The Tea House is just 200 meters away from metro station Sichuan Fine Arts Institute of line 18.
Note: You can download either Baidu Maps or Amap and navigate through the buttons below. You can also directly order a taxi through the App. Learn more in this Guide.
Drink a Tea with the Locals
Hidden in the bustling streets of Huangjueping, Jiulongpo District, Jiaotong Teahouse (交通茶馆) feels like stepping into a time capsule. Opened in 1987, this teahouse wasn’t always a place for leisure, it started as a cafeteria for employees of the Huangjueping Transport Company. That’s how it got its name, “Jiaotong,” which means “transport” in Chinese.
A Simple Entrance, A Rich Experience
You’ll find Jiaotong Teahouse tucked beside a staircase, its narrow entrance easy to miss. But once you step inside, it’s like walking into the past. The wooden ceiling beams, faded brick walls, and old wooden benches speak of decades gone by. The large ceiling fans creak overhead, stirring the sounds of lively chatter, the shuffle of mahjong tiles, and the occasional clink of tea cups.
This isn’t a polished, modern cafe. It’s raw, real, and full of life. Locals come here to drink tea, play cards, crack sunflower seeds, and catch up with friends. The pace is slow, the vibe unpretentious. It’s a slice of Chongqing life, unchanged by time.
The Tea and the Tradition
The menu is simple. A cup of tea costs just 10 yuan. You’ll find Pu’er, Tuocha, and other traditional brews served the old-fashioned way. Want a snack? Grab a plate of peanuts, sunflower seeds, or spicy broad beans, also 10 yuan each. No fancy lattes, no Wi-Fi. Just tea, conversation, and the occasional curious traveler.
While Jiaotong Teahouse has become popular with tourists and photographers, it hasn’t lost its charm. The regulars, many of them elderly locals, don’t mind the cameras. They continue their card games and tea rituals, unfazed. It’s this authenticity that keeps the teahouse alive.
Know Before You Go
- Location: Just next to the Sichuan Institute of fine art
- Tip: The original teahouse is rumored to face demolition soon. A new location has opened nearby, but if you want the authentic experience, visit the old one while you still can.
- Heads-Up: Smoking is common inside, which might be uncomfortable for some. Also, expect plenty of people taking photos, it’s a favorite spot for urban photographers.
Jiaotong Teahouse isn’t about luxury or aesthetics. It’s about slowing down, sipping strong tea, and watching life unfold in one of Chongqing’s last old-school teahouses.
