There are probably more tea houses in Sichuan than anywhere else in the world.  Other than functioning as a venue for relaxation, tea houses are actually very valuable for their social roles.
Back in the days, various classes of the society assembled at tea houses, people from different professions and organizations gathered industry information, negotiated businesses and conducted trades at these places, and even "Ports" organized by "Pao Ge" (gatherings arranged by underground organizations) were often established inside a tea house. Even today, "simmering in tea house" is still one of the most beloved ways for Sichuan folks to pass time. Spend about RMB 10 for a cup of tea not only enables patron to enjoy a peace of mind and spent some leisurely time, but one could also opt to call up some relatives or friends and enjoy all sorts of entertainment activities. Of course, board games, card games and mahjong and other activities are sources of entertainment that are mandatory at tea houses. Therefore, the tea house has become a unique component of the Chengdu cityscape. 

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