Arts and Entertainment
The teahouse has long been the heart of cultural life in Chengdu—a place to relax, chat, play games, enjoy performances by local musicians and singers and, of course, linger over hot tea and light Sichuan fare. Today's Chengdu retains a healthy traditional teahouse culture and complements it with a growing nightlife scene and contemporary performance, art and exhibition spaces. Add a busy annual schedule of festivals and special events and there's plenty to do in Chengdu.
Clubs & Bars
The teahouse is the place to meet friends, play cards, people-watch, catch some Sichuan opera, chat or while a few hours away over a good book.
As for bars, Renmin Nan Lu, just north of the US Consulate, is home to a number of watering holes popular with expats and travelers, including the Shamrock Bar, Roo Bar and Carol's. Good bets for a taste of the local nightlife include Kakadu Disco on the first ring road, the Allen Café, Meigaomei Club, the KTV club Red Age (Hongse Shidai) or the bowling hall in Chengdu's National Hotel.
Performing Arts
Sichuan opera (chuanxi), which is actually practiced throughout Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou provinces, goes back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Performed in Sichuan dialect, this style of Chinese opera is best know for its astonishing bianlian or "face changing," in which actors deftly switch masks with a wave of the hand or turn of the head. It is also known for occasional fire-breathing and earthy humor. The action is physical enough and the costumes bright enough to make for a very entertaining experience even without a decent grasp of the language. Watch for the chou (clown), who plays a big role in most performances. You can catch Sichuan opera at the Sichuan Opera Theater, in the Shunxing Old Tea House, in Shufeng Square inside People's Park, in Shufeng Yayun Garden, in Culture Park and in other teahouses and small theaters around town.
Museums & Galleries
For insight into regional culture and history, head to the Sichuan University Museum. You can view ethnic minority Miao, Qiang and Yi handicrafts, Tibetan artifacts and examples of the exquisite silk pieces that have given Chengdu the name "Brocade City." The Three Kingdoms Culture Exhibition Hall, situated within Wuhou Temple (Wuhou Si), provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Three Kingdoms period of China's history in which Chengdu was capital of Shu Han (the Kingdom of Han). The Chengdu Museum of Modern Art hosts the Chengdu Biennale in even years, though at present a new museum complex is being built (call ahead to make sure it's open). The Giant Panda Breeding Research Center includes a panda museum. And don't forget exemplary Tang poet Du Fu's Cottage.
Festivals & Events
Chengdu is a great place for traditional celebrations. The Chengdu Lantern Show and Huanglongxi Fire Dragon Festival warm up late winter in the first weeks of the Chinese New Year. March, April and May see a series of festivals devoted to flora—welcome the arrival of spring at the Chengdu Flower Fair, Pengzhou Peony Festival or Chengdu International Peach Blossom Festival. You can bid summer farewell in at the Xindu Sweet-scented Osmanthus Festival during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Source: chinatravel.net
Editor: Feng Hui
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