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Chengdu lifestyle is known for being laid-back. If you want to fully experience the idleness of Chengdu locals, then going to teahouses, appreciating Sichuan opera and Sichuan ethnic singing and dancing, and attending local festival activities are all mustdos.
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Teahouses
Teahouses are places that vividly show the slow life pace of Chengdu residents. Locals are passionate about going to teahouses, not only for tea, snacks, and entertainment, but also for social gatherings and business meetings. Many teahouses provide tables for people to play Mahjong, and some even offer live entertainment such as Sichuan opera.
The Lantern Festival
The 15th of the first lunar month sees the beginning of the Lantern Festival. It is a traditional folk activity originating from the custom of appreciating lanterns. In the following one month, ethnic quyi and acrobatics are presented in parks, and there are also many local snacks, attracting people to go there and enjoy themselves.
The Huanglongxi Fire Dragon Festival
Fire Dragon Festival is celebrated from the 2nd to the 15th day of the first lunar month. It enjoys a long history since its origination from Song Dynasty. Celebrations include lighting paper dragons, a lion dance, floating lanterns on the water, setting off fireworks, appreciating Sichuan opera and so on.
The Flower Exhibition
Originating from the Tang Dynasty, the Flower Exhibition has often been held in the Qingyang Temple outside the West Gate of Chengdu. During this exhibition, many rare flowers and potted plants are gathered and sold in the temple. This exhibition was originally aimed to celebrate the birthday of the founder of Tsao who was born on the 15th day of the second lunar month. Besides, since flowers blossom in this month, it is said that the 15th day of the second lunar month is also the birthday of flowers. Thus the Flower Exhibition held on this day every year.
The Dujiangyan Water Releasing Festival
The Dujiangyan irrigation is regarded as the lifeline of Chengdu Plain, therefore the water-releasing before the spring ploughing is seen as a holy activity by local people. The festival activity replays the ancient sacrifice. On this day, residents dress up in ancient costumes and read elegies for Li Bing and his sons, in order to honor them for their contribution to the irrigation project they built over 2000 years ago.
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