In-depth Chengdu Tour: Everything About Food, Stay, and Travel!

"If I were a flower, for whom would I bloom; if I were a bird, where would I fly to; the twinkle of one star is not enough to form a constellation; the sum of a big tree gathers a single weight." Lately, I've been looping this song, 'The Sum of Loneliness.' Perhaps we are all the sum of loneliness, so we gather together!

**Kuanzhai Alley - The Wide and Narrow Alleys Embody the Charm of Old Chengdu**

If you come to Chengdu, you must not miss this attraction—Kuanzhai Alley.

Although called Kuanzhai Alley, it actually consists of Jing Alley, Kuan Alley, and Zhai Alley. Here, you can experience the local street life of this city.

Kuanzhai Alley has always been a symbol of a leisurely and comfortable life. Some say Kuanzhai Alley is like Beijing's Nanluoguxiang, but in my view, Nanluoguxiang has an ancient and traditional charm, while Kuanzhai Alley is leisurely and soothing. However, both share one common feature: they have a great variety of local snacks. The famous local delicacies here will definitely let you eat to your heart's content!

Because Kuanzhai Alley preserves a lot of old Chengdu culture, when you stroll through it, you will see a combination of history and modern fashion, but you'll find that it doesn't feel disharmonious at all—instead, it gives a wonderful sensation. The rows of walls built with bricks from different eras, and the bas-relief paintings of old street life, make this Chengdu afternoon leisurely and beautiful.

When you come to Kuanzhai Alley, don't say you're simply here to see the sights. If you don't eat something, I'm afraid you'll be embarrassed to say you've visited. There are so many Chengdu snacks here that it's a feast. I love all kinds of wontons—sweet, salty, numbing, spicy—super tasty and very cheap. Mama Rabbit Head, diced rabbit, street-side skewers, Guokui (flatbread), Zhong Dumplings, and Boboji Chicken are all good. I also recommend a place here for sweet noodles; they suit my taste, delicious and affordable, truly great.

Strolling through Kuanzhai Alley, feeling its charm, you'll find that here you can slowly enjoy a tranquility not found in everyday life. Sipping a cup of tea while eating Chengdu's specialty snacks—this is perhaps a real pleasure.

**Jiaoliao Hotel - Jiaoliao New Nest, Memories of Kuanzhai; The Blossoms of Chengdu Await Your Gathering**

In ancient times, there was 'Jiaoliao nests in the deep forest'; today, there is 'Jiaoliao nests in Kuanzhai.' Speaking of Kuanzhai Alley, it's a bustling area in Chengdu. From ancient times to the present, nobles and officials have settled here, and even ordinary people wander around here every day.

Now, tourists and passersby come in an endless stream; from afar, you can smell the aromas of snacks wafting from all corners of the alleys, and hear the voices of vendors chanting their businesses in varied tones.

Jiaoliao Boutique Hotel finds tranquility amidst noise. With a delicate and exquisite form, it nestles modestly and introvertedly within the Kuanzhai Alley scenic area—No. 28 Kuan Alley. The hotel is near Metro Line 4. It is about 19 km from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, about a 40-minute drive. Nearby are various famous attractions such as Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli, Tianfu Square, and Chunxi Road.

If you want to enjoy a peaceful holiday but don't want to miss the city's prosperity and excitement, Jiaoliao Boutique Hotel is the perfect choice.

Before coming, we had already asked about the origin of the hotel's name. It is said that 'Jiaoliao' was originally a kind of bird, from Zhuangzi's writing: 'Jiaoliao nests in the deep forest, needing only one branch.' This embodies a poetic dwelling that casts aside worldly troubles, stays true to the heart, returns to nature, and finds freedom and ease, as well as a philosophy of returning to nature and远离尘嚣.

This time, Jiaoliao does not nest in the deep forest but chooses such an alley full of worldly烟火气息, located on a long street crowded with tourists, creating a resting place of urban forest for guests from afar.

Pushing open the aged but grand door amidst the noisy crowd, the first thing we saw was the main gate. On the screen doors on both sides were carved hollow patterns, including bat motifs symbolizing blessings and happiness. The two bats at the corners with water ripples represent 'blessings as vast as the sea'; the bat in the center axis means 'blessings descending from heaven.' Together with the middle one, they form 'five blessings arriving at the door.' We hope that every honored guest here will enjoy longevity, a good end, wealth, health, and virtue.

After passing through the courtyard and into the corridor, we saw a bamboo, a tile, flowing water, and rocks, giving an ancient and elegant feeling, as if entering a parallel space separate from the worldly bustle, just a wall away from the outside繁华烟柳地. Our traveling companion was like a child, constantly saying how beautiful it was, taking photos nonstop, happy as a kid.

Entering the lobby, we observed carefully. The entire hotel's decoration style is full of the characteristics and elegance of Western Sichuan folk houses. The simple and elegant imitation Qing ancient buildings combine movement and stillness, revealing the essence of mountains and waters within a small space. It seems the owner put a lot of effort into such exquisite decoration—no wonder it's so popular.

As we passed through the corridor, the parrots hanging on both sides became unusually active because of our arrival, chirping incessantly, making my friend laugh. It seems these birds were also welcoming our stay!

The green bricks and black tiles of this hotel, along with the birds' chirping, interact with each other—one movement, one stillness—complementing the hotel's design style, and this movement and stillness are vividly embodied.

The 'movement' is reflected in the detailed craftsmanship throughout the hotel, with bird-shaped decorations echoing the hotel's name everywhere;

The 'stillness' is reflected in the imitation ancient quadrangle courtyard with blue-black bricks and tiles, where every plant and tree exudes tranquility, every bamboo and stone shows elegance, establishing a quiet and leisurely lifestyle, allowing you to enjoy freedom and ease.

Passing through the corridor, we arrived at the accommodation area. Entering the guest room, we found that the materials used were all natural, solid raw wood. The room also features Shu embroidery (one of the four famous embroideries) and a traditional rice pounding mortar, fully explaining the original meaning of returning to simplicity.

Upon careful inspection, we found that the room's hardware facilities are also impressive. Whether it's the bathroom fittings, smart toilets, or mattresses, they are all configured according to top international five-star hotel standards. Low-key luxury exudes a high-end aura, far surpassing other hotels—how could we not be tempted?

Inheriting the culture of Laozi and Zhuangzi, creating high-end facilities, neither vulgar nor disconnected from the world. Jiaoliao Hotel allows you to find a perfect balance between bustling vitality and peaceful tranquility, letting you enjoy both the serenity away from the world and the convenience of urban life—all for your unique experience.

**Panda Base - Discover the Joy of Pandas**

Speaking of Sichuan, you must not forget this place where giant pandas live—they live in the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Many people like the cute and clumsy appearance of giant pandas. Before, I could only see pandas online; when browsing pictures, I found them really soft and adorable. This time, coming to the panda breeding base, thinking about seeing real pandas, I was especially excited—after all, they are our national treasure. 'Selling cuteness for the country' is the true skill of these panda babies.

At this base, you will see many, many giant pandas—it's a completely different feeling from browsing pictures online!

The panda babies enjoy national treasure-level treatment here. The environment is entirely simulated to match the wild living conditions of giant pandas.

There are lakes, streams, and of course, pandas' favorite food—bamboo!

Most notably, there are 'panda villas' built for them. These are also their daily leisure and entertainment venues. When the weather is cool, panda babies play here; some stroll leisurely in the yard, others roll on the ground—such a carefree scene!

Tourists can also watch the adorable pandas through the railings. When it's hot, pandas wisely hide in their rest areas, so visitors can only watch them sleeping soundly through the glass.

In short, when you come to Sichuan, you must check in at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The pandas here come in all postures—whatever you want to see, they have.

The national treasure giant pandas are really too cute—憨憨的,萌萌的, free and happy. Suddenly I find myself envying these pandas. Maybe, and probably, I'm not the only one who thinks so!

**Childlike Fun in the Snow - Taiziling Ski Resort**

If talking about winter snow viewing, people in Chengdu will definitely think of Xiling Snow Mountain, etc. Actually, there is a more beautiful place waiting for people to visit—Taiziling Ski Resort at Jiuding Mountain.

Taiziling Ski Resort is located in the Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area of Mao County, Aba Prefecture, the 'Ancient Qiang City of China.' It is 180 km from downtown Chengdu and takes only about three and a half hours by car—a professional ski resort right at the doorstep of Chengdu residents.

In winter, Jiuding Mountain is covered in silver, with snow white everywhere, ushering in a 4-month sunny ski season. Taiziling Ski Resort at Jiuding Mountain has the longest mid-to-high-level international commercial standard ski runs in western China, strictly divided from beginner to expert levels, and equipped with full imported brand new ski gear.

The ski resort can accommodate 5,000 people skiing simultaneously, with professional ski instructors providing guidance, fully meeting the needs of enthusiasts at different levels. The resort also offers free beginner group ski lessons at various times, allowing visitors to quickly learn basic beginner skiing moves and quickly feel the joy of skiing.

In addition to adult activities, the ski resort has a special area for children. In the snow play area, children glide down from heights with family accompaniment, filled with laughter and joy.

As a top ice-and-snow resort in Southwest China, Taiziling Ski Resort at Jiuding Mountain is also equipped with leisure facilities like He Mingzhuang Holiday Hotel and He Mingzhuang Holiday Scenic Restaurant. Plus, the convenience of a three-and-a-half-hour drive directly to the ski hall provides a new winter outdoor activity spot for tourists from Chengdu and surrounding areas.

The ski runs at Taiziling Ski Resort are divided by slope steepness: 3 beginner runs, 3 intermediate runs, and 3 advanced runs. Each run has a gentle slope, giving beginners a full sense of security. The 3 intermediate runs are the domain of bold beginners and most regular skiers, where they can play and have fun to their heart's content.

Parents with children need not worry—there are suitable beginner slopes for kids, with very small and stable slopes, safe and enjoyable for children. Snowball fights, snowman building, sledding—everything is available. Here, you can experience childhood innocence and lost playful fun.

If you drive here, you're also in luck. On the way home at night, passing through Wenchuan, you can enjoy the night scenery of Wenchuan.

Neon lights dazzling, beautiful and magnificent, giving a sense of peace and comfort. Only by skiing yourself can you realize how charming it is—once you go, you'll be hooked!

When you immerse yourself in that pure white, experience the purity and grandeur of the wilderness amidst thrilling sports, listen to the wind whistling past your ears at high speed, with white snow all around, the world is at your feet.

**Taste of Home - Yuan Gong**

Chengdu Sichuan food check-in: Yuan Gong. This restaurant was recommended by a friend; it serves authentic salt gang cuisine, with very authentic flavors, allowing fellow countrymen who miss home cooking to taste the flavor of home.

Location: No. 87-1, Xuedao Street. South entrance of Chunxi Road, cross the overpass and walk towards Xinhua Bookstore—about ten minutes. Also not far from Qingshiqiao Seafood Market, about five minutes away.

Before entering, we could see their sign from afar. The shop front is not very large but has an antique charm, with a strong Chinese style. The restaurant feels like a mid-to-high-end establishment; the interior hall is spacious and not cramped. The environment is definitely excellent.

The service staff attitude is very good. Everyone greets you with welcome words upon entry. The receptionist at the door leads you in, then the inner hall staff takes over.

They seem quite attentive.

I have to say their serving speed is very fast. Not long after we ordered, the dishes came up one after another.

Special recommendation: Old Duck Soup. The flavor is very fresh, the soup rich and fragrant, the taste delicious. The broth is really fresh—drinking a sip feels comforting for both body and mind. The duck meat is stewed until very tender, not dry or tough, very nourishing.

Longmen Hanging Meat is truly unique. When the server cuts it, they say: 'First cut, luck begins; second cut, rising step by step; third cut, happiness and fulfillment.' It tastes like crispy pork, very crunchy.

If I had to pick the most impressive dish, it would be the Naked Shrimp. The shrimp meat is peeled and processed, definitely fresh, and the vein is removed for peace of mind. The best part is that the Naked Shrimp also has taro—the taro is delicious, soft and flavorful, with an excellent texture.

Yuan Gong Clam and Frog: visually stunning, like a nebula chain. The taste is great; the combination of frog meat and clams is something I've never tried before—very innovative and tasty.

Young Ginger Jumping Frog: tender meat, pure flavor. This dish looks very spicy but is actually mild; the frog meat is tender, and it feels like a dance of flavors in the mouth. Not bad!

The flavors are truly delicious, and the portions are generous. It's also a great place for gatherings and treating guests. Recommendation rating: five stars!

**Red and Hot Skewers**

Located right at the exit of Huazhaobi Metro Station (Exit A), just a few minutes' walk to Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan. The sign is very eye-catching. When I walked in, I felt the style was unique, very Chinese, quite interesting.

The shopfront decoration is grand. Inside are square tables with ample spacing, so it doesn't feel crowded; sitting inside is comfortable.

The serving speed is quick. I have to mention that their skewers are cold-pot skewers—you choose your ingredients, and the shop boils them and brings them straight to your table. No need to worry about whether they're cooked—just eat them directly, very convenient.

The dry dipping mix is their specialty. It tastes great, with lots of peanut crumbs. My friend loved it so much she wanted to ask the shop for the exact seasoning recipe, but that's impossible—they won't reveal it. The dry mix is good, but for someone like me who can't handle much spice, it's not suitable. If you love spicy food, this is your dipping weapon!

Of course, they don't only have skewers; bowl dishes are also their specialty. Many small bowl dishes, all quite tasty. Must-order items: Spicy Hot Pot Noodles—really delicious, very flavorful, every noodle soaked in soup—the taste is simply amazing, absolutely awesome!

Spicy Potatoes (Mao Tu Dou Tuo Tuo) are my favorite—not too spicy, and the potatoes with the toppings are explosively good. The potatoes are neither hard nor mushy, just the right texture. I could eat a second bowl after finishing one!

My first time eating rabbit kidney was at Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan. Unexpectedly, the rabbit kidney tastes great, even better than I imagined—tender, one bite each, so satisfying.

After finishing the skewers, have some Ice Jelly to cut the grease—life is so wonderful!

**In Bie Yuan, Savor Time**

This tavern, surrounded by greenery, lit by neon lights, and filled with various drinks and snacks, has become a favorite of Chengdu night owls the moment it appeared.

You may encounter various unpleasant things in life, but on such a night, having a night of revelry with friends is a good choice. It can help you temporarily forget some unhappy things and let you enjoy the pleasant time—you taste it, you savor it!

This small tavern is actually near 339, on the bar street. Entering the tavern, you notice the decoration is quite nice. The atmosphere of lights and wine makes you feel like you've come to a midnight party, with a mysterious vibe.

The place has two floors; the staircase design is interesting, with flashing lights—it's one of their Instagram-worthy spots, indeed worth seeing. Inside, there are several rows of moving colored lights, changing colors and moving up and down, making the tavern even more atmospheric.

It's practically a museum of alcohol.

Besides 75 kinds of alcohol + over 20 specialty cocktails, they recently added hot pot liquor. This drink gets full marks for appearance. You've had hot pot and you've had alcohol, but have you tried this high-looking hot pot liquor? Well, it looks a bit like a traditional Beijing copper hot pot. It contains mellow cloudy wine and strong vodka. The pot comes with base ingredients: besides dried tangerine peel, cloves, dragon fruit, and small kumquats, it also includes rose petals—full of romance.

The alcohol content is low, sweet and sour, with a fruity and floral aroma—suitable for both men and women. The portion is large; two or three people can share one pot. Sitting at the bar, watching the bartender's smooth and flowing technique is itself a wonderful experience.

Perhaps in such moments, we can find the unrestrained version of ourselves!

**Give Yourself a Reason**

I finally understand a truth: A person's life should have at least two impulses—one for love without hesitation, and one for a trip that sets off without a second thought...