The Art of Doing Nothing: How to Live the Slow Life for a Day in Chengdu
In a country that often moves at lightning speed, the city of Chengdu defiantly, happily, moves at its own pace. This is the capital of "slow living," a city where the ultimate goal is not frantic sightseeing, but finding a comfortable chair, a good cup of tea, and letting the afternoon drift by. Here’s how to spend a day embracing the local philosophy.
Your route to relaxation begins at the People's Park. Find a bustling teahouse, settle into a comfortable bamboo chair, and order a cup of jasmine tea. A server will leave a large thermos of hot water for endless refills. Now, for the ultimate local experience: flag down one of the ear-cleaning "masters" who roam the park, and for a few dollars, enjoy a bizarrely satisfying cleaning with an array of tiny tools. Afterwards, take a slow wander through the Kuanzhai Alleys (Wide and Narrow Alleys), not to shop, but to soak in the atmosphere of beautifully restored courtyard homes.
Insider Tip:
When you order tea in the People's Park, the goal is not to have a quick cup. The goal is to linger. Locals will spend hours here playing cards, chatting, or just napping. Embrace it. Put your phone away, sip your tea, and watch the wonderful theater of Chengdu life unfold around you.
