The Sichuan Cuisine Museum (川菜博物馆) is the world’s only themed museum dedicated to the culture of a specific cuisine, covering over 20,000 square meters. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the rich history and unique craftsmanship of Sichuan cuisine through various displays, including a collection of cultural relics, live cooking demonstrations, and exhibitions of Sichuan ingredients.
Inside the museum, visitors can explore the Collection Hall, which showcases historical artifacts related to Sichuan cuisine, and the Interactive Demonstration Hall, where they can enjoy hands-on experiences. There is also a Tea Tasting and Leisure Hall for guests to relax and appreciate the role of tea in Sichuan culture. Additionally, the Zao Wang Temple honors the Kitchen God, a revered figure in Chinese culinary tradition. The museum also features a display area for traditional tools used in preparing Sichuan dishes.
Travel Information about Sichuan Cuisine Museum
Ticket Information and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: ¥60
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
How to Get There
Location: No. 8 Ronghua North Alley, Gucheng Town, Pidu District, Chengdu
By Subway: Take Line 2 of the Chengdu Metro to Xipu Station. Transfer to Bus P22 and get off at Gucheng Station.
Attraction Rating
- Features: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Scenery: ★★
- Cultural Significance: ★★
- Romance: ★★
- Excitement: ★
Highlights of Sichuan Cuisine Museum
Collection Hall
The Collection Hall of the Sichuan Cuisine Museum showcases the rich historical and cultural heritage of Sichuan cuisine through a variety of artifacts, texts, and visual displays. It features over 3,000 dining vessels that span from the Warring States period to the modern era. These artifacts are categorized based on their functional use, including cooking utensils, serving dishes, wine vessels, dining ware, and tea sets. They are also classified by material, such as bronze, ivory, ceramics, iron, wood, and bamboo.
Visitors can gain a deep understanding of the origins, evolution, and development of Sichuan cuisine through these exhibits. The hall also contains written introductions and books related to Sichuan cuisine, including a handwritten cookbook by the renowned painter Zhang Daqian. Additionally, there is a marriage certificate from the Republican era that specifies the time and location of a wedding banquet, as well as an invitation from the writer Li Jieren to author Sha Ting, which includes a menu listing all the dishes served at the banquet.
Interactive Demonstration Hall
The Interactive Demonstration Hall features a fully glass-enclosed open kitchen where dozens of chefs in white uniforms and hats work in harmony, showcasing a variety of cooking techniques, including stir-frying, deep-frying, braising, boiling, and steaming. This dynamic setting allows visitors to observe the preparation of authentic Sichuan dishes up close and to appreciate the unique dining customs associated with this vibrant cuisine.
In this interactive space, guests have the opportunity to don chef attire and, under the guidance of professional chefs, attempt to create their own Sichuan dishes. This hands-on experience not only provides a deeper understanding of the cooking process but also allows visitors to taste their creations, making for a memorable culinary adventure that brings them closer to the essence of Sichuan cuisine.
Tea Tasting and Leisure Hall
The Tea Tasting and Leisure Hall beautifully embodies the Sichuan culinary philosophy of “tea accompanying meals and dining intertwined with culture.” This space integrates culture, banquets, entertainment, and relaxation, highlighting the significance of tea drinking within Sichuan cuisine.
In Sichuan, tea-drinking customs vary with the seasons: during spring and autumn, people enjoy “Baba Tea” under the warm sun; in summer, they seek shade in the woods for a refreshing tea experience; and tea houses provide a cozy retreat year-round. Within the leisure hall, carefully crafted wicker chairs and green tea sourced from Mount Emei create a serene environment surrounded by lush greenery, offering visitors a tranquil escape where they can fully immerse themselves in the soothing ritual of tea tasting.
Zao Wang Temple
The Zao Wang Temple is an integral part of traditional Sichuan cuisine and folk culture. In local beliefs, Zao Wang, or the Kitchen God, symbolizes the connection between heaven and earth, conveying good news to the gods while ensuring peace and safety for the community.
Within the temple, devotees worship the Kitchen God and celebrate grand ceremonies during festivals, characterized by singing, dancing, and the recitation of sacred texts. Participants burn incense and offer drinks in hopes of favorable weather and a peaceful life. Additionally, every Sunday, visitors can enjoy traditional Sichuan opera performances at the temple. For a small fee equivalent to the price of a cup of tea, attendees can relax and sip their tea while immersing themselves in the vibrant art of Sichuan opera.
Sichuan Cuisine Raw Material Display Area
The Sichuan Cuisine Raw Material Display Area offers an immersive glimpse into the ingredients and tools essential for crafting authentic Sichuan dishes. Visitors can stroll through a vibrant setting where chickens and ducks roam freely, while plump pigs nap contentedly in their pens. The surrounding gardens feature a variety of organic vegetables, including celery, chili peppers, eggplants, and garlic, emphasizing the farm-fresh nature of Sichuan cuisine.
A key highlight of this area is the Pixian Douban Workshop, where large earthenware jars used for drying douban (a famous fermented broad bean paste) are neatly arranged in the courtyard. This hands-on display showcases the traditional techniques of douban production, allowing guests to appreciate the rich culinary heritage and craftsmanship involved in creating one of Sichuan’s most beloved condiments. The rustic charm of the ancient food processing tools, such as oil presses, grinders, and grain winders, further enriches the experience, connecting visitors to the region’s culinary roots.
What is Pixian Douban:
Pixian Douban is renowned as the “soul of Sichuan cuisine,” originating from Pixian County, now part of the Pidu District in Sichuan Province. Located in the heart of the Chengdu Plain, Pixian benefits from the irrigation provided by the Dujiangyan Water Conservancy Project, leading to a rich agricultural output, including rice, wheat, rapeseed, broad beans, and hemp.
The broad beans produced here are of exceptional quality, serving as the primary ingredient for making doubanjiang (broad bean paste). This paste is characterized by its glossy, reddish oil and crispy bean texture, delivering a robust spiciness that complements its sweet and savory flavors. Not only is Pixian douban used as a seasoning in various dishes, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a condiment for rice or mixed with hot oil for an even richer taste.