A 2-Day, 1-Night Guide to the Most 'Bashi' Chengdu – Pack Your Bags and Go!
Recently, cross-provincial travel has started to resume, and various airlines are promoting 'Fly-As-You-Please' packages, allowing you to fly to your dream city anytime. If I had to choose a city to fly to 'right now,' it would be my favorite, Chengdu. Chengdu boasts not only the hustle and bustle of a modern metropolis but also quaint, elegant old alleys. With over 3,000 years of civilization, this city is rich in cultural landscapes and diverse cuisine. This summer, I'll take you on a 2-day, 1-night tour of Chengdu, exploring both its vibrant everyday life and its artistic freshness. Pack your bags and let's go experience Chengdu's charm!
**First Stop: Sichuan Museum – Discover a Different Chengdu**
To understand a city, the best place to start is its museum, which carries its past, witnesses its present, and guides its future. So, I think the Sichuan Museum is the first must-visit spot in Chengdu. Hehe, choosing this as our first stop is to help you understand a different side of Chengdu.
The new Sichuan Museum building, completed in 2009, is located in the Huanhuaxi Historical and Cultural Scenic Area of Chengdu. As you enter the hall, you're greeted by an ancient and mysterious atmosphere. The museum has three floors: the first floor houses the Sichuan Han Dynasty Pottery Art Hall and other galleries; the second floor features the Bronze Hall, Ceramic Art Hall, Zhang Daqian Art Hall, and Painting and Calligraphy Hall; the third floor contains the Tibetan Buddhist Artifacts Hall, Arts and Crafts Hall, and Sichuan Ethnic Relics Hall. Each floor showcases different cultures and histories, making you marvel at the charm of ancient craftsmanship, clothing, and religion.
Without a professional guide, museum artifacts are a case of 'outsiders watch the excitement, insiders watch the craftsmanship.' Although I wandered alone, I looked very carefully. What I found most interesting were some items in the Bronze Hall, such as ancient artifacts from the Western Zhou period. For example, a container with a narrow mouth, broad shoulders, a large belly, a flat bottom, and ears shaped like animals, with a lid, is called a 'lei' (same pronunciation as 'lei' in 'lei stone'). The 'Book of Songs: Zhou Nan: Juan Er' says: 'I will pour wine from that golden lei, so as not to keep longing.' This refers to such a container. Looking closely at the intricate patterns on the bottle, I couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship of ancient artisans.
I had heard of Zhang Daqian since childhood, but I didn't expect the museum to have a Zhang Daqian Art Hall on the second floor. It turns out he was from Sichuan. According to the museum materials, Zhang Daqian had a legendary and eventful life. Born in 1899 in Neijiang, Sichuan, he was once a bandit, forged paintings, became a monk, and took the Buddhist name 'Daqian.' The night before his tonsure, he returned home, and at age 26, he held an exhibition that brought him fame. At the Sichuan Museum, I saw his paintings, from early ladies' portraits to later Dunhuang murals, all extremely skillful. The circular disks behind the bodhisattvas in the Dunhuang paintings were drawn without a compass, yet they were lifelike. This shows his profound skill. Friends interested in Chinese painting and art should definitely come here to learn.
The museum has much more to explore, including the mysterious Tibetan Buddhist Hall, the Arts and Crafts Hall displaying delicate artifacts, and the Ceramic Art Hall where each piece seems to await an appreciative eye. I've always felt that a museum is the eye of a city, encompassing everything. We travel through time, having a wonderful encounter with ancient people. Artifacts have witnessed the vicissitudes of life; I wonder if we can see the changes of the world through them.
**Second Stop: Kuanzhai Alley – Experience Chengdu's Slow Life**
Hehe, if you're on a short trip to Chengdu, don't miss this iconic landmark. The locals love to say 'bashi,' meaning comfort and ease, a true land of gentle pleasures. And this, I think, is the most 'bashi' place. The saying 'Don't enter Sichuan when young, don't leave Sichuan when old' perfectly describes the 'bashi' lifestyle of Chengdu. To experience the slow life within a big city, Kuanzhai Alley is a great choice.
Kuanzhai Alley is located near Changshun Street in Qingyang District, Chengdu. The entire street consists of three parallel alleys: Kuan Alley (Wide Alley), Zhai Alley (Narrow Alley), and Jing Alley (Well Alley). At first glance, it's very artistic and fresh, bustling with people. It's been a long time since I've felt such lively atmosphere. It's clearly famous; you can reach it by taking Chengdu Metro Line 4, and the station is even called 'Kuanzhai Alley,' a testament to its status in the city.
The history of Kuanzhai Alley dates back to the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, when a Manchu city was built on the foundation of the former Shao City. After the decline of the Qing Dynasty, ordinary people could freely enter and exit. At that time, Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley were respectively called Xingren Hutong, Taiping Hutong, and Ruyi Hutong (or Mingde Hutong). Later, during the Republic of China period, 'hutong' was changed to 'alley,' and the name has been used ever since. In 2008, the area was renovated, and Kuanzhai Alley now presents a character of 'one wide, one narrow, one well alley, with Qing Dynasty relics and western-style buildings,' attracting many tourists. Everyone says, 'Leisure in Kuan Alley, taste in Zhai Alley, soak in Jing Alley.' Interesting, isn't it?
Walking in the alleys is very pleasant. On both sides of the lush alleys are rows of blue bricks and black tiles, silent witnesses of centuries past. You can see old buildings everywhere. When I walked to No. 11, I saw an arched gate made of blue bricks with a curved shape. Above it was written 'Kai Lu,' the iconic gate of Kuanzhai Alley. 'Kai Lu' means 'a happy and free dwelling place.' In midsummer, with lush trees, it feels like 'outside the brocade official city, the cypress forest is deep'—a great spot for photos.
Each alley has a different flavor. South of Zhai Alley lies Jing Alley. Kuan Alley is leisurely, Zhai Alley is artistic, and Jing Alley is down-to-earth. A 400-meter-long east-west wall sculpture, built with diamonds from different historical sections, displays the years of the thousand-year-old city of Chengdu. I really like the artistic and slow pace of Kuanzhai Alley. In this fast-paced society, it's rare. Everyone coming to Chengdu must visit here.
**Third Stop: Yufu Yuzai (Fisherman's Son) – Taste the Most Lively Hotpot in Chengdu**
When in Chengdu, don't miss the local cuisine. There are many types of hotpot in Chengdu, but Yufu Yuzai Restaurant is the most lively hotpot restaurant I've ever seen, perfect for bringing your friends. And if you like fish, this place is even better. Besides the taste, their cooking method is very special, and you'll remember it long after eating.
The interior of Yufu Yuzai is decorated in a vintage style. At the entrance, fish tanks hold various species, which are killed on the spot, ensuring freshness. The decoration is really interesting: walls are built with blue bricks, deliberately coated with some white lime to create an old-fashioned effect. The cash register is called 'account room,' perfect for photo ops. The fishing raincoats hanging in the shop remind me of an old poem: 'On the river people come and go, but only love the beauty of sea bass. Look at that small boat, appearing and disappearing among the waves.' Indeed, life on the river was hard in ancient times.
Since life was hard back then, we must live well now, so we should definitely order our favorite food here. The restaurant places great emphasis on ceremony when serving. First, the stone pot is heated with pebbles at the bottom. Then the servers shout in unison, 'Stone comes, fortune turns!' The momentum is impressive, and the young male servers are very enthusiastic. We saw the prepared fish slices poured onto the hot pebbles, sizzling and half-cooked, then hot broth is poured over them. The boneless fish slices are tender and delicious, paired with the sour broth—very tasty.
Besides fish as the main dish, the restaurant's snacks are also delicious. Chicken feet and radish skin are appetizing. I like the cold bean jelly: white, translucent, cut into pieces, topped with seasonings, cold and tasty. In summer, there's nothing better. As the 'Land of Abundance,' Sichuan is rich in aquatic products with many fish varieties, and eating fish doesn't make you fat. You must come and try it. And when you're here, experience 'Shi Lai Yun Zhuan' (Stone Comes, Fortune Turns) to bring good luck.
**Fourth Stop: Maison Alfort Chengdu Maoyu Hotel – Experience the Most 'Bashi' Hotel in Chengdu**
A perfect trip includes not only eating, drinking, and having fun but also comfortable accommodation. This time, I stayed at the Maison Alfort Chengdu Maoyu Hotel. The hotel is located in the city center, not far from Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li shopping areas, and there's a supermarket and shopping mall nearby. Its location is very advantageous. Plus, the hotel is right at Hongxingqiao Station on Metro Line 3, making it convenient to get anywhere in Chengdu. So, when in Chengdu, I recommend this hotel—very 'bashi'!
Upon entering, you don't find the lobby but a large guest lounge area. To reach the lobby, you need to take the elevator to the 32nd floor. This 'sky lobby' design is favored by many new-style hotels because, besides guests, there are also conference and exhibition attendees. If the lobby were on the first floor, it could get crowded. This design not only alleviates that issue but also protects guest privacy. Check-in was smooth, and the front desk staff were very warm. If you arrive too early and your room isn't ready, they'll help store your luggage—very thoughtful service.
To the left of the lobby, besides the lounge area, there's 'SKYLINE' sky bar. Although many people come and go, everyone is quiet, and I rarely encountered noisy guests. In the afternoon, you can have afternoon tea here: a cup of coffee, some desserts, a plate of fruit, and browse a book—a perfect afternoon so simple. I heard the hotel recently launched a 'Peach Afternoon Tea,' so I must try it if I have the chance.
Behind the sky bar is the Huiju Western Restaurant, which is the most frequently used restaurant in the hotel. It serves Western food, buffet, and breakfast. The restaurant has tables of various sizes: square four-person tables, large round tables, and long tables suitable for family gatherings. Although it looks empty in the afternoon, it's packed during meal times, especially window seats and long tables—without a reservation, you can hardly get them. The popularity is due to good service and taste.
In the evening, the buffet here is very popular. The recent theme is unlimited crawfish and imported steak, costing less than 200 yuan per person, with even bigger discounts for group purchases. When I went, it was very lively. Unlimited crawfish and imported steak attracted many people. Seeing the popularity and good value, I had the buffet with friends in the evening. The chef stir-fries live crawfish on the spot—fresh and delicious. For someone like me who loves crawfish, unlimited eating is heaven. Paired with freshly grilled steak, I couldn't help exclaim, 'Where can I find such a tavern? How often can I enjoy this in the mortal world?' And importantly, importantly, importantly—each person gets a large lobster! When you're 80% full, don't forget the lobster. Food lovers, don't miss this hotel!
After eating and drinking, you can return to your room. The elevator to the rooms is not the same one you used before. The hotel implements a high-low zone system. Floors 1–32 are public areas, accessible without a room card, convenient for conferences, exhibitions, and dining. Above floor 32 are guest rooms, accessible only with a room card to your designated floor. This is how the hotel protects guest privacy, as mentioned earlier.
Hotel rooms are spacious, with a new Chinese-style design. While retaining traditional Chinese wooden furniture, they incorporate many modern elements—suitable for all ages. The room layout is reasonable: a chaise lounge is placed by the floor-to-ceiling window, perfect for viewing or relaxing. Instead of sheer curtains, the hotel uses bamboo blinds, matching the overall style. The double bed is in the center of the room, with clean and soft bedding—you can fall asleep as soon as you lie down. Also, there are power outlets on both sides of the bed for charging your phone conveniently.
The bathroom is also spacious, with all hotel amenities provided. If you want a nice bath, the hotel offers bath salts and a small pillow. After a busy day, a hot bath can relieve fatigue. In the restroom, you'll find complimentary bottled water—very thoughtful.
The next morning, you can go back to the 32nd-floor Western restaurant for breakfast. Breakfast is served until 10:00 a.m., so you can sleep in and still have breakfast. Besides usual items like sausages and bacon, you can have a hot bowl of noodles, and there are also desserts. Although eating a donut early in the morning feels a bit sinful, I couldn't resist because it was really tasty—kids would love it.
I have a habit of morning exercise, and after eating that 'sinful' dessert, I decided to hit the gym. I was a bit worried the gym might not be open in the morning, as many hotel gyms have limited hours. But at the gym entrance, the front desk told me it's open 24 hours—a pleasant surprise for a fitness enthusiast like me. I can swipe my card and work out anytime. The gym is well-equipped, with both cardio and strength training machines, and plenty of them, so no crowding. Especially in the morning, it's completely empty—I had the gym to myself. Next to the gym, there's an indoor heated swimming pool and a recreational chess and card room. If you find working out too tiring, you can choose other activities.
How can you visit Sichuan without trying Sichuan cuisine? You don't need to go far—at the hotel's sixth-floor Yuzhenxuan restaurant, you can enjoy authentic Sichuan food. You can order in advance or on the spot; even on-the-spot orders don't take long. I went on a whim, and the hotel's thoughtful and professional service made for an extraordinary culinary journey.
Compared to the Western restaurant, the Chinese restaurant's decoration is more traditional Chinese, evident in the walls and floor. But the most obvious difference is the chairs: the Western restaurant uses more modern chairs, while the Chinese restaurant uses rattan chairs, more classical and comfortable.
Since it's Sichuan cuisine, you must order some Bō Bō Jī (poached chicken in chili sauce). This is a famous snack in Sichuan cuisine, with a history of over a hundred years from the Qing Dynasty. The 'bobo' (pot) itself is an earthenware pot, often decorated with dragon patterns on the outside, while inside it holds spicy and numbing seasonings. Ingredients are skewered, cooked specially, cooled, and then soaked in the pot. You pick and eat as you like. It's spicy and flavorful, loved by locals. The hotel's Bō Bō Jī retains its essence while being slightly elevated—a down-to-earth snack made to look 'high-end.'
Other dishes are also delicious and beautiful. The bamboo fungus egg is a vegetarian dish cooked in 'Kung Pao' style—sweet and sour, appetizing. The cornbread stuffed with meat originates from local farmhouse cuisine but is presented elegantly. The most praised dish is braised beef: beef brisket is braised and placed on hot stones, cut into large chunks, mostly lean meat—firm but not greasy—sprinkled with beans, both attractive and tasty.
In addition to the Chinese restaurant, the sixth floor also has a sky garden. This outdoor dining area also has play facilities for children, making it a paradise for families. Many parents bring their kids here after meals to play and enjoy a slow, refined lifestyle.
Moreover, the hotel has one 900-square-meter grand ballroom and nine meeting rooms of various sizes, equipped with high-end conference facilities and a dedicated planning team. Whether for weddings or meetings of any scale, events can be held smoothly. In short, this hotel offers comprehensive, thoughtful, and attentive service. Although I didn't stay in Chengdu for long, staying at this hotel gave me a feeling of belonging, making me feel not like a stranger. I think that's the best experience the Maison Alfort Chengdu Maoyu Hotel gave me.
