Chengdu – Charm Everywhere You Look
Chengdu is not a place that wears down your willpower; on the contrary, it makes you feel vibrant. The only reason to sink is that you can't resist the city's wild and unrestrained imagination. Its beauty lies in innocence. The men, women, old and young living here all have a deadly charming sense of relaxation. They never doubt the meaning of life; they are doers—if they want to play mahjong, they play mahjong; if they love to eat small chili peppers, they eat small chili peppers. People from Sichuan all have a certain drive, one that is serene, fearless, and neither humble nor arrogant as they live their beloved little lives. Rather than saying I like Chengdu, it's more accurate to say I love the lively worldly atmosphere of Chengdu.
Chengdu people love food, and Chengdu is also the capital of cuisine! The best feelings in life are surely hidden in the journey. Others’ journeys have sweetness, sourness, and all flavors of life, but my journey has only one taste: the aroma of food. So I came to Chengdu, this city full of delicious food!
Yuán Gòng, Yuán Gòng, fate brings tribute. The red plaque with golden characters instantly struck my heart. The moon-white verses printed on the ground also highlighted the theme of 'fate' (yuán). It seems that I am truly destined to be with this restaurant.
The ceiling of Yuán Gòng is covered with red flowers like blazing flames, which feels especially innovative, and my mood unconsciously improved.
This restaurant is on another street behind Chunxi Road near Qingshi Bridge. The location is a bit remote. Compared to the bustling nightlife of Chunxi Road, it feels somewhat detached from worldly affairs, and I love this place that is aloof from worldly temptations.
The restaurant has a fairly spacious environment. Each table has separate compartments with reasonable distance, suitable for small gatherings. It doesn't feel crowded—I absolutely love the atmosphere!
Nowadays, restaurant decor is quite trendy, and this one is no exception. The lighting tones, whether in private rooms or hall booths, are very stylish!
The dishes here are authentic Zigong Sichuan cuisine, and the flavors are excellent. The environment feels very homely. The red flowers and umbrellas as decorations feel very festive and warm, instantly bringing a surge of warmth to my heart. Perhaps this is the taste of home.
The service staff were very good, genuinely warm and attentive, responding promptly. Even though our seat was in a relatively remote corner, a waiter was always reachable, and there was no situation where we couldn't call anyone. Their attitude towards guests was truly friendly and kind. From entering to leaving, we were guided by dedicated staff—this is something I think is very good.
Now about the dishes: what impressed me most was Yuán Gòng's signature Clam Rabbit. The green and red peppers accentuated the tender and delicious rabbit meat, and the clams looked tempting. A single bite brought tenderness, slight numbness, and a moderate spiciness. In an instant, my taste buds danced—a perfect encounter, better than countless worldly pleasures!
Lóngmén Hanging Meat: A dedicated young man came to cut the meat and put it on a plate. Crispy texture, the outer batter was fried perfectly, not greasy even after eating a lot. This is also one of their signature dishes, quite unique.
Old Duck Soup left a deep impression. It didn't have a strong MSG flavor, but was clear, sweet and refreshing, perfect for quenching thirst. Drinking it made me feel body and mind soothed—so comfortable and delicious.
Another dish, Yuán Gòng Native Chicken Slices, was absolutely the best of the evening. The flavor was excellent, with lotus root slices underneath. The red chili oil was very fragrant, and eaten together with the chicken slices, it was simply heavenly. My friend and I couldn't stop praising this dish—truly delicious!
Black Bean Flavor Whole Fish: The fish was very large, covered with black beans and minced meat. Even without eating the fish, the toppings alone could go with several bowls of rice. The fish meat was exceptionally tender and not fishy at all.
Fate brings us together from a thousand miles—encounter at Yuán Gòng. An authentic Sichuan restaurant that keeps surprising you!
As everyone knows, Chengdu is the capital of cuisine. Speaking of representative foods, chuanchuan (skewers) definitely have a place. Big handfuls of bamboo sticks, hot red soup, numbing and spicy aroma—it makes your mouth water uncontrollably. This Chengdu Gua Chuanchuan main store on Jinfangyuan East Road could be your choice.
The variety of skewers in the store is quite rich, with dozens of types, plenty of vegetable and meat options—I was spoiled for choice.
The ingredients are pre-skewered and placed in refrigerators for diners to pick freely. You just choose what you like. Another feature is that the chef cooks the skewers and serves them directly in a large pot, saving you the trouble of cooking and waiting. For lazy people like me, it's super convenient.
After a short wait, a steaming pot of skewers arrived. The soup looked oily and spicy, but the spiciness was moderate. It was numbing, spicy, and delicious. The store also provides dry dipping powder and oil dip. The dry dip is their specialty, quite good, worth recommending.
Besides skewers, there are also several hot dishes, such as spicy pig brain (smooth and delicate), spicy duck blood (tender and smooth), spicy duck intestines (crisp and tasty), spicy luncheon meat, instant noodles, etc., all quite memorable.
This Chengdu Gua Chuanchuan, though not necessarily the best chuanchuan in Chengdu, is definitely the most special.
In Chengdu, a city known for leisure, there are many pubs of all sizes. But a pub like this one, surrounded by greenery, lit by neon lights, and rich with various alcohols and snacks—only Bié Yuàn Lǐ exists in Chengdu.
The unique cat girl in the pub adds a touch of mystery to the night, making people look forward to the arrival of evening.
I heard that to give customers a better experience, the owner hired the company that designed the lighting for the Bird's Nest (Beijing National Stadium) to design the pub's lighting effects. I can only secretly say, what a big production—the boss is really generous!
When the lights inside turned on, the whole pub became a colorful neon world. Under the interplay of light and shadow, colorful lights were like stars in the sky, shining brilliantly. Looking at this scene, I couldn't help but marvel. Indeed, the boss's decision was right; customers' feelings are the greatest affirmation.
Since this is a small pub, alcohol is a must. They have a huge variety: foreign spirits, cocktails, mixed drinks, pure imported beers—everything you could want. There were even many liquors I couldn't name, making my eyes dazzled. Basically, whatever you want to drink, you can find it here!
Not only that, but even the vessels for food are carefully selected Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain, elegant and beautiful, truly captivating.
Although there are many alcoholic beverages, my favorite doesn't seem to be those strong spirits. Long Island Iced Tea looks as clear and light as black tea, but it has the strong, rich fragrance of alcohol. With lemon juice and cola added, Long Island Iced Tea tastes sweet, similar to lemon black tea, so it's very popular among girls. A friend who really knows his liquor told me that this drink is 'a wolf in sheep's clothing' in the cocktail world—high alcohol content—so those who can't hold their liquor shouldn't be greedy.
There's also a cocktail called 'Metropolitan.' Saying it's one of the most popular cocktails in the world is no exaggeration. To this day, it has been popular for over thirty years. With its relatively low alcohol content, sweet and sour taste, and strong fruit flavor, it conquered me and became my favorite.
If you happen to order the bartender's special at Bié Yuàn Lǐ pub, congratulations—you'll enjoy a super pleasing cocktail show. The finished cocktail slowly 'breathes' mist from the rim, creating a very artistic atmosphere. As you savor it, the deeper the contact between your tongue and the cocktail, the more wonderful the flavor becomes.
I must recommend this Chinese-style cocktail—Ancient Qiang Wheat Straw Wine. Rice wine with a wheat straw as a straw—this is the first time I've seen it. The rice wine is sweet, mellow, thick, smooth and gentle on the palate. Drinking a small bottle in winter makes the whole body feel warm.
Don't think that you can only drink here; this place is also a hidden Sichuan restaurant. The taste and portions can rival those of outside Sichuan restaurants. Dan Dan noodles, Zhong dumplings, and the childhood taste of fermented glutinous rice with brown sugar can all be found here!
Their specialty grilled fish has always been a popular dish. The fish is grilled very flavorful, crispy on the outside and tender inside—guaranteed to win you over after a few bites.
After seeing so much, curious as you are, go and experience it yourself!
From the entrance of Kuanzhai Alley to the Jiaoliao, it's only about 200 meters, but it can take a full half hour to walk. Rows of snack shops, various gold and silver vessels—if your mind wavers even a little, you'll be overwhelmed by the sights and sounds.
Your eyes rest on the blue bricks and black tiles, ancient trees and long streets. Your ears are filled with the tinkling sounds of bronze and silver craftsmen hammering and the calls of shopkeepers outside. Your nose catches the aroma of sugar oil fruits and egg pancakes. To break free from all this, you need quite a bit of willpower.
Full of lively human atmosphere and worldly energy. Walking back and forth once is like somersaulting through the entanglements of the mortal world—eyes, ears, nose, tongue, mind—all are fully satisfied.
Right in the middle of Kuanzhai Alley, the Jiaoliao stands as an exception. Its two tightly closed gates and the ever-present brass lock seem to declare a philosophy of retreating into one's own courtyard and being self-contained.
Truly realized what 'urban forest' means! Step out, and it's bustling; step in, and you quietly guard your heart. Amid prosperity and ease, build a pure land, with luxury hidden inside and charm within.
And it is indeed so: once the half-jin brass lock is fastened, it blocks the gazes of passing tourists and also isolates the three-hundred-year-old lively world of the alley outside.
Wind can pass through the courtyard, birds can perch on the eaves. But the noise outside can't enter even a bit—this is Jiaoliao, taking tranquility in the midst of hustle and bustle.
The wooden structure made entirely of paulownia wood is a meeting of traditional aesthetics and modern techniques, natural yet stable. Long-term immersion in the faint scent of wood can help with sleep, calm the mind, and relax the body.
The architectural style of the hotel also combines movement and stillness. 'Movement' is seen in the details of the hotel's interior decor: birds come into view from the entrance corridor, and bird-shaped decorations in the guestrooms echo the hotel's name—Jiaoliao.
'Stillness' lies in the imitation ancient courtyard with blue-black bricks and tiles. Every plant and tree is elegant, every bamboo and mat has tasteful charm. Each guest room has its own poetic name, as if full of life and vivid!
The rooms are mostly decorated with natural wood, fresh and clean. The facilities are complete: selected King Koil mattress, Kohler bathroom fixtures, TOTO smart toilet... Various drinks, snacks, fruits, tea, etc. are all provided, giving an overall warm and comfortable feeling. There is also an open-air balcony where you can wake up and look out at Kuanzhai Alley—going into the world while being detached—this is the life I want. And if you want to relax your tired body, they also offer very professional spa services.
Breakfast is also especially thoughtful. When checking in, the butler asks about meal time and taste preferences, very considerate. You can choose between Chinese and Western meals, with fruits, dried fruits, and various pastries, and it's delivered to your room! Full of love.
Staying here, you truly enjoy your leisure, possessing this beautiful scenery, and experiencing complete freedom and joy!
Taiziling Ski Resort is located in Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area in Mao County, about 180 km from Chengdu. It takes about 3.5 hours by car from Chengdu. The highest altitude is 2971 meters, the lowest 2733 meters, with a drop of 238 meters. Most people don't experience altitude sickness, so you can enjoy skiing with peace of mind. The total length of the ski trails is 2.5 km, making it the ski resort with the longest trails in southern China.
Taiziling Ski Resort has relatively professional slopes: 3 advanced runs, 3 intermediate runs, and 3 beginner runs. Whether you're trying skiing for the first time or you're a pro with all kinds of skills, you can find fun here.
Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area has a beautiful natural environment, mountains and rivers, rich vegetation, and is a multi-functional area integrating outdoor camping, tourism, sports, and leisure. The concentration of negative oxygen ions in the area is extremely high, and PM2.5 is consistently below 10. During the snow season, 70% of the days are sunny, making it a city of sunshine and a country of snow views.
The ski trails are naturally winding and undulating, called 'dream trails' by ski enthusiasts. Many trails to choose from, plenty of options, full of surprises, providing a wonderful stage for beginners and experts to have fun and show off their skills.
Skiing is really physically demanding, and coupled with strong ultraviolet rays, you'll be sweating profusely and feeling exhausted after a while. Remember to hydrate and rest properly. During breaks, you can look at the blue sky, take photos, and admire others' cool poses—it's also very enjoyable. The weather was great, and sunlight reflecting off the snow was dazzling, so it's best to bring sunglasses in your gear.
To access the advanced runs, you must take a chairlift, and a helmet is required. So if you plan to go on advanced runs, remember to rent a helmet.
On the chairlift, with your feet above the white snow and the sun overhead, and skiers speeding below, I was especially afraid of dropping my gear or phone—it was quite thrilling.
After about ten minutes on the chairlift, we reached the start of the advanced run. As soon as we got off, my legs went weak—the first slope was at least 40 degrees.
Indeed, 'it's cold at high altitudes.' There were even fewer people on the advanced run. Very few people on double boards; most were skilled riders on their own snowboards, who would slide down in a few moves and disappear in moments.
If hungry, you can buy some food. There's a place to eat inside the ski resort, but you can also bring your own, like rice and self-heating hotpot, which is quite nice. The hotpot at the hotel is not bad, not inferior to outside ones. A big red pot, oily but not greasy—enjoying the spicy kick of hotpot while watching the snow scenery is a true pleasure.
From the moment you step into Jiuding Mountain, you will experience a natural realm far from noise, poetic, harmonious, ancient and tranquil. And at Taiziling Ski Resort, you can have a joyful, intimate holiday with family and friends—why not do it!
Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage is located on the banks of Huanhua Creek, west of the city gate of Chengdu. It is a must-visit for tourists coming to Chengdu.
As the name implies, Du Fu Thatched Cottage was the former residence of Du Fu. Although the thatched cottage scenic area is vast and luxurious, Du Fu's actual home is only a very small part—just a few thatched huts, small and shabby. The large-scale constructions were built by later generations in memory of Du Fu.
After entering the thatched cottage, there are many forks in the road, with signs guiding tourists to scenic spots. Further in, a quaint little alley comes into view: red walls on both sides, with tiles embedded with round bricks carved with animal faces. The moss on the tiles shows that the alley has been around for a while. The stone slabs underfoot have turned black and cracked.
Passing through the alley, a winding stream appears, with green bamboos and towering ancient trees on both banks—a truly poetic scene.
Before I knew it, we arrived at a place like a thatched cottage. Yes, this is Du Fu's former residence! There are paths on both sides, and a bamboo fence surrounds the small garden.
The roof does not incorporate modern materials, but it is no longer the one Du Fu lived in. Here, I just want to stand in front of the house and feel the timeless verse: 'Where can I get a vast mansion to shelter all the world's cold scholars, making them all happy?' I saw the loose soil on the wall, revealing large sections of a bamboo frame. The wood on the threshold looked like it would break with one step.
Walking in the thatched cottage, I was overwhelmed by the breath of history and rich poetic flavor, making me indulge and reluctant to leave for a long time...
What I miss is the scenery of Chengdu; what I miss is the food of Chengdu; what I miss is the lively worldly atmosphere of Chengdu...
