2020 Latest Chengdu Attractions & Food Recommendations + New Featured Hotel Recommendation: Chengdu Ximu Shanju Hotel (Shaanxi Street Branch)

"Walk with me on the streets of Chengdu, until all the lights go out and we won't stop. You'll hold my sleeve, I'll put my hands in my pockets. Walk to the end of Yulin Road, sit at the entrance of the small tavern..."

Sip a bowl of covered tea, enjoy a Sichuan opera face-changing performance, listen to folk music in a small tavern, and taste all the specialty foods. Every corner of this city vividly showcases its unique blend of tranquility, leisure, prosperity, and uninhibitedness.

Chengdu: a city you won't want to leave once you arrive; a "City of Brocade" that even amazed Marco Polo.

Day 1: Arrival and check-in at Chengdu Ximu Shanju Hotel (Shaanxi Street Branch)

Day 2: Chengdu Chike; Kuanzhai Alley; People's Park; Mabianbian Malatang

Day 3: Da Long Yi Hotpot; Taikoo Li (Fangsuo Bookstore); Line Friends Store; Chunxi Road IFS; Zui Xichang

Day 4: Ji Yu; Xun Huan; Jiuyanqiao Bar Street

IFS (Chengdu International Finance Square)

Everyone has probably seen the internet-famous climbing panda, which has become a symbol of Chengdu. This is a must-visit spot in Chengdu. Located in the bustling Chunxi Road area, IFS and Taikoo Li together form the most popular fashion district in Chengdu in recent years. The unique design perfectly merges with local culture, creating numerous instagrammable photo spots. The most eye-catching and well-known landmark is the giant installation art on the top floor of IFS: the climbing panda.

Taikoo Li is a gathering place for trendy young people. Shopping here focuses on mid-to-high-end brands. Besides various urban fashion brands and streetwear, the most notable places to visit are the MUJI World Flagship Store and the specialty bookstore "Fangsuo."

Chengdu Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li is distinctive, with crisscrossing alleys and open plaza spaces, presenting a different urban pulse while introducing the concepts of "Kuai Li" (fast lane) and "Man Li" (slow lane), setting a trend example for international metropolises.

The architectural style of Western Sichuan dwellings, plain and elegant yet open and free, the ancient alleys that have been preserved to this day, and the old Chengdu's folk customs and cultural charm are retained and revived, bringing vitality back to the city center and promising more possibilities in the future.

Fangsuo has become an internet-famous bookstore. Its design is very interesting, and everyone who visits Fangsuo for the first time is amazed. With an 8-meter ceiling height, 37 uniquely shaped pillars, and a floor adorned with planetary orbits, the bookstore is transformed into an underground palace. It has become a must-visit cultural destination in Chengdu. Fangsuo mainly stocks books on design, art, and architecture, and it also offers coffee and exhibitions as a comprehensive lifestyle brand. It's more than just a bookstore. The spatial design uses many techniques of release after compression; for example, the elevator is designed as a mysterious tunnel to make visitors feel like they are entering a hall of books, a gateway to the ocean of knowledge and hope.

Fangsuo Bookstore is located on the basement level of a commercial street. Daci Temple is where the Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang once lived before traveling to the West to obtain scriptures. Designer Zhu Zhikang used this story as inspiration for the bookstore's design!

Touching Chengdu through reading, designer Zhu Zhikang took on this project. After 14 years of design work, Zhu Zhikang is more perfectionist, and the challenge of how to break through and improve became his biggest goal.

In 1718, after quelling the Dzungar rebellion, Emperor Kangxi dispatched Eight Banner troops to garrison Chengdu and established the "Manchu City," also known as "Shaocheng." The Qing government stipulated that the Bannermen in Shaocheng were strictly confined to the Manchu City and could not engage in agriculture, industry, or commerce. Therefore, the Bannermen gradually became skilled in gardening, flower cultivation, and bird keeping, developing a leisurely lifestyle. This laid-back and idle habit influenced the people of Chengdu, giving rise to folk cultures such as "tea culture," "mahjong culture," and "food culture."

Originally, Shaocheng had about 42 alleys. Today, only three remain: "Kuan Alley," "Zhai Alley," and "Jing Alley." Although Kuanzhai Alley has become quite commercialized, it is still a must-visit for first-time travelers to Chengdu. Jing Alley has many reliefs and well elements—don't miss them.

Kuan Alley is a nostalgic area with an old-fashioned face; during the Xuantong reign of the Qing Dynasty, it was called Xingren Hutong. Zhai Alley has many buildings from the late Qing and early Republic of China periods, including some Western-style buildings left by churches. Kuan Alley is the "leisure life" area, a re-creation of old Chengdu life. It features the Old Chengdu Life Experience Hall, showcasing local customs and traditions.

In Jing Alley, there is a 400-meter-long east-west sculptural wall, the first museum in China using bricks as its medium. Old bricks from different historical periods are artistically crafted into platforms, walls, paths, steles, gates, and other fragments of Chengdu's history and culture, narrating a thousand years of Chengdu and enacting a hundred years of history. The western section of the cultural wall displays scenes from "Baodun Ancient City, Jinsha Bamboo Mud" to "Yangzi Earth Bricks, Qin Dynasty City Walls," and from "Han Brick Legacy, Tang Dynasty Luocheng" to "Song Brick Ancient Path, Ming Dynasty City Destruction," showing Chengdu's vicissitudes.

Zhai Alley is the "slow life" area, showcasing Chengdu's courtyard culture. Most of these courtyards are now occupied by stylish bars and restaurants. Tourists and art lovers gather in the alleys, spending a leisurely afternoon feeling time stand still.

1. Ru Zai Shu (Yulin Road Branch)

Ru Zai Shu: If in Chengdu, a pot of good taste is in Shu. Crowds come searching for flavor. The first meal in Chengdu starts with a hotpot. In the evening, we checked in at the Ru Zai Shu hotpot restaurant. Yulin Road is full of delicious food, and the must-eat hotpot is Ru Zai Shu. At just after six, the restaurant entrance was already crowded with people waiting in line. We took a number and waited about forty minutes.

We ordered a spicy red oil and mushroom broth base. Boiling water was poured in at the table. The broth was flavorful, fragrant without being overly spicy, suitable for a wider range of customers. For me, it was a bit different from the Chengdu hotpot I imagined, which made me love Chengdu and hotpot even more. The handmade tofu and bean sprouts in the pot were already well-flavored after the broth boiled.

Pu Gai Mao Du (Tripe): Blanch for 8 seconds before eating; it's crispy. The signature dish truly lives up to its reputation. Yu Zi Xia Hua (Shrimp Paste with Fish Roe): Unlike the shrimp paste in regular hotpot, it retains large pieces of shrimp meat, giving it a better texture and more bounce.

Hui Xiang Su Rou (Fennel Crispy Pork): Freshly fried crispy pork, dipped in old Chengdu dry dipping powder. It's fragrant and crunchy and can be eaten directly. I personally prefer to dip it in the red oil broth for a few seconds before eating. Hong Jiu Jin Niu Rou (Red Wine Soaked Beef): In the center of the plate, there is an upside-down wine glass. The red wine slowly seeps into the beef, then you blanch and eat it—it has a unique flavor.

Gui Hua Bing Tang Yuan (Osmanthus Ice Tangyuan): I can't stop praising the internet-famous ice tangyuan. The icy shaved ice paired with the soft and sticky glutinous rice is a perfect remedy for spiciness. Having a bowl during a break is extremely satisfying. This is probably one of the reasons many people come for it.

Ru Zai Shu Old Hotpot (Yulin Branch)

Business hours: 9:30 AM – 2:00 AM

Address: No. 15 Yulin South Road (First Floor, Yulin Life Plaza) (1300m walk from Exit B, Nijiaqiao Station, Metro Line 1)

2. Chengdu Chike (Zhimin Road Branch)

In Chengdu, when it comes to Sichuan cuisine restaurants, you can't miss the number one Sichuan restaurant "Chengdu Chike." The shop's interior incorporates local Chengdu features, including Kuanzhai Alley, Chunxi Road, and Heming Tea House.

Chengdu Chike defines its dishes as "new-style Sichuan cuisine," innovating on the basis of traditional Sichuan cuisine and showcasing its own characteristics. In a city full of the aroma of Sichuan pepper, go to Chengdu Chike and order a few signature dishes to reward your stomach with good food. Don't think it's just Sichuan dishes—there are also grilled skewers that you might only find in small alleys. At Chengdu Chike, you can order almost anything and not make a mistake.

Kao Wu Hua Rou (Grilled Pork Belly): Perfectly marbled pork belly, moderately sized pieces, grilled to sizzling perfection, with a moderate spiciness that suits many people.

Signature dish: Te Se Kao Yu Pian (Special Grilled Fish Slices): A must-order at Chengdu Chike. One fish, two ways: first, a sour cabbage fish soup is made from the fish, appetizing and tasty; then the fish is sliced thinly and made into skewers, grilled and placed in a spicy broth, simmered over low heat. The fish is tender, spicy, and flavorful. Paired with the sour cabbage fish soup, it is truly one of the signature dishes. Luo Ben Tuo Tuo Xia (Peeled Shrimp Skewers): The shrimp are peeled and threaded on bamboo skewers, soaked in a spicy broth. When eating, gently pull the head and tail to remove them. The shrimp meat is tender, and you can't stop at one skewer.

Yin Er Xue Li Tang (Tremella and Pear Soup): Served in a thermos, the pear soup is special and heartwarming, with just the right sweetness. Eating the spicy grilled fish and shrimp skewers with warm tremella and pear soup is truly comfortable.

This evergreen internet-famous store truly lives up to its reputation. After eating, take a stroll through Kuanzhai Alley and Chunxi Road—Chengdu's slow-paced life is right at your fingertips.

Chengdu Chike (Zhimin Road Branch)

Business hours: 12:00 – 13:30, 17:00 – 21:00

Address: No. 48 Zhimin Road (150m walk from Exit B, Xin Nan Men Station, Metro Line 3)

3. Mabianbian Malatang (Zhimin Road Branch)

I had long been drawn to the internet-famous Mabianbian Malatang. Coming to Chengdu this time, I couldn't miss this stick food (chuanchuan) and finally fulfilled my wish.

Upon entering the store, the first thing I saw was gray bricks, red tiles, stone walls, a small shop, low tables, and small stools, with yellowing street lamps—full of life. Memories instantly jumped back to childhood, as if traveling back to the 80s and 90s. With its nostalgic, retro, and youthful ambiance, Mabianbian has won the hearts of countless foodies. The dining utensils are also very evocative: picking skewers with a dustpan feels very retro. This kind of chuanchuan food with such charm can surely evoke many childhood memories. It makes you want to shout "Long live childhood." Chatting about life with two or three friends while eating authentic Chengdu-style chuanchuan malatang is truly comfortable.

Mao Nao Hua (Pig Brain in Chili Oil): Highly recommended, fragrant without being too spicy, super tender, and melts in your mouth.

The beef series are all tasty. If you don't know what to choose, picking beef is always a safe bet.

My favorite is Xiao Xiang Chang (Mini Sausages): Not dry or hard, slightly sweet. Even someone like me who doesn't usually like mini sausages ate at least thirty sticks. That's the charm of Mabianbian. Suan Jiao Zhi (Tamarind Juice) is very good—paired with skewers, it relieves spiciness without making you bloated, so you can eat more skewers! I've become one of those who have experienced Mabianbian, a store that makes you want to eat again and again. In Chengdu, you need wine and skewers to truly live!

One skewer costs 0.5 yuan—very cheap. Dipping sauce: Scoop a spoonful of hot broth through a strainer into the dry dipping powder, and the taste is excellent. Finally, have a bowl of Hong Tang Bing Fen (Brown Sugar Ice Jelly)—perfect!

Mabianbian Malatang (Zhimin Road Branch)

Business hours: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM

Address: No. 48 Zhimin Road (170m walk from Exit B, Xin Nan Men Station, Metro Line 3)

4. Da Long Yi Hotpot (Taikoo Li Branch)

I remember last seeing Da Long Yi abroad. I was deeply impressed because I didn't know how to read the character "燚" at the time. This hotpot restaurant is highly acclaimed, and even many celebrities come specially. Naturally, we couldn't miss it on this trip to Chengdu.

Here, the beef tallow broth is definitely a specialty. Chunks of beef tallow and stir-fried spices are brought to the table and boiled in front of us. In Chengdu, the dipping sauce is the soul of hotpot. A can of specially-made sesame oil with some condiments, stirred together—you just can't stop.

Tong Wei Yu Pi (Fish Skin) and Xian Mao Du (Fresh Tripe) are absolute must-orders. Each dish has a recommended cooking time, thoughtfully marked. Blanching at the right time brings the best flavor experience. We also ordered goose intestines and special mini sausages—they were really delicious and appetizing.

Having hotpot with Bing Fen (Ice Jelly) is the perfect match. Cool and sweet, it instantly makes you feel rejuvenated.

Da Long Yi Hotpot (Taikoo Li Branch)

Business hours: 10:30 AM – 2:00 AM

Address: 2nd Floor, No. 166, Xia Dong Dajie Section, Dong Street (360m walk from Exit B, Chunxi Road Station, Metro Lines 2 & 3)

5. Zui Xichang (Hongyun Branch)

In a city like Chengdu, with its brilliant and romantic nightlife, the winter night is especially piercing. How could we not treat ourselves to an authentic Xichang barbecue? This time, Zui Xichang's specialty was little pig, so we dragged a friend and rushed over.

The interior design is comfortable, with an outdoor style too, catering to different barbecue preferences. It made me want to exclaim that the people of Chengdu really know how to live. Before this, I had tasted various Korean and Japanese grilled meats, but I particularly appreciate this bold style of Xichang barbecue—it has more of a martial arts flavor, authentic Xichang style, and a firepot barbecue.

Even with the cold wind outside, I wanted to sit outdoors and barbecue over charcoal. As soon as we sat down, the waiter brought a basin of charcoal. I heard that indoors you can only use electric grills, so I was a bit happy we chose outdoor seating—we could experience a more authentic Xichang firepot barbecue. Each table has someone responsible for arranging, grilling, and cutting the meat, so you don't have to worry about controlling the heat and losing the true, original flavor.

The ecological little pigs from Daliang Mountain that run in the mountains did not disappoint. The marinated little pig immediately sizzled with oil on the grill, making crackling sounds. The meat was perfectly marbled, tender and springy, and with the dipping sauce, it was pure happiness. I especially recommend trying it only with plum sauce—sweet and sour, refreshing. I preferred this method and asked the waiter for extra plum sauce several times.

Zhu Qian Da Chuan (Large Skewers on Bamboo Sticks): How could you come to Zui Xichang without ordering large skewers? Large chunks of little pig meat are threaded on big bamboo sticks, grilled over charcoal until crispy on the outside and tender inside. Holding a large skewer in one hand and a bottle of tamarind juice in the other—how refreshing! This is truly the bold style of Xichang barbecue. You can also try Suan Cai Wu Hua Rou (Sauerkraut with Pork Belly). Regular pork belly, dipped in dry powder with sauerkraut, wrapped in lettuce—sour, spicy, and not greasy.

Tian Wei Xiao Xiang Chang (Sweet Mini Sausages), grilled until crispy and slightly sweet, coated with a layer of plum sauce—absolutely wonderful. If you haven't had Xichang firepot barbecue, you can't say you've had the best barbecue. Rain or shine, Zui Xichang is waiting for you!

Zui Xichang (Hongyun Branch)

Business hours: 17:00 – 23:00

Address: 3rd Floor, Building 13, Zhongliang Hongyun, No. 333 Huishui North Road (Wanxiang City) (750m walk from Exit G, Dong Da Lu Station, Metro Line 2)

6. Xun Huan Menghuo Yangrou Chuan (Steamed-Grilled Lamb Skewers)

Chengdu has many specialty hole-in-the-wall restaurants—unobtrusive shops that are always packed. This time we went to Jiuyanqiao's Xun Huan Menghuo Yangrou Chuan, a seemingly ordinary small shop that many people visit specially.

The large steaming pot at the entrance is very eye-catching; it looks like it has some history, and all the delicious food comes from it. The most traditional steaming-grilling method locks in the original flavor of the lamb. Xun Huan's specialty is lamb skewers. Lamb chops are also a mainstay. One bite, and the juice bursts from the tender lamb, stimulating the taste buds, with fragrance spreading everywhere.

The heat and time of steaming-grilling are very particular to ensure the lamb remains tender and juicy. Lamb, lamb kidneys, lamb chops, chicken wings—the restaurant serves a large platter with generous portions. There are also trending items from Douyin: Fa Pai (French-style lamb chops) and Huang Jin Bing (Golden Pancake). These are must-orders at Xun Huan. Gather a few friends, eat grilled skewers, drink beer—Chengdu nights are spent this leisurely and comfortably.

Grilled prawns, grilled corn, and chicken wings—everything is there.

The crispy golden pancake, wrapped with lamb, is simply a taste of heaven.

Xun Huan Menghuo Yangrou Chuan (Jiuyanqiao Branch) (Barbecue)

Business hours: 18:00 – 24:00

Address: No. 13 Zhimin East Road, Jinjiang District (Jiuyanqiao Bar Street) (1200m walk from Exit A, Niuwangmiao Station, Metro Line 2)

7. Ji Yu Thai Seafood Hotpot (Taikoo Li Branch)

I've been to Thailand many times, from north to south, to cities large and small. I've always been passionate about hotpot—I never get tired of it. In Thailand, I looked for Chinese-style hotpot; in Chengdu, I looked for Thai-style hotpot—a strange but wonderful experience. There's such an internet-famous restaurant in Chengdu: "Ji Yu Thai Seafood Hotpot." Since we planned to visit Taikoo Li, we chose this top-rated Thai hotpot in Chengdu to switch up the flavors, and after eating, we could stroll around Taikoo Li to digest.

We arrived during meal time. At the door, there were already a few people waiting. We took a number and found a seat. We waited about an hour before our turn. This reminded me again that this is exactly Chengdu's character: a leisurely, slow life. It seems that people don't need to be busy with work or life; there's not much difference between weekdays and weekends in a tourist city like this. Feeling how much Chengdu people love food and life made me love this city even more.

Entering Ji Yu, you are greeted by a strong Southeast Asian vibe, completely different from the decoration of Sichuan hotpot restaurants. When it comes to Thai food, the first thing that comes to mind is Tom Yum Goong soup. At Ji Yu, our first choice was the special Tom Yum broth base. With secret spice packets and special coconut milk, the hotpot broth is irresistible.

The freshest seafood—shellfish, prawns—and the service is exceptional: they help you cook, and even peel the prawns. Seafood paired with special sauces, a complete change from the traditional hotpot we've been eating these days, gives a strong impact to the taste buds. We also ordered salmon—plump and fresh. The only regret was that the lobster was out of stock.

The desserts here are also recommended. We ordered the lava cake, which was delicious—sweet but not cloying. It had a rich milk fragrance, creating a wonderful spark on the tongue. There was also Thai-style mango sticky rice, and the restaurant also offers durian sticky rice. High-quality glutinous rice paired with rich coconut milk and mango instantly brought back the feeling of being in Thailand.

Ji Yu Thai Seafood Hotpot (Taikoo Li Branch)

Business hours: 11:00 – 22:00

Address: No. 169 Xia Dong Dajie, Jinronghui Phase 2, Yangzhan Go No.1 Entrance (390m walk from Exit B, Chunxi Road Station, Metro Lines 2 & 3)

Chengdu Ximu Shanju Hotel (Shaanxi Street Branch)

Chengdu Ximu Shanju Hotel is located in the city center—No. 130 Shaanxi Street, southwest of Tianfu Square. It is about 930 meters from Metro Lines 1 and 2, about 327 meters from People's Park, about 350 meters from the famous internet-famous Heming Old Teahouse (inside People's Park), about 290 meters from the pork trotter street, about 1.3 kilometers from Kuanzhai Alley, about 1.8 kilometers from Wuhou Temple and Jinli, about 1.6 kilometers from Chunxi Road, and about 2.5 kilometers from Taikoo Li. The location is excellent with convenient transportation.

A classical garden-style courtyard hotel with ancient charm

This is Chengdu's first classical garden-style courtyard hotel. It offers various themed rooms. We stayed in the Mengbaihe Zero-Pressure Twin Bed Room on the 4th floor. The front desk staff was very enthusiastic and even sent us a local travel guide prepared by the hotel—very thoughtful.

What's particularly worth mentioning is that the hotel actually has a mini cinema; guests can watch movies for free. Hotels really are going all out these days. Not only that, but the hotel also has a self-service laundry room where guests can do their laundry for free. Truly excellent!