2020 Chengdu Travel Guide: If Your 'Chrysanthemum' Doesn't Flare Up, Don't Even Think About Leaving
The 2020 pandemic certainly dampened enthusiasm across the entire travel industry, yet Chengdu remains as vibrant as ever. As a native Chengdu couple, today we'll share all sorts of fun things to eat, drink, and explore in Chengdu—including photogenic spots—so you can experience the comfort and enjoyment of Chengdu from different angles. Oh, and one last thing: when you come to Chengdu, you absolutely must indulge in the spicy, numbing cuisine. Just look at the spicy food in the picture below—dig in! As the saying goes, 'If your chrysanthemum doesn't flare up, don't even think about leaving.' Chengdu is a city you just can't escape once you arrive.
This guide is a bit long; it compiles the places we, a native Chengdu couple, have explored over the past year. So here's a table of contents to help you navigate. The first part is relatively light and fresh; the final chapter is quite heavy on the spice. Part 1: Lesser-known photogenic spots in Chengdu; Part 2: Flower-viewing spots in Chengdu; Part 3: Favorite spots for literary youth; Part 4: A food guide to make your chrysanthemum catch fire. Feel free to skip to the relevant section.
1. Lesser-known photogenic spots in Chengdu
Last year we wrote about some lesser-known photogenic spots in Chengdu, summarizing a few little-known places, and the response was pretty good. This year we'll compile more lesser-known spots we've visited (due to the pandemic this year, it seems everyone is keen to explore the outskirts of Chengdu, so some places may not be as obscure anymore—they might be packed on weekends).
1.1 XXL Block—A place that'll blow up your Moments in minutes
🌈 Sansheng Township is truly a treasure trove for Chengdu locals. It's increasingly resembling Chiang Mai, with so many cute, fresh spots. ❤️ In Sansheng Township, we stumbled upon a treasure photo base with numerous scenes, and even a makeup room—it feels like a vacation spot. The winding paths lead to the river, where you can eat and enjoy afternoon tea. The overall ecology of Sansheng Township is getting better and better, with not only more网红 spots but also more and more egrets appearing.
The sky ladder has become a standard feature at almost all网红 spots, no exception.
Round holes are perfect for photos.
RV camping is also great, with cacti and RVs creating a Mexican vibe.
🛎 Photo tips:
1️⃣ It's summer now. If you want to take great photos without suffering, come in the morning or around 4-5 PM; otherwise, you'll get sunstroke.
2️⃣ Bring multiple outfits since there are many scenes. You'll regret it when you see other girls looking gorgeous!
3️⃣ If time permits, try to come on weekdays. On holidays there will be crowds, and you'll have to queue under the scorching sun for popular scenes like the sky ladder or Turkish spots.
4️⃣ At the RV area, you can bring your own drinks and snacks. Remember to bring a picnic blanket to get that perfect picnic vibe.
The Santorini-style courtyard and pool on the rooftop are also fantastic for summer photos.
🍟 Store name: XXL Block 💰 Price: 99 RMB/person (unlimited time, pretty good deal) 🏖 Business hours: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM 🚖 Transportation: Self-driving, just navigate to the store name; by bus, take routes 31 or 899.
1.2 Chengdu Jinmen—A mini Republican-era town hidden in the north
🍃 The north gate of Chengdu hides many niche attractions. Jinmen definitely counts as one—almost no articles mention it, yet it's a genuine 4A-level scenic spot.
⛪ Most of the buildings here imitate Republican-era architecture: green bricks, black tiles, archways, and churches, making me feel transported back to that era. Every corner is decorated with small scenes full of period flavor: cheongsam shops, rickshaws, old Shanghai advertising walls from the 1920s, and oil-paper umbrellas filling the sky—every spot is great for photos.
🍃 The best part: the green brick walls are completely covered in lush ivy, large patches of it, very spectacular. Ivy against green brick walls—both vintage and fresh. . .
Republican-style architecture.
🗺️ Address: Chengdu Jinmen (10 km from the city center, 30 minutes by car)
👗 Attire: Cheongsam, cheongsam, cheongsam, or trench coats and Hanfu.
Republican-era wall.
👗 For photos here, definitely wear a cheongsam, trench coat, or Hanfu—I really regretted not wearing one. Every wooden door, ivy-covered brick wall, and vintage street is a great photo spot.
🧸 Of course, there are also modern sculptures, mainly iron art, creating a joyful playground for children. The basement floor also hides the Sichuan Silk Museum, displaying various textiles. There's also Zhu Ziqing's former residence in Sichuan.
This is the legendary Zhu Ziqing residence.
1.3 Chengdu Cannes Bay Covered Bridge—Pretending to be in London
😛 I saw many friends checking out this bridge, where you can capture photos that look like they were taken abroad.
❤️ Chengdu Cannes Bay Covered Bridge ❤️ 🍎 The area around the bridge is a walkway built like a park. We went in the afternoon, and it wasn't very crowded. It would be even better in the morning or evening. 🧸 Only pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles are allowed on the bridge, so it's great for photos.
❤️ It was cloudy when we went, but that actually suited the bridge's character—steady and grand.
🌈 As we drove around a small curve, we saw the bridge spanning the Jin River. The dark red European-style architecture instantly made us feel like we'd been transported to Europe.
❤️ Tips:
👗 Clothing: Wear dark colors, preferably black—the black-red combo fits the photo vibe. 📸 Photography: Both ends of the bridge and the riverside provide great angles—one for depth, another for the full bridge view. We spent about half an hour taking photos. If you come specifically for photography but don't want to leave too soon, you can walk along the river; there are some cafés for a nice afternoon tea.
🗺️ Address: It's best to drive here. Navigate to Cannes Bay Covered Bridge Parking Lot (Shuangliu District, Angong Road, Section 2).
1.4 Tea Creek Valley—Mount Qingcheng isn't just about mountains and water
While visiting Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan to enjoy the mountains and water, you can also come to Tea Creek Valley at the foot of Mount Qingcheng to experience tea picking. It doesn't matter if you pick a lot or well—the important thing is that the photos turn out great.
🍵 After the spring equinox, the weather warms up. 🍵 After a spring rain, everything revives, and the outdoors are full of spring. 🍵 It's said that the best tea is picked before Qingming Festival, called 'pre-Qingming tea'.
The thatched cottage combined with the tea garden scenery is also a great photo spot. 🤔 When we arrived, the view from below looked rather ordinary, like a man-made attraction. But when we climbed the hill, we found a vast tea mountain.
🧸 Carrying the small bamboo basket provided by the shop, weaving through the green tea bushes felt immersive.
🤣 But tea picking is hard work. First, climbing those hundreds of steps was exhausting; then the actual picking consumed a lot of energy. Carefully searching for each bud tip and plucking it, it took ages to cover the bottom of the basket. Anyone hoping to fill a whole basket can forget it.
📸 This is an excellent photo spot, especially with the small bamboo basket as a prop. The tea mountain backdrop adds depth. There's also a small thatched cottage on the hill, perfect for photos. 💯
🌟 After picking, the shop will fry the tea for free. Even if you picked half a basket of leaves, after frying you'll get less than 100 grams (we gave ours away since it barely covered the bottom; probably wouldn't even make a pinch). 🍵 The frying process smells wonderful—waves of tea fragrance—a great experience.
💥 Practical tips:
📍 Address: Puxin Road, Xiang'e Township, Dujiangyan City, Tea Creek Valley Scenic Area. 🚙 Self-driving: Navigate to 'Tea Creek Valley'; about 1.5 hours from downtown Chengdu.
🅿 Parking: Limited spaces, fewer than 20. You can park a bit further on a small open area in front of a farmhouse.
💸 Cost: 38 RMB/person, includes picking 2 liang (100g) of tea leaves. (I bet anyone who actually picks 2 liang isn't there for the experience 🙈)
💸 Small tea basket can be rented for free with a 100 RMB deposit—an essential prop.
1.5 Chengdu Global Center West District—Pretending to be in Santorini
Global Center is a major landmark in Chengdu. Most people visit the east side (the front). But when the west district opened, it became a popular photo spot. The blue-and-white color scheme makes it feel like Santorini.
Blue background, paired with summer attire—cool and refreshing.
Feels like walking by the sea.
Bougainvillea in the distance also looks great.
1.6 Chengnan Louis Art Castle—Pretending to be in France
The south gate of Chengdu surprises people all the time. This Louis Art Castle is completely French-style architecture, with grand staircases and fountains—instantly feeling like you're in France.
The staircase is the best spot for photos—winding lines, great perspective.
Sitting on the stairs works too.
Fully French architecture.
1.7 Jujube Alley—Firefly forest in the city
We stumbled upon a sea of fireflies—what's this about? Jujube Alley used to be rundown, but now it's a new网红 check-in spot.
⭐️ Address: Jujube Alley 🌈 Xi'an North Road, behind the Provincial Hospital of TCM.
🎀 There used to be many snacks along this road, but we never tried them all. Unexpectedly, at night it becomes a sea of fireflies.
❤️ Around 7-8 PM, street vendors come out: fried potatoes, skewers, milk tea. After taking photos, you can eat your way along—very satisfying. We went around 8 PM and it was quite crowded, so we recommend going after 9 PM.
⭐️ Photo tip:
1️⃣ Since it's nighttime, don't wear dark clothes; white works better.
2️⃣ Choose spots with more lights.
3️⃣ There's a photographer with props; you can ask him to take photos, or even borrow his props 😂.
1.8 Guo Chao Costume Rental—Endless cheongsam to blow up your Moments
💈 A Guo Chao (Chinese-style trendy) costume rental place with strong Chengdu characteristics has opened!
💈 🧸 After being tempted online for days, we finally came to check it out. 🎉
🔥 Costumes, makeup, and props: all on the 1st floor. 1⃣ Complete costumes: various styles of cheongsam in all colors and lengths, different styles. The shop owner will help you match—very figure-flattering. Also fur coats for added personality (few men's clothes, only 2 Tang-style outfits). 2⃣ Props are dazzling: trendy glasses, hair accessories, pipes, fans—you name it. 3⃣ Makeup: The thoughtful shop provides various cosmetics for touch-ups.
🎥📹📷📸 Scenes: all on the 2nd floor. There are 8 scenes, each with strong Chengdu elements: mahjong, hotpot, fans, various Sichuan dialect lanterns (dingdingmao, zhuamengjiao). Also common Guo Chao scenes: lion dance, clouds with cranes, Wangwang. Each scene is well-lit, and the owner will recommend which outfit suits which scene. But we like to blaze our own trail—like-minded friends can like and bookmark! 💯 Our favorite scenes: hotpot, mahjong, and dialect lanterns. For the first two, wear a cheongsam and find the right angle (high angle looking down)—instant great photos. At the lantern scene, use the lanterns as foreground for a dreamy effect.
💰 Ticket: 69 RMB for 1.5 hours.
💰 Costume rental: 20-30 RMB/set, fur 15 RMB/set, men's clothes free.
📍 Address: Poly Center, Tower A, Room 1008. 🎀 A photo paradise for little fairies.
1.9 Chengdu Maoye Center—Pretending to be in Hong Kong
✨ A building with a futuristic look has appeared in Chengdu—Maoye Center.
✨ Excellent photo spot; every place exudes geometric symmetry. ✨ This is an office building. On the 5th floor terrace, you can look up and shoot the entire building—strong sense of depth. Standing there feels like being a frog at the bottom of a well, marveling at human smallness, craning your neck to see that patch of light from the atrium.
✨ Go up to the 34th floor rooftop to overlook the entire building—like staring into the abyss. The 5th floor below is pitch black, like an underground city from The Wandering Earth.
✨ The diagonal corners of each floor can be used to shoot a 'human eye' effect—stand in the middle and be a fat eyeball.
✨ Shooting the opposite side gives a Hong Kong vibe. ✨ Finally, don't miss the glass windows downstairs—silhouettes are a sure thing, with all sorts of twisted, weird, jumping shadows.
📌 Address: Chengdu Maoye Center, Buildings A and B (directly from Hi-tech Metro Station exit).
2. Flower viewing in Chengdu
Chengdu, also known as Rongcheng (Hibiscus City) or 'Flower-heavy Jinguan City'. Chengdu has never lacked beautiful flowers as scenery. Below are places to enjoy flowers at different times. Go check them out!
2.1 Seven-mile fragrance flower waterfall—A stunning spot at Sichuan University
☘️ The weather in Chengdu has been warming up recently, with warm afternoon sunshine. At a corner near the north gate of Sichuan University, the seven-mile fragrance flowers are blooming quietly, forming a large flower waterfall. This flower waterfall instantly puts you in a fresh and pure mood. 📸 The vintage staircase from last century combined with the flower waterfall creates a unique beauty. 🦄 If you add Jay Chou's song 'Seven-Mile Fragrance', it would be perfect.
📍 Address: North Gate of Sichuan University (Wangjiang Campus). After entering, walk to the antique administration building, turn left, and you'll see an ICBC ATM; turn left again to see the flower waterfall spreading over an old building.
1. Go to the second floor of the old building to shoot the whole waterfall from above, creating the feeling of being in a sea of flowers.
2. Shoot the stairs, the waterfall, and people for a layered effect.
3. Shoot the hanging branches of the seven-mile fragrance from below for a mysterious, half-hidden look.
Tips: Last year, it was packed; this year, very few people come. The seven-mile fragrance has a short blooming period, about 10 days—little fairies need to hurry.
2.2 Rapeseed flower sea—Qingyuan Village, experiencing paradise
Qingyuan Village: When rapeseed flowers combine with the village's white walls and black tiles, everyone wants to retire to the countryside.
2.3 Cherry blossom season—Jinsha Riverside Park, pretend to be in Kyoto
🌸 The cherry blossom season is approaching. On this day last year, I was admiring cherry blossoms in Kyoto. This year, due to the pandemic, I can't go anywhere. I stumbled upon photos a friend took that looked like they were from a Japanese park. When I asked, it turned out they were taken right in Chengdu. Bored out of my mind, I immediately went to check it out.
🌸 Many places to see flowers require a long drive. This beautiful park is near Jinsha, no admission fee, and there's a parking lot opposite the park—very convenient.
🌸 The park is exquisitely designed with undulating terrain and a small pond. As you walk deeper, you'll see a slope that looks exactly like Kyoto's Kamogawa River. Actually, these aren't cherry blossoms but red-leaf plums, but from a distance they look just like cherry blossoms. It's the flowering season, and many cute girls are taking photos here.
🌸 This place is super Japanese-style, exactly like a manga. Lie down on the slope to become a Japanese heroine. Lean against a tree or the riverside railing—every pose gives a perfect Japanese magazine vibe. If you can't avoid people, try shooting upward or rely on post-processing.
📍 Location: Jinsha Riverside Park (No. 200 Jinze Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu) 💵 Ticket: Free
💗 Tips:
1⃣ If you have time, come earlier. I went in the afternoon and there were many pretty girls.
2⃣ If you have a uniform or Hanfu, that would be perfect. I'm an oldie, so I wore casual clothes. For everyday wear, light colors work better for a Japanese vibe.
3⃣ Oh, if you want to be surrounded by flowers, remember to bring a small stool because the trees are quite tall.
4⃣ After taking photos, remember to put on your mask immediately—the security guard is very diligent.
2.4 Roses covering the walls—Sansheng Egret Wetland Park
Before we knew it, roses were exploding on Moments.
🎀 Today we're going to explore these tenacious roses.
🌈 We went to Sansheng Township, famous for flowers. Following the navigation, we went to 'Xun Ye Wan Shi Wu' but couldn't find it.
🎀 However, next to a private house, we saw a large cluster of roses bursting out, perfect for a fresh photo in front of a wooden door.
❤️ Not giving up, we went to the No. 2 gate of Bailuwan Wetland Park.
🎀 Once inside, it felt like we'd entered the headquarters of roses.
🌸 Large patches of roses hung like waterfalls on the cliffs along the road. We could pose in various ways, with occasional faint floral fragrance wafting over.
🌸 Across from the roses, green reed clusters and winding ditches also make great fresh photo spots.
😎 Enjoy the most beautiful April days!
Edit: Jinjiang Bailuwan Ecological Wetland Park
2.5 Ocean of daisies—Jade Wetland Park
❤️ Daisies have been super popular lately. I heard everyone is going to Pixian, but it's far—over an hour by car—and super crowded. However, Xiaozhai discovered a great daisy spot right in the city, and the key: no people! No people! No people!
🌈 Besides daisies, there's also a beautiful red flower in clusters, absolutely stunning.
🗺️ Address: First navigate to Chengdu Jade Wetland Park. When you reach Yujing Road, look for a sign saying 'Greenway Three-Start Starting Point'. Next to it are whole fields of daisies.
👗 Clothing: Suggest a white dress—it goes perfectly with daisies. Also bring a straw hat 👒.
📸 Photo tip: Pose by squatting among flowers, running, or shooting partials. Shooting against the sky also works great.
2.6 Lesser-known sea of Gesang flowers—Shuangliu Lujiayan
After the daisies earlier, summer brings Gesang flowers! Little fairies have endless photo ops. Recently we discovered a treasure spot covered in Gesang flowers—red, yellow, and various colors. As far as the eye can see, not a single person. And the best part: no admission! Zero yuan for unlimited photos.
🗺️ Address: Search for 'Shuangliu Lujiayan'. As you approach, you'll see the flowers by the roadside. You can park on the side of the road.
🌸 Gesang flowers stretch in large patches, undulating beautifully. On a sunny day, it truly feels like early summer. 🌈 There are small paths through the flowers—just follow them; don't step on the flowers.
❤️ It seems the area is still under development, so there are few people—scattered.
❤️ Not very suitable for picnics because the gardeners water the plants, so the ground is wet in places. Just take photos.
❤️ Photo tips:
1️⃣ Try to go around 4-5 PM, or wake up early if you don't sleep in. Otherwise it'll be very sunny, and photos will be softer.
2️⃣ White or pink dresses—any dress works. Also bring a straw hat and a woven bag—any pose will look good.
3️⃣ We went yesterday; the flowers are in full bloom, with an estimated bloom period of 1-2 weeks. Ladies, you can drive there this weekend—it's about 40 minutes away.
2.7 Sunflower sea—Wenjiang, Hesheng Town
Sunflowers are blooming around Chengdu—a sea of sunflowers.
📍 Location: Chunlin Village Committee, Hesheng Town, Wenjiang District (about 1 hour by car from the city center).
🦄 Mili the Great Demon even learned to fake smile among the brilliant sunflowers, blowing dandelions, getting closer to nature. She touched a sunflower for the first time—a bit scared at first, then played wildly in the sunflower sea. 🦄
💰 Admission: Completely free. Besides the large sunflower fields, there's also a large field of Gesang flowers. Next to them are green farmlands. 🦄 A great place for family outings, close to Guose Tianxiang (a theme park); you can also take kids to play in the water.
Ps: 🐼🐼 Be sure to use sunscreen and mosquito repellent—the fields have almost no shade, fully exposed to the sun.
🅿 Parking: Not very convenient, perhaps because it's too popular. Country roads are full of cars and villagers setting up stalls. You may need to park at a villager's house (10 RMB) and walk a long distance to the flower fields.
2.8 Rose sea—Pixian District, Huaxiang Rose Garden
🌹🌹 Chengdu also has a sea of roses! Millions of roses form a flower sea that dazzles the eyes. Trellises of climbing roses taller than a person form corridors like the maze walls of a European estate.
🌹🌹 Not all flowers are fully open yet; it will be even more spectacular when they are. It's hard to tell roses from Chinese roses—bright red, light pink, yellow, white—all colors.
🌹🌹 Every rose wall is a great photo spot. The park has designed many heart-shaped and square flower frames.
🌹🌹 The scenic area is large; there are many greenhouses where you can go inside to take photos—the roses there are smaller but less crowded. At the back, there's a farm with ostriches, horses, and pigs for children to play with.
🙈 Downsides: artificial green turf and tacky pink gauze curtains hung on the roses, which ruin compositions.
🙈 Loudspeaker sales inside the park are also annoying.
📌 Address: Senhe Road, Yunling Village, Xinminchang Town, Pixian District.
🚃 By bus: Take P06, P16, or P49 from Pixian Bus Terminal to Yunling Bus Stop, then walk about 550 meters to Senhe Road.
🚙 Self-driving: Navigate to 'Huaxiang Rose' on Amap.
🕰 Time: Ends May 20 (rose season is short).
💸 Ticket: 30 RMB.
3. Favorite spots for literary youth
Chengdu has many cultural and creative parks and design-forward places, as well as interesting architecture. Literary youth, rush in!
📼 If you want to pretend to be in Hong Kong in Chengdu, you can check out this Yuanyang Building—a retro Hong Kong-style photo spot.
💿💿 📼 Located near Hongwasi, it's a 1970s residential building. The first time we followed navigation and searched for a long time without finding it. Then we looked up and saw a stream of old photographers and beautifully dressed girls coming and going from a gate—that's how we found it.
📀📀 📼 The worn old building paired with vintage staircases instantly transports you back to the 80s. Dense apartments give a feel similar to Hong Kong's Monster Building. Here you can imagine yourself in a scene from Hong Kong's golden film era.
💽💽 📼 Wear a bright red dress to create strong contrast with the old building, or wear Republic-era clothes for a vintage series. Casual Hong Kong style is also a major theme here.
💾💾 📼 This used to be a niche secret spot, but now it's a popular photography location. Every staircase has one old photographer plus a girl in a style mentioned above—crowded and lively.
3.2 Xicun Grand Courtyard—Cold industrial style
Xicun Grand Courtyard, Chengdu's utopia.  Filming location for 'The Ex-File 3', a favorite of architecture enthusiasts, a photo mecca.
 Features cold industrial-style staircases, black-gray theme, retro feel like 1990s factories.
 Black plastic track, 360-degree unobstructed view—clean, modern.  The rooftop observation deck offers a panoramic view of Xicun. It's on a common flight path; industrial style pairs well with airplanes.
 Address: No. 1 Beisen North Road, Qingyang District. 🇹🇭 Ps: The surrounding shops have a vibe reminiscent of Chiang Mai, a touch of freshness.
🙆 Suggested attire: Cool, trendy, sporty, casual.
3.3 Geometry Bookstore—Cave style
A bookstore I've been wanting to visit for a while.
🎀 Environment: The interior decoration is unique—rough cave-style walls, strong Turkish vibes. Further inside is a spiral staircase great for photos.
🎀 The staircase runs from the first to the third floor, connecting the entire bookstore. Shooting from top to bottom, bottom to top, diagonally, or lying down—all look good, as long as there are no people.
🎀 Shopping: The bookstore has three floors. The second floor has drinks; the third floor features handmade items and toy accessories—all cute little things. You can browse for a long time. The books are relatively new; many can't be preview-read, but you can sit here daydreaming, taking photos. When you're tired, just walk ahead to Taikoo Li for shopping and eating—a perfect afternoon.
📌 Store name: Geometry Bookstore
📍 Address: No. 1 Wangping Riverside Road
3.4 Fanmu FLYing—Another Dongjiao Memory
I'm sure friends who've visited Chengdu have heard of Dongjiao Memory and the 7322 Baiyao Factory cultural parks.
Now, in the southwest of Chengdu, near the Chuanzang Overpass, a new cultural park has appeared—Fanmu FLYing. The architecture is still distinctive and stylish.
It's said to be the former Glider Design Institute.
Many uniquely shaped buildings hide cafes inside—a must-visit for literary check-ins, and it's still very uncrowded.
One of the cafes.
A red, distinctive spiral staircase.
Spiral staircases everywhere—essential for photos.
4. Food guide to set your chrysanthemum on fire (Taikoo Li area)
When you come to Chengdu, you naturally want to experience the charm of Sichuan-style spicy numbing cuisine. I used to tell friends from out of town: 'If your chrysanthemum doesn't have problems after coming to Chengdu, you've basically come for nothing.' Here are a few restaurants that will make your tongue bloom and your chrysanthemum catch fire. Since it's a hassle to travel far, I'll introduce several near Taikoo Li, so you can go back after sightseeing in the evening and give your taste buds a special experience.
4.1 Chengdu Chike—The spiciest experience
When you mention Chengdu Chike, it makes your chrysanthemum tighten. The dishes here are enough to show you the spiciness of Chengdu.
People queue for 2-3 hours.
Spicy fish fillets: each piece is covered with pickled peppers—sour and spicy.
Jueqing Frog: frog leg meat in liquor bottles, topped with chopped chili peppers. One bite requires a whole bottle of water or a bowl of rice—tear-inducingly spicy.
Hot oil shrimp: the shrimp have been shelled and deveined in the middle. Feel free to eat—the spiciness is milder.
You must have dessert; otherwise, you can't bear it.
The Jueqing Frog is quite impressive.
This popular 'Huobao Jun Gan' (spicy gizzards) should suit out-of-town friends. It's numbing and spicy, with chewy, crunchy gizzards. A perfect example of Sichuan home-style cuisine.
Boiled beef (Shuizhu Niurou): taiji pattern—half red soup, half clear soup.
Finally, a bowl of Konggan rice to finish.
Store name: Chengdu Chike (Jiuyanqiao branch). After eating, you can walk to the Jinjiang River and check out the Jiuyanqiao bars.
Address: No. 28 Zhimin East Road, Building 11, Unit 11
Average cost: 90 RMB per person.
4.2 Haidashu—There's nothing a barbecue can't solve
This place is right next to Chengdu Chike, so after eating at Chike and having a few drinks at the bar, you can come out for a late-night snack—saves you from running around.
They have unlimited chili powder and peanut powder—satisfy your taste buds.
The grilled bullfrog looks so lifelike, I felt it could leap.
Grilled abalone: first time seeing it—tastes good, thick and fresh.
Duck intestines: standard item—great.
Fish fillets: a specialty—the bones are well handled, easy to eat.
This one scared me when it came up—very unique: duck head and neck cut with such large pruning shears—impressive.
Amazing grilled baozi (stuffed bun): shouldn't this be from Xinjiang? But the filling is really good—still spicy.
Clams: one portion—very flavorful.
Store name: Haidashu Shijing Barbecue (Jiuyanqiao branch)
Address: No. 28 Zhimin East Road, Building 11, Unit 11
Average cost: 70 RMB per person.
4.3 Ye Popo Bo Bo Ji—A must-eat Leshan snack in Chengdu
Bo Bo Ji is a famous snack from Leshan, Sichuan, renowned for its spicy, numbing, and fragrant sesame red oil.
If you don't have time to go to Leshan, just come to this Bo Bo Ji place—it's originally from Leshan.
This Ye Popo is right outside Taikoo Li—great location, and the taste is authentic.
I can never resist the sesame red oil.
Be sure to take plenty of duck gizzards—the best of the best.
Of course, there's also Sichuan pepper flavor—more numbing.
Don't miss the Leshan-style fried rice with sprouts and chicken soup rice.
When the spiciness gets to you, order some Liang Gao (cold cake), sago dew, or ice jelly—very satisfying.
Pick your favorite ingredients, hand them to the staff, and they'll drizzle red oil or Sichuan pepper oil—freshly made.
Rich selection—take your time.
After eating, stick the skewers into a bamboo tube and yell, 'Boss, count the skewers!'—a perfect end to the meal.
The reflection of the urban forest on Ye Popo's glass.
Store name: Ye Popo Bo Bo Ji (Taikoo Li branch)
Address: No. 48 Youlou Street, Unit 1
Average cost: 50 RMB per person.
4.4 Houtang Old Hotpot—Republican-era hotpot
This Republican-style old hotpot is right opposite Taikoo Li. This area gathers many gourmet restaurants. This one stands out among them, themed as a 1930s old market.
The first time we came, it scared us: the wax figures were so lifelike, mixed with waiting diners—real and fake blurred. Then an old lady suddenly blinked...
They have a sugar water station with unlimited ice jelly, turtle jelly, caramel pudding, and fruit—great for spicy hotpot.
This security guard wax figure is also classic.
We ordered a half red soup, half pickled cabbage pot. We thought it would be a taiji shape, but red soup took up 3/4, pickled cabbage 1/4—still mainly spicy.
Duck intestines are a must—crispy and tender. The restaurant marks the cooking time for each dish on the menu, so beginners won't overcook or undercook.
Shrimp balls are packed in such a retro box—very Republican.
Hotpot must have tripe—large slices, delicious.
Amazing kidneys—well handled, no off-flavor.
All food preparation is visible—safe and reassuring.
Store name: Houtang Old Hotpot (Taikoo Li branch)
Address: 2nd Floor, No. 166 East Street, Xia Dong Da Jie
Average cost: 110 RMB per person.
4.5 Zhulian BBQ—Pretending to be in Japan
This BBQ is a real hidden gem. So many Japanese elements that you feel like you've stepped into Japan in one second.
This 'Bisheng Niu' (victory beef) is served with melted butter and a special dipping sauce—smooth and delicious.
The beef is high-quality wagyu, juicy and tender after grilling, paired with a secret dipping sauce—amazing.
They also have various Japanese original drinks and sake—great with BBQ.
Lantern elements—very atmospheric.
Yuanqi Hengge Mo (power diaphragm)—chewy.
Store name: Zhulian BBQ (Taikoo Li branch)
Address: Inside Chongde Li International Community, No. 66 East Street, Xia Dong Da Jie Section
Average cost: 120 RMB per person.
This boiled beef (Shuizhu Niurou) is genuinely the best we've ever had.
Covered in chili—looks amazing.
Spicy is the big sign.
The ox nose is impressive.
When it's served, the ox nose emits dry ice—full of ceremony.
Hot oil is poured on the spot—the boiled beef is born, absolutely fresh.
The beef is very tender and flavorful.
Their BBQ is also great, especially the grilled beef cubes—chewy.
Test-tube rice wine combos: creative—rice wine in test tubes looks layered, tastes sweet and refreshing—a must after spicy food.
Their ice jelly also embodies Chengdu elements: served in a gaiwan (covered bowl), with self-mixed ingredients—a unique ice jelly.
Also, the fried bread stick salad and sweet-and-sour potatoes: Western-style plating, very elegant. The fried bread stick salad is super crispy—delicious beyond words.
Store name: Niu Shuizhu (Spicy Boiled Beef) (Chunxi Road Qunguang Store)
Address: 8th Floor, Qunguang Plaza, No. 8 Chunxi Road South Section
Average cost: 75 RMB per person.
Finally, we hope everyone has a wonderful time eating, drinking, and playing in Chengdu, experiencing its unique charm.
