As Chengdu is an important hut in Southwestern China, is undoubtedly a busy and bustling city. If you want to experience the most traditional local lifestyle, you have to go to the teahouse, watch the Sichuan opera and appreciate various folk songs and dances featuring strong Sichuan style.
Sichuan Opera
Sichuan opera is one that features of Sichuan and Chengdu is home to various operas. As early as in the Tang Dynasty, there spread the saying, “The Sichuan operas top those elsewhere.” During the period of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, based on the local lantern operas, Sichuan opera that performed in the local dialect with a combination of such various rhythm schemes as high-pitched tune, the sound of Chinese fiddle, the melodies of the Kun opera and martial arts was created.
Shufeng Yayun Opera House
Shufeng Yayun was once the opera house where famous Sichuan opera performers gather. In recent years, there is a classical opera and folk consummate art performance on show every night. There, you can watch the most traditional face changing performances, flame throwing (from the mouth), lantern dances, puppet shows, excerpts staging shows and shadow plays. There is a show from 20:00-21:30 p.m. every day. The price is around 150-220 RMB. The opera house is on 23 Qintai Road (in the Cultural Park of Chengdu).
Teahouse
There is no place better than the teahouse for you to experience the local lifestyle. Teahouse functions are a recreational place for the local people. Storytellers and opera performers look upon teahouses as their performing place. In some teahouses, a number of big fans of the opera gather and sing. Thus, teahouses are usually packed. That’s how the Chinese word “Daweigu” was created, which explains the activity of sitting around the table and singing after a meal.
Bars
There are a myriad of bars in Chengdu and are all catered to young people. Most of the bars are scattered in the busiest streets, especially in areas around Renmin Road and Yangshi Street. In Southern Renmin Road and Yulin Residential Area, there are not only bars, but also places for entertainment that include coffee shops, dancing halls and bowling fitness centers.
