea and settle in, as refills are included and meant to be enjoyed slowly
- Watching an ear-cleaning demonstration is a common but optional local experience, not a required activity
- Bring small cash for snacks sold by vendors circulating through the teahouse
Accessibility
The teahouse is set within People's Park on mostly flat, paved paths around the lake, making it generally accessible, though bamboo chair seating may be less comfortable for guests with mobility needs.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy a ticket to enter People's Park?
People's Park itself is generally free to enter, though the teahouse charges for tea and snacks separately.
What is the ear-cleaning service?
It is a traditional Sichuan street practice offered by wandering practitioners in the park, a local curiosity rather than part of the teahouse's food service.
Is a reservation required?
No, seating is first-come, first-served, so arriving early on weekends is advisable.
What should I order?
Jasmine tea is the house specialty, traditionally enjoyed slowly alongside sunflower seeds and light snacks.