The Ubiquitous Charm of Chengdu: What I Miss Is Its Lively Atmosphere

Chengdu is actually not a place that erodes one's willpower; on the contrary, it makes you feel vibrant. The only reason to sink is that you cannot resist the city's unrestrained imagination. Its beauty lies in its innocence. People of all ages living here 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 like eating small chili peppers, they eat them. Sichuan people have a certain spirit: calm, fearless, and unassuming, living their beloved little life with neither arrogance nor humility. Rather than saying I like Chengdu, I should say I like the lively atmosphere of Chengdu.

Chengdu people love food, and Chengdu is also the capital of cuisine! The best feelings in life are hidden in the journey. Others' journeys have sweet tastes, sour tastes, and all flavors of life, but my journey has only one flavor: the aroma of food. So I came to Chengdu, to this city full of delicious food!

Yuan Gong, Yuan Gong, destiny brings tribute. The red plaque with gold characters instantly struck my heart. The moon-white verses on the ground also highlighted the theme of "destiny." It seems that I am truly destined with this restaurant.

The ceiling of Yuan Gong was covered with red flames-like flowers, giving a particularly innovative feeling, and my mood unconsciously lifted.

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 seems somewhat detached from the worldly hustle and bustle, and I love this spot that feels out of this world.

The overall environment of the restaurant is quite spacious. Each table has separate booths with decent distance, suitable for small gatherings. It doesn't feel crowded at all—I just love this environment!

Restaurant decoration nowadays is stylish, and this one is no exception. The lighting and color tones, whether in private rooms or hall booths, are quite design-oriented!

The dishes here are authentic Zigong Sichuan cuisine, and the taste is very good. The environment actually feels very homely. Red flowers and umbrellas as decorations bring a sense of joy and warmth. Such an atmosphere instantly surges a warm current in my heart. Perhaps this is the taste of home.

The service staff were very good, genuinely warm and attentive, responding to calls promptly. Even though our seat was relatively remote, we could always get a waiter called without any issues. They were really kind and friendly to guests, with dedicated guidance from entry to exit. This is something I consider a good point.

As for the dishes, the most memorable for me was Yuan Gong's signature Flower Clam Rabbit. The green and red twin peppers made the rabbit meat even more tender and delicious, and the clams looked enticing. With one bite, tender, slightly numbing, and moderate spiciness—instantly, my taste buds danced. "When the golden wind meets the jade dew, it surpasses countless encounters in the human world!"

Longmen Hanging Meat (Longmen Diaorou) - There was a dedicated young man who helped cut the meat and arranged it on a plate. It had a crispy texture, and the coating was perfectly fried. Even if you eat a lot, you won't feel greasy. This is another signature dish of theirs, quite distinctive.

The old duck soup left a deep impression. It didn't have a strong taste of chicken essence or MSG; it was refreshingly sweet and slightly clear, perfect for relieving dryness. One sip made me feel soothed in body and mind. So comfortable and delicious.

Another dish, Yuan Gong Local Chicken Slices, was absolutely the best of the whole meal. The taste was excellent, with lotus root slices underneath. The red chili oil was very fragrant, and mixed with the chicken slices, it was simply a heavenly delicacy. My friend and I couldn't stop praising it—it was really delicious!

The Whole Fish with Fermented Black Beans (Chixiang Quanyu) was a large fish with plenty of fermented black beans and diced sauce meat on top. Even without the fish, the seasoning alone could go with several bowls of rice. The fish meat was especially tender and not fishy at all!

"Fate brings us together from thousands of miles away to meet at Yuan Gong." An authentic Sichuan restaurant that keeps surprising you!

As we all know, Chengdu is a food capital. When it comes to representative delicacies, Chuan Chuan (skewers) definitely occupies a place. Bunches of bamboo sticks, hot red broth, numbing and spicy flavor—makes your mouth water uncontrollably. This Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan main store on Jinfangyuan East Road can be your choice.

The store has a rich variety of skewers, with dozens of types. There are many choices of both vegetables and meat, leaving me dazzled.

The ingredients are pre-skewered and placed in refrigerators for customers to choose freely. Customers just need to pick what they like. Another feature of the skewers here is that after the chef cooks them, they are directly brought out in a large basin, saving the time of waiting to cook them yourself. For lazy people like us, it's incredibly convenient.

After a short wait, a pot of steaming skewers was served. The broth looked shiny and spicy, but the spiciness was moderate. The taste was numbing, spicy, and fragrant. The store provides both dry dipping sauce and oil dipping sauce for customers to dip. The dry sauce is their specialty, and it tastes great—worth recommending.

Besides skewers, there are also many hot dishes worth trying, such as numbing and spicy pig brain (mala naohua) with a dense and delicate texture; numbing and spicy duck blood (mala yaxue) fresh and smooth; numbing and spicy duck intestines (mala yachang) crispy and tasty; as well as numbing and spicy luncheon meat, instant noodles, etc.—all quite memorable.

Although this Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan cannot be claimed as the best skewers in Chengdu, it is certainly the most special.

In Chengdu, a city known for its leisurely pace, there are many bars of all sizes. But a bar like theirs, surrounded by greenery, illuminated by neon lights, and abundant with various liquors and snacks, is unique to Bieyuan Li in Chengdu.

The store's unique Cat Girl adds a touch of mystery to their night, making people look forward to the arrival of the evening even more.

I heard that in order to provide a better in-store experience for customers, the owner hired the company that participated in the Bird's Nest lighting design to design the bar's lighting effects. I could only secretly say: such a big production, the boss is really generous!

As the lights in the bar turned on, the whole place became a colorful neon world. Under the interplay of light and shadow, the colorful lights were like stars in the sky, shining brilliantly in the bar. Looking at this scene, I couldn't help but marvel. Indeed, the boss's decision was right; the customers' experience is the greatest affirmation for him.

Since this is a small bar, alcohol is essential. There are really a huge variety of drinks: foreign spirits, mixed drinks, cocktails, pure imported beer—everything you can think of, and many more that I couldn't even name. I was dazzled. Basically, whatever you want to drink, you can find it here!

Not only that, but even the vessels used for serving food are carefully selected Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain, looking elegant and beautiful, truly captivating.

Although there are many alcoholic drinks, it seems that what I love is not the strong ones. Long Island Iced Tea is as clear and mild as black tea, yet it also has the rich and mellow aroma of alcohol. After adding lemon juice and cola, the taste is sweet, similar to lemon black tea, so it has always been popular among girls. A friend of mine who really knows his liquor told me that this drink is a "wolf in sheep's clothing" in the cocktail world—its alcohol content is relatively high, so those who can't hold their liquor should not overindulge.

There is also a drink called Cosmopolitan. It is no exaggeration to say that Cosmopolitan is one of the most popular cocktails in the world. To this day, it has been popular for more than thirty years. With its low alcohol content, sweet-and-sour taste, and rich fruit flavor, it conquered my heart and became my favorite.

If you happen to order the bartender's special at Bieyuan Li, congratulations—you'll enjoy a super pleasing cocktail show. After mixing, the cocktail slowly "breathes out" a mist from the rim of the glass, creating a particularly artistic atmosphere. Savor it slowly; the deeper the contact between your tongue and the cocktail, the more wonderful the taste becomes.

I must recommend this Chinese-style cocktail—Guqiang Maigan Zajiu (ancient Qiang straw wine). It's rice wine with a wheat straw as a straw, which I've never seen before. The rice wine is sweet, mellow, and rich, with a smooth and gentle taste. Drinking a small bottle in winter makes you feel warm throughout your body.

Don't think that you can only drink here; it's actually a hidden Sichuan restaurant. The taste and portion size can compete with other Sichuan restaurants. Dan Dan Noodles, Zhong Dumplings, and the childhood-tasting brown sugar fermented rice can all be found here!

Their signature grilled fish has always been a popular dish. The fish is grilled to perfection, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I guarantee you'll be hooked after a few bites.

After seeing so much, if you're full of curiosity, hurry up and experience it yourself!

It's only a short two hundred meters from the entrance of Kuanzhai Alley to Jiaoliao (a hotel), yet it can take a full half hour to walk there. With rows of snack shops and all kinds of gold and silverware, if your mind wanders even a little, you'll be engulfed by the sights and sounds somewhere.

Eyes taking in the blue bricks and black tiles, ancient trees and long streets. Ears filled with the clinking of copper and silver craftsmen and the calls of shopkeepers outside. The nose occasionally catches the aroma of sugar-oil fruits (tangyou guozi) and egg-baked cakes (danhong gao). To break free from all this requires a lot of willpower.

Full of worldly hustle and bustle and mundane atmosphere. Walking back and forth once is like tumbling in the worldly karma; the eyes, ears, nose, colors, and intentions are all thoroughly satisfied.

Jiaoliao, right in the middle of Kuanzhai Alley, is a special case in this century-old alley. The tightly closed double doors and the copper lock that has been left for years seem to declare the concept of retreating into the courtyard and creating one's own world.

Truly understand what "urban forest" means! Outside is bustling, inside is peaceful and guarding your heart! Build a pure land amidst prosperity and comfort, with hidden luxury and charm within.

This is indeed the case: the eight-tael copper lock falls, blocking the gaze of passing tourists and also isolating the lively world that has permeated the alley for three hundred years.

Wind can pass through the courtyard, birds can perch on the eaves. But the noise outside cannot enter in the slightest. Taking a piece of quiet in the midst of the bustling city—this is Jiaoliao.

The all-tung wood structure is a meeting of traditional aesthetics and modern techniques, natural yet stable. Being immersed in the faint scent of wood for a long time can help sleep, calm the mind, and nourish the heart and body.

The hotel's architectural style also combines movement and stillness. The "movement" is reflected in the details of the hotel's interior design. Birds come into view from the hallway upon entering the hotel, and the guest rooms feature bird-shaped decorations, echoing the hotel's name—Jiaoliao (Wren).

The "stillness" lies in the antique-style courtyard with blue-black bricks and tiles. Every plant and tree is exquisite; every bamboo and mat exudes elegance. Each guest room here has its own poetic and picturesque name, as if coming to life with vitality!

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, teas, etc. are all available. The overall feeling is very warm and comfortable. There is also a small open-air balcony where you can look out at Kuanzhai Alley in the morning—being in the world while detached from it; this is the life I want. Moreover, if you want to relax your tired body, professional spa services are available.

Breakfast is also particularly warm. Upon check-in, the butler will ask about meal time and taste preferences—very thoughtful. You can choose between Chinese and Western meals, accompanied by fruits, dried fruits, and various pastries, and it is delivered to the room by the butler! Full of love.

Living here is truly leisurely and comfortable, owning this beautiful scenery alone, fully enjoying the joy of carefree freedom!

Taizi Ridge Ski Resort is located in Mao County's Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area, about 180 km from Chengdu. It takes about 3.5 hours by car from Chengdu. The highest altitude of the ski resort is 2,971 meters, the lowest is 2,733 meters, with a vertical drop of 238 meters. Most people do not experience altitude sickness, so you can enjoy with confidence. The total length of the slopes is 2.5 kilometers, making it the longest ski slope in southern China currently.

Taizi Ridge Ski Resort has relatively professional slopes, with 3 advanced, 3 intermediate, and 3 beginner slopes. Whether you are trying skiing for the first time or are a professional with all sorts of skills, you can find fun here.

Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area has a beautiful natural environment with clear waters and green mountains, rich in vegetation. It is a multi-functional scenic area integrating outdoor camping, tourism, sports, and leisure. The concentration of negative oxygen ions is extremely high, with PM2.5 consistently below 10. During the snow season, 70% of the time is sunny with good weather, making it a city of sunshine and a country of snowscapes.

The slopes inside are winding and undulating naturally, called "dream slopes" by skiing enthusiasts. There are multiple slopes for you to choose from, with many options and full of surprises, providing a wonderful stage for beginners and skiing masters to enjoy and show their skills.

Skiing is really a physically demanding activity. Plus, the ultraviolet rays are very strong. After a while, you'll be sweating profusely and feel exhausted. It's important to rehydrate and rest properly. While resting, enjoy the blue sky, take photos, and admire others' cool postures—it's also quite enjoyable. The weather is good, and the sunlight reflecting off the snow is dazzling, so it's best to bring sunglasses in your gear.

To go on the advanced slopes, you must take the cable car, and you must wear a helmet on the cable car. So if you plan to go on the advanced slopes, remember to rent a helmet.

Taking the cable car, with feet over the snow-white ground, the blazing sun above, and skiers whizzing below, I was especially afraid of dropping equipment or my phone—a bit thrilling, really.

After about ten minutes on the cable car, we arrived at the start of the advanced slope. Getting off, my legs went weak—the first slope was at least 40 degrees.

Indeed, "lonely at the top." There were fewer people on the advanced slope. Very few used double boards; most were skilled snowboarders with their own boards. In just a few moves, they slid down and disappeared in no time.

If you get hungry, you can buy some food. There are dining areas inside the ski resort, but bringing your own is also fine—bringing some rice and a self-heating hot pot is quite nice. The hot pot at the hotel tastes good, no worse than outside. A big pot of bright red broth, yet it's not greasy. Enjoying the snow scenery while experiencing the spicy stimulation of hot pot is a true pleasure.

From the moment you set foot in Jiuding Mountain, you will experience a natural realm far from the noise, full of poetic charm, harmony between heaven and man, ancient simplicity, and tranquility. And at Taizi Ridge Ski Resort, you can have a more joyful and close holiday with family and friends—why not!

Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage is located on the banks of Huanhua Creek outside the west gate of Chengdu. It is also a must-visit for tourists coming to Chengdu.

As the name suggests, Du Fu Thatched Cottage is Du Fu's former residence. Although the Du Fu Thatched Cottage is built on a grand and luxurious scale, Du Fu's actual residence is only a very small part of the scenic spot—just a few dilapidated and small thatched huts. Those large-scale constructions were actually built by later generations to commemorate Du Fu.

After entering the thatched cottage, there are many forks with signs directing tourists to scenic spots. Going further in, a quaint alley comes into view: the walls on both sides are vermilion, and the tiles above are embedded with round bricks carved with animal faces. The mottled moss on the tiles indicates that this alley has been built for some time. The bluestone slabs underfoot have been worn black and have cracks.

Passing through the alley, a winding stream comes into view, with green bamboos growing on both sides, accompanied by towering ancient trees—such a poetic and picturesque scene.

Unknowingly, 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, and a bamboo fence encloses the small garden.

The roof doesn't have modern building 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 masterpiece: "How can I get thousands of spacious houses to shelter all the poor scholars in the world with joy!" I saw the soil on the walls loose, revealing large areas of frames woven from bamboo strips. The wood on the threshold feels like it could be crushed with one step.

Walking in the thatched cottage, I was greeted by an overwhelming sense of history and strong poetic flavor, making me linger and unwilling 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 still the lively atmosphere of Chengdu...