Detour Some citizens of Chengdu, the bustling industrial center of China's Sichuan province, have mastered the art of outdoor relaxation Kitsch Report With its ovoid shape, jutting spars and glowing appearance, the Millennium Dome looks like the docking station for some sort of alien ship Detour Unlike many of their busy comrades, some citizens of Chengdu, the bustling industrial center of China's Sichuan province, have mastered the art of outdoor relaxation. The winding back alleys of the city's temples and parks are packed with informal but elegant teahouses offering clusters of open-backed bamboo chairs. There's a delicate art to gripping the saucer, cup and lid in one hand and holding back the leaves of jasmine tea with the lid as you sip from the cup.
Delicious beverages are only part of the attraction.
For generations, intellectuals gathered for lively debates on philosophy and political theory over cups of tea. Sichuan opera was performed, and the voices of storytellers filled the air with humorous anecdotes and Chinese fairytales. Not suprisingly, the Red Guards shut down many of the teahouses during the Cultural Revolution. While the venues have made a strong comeback, the conversation nowadays veers toward the safer grounds of shopping and housing. For a chance to unwind at a friendly and peaceful teahouse, head to Wenshu Monastery.