A gaiwan is a lidded bowl with a saucer, not a particular tea variety. After choosing this serving style, you still choose the leaves. Sichuan's registered gaiwan-tea standard covers preparation and drinking techniques; it does not mean every teahouse provides identical service.
Check whether charging is per person or bowl, whether seating and refills are included, any time limit and separate performance fees. Jasmine tea, green tea and black tea offer different flavours. Flower scent does not make a tea-leaf drink caffeine-free. If avoiding caffeine, choose a confirmed suitable infusion or hot water.
Ask: “我第一次喝盖碗茶，请帮我示范，水不要加太满。”—This is my first gaiwan tea; please demonstrate and do not fill it too high. Let it cool, then move the lid slightly to hold leaves back. If the bowl is difficult to handle, ask for another cup rather than struggling with hot porcelain. Simply request more water; online stories about coded lid positions are not an entry requirement.
Two people can each order a bowl according to the venue's rules and add a small snack only if wanted. Ask separately about sesame, nuts, eggs, dairy and wheat. Traditional teahouses are not necessarily quiet. Ear-cleaning, performances and other offered services are separate decisions; ask about scope and price before accepting.
If no suitable seats are available, find another open tea venue. Standing in a long queue defeats the purpose of a rest. Ask before photographing nearby customers and do not interrupt their activities. Local reporting on People's Park tea events establishes the cultural setting, not a year-round show schedule.
Sources checked: 22 October 2026. Today's menus, seating and charges were not verified at any individual teahouse.
Editorial archive date: 2026-01-17. This guide was compiled later; use the source-check dates stated in the text.
