Little Bar is the epicentre of the city's underground scene
Chengdu's art scene centres around the Little Bar. Tang Lei is almost always there, usually chatting with a group of young artists - foreign and local. Other spots that merit mention are the Hemp House on the east side of the city, Huang Cheng Lao Ma, run by one of Tang Lei's friends, Ms Yang Yali, the Three Strings Coffee and Book House in Yulin, and the Sichuan Fine Arts Academy, on the west side of the city. Outside of the universities, established venues for art and music are still few. Most shows and exhibitions are organised on the fly and put on wherever there is space and little chance of official scrutiny. The best bet is to visit the Little Bar and ask around.
Little Bar, Yulin Road West
Hemp House, Dong Men Da Qiao
Huang Cheng Lao Ma, Second Ring Road South
Three Strings Coffee and Book House, Fang Cao Road East, near Yong Feng Road