Must-see nightlife in Sichuan

For 200 years, one of the city's most venerable teahouses has been tucked away in a peaceful courtyard behind a stone archway off frenetic Kuan Alley, the…

Always lively, this century-old spot is the most famous teahouse in Chengdu and the ideal place to fritter away an afternoon with a bottomless cup of tea …

Housed within the ochre walls of a 100-year-old guild hall of boatmen and merchants, this lively teahouse (officially known as 临江茶楼, Línjiāng Chálóu) is…

In-the-know locals call this some of the best coffee in Chengdu, and we're inclined to agree. It certainly has the best selection of brews we've seen in…

The best coffee in town is served at this bright, cool and busy place near the big yak sculpture. Wraps, pizzas, house-baked pastries, waffles and wi-fi…

Perched atop the Longfeng mountain park, this teahouse in a historical-style pagoda is a fantastic place to drink tea (from ¥8) and admire the view over…

Stop in for a decent selection of US, European and Chinese craft brews, including from Chengdu's Wild West Taproom, and a top-floor terrace removed from…

Tiny, hole-in-the-wall bar where three people constitute a full house. There's a single sofa inside and a table and couple of chairs on the pavement…

This teahouse (tea ¥5 to ¥8) is located inside an 1868 butchers guild hall. Its dramatic stone facade opens up onto a tree-shaded courtyard with an old…

Craft beer, a convivial atmosphere and an eye-catching bar built around the brewing vats and equipment combine for a great thirst-quenching stop in…

A wide selection of craft beers will have hop heads coming back night after night. Stock runs low at times, but pull up to the bar and check out the high…

Set in an open-air garden with an eclectic array of furnishing, this family-run teahouse (tea from ¥3, dishes from ¥8) has a number of shady nooks that…

This pocket-sized riverside tea garden stays open late for the summer crowds. Just under the bridge beside a rushing weir, it's a pleasant local favourite…

Gorgeous little bookshop and cafe that stocks a few classic and modern classic English language novels. After paying for your literary treasure settle…

Sample some (or perhaps all) of this Chengdu-based brewer's eleven different ales at its taproom off Jinli Gujie. The four- to 10-glass samplers are…

A range of internationally sourced beans, ground to order for each cup, and a tempting selection of baked goods. This is your favourite coffee shop from…

Centred on a large tree-shaded courtyard, this combination teahouse/cafe/guesthouse is a chilled-out place to relax by day or a classy spot for a drink by…

This local favourite adjoining the Jinjiang Theatre holds wonderfully informal performances on its small stage on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 2pm to 4pm …

Attracting more bankers than backpackers, this swish bar surrounded by fashion labes, banks and offices has street-side tables and a pretty tree-filled…

By far the most popular place in town with travellers is the top-floor patio of the Khampa Cafe. They serve a tasty selection of Tibetan staples as well…