Teddy Bears and Tea Houses

One thing that China undeniably shares with India is a ubiquitous tea culture—and in Chengdu’s teahouses, China’s love for tea is captured amidst charming settings. At the 300-year-old Guanyin Pavilion, a slice of old China is staunchly preserved. There are numerous other teahouses along the streets and alleys of the Sichuan capital, some hosting opera performances, others more leisurely, where people sit chatting on bamboo chairs, play mah-jong or simply watch the world go by. Once you’ve had your fill, another China treasure lies roughly 10 kilometres from the city centre. The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base recreates a natural environment for panda conservation and is one of Chengdu’s most memorable experiences.