The tea culture of Chengdu is different from that of North China and that of the grasslands area. Pepole in Chengdu like to meet each other or have a rest by way of drinkingtea together at a tea house.“Gaiwan Tea”was firstly invented in Chengdu.

 

　　Tea sets of“Gaiwan Tea”include tea cover, teacup and saucer. Seats in a tea house usualLy are bamboo chairs wrth backs, steady and comfortable to our backs.Moreover,a bamboo chair is so light as to be moved about.If some people ofen drink tea together, we call them tea friends. When n new one comes, the old ones wiIl firstly say "hello”to him and invitehim to drink tea with them. Then, they will move to another table and ask the¨tea doctor”to make new tea.

 

　　Tea doctors are attendants serving in tea houses.They are good　at making tea. Holding bronze pots with long mouths in hand, they can pour tea water from about one meter into cups without a drop spilling out skiU[ully.Tea doctors have superb skill in handing out teacups,quickly and accurately. So, they can serve many customers at a time.

 

　　Folk art shows such as storytelling, urheen or dulcimer playing, Sichuan opera performances and so
on are often held at a tea house. Some people even play chess or“Mah-Jong" there. There is a rich localaur at the tea house.

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