Enjoy Summer in Chengdu | Seek a Carefree Time, Immerse in Wenjiang
Wenjiang · Warm as Jade, River and Garden Merge into City
The first time I went to Wenjiang was when I just started college. My best friend went to Xicai, and to meet up, the two of us had to travel for hours. The second time I went to Wenjiang was to Guose Tianxiang, playing wildly all day long, then falling asleep with fanciful dreams. Gradually, I lost the energy to travel far, and no longer wondered about the scenery beyond the Ferris wheel. The third time I went to Wenjiang was finally just for the simple pleasure of eating—a friend from Wenjiang proudly introduced us to the "new scene hotpot." Every time they recommended it, they couldn't wait to drag us there to truly experience life. Finally, on a sunny weekend in Chengdu this year, as the whole city gradually revived, we rushed to Wenjiang. To our surprise, we accidentally discovered the secret garden of this city and the secrets of the garden.
I love Wenjiang, just as I love every city with rivers flowing through it. That gentle calmness, settled in the water and soil, can neither be imitated nor erased. Moreover, it satisfies the need for release and rest, allowing you to enjoy a moment of your own time in a life that is already not very generous…
If you only have a weekend, or if you are a visitor "celebrating the festival in Chengdu" and want to escape the hustle without going too far, consider Golden Wenjiang?
Happiness Farmland · The Secret Garden of Spring River Warmth
Over a decade ago, Chengdu locals were fond of "agritainment." A decade later, our generation is still caught in the vortex of "agritainment," but our "fun" is now full of Instagram aesthetics.
"Happiness Farmland" (Xingfu Tianyuan) is actually an ecological wetland park. Originally a village, after careful planning and ecological construction, it has become the most popular resort area.
When you drive past the signature green train cars, you have arrived at Happiness Farmland.
There's a clichéd chicken soup saying: "Back then, everything was slow, letters were far, and a lifetime was enough to love only one person." My memory of the green train is also faint. I recall that in 2014, when I was still a young reporter at the newspaper office, Sichuan's last "green train" said goodbye to its passengers.
The green train parked at Happiness Farmland has been converted into a restaurant. The restoration, which keeps the old look, and vintage decorations make these carriages a great photo spot. Everyone queues up politely—you shoot, then I get on.
Although this "Happiness" green train goes nowhere, stepping onto it instantly brings me back many years ago, to the day when our group of nine took a 32-hour green train to Guangxi, the day I had a fever due to acclimatization, and those friends who once laughed and played endlessly on the road but now rarely contact each other.
Going deeper, you find the true heart of Happiness Farmland.
Living water drawn from the Jiang'an River ripples with green waves, and buildings hidden among green trees look like delicate European towns at first glance. When inspiration strikes, row a small wooden boat around the lake center, through the bridge holes. When tired, sip tea and take a nap.
Walking along the lake, you hear birds chirping among the bamboo groves. Suddenly, a few ducks leap out from hidden grass, noisily rushing into the water.
Unfortunately, we missed the peak blooming season here; only a few flowers dotted the greenery. Luckily, we caught the vitality just before summer, recharging our exhausted days with new energy.
Beilin Greenway · Roaring Dragon and Singing Tiger in Serenity
As a middle-aged young lady, I dislike running but enjoy walking. Living in the southern part of town, occasionally checking out a greenway became a rare weekend pastime. I can proudly say that every greenway in Chengdu is to my liking. The Wenjiang Greenway is too long; each section has its own character. But time was short, so we could only briskly walk back and forth on one section, the Beilin Greenway, drooling as we watched others ride bicycles with ease.
Unlike simple greenways, the Beilin Greenway has many clever designs on both sides: characteristic residential buildings, exquisite gardens, stone art, and tea houses, eateries, and even fishing spots…
Compared to greenways dedicated solely to fitness, this one suits ordinary people's needs. After trekking over ten kilometers, when you want to reward yourself, the sight and aroma of snacks and Chengdu's beloved ice jelly (bingfen) bring a joy even greater than a pay raise.
Aimlessly walking along the greenway, hearing bicycle bells ringing past, encountering children on an outing, and groups of aunties taking photos together—all make you feel the vitality here. Everyone is at ease in their own environment, leaving worries and anxieties behind in this peaceful place.
Farther ahead, the area gradually becomes lively—not with noisy crowds, but with the roar of surging waves.
A dam splits the river into two styles: half as calm as a mirror, half roaring like a dragon and tiger. Step onto the dam, close your eyes, let the rumbling sound vibrate your eardrums, and shake off the water droplets on your skirt. Soon, this place will be full of temptation for water play.
If Happiness Farmland and the Wenjiang Greenway are slightly removed from the most everyday Wenjiang life, then the Jinma Riverside Park is a leisure spot right at the doorstep.
I don't like noisy parks that make me restless; this one is exactly gentle as water.
If not for that golden horse statue, you might not even specifically regard it as a park. Its comfortable, leisurely vibe resembles the green lawn in a residential community.
The park features large areas of free grass, where both adults and children can freely play. Under the warm sun, children run to fly kites, mothers cheer them on, trampolines echo with carefree laughter, and young couples hidden among the trees have eyes full of smiles.
This is what life should be like.
Hotpot · Wonderful Flavors in a New Scene
Before coming to Wenjiang, my Wenjiang friend, wanting to play the host, recommended many delicious places. But in the end, we stubbornly chose hotpot. For no other reason: as Sichuan natives who hadn't had good hotpot for four months, we were about to die of craving~ Known as the "fertile land" of the Land of Abundance, Wenjiang definitely has plenty of delicious hotpot!
/ Green Boat Fish Hotpot
Wenjiang's floral art and afforestation are traditional strengths, but who would know that even hotpot now has a "new scene," following the trend to become "hotpot+", placing the bubbling copper pot in unexpected places?
When the navigation announced "Arrived at destination," our confused looks caught a passerby's attention. Who would guess that the hotpot is hidden inside a high-walled mansion? The biggest feature of Green Boat Fish Hotpot is its environment: pavilions, towers, winding paths leading to seclusion. The idea of setting up hotpot among flowers is someone's whimsical creation. With faint floral scents, you eat until dripping with sweat, then turn your head to see lush greenery.
Large courtyard areas are still being landscaped, making it easy to imagine how exquisite this place will be in summer. Or go deeper: the tender green ginkgo leaves under sunlight, the young peach trees with green fruit—all become the backdrop for a hotpot meal.
Spring is already so pleasant; when late autumn comes, with golden ginkgo and ripe peaches, it will be an enviable scene. Back to the hotpot itself: eating hotpot in this environment somehow feels fresher. Unlike ordinary hotpot using iron pots, this one uses a copper pot for lamb hotpot, ensuring the ingredients heat up quickly and evenly, so you no longer fear overcooking tripe…
When the copper pot lid was lifted, I understood the owner's intention: the long-suppressed aroma burst forth, making our mouths water. The ingredients were generous and fresh, leaving our hungry group unable to stop our chopsticks.
The owner said to come again when the courtyard is full of greenery, to taste a different new flavor~
/ Jianghu Hotpot
Another hotpot we had been craving for days was not far from the greenway, proving the saying: "How can you lose weight without eating enough?" We had been listless after leaving the greenway, but as soon as we heard there was hotpot—and a trendy one—we recharged successfully.
On Yaxiang Bay Xixili Food Street, there is a hotpot called Jianghu Hotpot, which a friend called "the best hotpot in Wenjiang." It stands out among the restaurants, not only for its yellow and black color scheme but also for the strong aroma of Chongqing-style hotpot—I, as a Chongqing native, instantly found my direction.
The entrance is guarded by Guan Yu, and in front are seven or eight types of hotpot spices. The wall decorations reveal the hotpot's "Chongqing soul."
The pot base is exceptionally clean and clear: large chunks of beef tallow, prepared spices, and chilies. Once mixed with aged eagle tea and a secret broth, they release an enhanced flavor.
Sichuan and Chongqing love spicy food—besides its practical dehumidifying effect, it's more about the pursuit and longing for taste stimulation that has gone deep into our genes.
The signature dishes are clearly listed, very friendly for first-timers. Just order, and you won't be disappointed. Must-order: Jianghu Beef, arranged in circles. A gentle pinch picks up a long strip of marinated beef, rolled in chili—just looking makes you sweat. Palm-sized Beef is superb—whether you dip it or throw it in to cook, it never feels tough. I even think cooking it a bit longer makes it more flavorful.
Meat sticks are also a highlight, shaped like popsicles—I almost bit into one thinking it was dessert… The meat is substantial, clearly separated when cooked but not mushy. We ordered two servings of duck blood. Put the duck blood in the cold pot, wait for it to boil, then wait a bit longer before eagerly digging in. It's tender and flavorful, and we devoured a big bowl. The Q-stretchy squid ink handmade sausage offers a completely new taste experience!
When we left Jianghu Hotpot, we saw the words on the wall: "Not Every Season Eats Right" (bushibushi), which means "you don't always encounter your favorite food." The owner's confidence can indeed be transmitted to diners through taste~
If gastronomic desires can be divided into highbrow and lowbrow, then hotpot has always seemed to belong to the latter definition. But gradually, after eating and seeing many good things, people realize that hotpot is not just about the flavor. If you like something, you want more people to know about it. Thus, even simple hotpot has taken on new forms. Whether courtyard hotpot or greenway hotpot, these "new scenes" for hotpot, for someone like me who just craves a bite, make this love even stronger. No wonder Du Fu wrote, "Water railing at Wenjiang mouth, thatched cottage west of Stone Bamboo." Wenjiang's slow life makes time worthwhile.
