Sichuan Journey: What I Miss Is Your Lively Atmosphere

Chengdu is not a place that wears down your willpower; on the contrary, it makes you feel vibrant. The only reason to indulge is that you can't resist the city's boundless imagination. Its beauty lies in its innocence. The people here, young and old, all have a charmingly relaxed attitude. They never doubt the meaning of life—they are doers. If they want to play mahjong, they play; if they crave little chili peppers, they eat them. Sichuan locals have a certain spirit: calm, fearless, and unassuming as they live their beloved small lives. I’d say it’s not so much that I like Chengdu, but that I love its lively, down-to-earth vibe.

Chengdu people love food, and Chengdu is the capital of gastronomy! The best feelings in life are hidden in journeys. Others' trips have sweetness, sourness, and all flavors of life, but my journey has only one taste: the aroma of food. So I came to Chengdu, this city filled with culinary delights!

Yuán Gòng, Yuán Gòng—a name tied to destiny, with a red plaque and golden characters. It instantly struck my heart. A moon-white poetic verse on the ground also hinted at the theme of 'destiny.' It seems fate truly brought me to this restaurant.

The ceiling of Yuán Gòng is adorned with fiery red flowers, giving a fresh and novel feel, and my mood unconsciously lifted.

This restaurant is located on a street behind Chunxi Road near Qingshi Bridge. The location is a bit tucked away; compared to the dazzling lights of Chunxi Road, it feels detached from the worldly hustle—and I love this kind of place, away from the mundane.

The dining space is quite spacious, with separate compartments for each table. The distance between tables is comfortable, perfect for small gatherings. It doesn’t feel crowded at all—I absolutely adore the atmosphere!

Nowadays, restaurants pay attention to ambiance, and this one is no exception. The lighting and color schemes, whether in private rooms or main hall seating, are quite stylish and well-designed!

The dishes here are authentic Zigong-style Sichuan cuisine, with excellent flavors. The environment feels very homey; the red flowers and umbrellas as decorations feel festive and warm. This atmosphere instantly brought a wave of warmth to my heart—perhaps this is the feeling of home.

The service staff were great—warm and attentive, always ready when called. Even though our seats were off to the side, we never had trouble summoning a server. They treated guests with genuine kindness and friendliness, guiding us from entrance to exit. That was a highlight for me.

Let’s talk about the food. The dish that left the deepest impression on me was Yuán Gòng’s Signature Clam Rabbit. The green and red chilies set off the rabbit meat, making it incredibly tender and delicious. The clams looked tantalizing. One bite delivered tenderness, a slight numbing sensation, and moderate spiciness. In an instant, my taste buds danced—a perfect union, surpassing countless earthly pleasures!

Longmen Diào Ròu (Hanging Meat)—a dedicated young man came to cut the meat and arrange it on a plate. It had a crispy texture; the coating was perfectly fried. Even after eating several pieces, I didn’t feel greasy. This is one of their signature dishes, quite unique.

I was quite impressed with the Old Duck Soup. The flavor wasn’t overpowered by MSG or chicken bouillon; it was clear, slightly sweet, and thirst-quenching. A sip made my whole body feel soothed and comfortable. Truly a great soup.

Another dish, Yuán Gòng’s Local Chicken Slices, was definitely the best of the meal. It tasted fantastic, with lotus root slices underneath. The red chili oil was incredibly fragrant, blending perfectly with the chicken. My friend and I couldn’t stop praising it—absolutely delicious!

Fermented Soy Whole Fish was a large fish topped with plenty of fermented black beans and minced meat. Even without the fish, the toppings alone could go with several bowls of rice. The fish meat was exceptionally tender, with no fishy taste at all!

Across a thousand miles, fate brings us together at Yuán Gòng. An authentic Sichuan restaurant that never ceases to surprise!

As everyone knows, Chengdu is the capital of food. Among its representative delicacies, Chuan Chuan (skewers) definitely holds a place. Big handfuls of bamboo sticks, hot red broth, numbing and spicy flavors—it makes your mouth water. This branch of Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan, located on Jinfangyuan East Road, could be your choice.

There are many types of skewers inside, with dozens of varieties. Both vegetable and meat options are plentiful—my eyes were dazzled.

The ingredients are pre-skewered and placed in coolers for customers to choose freely. You just pick your favorites. A special feature here is that the kitchen staff boils the skewers and serves them in large bowls, saving you the trouble of cooking. Perfect for lazy people like me—so convenient!

After a short wait, a steaming pot of skewers was served. The broth looked oily and spicy, but the heat was moderate. The entry was numbing, spicy, and fragrant. The restaurant provides dry and oil dipping sauces. The dry sauce is a house specialty, quite tasty—definitely recommended.

Besides skewers, there were also some hot dishes worth trying, like Spicy Pig Brain, which was smooth and delicate; Spicy Duck Blood, tender and silky; Spicy Duck Intestines, crisp and delicious; and Spicy Luncheon Meat, instant noodles, etc.—all quite memorable.

This branch of Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan may not claim to be the best skewers in Chengdu, but it is definitely the most distinctive.

In this laid-back city of Chengdu, there are many bars of all sizes. But a bar surrounded by greenery, lit by neon lights, and stocked with a wide variety of drinks and snacks—that’s only Bie Yuan Li in Chengdu.

Their unique Cat Girl mascot adds a touch of mystery to the night, making people look forward to the evening even more.

I heard that to give customers a better experience, the owner hired the company that designed the lighting for the Bird's Nest stadium to design their lighting effects. I can only whisper: what a big production—the boss is really generous!

When the lights inside are turned on, the whole bar becomes a colorful neon world. Under the interplay of light and shadow, the various colored lights look like stars in the sky, shining brightly. I couldn’t help but marvel—the owner’s decision was truly right; customers’ experience is the greatest affirmation.

Since this is a small bar, drinks are essential. They have an enormous selection: foreign spirits, cocktails, and pure imported beers—so many that I couldn’t name half of them! Basically, if you want a drink, you’ll likely find it here.

Not only that, but the tableware is also carefully selected Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain, elegant and beautiful, truly captivating.

Although there are many alcoholic drinks, my favorite isn’t the strong kind. Long Island Iced Tea looks as clear and mild as black tea, yet it carries the rich, mellow fragrance of alcohol. With lemon juice and cola added, the Long Island Iced Tea tastes sweet, similar to lemon iced tea, making it popular among girls. My friend, a true connoisseur of drinks, told me this cocktail is a 'wolf in sheep’s clothing'—its alcohol content is quite high. If you’re not a good drinker, don’t overdo it.

Another drink here is called The Metropolitan. It’s no exaggeration to say it’s one of the most popular cocktails in the world. It has remained trendy for over thirty years. With its lower alcohol content, sweet-and-sour taste, and strong fruity flavor, it won me over and became my personal favorite.

If you happen to order a signature cocktail from their bartender at Bie Yuan Li, congratulations—you’ll witness an incredibly pleasing cocktail show. After mixing, the cocktail slowly 'breathes' smoke from the rim, creating a very artistic atmosphere. Savor it slowly; the deeper you explore the taste, the more wonderful it becomes.

I must recommend this Chinese-style cocktail—Gǔ Qiāng Mài Gān Zá Jiǔ (Ancient Qiang Wheat Stalk Liquor). Using a wheat stalk as a straw for rice wine, I had never seen that before. The rice wine is sweet, mellow, and rich, smooth and gentle on the palate. Drinking a small bottle in winter makes your whole body feel warm.

Don’t think you can only drink here—they also have a hidden Sichuan restaurant. The taste and portion sizes can rival any outside Sichuan eatery. You can find Dan Dan Noodles, Zhong Shui Jiao, and childhood-style fermented glutinous rice with brown sugar!

Their signature grilled fish is always a popular dish. The fish is well grilled, crispy on the outside and tender inside—you’ll be hooked after a few bites.

After reading all this, if you’re curious, go experience it yourself!

From the entrance of Kuanzhai Alley to the Jiao Liao inn, it’s only about 200 meters, but it can take a full half hour to walk through. Rows of snack shops, various gold and silver utensils—if your mind wavers, you might get lost in the sights and sounds.

Your eyes take in the blue bricks and black tiles, ancient trees and long streets. Your ears are filled with the clinking of copper and silver craftsmen and the calls of shopkeepers. Your nose catches the aroma of sugar-coated fried dough and egg puffs. Escaping from all this requires a lot of willpower.

It’s full of earthly hustle and bustle. Walking back and forth feels like tumbling through the troubles of the mortal world—every sense is completely satisfied.

Right in the middle of Kuanzhai Alley, Jiao Liao stands as a unique exception in this centuries-old lane. Its tightly closed double doors and the ever-present brass lock seem to declare the philosophy of shutting oneself away inside the courtyard.

Truly understand what it means to have 'a mountain city within a city'—step out, and it’s bustling; step in, and you keep your peace. In the midst of prosperity and ease, a pure land is created, luxurious inside and full of spirit.

And it’s true: once the heavy brass lock is fastened, it blocks the gazes of passing tourists and isolates the lively world of the alley, steeped in 300 years of history.

The wind can pass through the courtyard, and birds can perch on the eaves. But none of the noise outside enters. It’s a slice of tranquility in the midst of clamor—that’s Jiao Liao.

The entire structure is made of paulownia wood, a meeting of traditional aesthetics and modern techniques, natural yet sturdy. Being immersed in the faint woody scent over time can help with sleep, calm the mind, and soothe the body.

The architectural style of the hotel also combines movement and stillness. 'Movement' is seen in the meticulous details throughout the interior decoration: birds appear from the entrance corridor all the way to the bird-shaped ornaments in guest rooms, echoing the hotel's name—Jiao Liao (wren).

'Stillness' lies in the blue-black brick and tile courtyard, a replica of ancient quadrangle dwellings. Every plant and tree is elegant, every bamboo and mat exudes refined taste. Each guest room has its own poetic and picturesque name, as if full of life!

The rooms mostly have natural wood decor, fresh and clean, with comprehensive facilities: King Koil quiet light co-branded mattresses, Kohler bathroom fixtures, TOTO smart toilets... Various drinks, snacks, fruits, and teas are all provided. The overall feeling is very warm and comfortable. There’s also an open balcony where you can look out at Kuanzhai Alley in the morning—being worldly while staying detached—that’s the life I want. And if you need to relax tired muscles, professional spa services are available.

Breakfast is also especially warm: upon check-in, the butler asks about your dining time and taste preferences—very thoughtful. You can choose between Chinese and Western breakfasts, complemented by fruits, nuts, and various pastries, all delivered to your room! Full of love.

Staying here is truly leisurely and comfortable, enjoying this beautiful scene alone, indulging in complete carefree delight!

Taiziling Ski Resort is located in the Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area of Mao County, about 180 km from Chengdu. Driving from Chengdu takes about 3.5 hours. The highest altitude of the resort is 2,971 meters, the lowest is 2,733 meters, with a drop of 238 meters. Most people won’t experience altitude sickness, so you can enjoy it safely. The total length of the slopes is 2.5 km, making it the longest ski runs in southern China.

Taiziling Ski Resort has fairly professional slopes: 3 advanced, 3 intermediate, and 3 beginner runs. Whether it’s your first time skiing or you’re a seasoned expert, you’ll find fun here.

The Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area boasts beautiful natural surroundings, clear waters and lush mountains, with abundant vegetation. It’s a multi-functional area integrating outdoor camping, tourism, sports, and leisure. The area has extremely high negative oxygen ion levels, with PM2.5 consistently below 10. During the snow season, 70% of the days are sunny—truly a city of sunshine and a land of snowscapes.

The slopes wind naturally, earning the nickname 'dream slopes' among ski enthusiasts. There are multiple runs to choose from, offering plenty of options and surprises, providing beginners and experts alike a stage to have fun and show off their skills.

Skiing is really physically demanding, and the ultraviolet rays are strong. You’ll break a sweat and feel exhausted quickly. Remember to rehydrate and rest. During breaks, enjoy the blue sky, take photos, and admire others’ cool moves—it’s a pleasure. The weather was great, but sunlight reflecting off the snow was very bright, so bring sunglasses.

To access advanced runs, you must take the chairlift, and wearing a helmet is mandatory. So if you plan to go on advanced runs, remember to rent a helmet.

On the chairlift, with snow-white earth beneath and the sun above, skiers whizzed past below. I was especially afraid of dropping my equipment or phone—it was quite thrilling!

After about ten minutes on the chairlift, we reached the top of the advanced run. My legs went weak as I stepped off—the first slope was at least 40 degrees.

Indeed, 'it’s lonely at the top.' There were even fewer people on the advanced run. Very few used skis; most were experienced snowboarders with their own boards. They swooped down in no time, disappearing in moments.

If you get hungry, you can buy food inside the resort. But you’re also allowed to bring your own—rice and self-heating hot pot are great options. The hotel’s hot pot is delicious, no worse than outside restaurants. A big pot of red, shiny broth tastes rich but not greasy. Enjoying the snow views while indulging in spicy hot pot is truly a treat.

From the moment you set foot in Jiuding Mountain, you’ll experience a natural realm far from noise, poetic, harmonious between heaven and man, simple and peaceful. And at Taiziling Ski Resort, you can enjoy a harmonious, intimate holiday with family and friends. Why not?

Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage is located on the bank of Huanhua Creek west of downtown Chengdu. It is a must-see for visitors to Chengdu.

As the name suggests, Du Fu Thatched Cottage was Du Fu’s former residence. Although the site is now grand and luxurious, Du Fu’s actual home was only a tiny part of it—a few small, shabby thatched huts. The extensive structures were built later in his memory.

After entering the cottage, there are many forks with signposts directing visitors. Further in, you see an ancient-looking alley: red walls on both sides, tiles embedded with circular bricks carved with animal faces, and patches of moss indicating its age. The bluestone slabs underfoot have turned black and developed cracks.

Passing through the alley, a winding stream appears, with green bamboo on both banks alongside towering ancient trees—a truly poetic scene.

Before long, we arrived at a place that looked like a thatched cottage. Yes, this is Du Fu’s former residence! There are paths on both sides, with bamboo fences enclosing a small garden.

The roof doesn’t use modern materials, but this is no longer the hut Du Fu lived in. Standing here, I wanted to feel the eternal verse: 'Could I get a vast mansion covering ten thousand rooms, I would shelter all the world’s poor scholars and bring them joy!' I saw the mud on the walls falling off, revealing a framework of bamboo strips. The wooden threshold looked so fragile it might break underfoot.

Walking through the cottage, I was surrounded by the breath of history and rich poetry, immersing me so deeply that I didn’t want to leave...

What I miss is the scenery of Chengdu; what I miss is the food of Chengdu; what I miss is the vibrant, down-to-earth atmosphere of Chengdu...