Chengdu—Charms Everywhere You Look
Chengdu is actually not a place that erodes your willpower; on the contrary, it makes you feel vibrant. The only reason you might indulge is that you cannot resist the city's unrestrained imagination. Its beauty lies in its innocence. The men, women, old and young living here all have a charming and irresistible sense of relaxation. They never doubt the meaning of life. They are doers—when they want to play mahjong, they play mahjong; when they crave small chili peppers, they eat them. The people of Sichuan have a certain spirit—a quiet, fearless one, living their beloved simple lives with neither arrogance nor humility. Rather than saying I like Chengdu, I would say I love Chengdu's vibrant earthly atmosphere.
Chengdu locals love food, and Chengdu is also a food capital! The best feelings in life are surely hidden in the journey. Other people's journeys have sweetness, sourness, and all tastes of life, but my journey has only one flavor: the aroma of food. So I came to Chengdu, to this city where delicious food is everywhere!
Yuan Gong, Yuan Gong—a destiny-bestowed tribute. The red plaque with gold characters instantly captivated my heart. The moon-white verses on the ground also touched on the theme of 'destiny.' It seems that there is truly a fate between this restaurant and me.
The ceiling of Yuan Gong is covered with red flowers like blazing flames, which feels exceptionally creative, and my mood unconsciously improved.
This restaurant is located on another street behind Chunxi Road near Qingshi Bridge. The location is a bit off the beaten path. Compared to the bustling nightlife of Chunxi Road, it feels somewhat detached from worldly affairs—and that's exactly the kind of place I love.
The entire restaurant environment is quite spacious. Each table has a separate compartment with decent distance, suitable for small gatherings. It doesn't feel cramped at all—I absolutely love this environment!
Nowadays, many restaurants have stylish decorations, and this one is no exception. The lighting tones, whether in private rooms or hall booths, are very well-designed!
The dishes here are also authentic Zigong-style Sichuan cuisine. The flavors are excellent, and the environment has a homely feel. The red flowers and umbrellas as decorations feel very festive and warm, evoking a warm current in my heart—perhaps this is the taste of home.
The service staff were very good—truly warm and attentive, responding promptly. Although our seat was somewhat secluded, we could still call a waiter whenever needed. There was no situation where we couldn't get service. Their attitude towards guests was genuinely kind and friendly. From entering to leaving, there was dedicated guidance—this is something I think is quite good.
Now for the dishes: the one that left the deepest impression was the Yuan Gong Signature Flower Clam Rabbit. The green and red peppers contrasted beautifully, making the rabbit meat tender and delicious, and the clams looked enticing. When I took a bite, the freshness, slight numbness, and moderate spiciness burst onto my palate in a dance of flavors—truly a match made in heaven!
Longmen Diao Rou (Dragon Gate Hanging Meat). This dish had a special staff member who cut and arranged it on a plate. It had a crispy texture, and the outer coating was perfectly fried. Even after eating a lot, it didn't feel greasy. This is one of their signature dishes, quite unique.
The Old Duck Soup left a deep impression—not too strong in chicken essence or MSG, with a refreshing sweetness that could quench thirst. Drinking it made me feel relaxed in both body and mind—so comfortable and delicious.
Another dish, Yuan Gong Local Chicken Slices, was definitely the best of the whole meal. The flavor was excellent, with lotus root slices underneath. The red chili oil was very fragrant, and mixed with the chicken slices, it was simply heavenly. My friend and I couldn't stop praising this dish—it was truly delicious!
Douchi Whole Fish was a large fish topped with many fermented black beans and diced meat. Even without eating the fish, the seasoning alone could go with several bowls of rice. The fish meat was particularly tender and not at all fishy!
Fate brings us together across a thousand miles—meeting at Yuan Gong. An authentic Sichuan restaurant that keeps surprising you!
As everyone knows, Chengdu is a food capital. When it comes to representative delicacies, Chuan Chuan (skewers) definitely occupies a place. Big handfuls of bamboo skewers, hot red broth, numbing, spicy, and fresh—it makes your mouth water uncontrollably. This Gua Chuan Chuan Main Store on Jinfangyuan East Road in Chengdu 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 almost spoiled for choice.
The ingredients are pre-skewered and stored in refrigerators for customers to pick freely. Customers just choose what they like. Another feature of the skewers here is that after the chef cooks them, they are served directly in a large pot, saving you the time of cooking them yourself. For lazy people like me, it's so convenient.
After a short wait, a steaming pot of skewers is brought to the table. The broth looks oily and spicy, but the spiciness is moderate. Upon entering the mouth, it's numbing, spicy, and fragrant. The restaurant provides dry dip and oil dip for customers to use. The dry dip is their specialty, very tasty—worth recommending.
Besides skewers, there are several hot dishes, such as spicy pig brain—silky and delicate; spicy duck blood—tender and smooth; spicy duck intestines—crisp and refreshing; spicy luncheon meat, instant noodles, etc., all quite memorable.
Although this Gua Chuan Chuan might not be the best skewer place in Chengdu, it is definitely the most special one.
In Chengdu, a city known for its leisure lifestyle, there are many bars of all sizes. But a bar like this one—surrounded by greenery, lit by neon lights, and stocked with a wide variety of alcohols and snacks—only exists here in Bie Yuan Li (Another Courtyard).
The exclusive Cat Girl in the shop adds a touch of mystery to their nights, making people look forward to the evening even more.
I heard that to provide consumers with a better experience, the owner hired the company that designed the lighting for the Bird's Nest Stadium to create the lighting effects here. I can only say quietly, 'What a big production! The owner is really generous!'
When the lights come on, the entire bar looks like a colorful neon world. Under the interplay of light and shadow, the colorful lights resemble stars in the sky, shining brightly in the bar. Looking at this scene, I couldn't help but marvel—indeed, the owner's decision was right; the customers' experience is the greatest affirmation.
Since this is a small bar, alcohol is a must. They have a huge selection: foreign spirits, mixed drinks, cocktails, and pure imported beers—everything you can imagine. There are even many drinks I couldn't name, leaving me dazzled. Basically, if you want to drink it, you can find it here!
Moreover, even the containers for food are carefully selected Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain, elegant and beautiful, truly captivating.
Although there are many alcoholic beverages, it seems that what I favor is not the strong, fiery kind. Long Island Iced Tea appears as clear and mild as black tea, yet it carries the strong, mellow fragrance of alcohol. With lemon juice and cola added, Long Island Iced Tea is sweet, similar to lemon iced tea, which makes it popular among girls. A friend who knows a lot about wine told me that this drink is the 'wolf in sheep's clothing' of the cocktail world, with a relatively high alcohol content—those who can't hold their liquor shouldn't overdo it.
Another drink here is called Metropolitan. It's no exaggeration to say that the Metropolitan is one of the most popular cocktails in the world. To this day, it has been continuously popular for over thirty years. With its low alcohol content, sweet and sour taste, and strong fruity flavor, it conquered me and became one of my favorites.
At Bie Yuan Li bar, if you happen to order their bartender's special cocktail, congratulations—you'll enjoy an incredibly eye-catching cocktail show. After mixing, the cocktail slowly 'exhales' a mist from the rim of the glass, creating a very artistic atmosphere. As you savor it, the deeper your tongue contacts the cocktail, the more wonderful its flavor becomes.
I must recommend this Chinese-style cocktail—ancient Qiang wheat stalk smashed liquor. This is the first time I've seen rice wine served with a wheat stalk as a straw. The rice wine is sweet and mellow, smooth and soft upon entry. Drinking a small bottle in winter makes your whole body feel warm.
Don't think you can only drink here; this place is also a hidden Sichuan restaurant. The taste and portions can rival any outside Sichuan restaurant. Dan Dan Noodles, Zhong Dumplings, and nostalgic fermented glutinous rice with brown sugar are all available here!
Their signature grilled fish has always been a popular dish in the store. The fish is well-grilled with flavor, crispy on the outside and tender inside—it's sure to win you over after a few bites.
After reading so much, if you're curious, go experience it yourself!
From the entrance of Kuanzhai Alley to the doorstep of Jiaoliao (a hotel) is just a short two hundred meters, but it can take half an hour to walk. Rows of snack shops, all kinds of gold and silver utensils—if your mind wanders even a little, you can get lost in the sights and sounds somewhere.
Your eyes take in the black bricks and gray tiles, ancient trees and long streets. Your ears are filled with the tinkling sounds of copper and silver craftsmen and the calls of shopkeepers outside. And your nose catches the aromas of tangyuan (sugar-oil fruit) and egg puff cakes—you need considerable willpower to break free from all this.
The place is full of bustling earthly life and secular charm. Walking back and forth feels like doing a somersault in the mundane world—your eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and mind are all thoroughly satisfied.
Jiaoliao, located right in the middle of Kuanzhai Alley, is an exception in this century-old lane. Its two tightly closed doors and the bronze lock that's been fastened all year seem to declare the philosophy of retreating into one's own courtyard.
Truly realizing what it means to have 'city and mountain forest'—step out and it's bustling; step in and you return to your peaceful heart! Amidst prosperity and ease, a pure land is built, hiding luxury within, and exuding charm.
Indeed, once the eight-tael bronze lock falls, it separates the gazes of passing tourists and also isolates the lively world that has soaked into the alley for three hundred years.
Wind can pass through the courtyard, birds can perch on the eaves. But none of the noise outside can enter. This is Jiaoliao—finding peace amidst the bustle.
The wooden structure made entirely of tung wood is a meeting of traditional aesthetics and modern techniques—natural yet sturdy. Long-term exposure to the faint scent of wood can help promote sleep, calm the mind, and relax the body.
The architectural style of the hotel also combines movement and stillness. 'Movement' is evident in the various details of the interior decoration. Birds appear from the entrance corridor, and bird-shaped decorations in the rooms echo the hotel's name—Jiaoliao.
The 'stillness' lies in the antique courtyard with blue tiles, where every plant and tree exudes quiet elegance, every bamboo and mat shows refined taste. Each guest room has its own poetic name, as if full of life and vividness!
The rooms are mostly decorated with natural wood, fresh and clean, with complete facilities. They feature King Koil 'Jingzhu Shiguang' co-branded mattresses, Kohler bathroom fixtures, TOTO smart toilets... Various drinks, snacks, fruits, tea, etc., are all available, giving a very warm and cozy feeling. There is also an open-air balcony. Waking up in the morning, you can look out at Kuanzhai Alley, entering the world while staying detached—that's the life I want. And if you want to relax tired body, professional spa services are available.
Breakfast is also particularly warm. Upon check-in, the butler will ask about your dining time and taste preferences—very thoughtful. You can choose between Chinese and Western food, paired with fruits, dried fruits, and various pastries. And it's delivered to your room! Full of love.
Living here, you truly feel carefree and at ease, enjoying this beautiful scenery to the fullest, completely free and leisurely!
Taiziling Ski Resort is located in Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area, Maoxian County, about 180 kilometers from Chengdu. It takes about 3.5 hours to drive from Chengdu to the ski resort. The highest altitude of the ski resort is 2,971 meters, the lowest is 2,733 meters, with a drop of 238 meters. Most people do not experience altitude sickness, so you can enjoy it with peace of mind. The total length of the ski slopes is 2.5 kilometers, making it the longest ski resort in southern China.
Taiziling Ski Resort has relatively professional ski slopes, with 3 advanced runs, 3 intermediate runs, and 3 beginner runs. Whether you are a first-timer or a skilled professional, you can find fun here.
Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area boasts beautiful natural scenery, clear waters, and lush mountains, with rich vegetation resources. It is a multifunctional scenic 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 time the weather is sunny, earning it the reputation of a 'City of Sunshine' and 'Land of Snowscapes.'
The slopes are naturally curved and undulating, known by skiing enthusiasts as 'dream slopes.' There are multiple slopes to choose from—plenty of options and surprises—providing a wonderful stage for beginners and experts alike to have fun and showcase their skills.
Skiing is really a physically demanding activity, and the ultraviolet rays are very strong. You'll break a sweat quickly and feel exhausted. Remember to hydrate and rest properly. While resting, take in the blue sky, snap some photos, and admire others' cool poses—it's quite enjoyable. The weather is great; sunlight reflects off the snow and is very glaring, so it's best to bring sunglasses in your gear.
To go to the advanced runs, you must take the cable car, and wearing a helmet is mandatory. So if you plan to hit the advanced runs, be sure to rent a helmet.
Riding the cable car, with your feet over the white snow, the sun above, and skiers whizzing below, I was particularly worried about dropping my gear or phone—it was quite thrilling.
After about ten minutes on the cable car, we reached the starting point of the advanced run. As soon as I got off, my legs felt weak—the first slope was at least 40 degrees.
Indeed, 'high places are truly cold.' There were even fewer people on the advanced runs. Few were skiing on double skis; most were skilled riders with their own snowboards, dashing down in a few seconds and disappearing from sight.
If you get hungry, you can buy some food. There are dining areas in the ski resort, but you can also bring your own—some rice and a self-heating hotpot would be great. The hotpot in the hotel is delicious, no worse than what you'd get outside. A big red pot is oily but not greasy, allowing you to enjoy the spicy thrill while taking in the snow scenery—that's a true pleasure.
From the moment you set foot in Jiuding Mountain, you will experience a natural realm far from the hustle and bustle, poetic, harmonious, and quietly ancient. And at Taiziling Ski Resort, you can share a joyful, intimate holiday with family and friends—how could you not want to do it?
Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage is located on the bank of Huanhua Stream, outside the west gate of Chengdu. It is a must-see for visitors to Chengdu.
As the name suggests, Du Fu Thatched Cottage was the former residence of Du Fu. However, although the Du Fu Thatched Cottage scenic area is large and magnificent, Du Fu's actual residence is only a very small part of it—a few thatched cottages that are old and small. The vast constructions were built by later generations in memory of Du Fu.
After entering the thatched cottage, there are many forks in the road, with signposts guiding visitors to the attractions. Going further, you'll see an ancient-looking alley: the walls on both sides are vermilion, with round bricks carved with animal faces embedded in the tiles. The moss on the tiles shows that this alley has been here for a while. The bluestone slabs underfoot have turned black and developed cracks.
Passing through the alley, you'll see a winding stream, flanked by green bamboo and towering ancient trees—a truly poetic scene.
Before we knew it, we arrived at a place that looks like a thatched hut. Yes, this is Du Fu's former residence! There are paths on both sides, with bamboo fences surrounding the small garden.
The roof has no modern building materials, but it is no longer the one Du Fu lived in. Standing in front of the house, I wanted to feel the immortal verse: 'How can I get a vast mansion to shelter all the poor scholars under heaven with happy faces?' I saw the soil on the walls falling loose, revealing large frames woven from bamboo strips. The wood on the threshold felt like it could be broken with one step.
Walking through the thatched cottage, the air was filled with a sense 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 vibrant earthly atmosphere of Chengdu...
