Don't Go to Sichuan When Young: Chengdu – A City You'll Never Want to Leave

Chengdu, a place you won't want to leave once you arrive,

a land of abundance you won't want to depart from. With a history spanning over 3,000 years and a splendid culture as the capital of the ancient Shu Kingdom, Chengdu is not only surrounded by numerous attractions but also a world-renowned culinary capital. It is absolutely a must-visit destination for travelers.

Jinli Ancient Street is located in Chengdu, the Land of Abundance in Sichuan. Walking into Jinli Ancient Street in the Wuhou District of Chengdu feels like traveling back in time. China boasts countless ancient streets, but this one is unforgettable.

Jinli Ancient Street is near Wuhou Shrine. It is neither wide nor narrow, and at first glance it looks no different from an ordinary alley. But once you step inside, you realize it's quite special. Red lanterns hang at the entrance, and the same goes for the interior. All the way in, long vertical lanterns are strung together in clusters, giving the illusion of strolling through an ancient market.

As I went deeper, a small creek by the roadside caught my attention. The stream was filled with water plants, and the water was crystal clear. Many adorable little goldfish were swimming around. When tourists fed them, the goldfish would rush over to compete for the food, their cheerful movements creating ripples on the water. The air was naturally fresher near the water, and these cute little creatures infused the area with new vitality. This is an ancient street brimming with life at every moment.

Where there is beauty, there is surely food. Jinli Ancient Street is packed with delicacies. Every shop displays a large signboard, offering an incredible variety of food and drink.

The shop names are all quite artistic, easily giving one the feeling of traveling back in time. Many roadside stalls sell spicy skewers, a treat for those who love spicy food.

Cold noodles, glutinous rice cakes, ice jelly, grilled meat skewers, steamed sweet cakes, and many other dishes whose names I didn't recognize.

Some people sold candied hawthorns, others made sugar figures, sold antiques, or paper fans – they were everywhere.

There was also a smell unique to ancient alleys: the scent of sugar candy. That white hard candy could stick to your teeth, but it was extremely sweet and delicious.

This is the ancient street in my memory, perfectly fulfilling my expectations of what such a place should be. If I had enough time, I would love to have a photoshoot here – holding an oil-paper umbrella, with a beautiful hairstyle, wearing ancient costume, strolling leisurely. It would surely be a unique experience.

The surrounding shops are all antique in style, and many decorations carry an old-world charm. Nothing feels modern. Even after leaving, the feeling lingers. Step into Jinli Ancient Street, and you'll find an ancient dream come true!

If you're a foodie, when in Chengdu you must visit its many culinary hotspots. Sichuan has long been known as the 'Land of Abundance,' with its picturesque landscapes and outstanding people. Its long history and profound food culture are remarkable. Hotpot alone has dozens of variations depending on the region. Chengdu, as the capital of this land of abundance, may not encompass all of Sichuan's essence, but it offers a taste of the province's culinary culture.

Eastern Suburb Memory: Unlock Your Memories

This is Chengdu's highland of cultural and creative industries. Many say it resembles Beijing's 798 Art Zone, but I feel it has a stronger sense of historical contrast than 798.

Once a red-brick factory, now a cutting-edge art exhibition space; once a boiler room, now a music bar; once a Soviet-aided office building, now a coffee shop and hotel. Everywhere you see the changes of the times, forming a stark contrast. It feels as if there's a crack in time and space, yet everything coexists harmoniously. Eastern Suburb Memory, originally the Chengdu Eastern Suburb Music Park, is a modern cultural industry park built on the site of the former State-run Hongguang Electron Tube Factory. It officially opened on September 29, 2011, and was renamed Eastern Suburb Memory on November 1, 2012.

Originally a music-themed park, it features numerous sculptures related to music and art. As the site of an old industrial area, the remaining factory buildings,废弃 pipes, tanks, and machine tools have been fully utilized by designers, many transformed into works of art.

First, it evokes memories of industrialization: red bricks, factory buildings, pipelines, tall chimneys, and machine tools. After a series of renovations, it has become a leisure park.

But it's not just these elements that leave memories; it's also the heritage of industrial civilization. Beyond the old industrial memories, there are also memories of life in the 1960s, '70s, and '80s: bicycles, mailboxes, red lacquered wooden furniture, supply and marketing cooperatives – a strong sense of nostalgia.

It's a music hub where you can see instruments placed around. Many musicians or music students carry a guitar or other instruments and a speaker to perform live here. Lots of people stop to listen.

Even the bar owner plays and sings. There are many cafés, dessert shops, and bars in the park. Passing a bar where the owner was singing and playing guitar, I chose that place without hesitation. The weather was perfect, and I truly enjoyed that moment. I love environments with live music.

In Eastern Suburb Memory, there are cafés and drink shops, but don't forget there's also a cozy spot – the bookstore. For those who enjoy a slow, refined lifestyle, books are essential.

The most pleasant time is perhaps having an afternoon tea or coffee while reading a favorite book, or watching a play in a theater, experiencing a feeling like being in an online movie. In such an environment, you might discover that life can be so comfortable, and that you can enjoy the tranquility that time brings.

The industrial-style photography, music enjoyment, and slow pace of life here are exactly what I love most. So for me, Eastern Suburb Memory Music Park is the best place for relaxation.

Jiaoliao Hotel – A Place of Culture, Beauty, and Tranquility

Chengdu Jiaoliao Boutique Hotel is located within the Kuanzhai Alley scenic area, amidst the bustling tourist street of Kuanzhai Alley. It creates a serene space filled with classical, elegant Chinese culture, achieving tranquility amidst noise.

After ten years of rainy nights, the world is chaotic.

What remains unchanged is the width (Kuan) and narrowness (Zhai); what changes is people's hearts. We are never quite satisfied with this bustling world. After witnessing the world's beauty, we suddenly realize that even amid clamor there is calm. Right in the middle of Kuanzhai Alley stands the Jiaoliao Hotel.

Amid the noisy crowd, we gently push open this story-filled door. While waiting for the butler to let us in, the old wooden door itself becomes a sight to behold. The door is made of red bean wood, never restored, retaining its original appearance. On it are painted traditional Chinese door gods. The left door god holds a peony, the right one holds a jue (an ancient wine vessel). Together, they symbolize promotion and prosperity. It is said that this design wishes guests staying at Jiaoliao a thriving career and continuous advancement, guiding us back to the most natural state of life.

Pushing the door open, we see a long corridor. The green-tiled walls on both sides contrast sharply with the steel-and-concrete high-rises. For those of us tired of the fast-paced city life, the green tiles seem to soothe our constantly tense nerves, making us want to touch and get close.

As we pass through the corridor, birds on both sides hop around, becoming unusually active at our arrival, chirping incessantly. Though we don't understand their language, we can feel a warm welcome from their calls.

Then the scene shifts as we officially enter the accommodation area. The Jiaoliao Hotel is quite spacious. We walk through, admiring its beauty. It has four floors, with guest rooms and an open-air tea terrace. Each floor offers a unique view, and moving around reveals different scenery, prompting us to stop and appreciate.

Upon entering the room, the overall color scheme is a light, natural wood tone, without any other decorative colors.

Everything from the bed to the wardrobe, window frames, tables, and chairs is made of smooth polished parasol tree wood, used directly. The facilities are very complete – even more fully equipped than my home, it seems. This lifestyle close to nature is exactly what we need.

We notice that each room contains orchids and is surrounded by bamboo. Looking closely, we see chrysanthemum motifs carved on some reliefs, creating a very elegant atmosphere. Combined with the warm yellow lighting, the entire room feels cozy. The details reveal understated luxury.

The hotel's amenities are truly high-end, conforming to five-star hotel standards, providing an ultimate stay experience. The mattress, Kohler bathroom fixtures, and smart toilet – everything is perfect, giving us the best enjoyment. As my fingers touch every part of the room, I feel the owner's thoughtfulness, which touches my heart.

Each guest room also has a SPA room, a thoughtful feature that we greatly appreciate. After a day of sightseeing, we can lie in the SPA room, enjoy the masseur's service, relax our whole body, and indulge in long-lost comfort.

At Jiaoliao, nestled among mountains, forests, bamboo, and rocks, savoring Zen elegance and poetic dwelling, we find carefree enjoyment. The bustling Kuanzhai Alley is crowded every day. Beyond the long street filled with flowing crowds, in the peace amidst prosperity, Jiaoliao quietly watches the coming and going of people.