Wenshu Monastery ＆ Tea tasting
Your guide takes you through all three in English — the halls, the table, and the long slow afternoon that Chengdu people call bāshì: comfortable, unhurried, exactly right.
Itinerary
- 1
We'll meet at the main gate of Wenshu Monastery at the scheduled time. Once we're all together, we'll begin our walking tour of one of the oldest and best-preserved corners of Chengdu.
- 2
To begin, we'll enter the monastery itself. Did you know that there has been a temple on this site for around 1,400 years? The halls we'll see today were rebuilt in 1697, after the city was destroyed in the wars at the end of the Ming dynasty. We'll walk through the six main halls one by one, and your guide will explain the Buddhist figures inside them, the meaning of the incense offerings, and how a working monastery in the middle of a modern city goes about its day. Monks still live and study here, so we'll keep our voices low.
- 3
From here, we'll head out into the surrounding streets. This neighbourhood kept its old layout when much of central Chengdu did not, so we'll find grey-brick walls, timber shopfronts and Qing dynasty rooflines just a few minutes from the metro. Along the way, your guide will tell you the story of how the area survived, and what daily life here looked like a century ago.
- 4
Next, we'll stop for lunch at Rongleyuan, one of the most respected names in Sichuan cooking. This kitchen trained a large number of the city's chefs, and in 1980 it opened the very first Sichuan restaurant in New York. We'll try the older style of Sichuan food, the one that existed before chilli became the region's whole reputation, and your guide will explain each dish as it arrives.
- 5
After lunch, we'll walk to Xiangyuan, a traditional local teahouse, and this is where the tour slows right down. Tea here is served in a gaiwan: a bowl, a saucer and a lid. Your guide will show you how to hold it and how to use the lid to hold the leaves back as you drink. The hot water is refilled for as long as you like, and around us the neighbours will be playing cards and catching up on the news. This is exactly how people in Chengdu spend an ordinary afternoon, and for a couple of hours it's how we'll spend ours. You'll love it!
- 6
Finally, the tour will come to an end at the teahouse, after a total of approximately 4 hours. You're welcome to stay on for more tea afterwards, and your guide will point you towards the nearest metro station and a few good places nearby for dinner.
More information
4h.
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English, 中文.
- English–speaking guide
- Lunch
- Tea tasting
You can book up until 30 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Minimum 2 participants, up to 5 people. If the minimum is not reached we'll get in touch to offer alternatives.
Not wheelchair accessible.
Not permitted.
Meeting point
Main gate of Wenshu Monastery, 66 Wenshuyuan Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu (390 m walk from Exit K, Wenshu Monastery Metro Station).
Map: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=30.674786,104.071964
Cancellation
Free cancellation until 2 days before
Cancel before 00:00 Beijing time 2 days before the activity date for a full refund; until 00:00 on the activity date for a 50% refund. No refund after that.
Frequently asked questions
How to book?
To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
Is a minimum number of participants required?
This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.
Is there anything I should know about local customs or etiquette?
Your guide will go over everything with you when we meet, so there's no need to worry.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
