Sichuan Tea Culture

     Through most of China, tea is still the traditional drink of choice and Sichuan’s tea houses havealways been famous throughout China.  Sichuan tea houses have traditionally been a place for friends and family to socialize. Often in tea houses people will gossip about the latest news or play games; including cards and mahjong. While any tea house will have a wide range of teas that are sold, Jasmine tea is traditionally the tea of choice for the average local. Any trip to Sichuan would be incomplete without a visiting a tea house and relaxing to a nice cup of tea!

 

 

Sichuan Liquor Culture

 

 

It is appropriate that the beginnings of China’s liquor industry would begin in a place that is nicknamed the “Land of Abundance”. Once people realized that grains could be fermented to create alcohol, it became an integral part of Sichuan culture and Chinese culture as a whole. Throughout China’s long history Sichuan has always been the central hub for the liquor industry and many famous Chinese poets, including Dufu and Li Bai, have written about the grandeurs of the wine made in Sichuan. Today Sichuan is home to many famous brands of alcohol in China, including: Wu Liangye and Luzhou Liaojiao.

 

Mahjong

    

    Mahjong is a traditional game in China and is played throughout the world. The rules of Mahjong vary depending on the region, but still share the same basic principle. However, in Sichuan, Mahjong has become such an integral part of Sichuan culture. It is common in the hot afternoons to gather with friends to drink tea and play Mahjong.

Nongjiale

    With the world modernizing and big cities becoming more and more polluted, many people like to be able to take some time away from it all and get back to fresh air, nature, and get a little bit of well deserved peace and quiet. Near many of the larger cities in Sichuan are rural villages that are sprinkled throughout the countryside and mountains. Many of these villages have started farmland hotels, which are similar to a Bed and Breakfast. Visitors come and enjoy the countryside and eat homemade food.