Chengdu in Winter: A Unique Charm, a Paradise for Foodies and Fun Seekers
Winter stirs emotions the most. Thoughts linger in autumn, yet in an instant, winter arrives.
Chengdu's winter, within its slow-paced life, holds landscapes of endless charm.
Initially, winter in Chengdu appeared as a world of green, where it was colder indoors than outside.
Now, winter in Chengdu feels like a world of vibrant colors, an impressionist painting that captivates; a poetic spiritual realm, and a wondrous encounter in a culinary fantasy.
"Chengdu is worthy of nostalgia. Chengdu's elegance, Chengdu's laid-back nature, Chengdu's simplicity, and the unique street-life atmosphere leave an unforgettable impression on those who experience it."
I think everyone who has visited Chengdu feels an lingering attachment.
The leisurely Funan River, the bustling Chunxi Road, the carefree street-side tea houses, the lively suburban farmhouse fun—
All merge into a vivid and lively painting, like a mellow, lingering vintage wine, permeating every visitor to Chengdu.
And Chengdu's cuisine adds the most intense flavor to this nostalgia.
Within this intensity, there is also a heartwarming tenderness: hotpot skewers, Sichuan-style spicy hot pot, and other snacks, along with the soft lights of small street-side shops, will long linger in the hearts of many Chengdu visitors.
Day 1: Yuan Gong (Tazishan Park) → Owl Hotel
Day 2: Taiziling Ski Resort
Day 3: Gua Chuanchuan (Tianfu Square) → Bieyuanli Tavern (Kuanzhai Alley)
With nothing to do on the weekend, I decided to embark on a food and travel battle with my friends, enjoying both the scenery and the culinary sensations. I woke up early today, packed up, and met my friends. But we didn't head straight for food; instead, we found a place to hang out first, then set off toward our ultimate food destination. My friends suggested visiting Tazishan Park, which was not far away. Action speaks louder than words, so we hopped on a bus and went.
Upon arrival, we found quite a crowd, as it was the weekend. Many parents brought their kids out for activities and to bask in the sun.
Located on the eastern hilly area of Chengdu, Tazishan Park spans a vast area with lush woods and a serene environment. Nestled against hills and beside water, the vegetation is arranged to complement the terrain, verdant and lush, with birds singing and flowers fragrant all year round.
The main structure within the park is the Jiutian Tower, named after the famous poem "Climbing Scattered Flower Tower in Jin" by the immortal poet Li Bai: "Now that I have climbed and looked afar, it's like a tour to the Ninth Heaven." From a distance, Jiutian Tower looks like a pagoda; up close, it resembles a building, with a novel and unique design, making it a landmark garden landscape in Chengdu. Ascending Jiutian Tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Chengdu's beauty, refreshing your mind and spirit.
The park also features a Bird Singing Forest, housing nearly 150 species and about 5,000 birds from around the world, including over 20 species of national first- and second-class protected birds. The Bird Singing Forest emphasizes bird science education and highlights bird performances, offering both fun and educational knowledge about birds for children.
In addition, it is a great place for people to play, relax, fish, have fun, climb the tower for views, have picnics, and enjoy tea.
Lawns, lakes, pavilions, and paths offer a rustic mountain charm, making it ideal for bringing children to let them run wild. Moreover, Tazishan Park is the main venue for the annual Chengdu Lantern Festival!
It's indeed a nice place, with everything for leisure and entertainment. Before we knew it, we had spent over three hours here, and it was already past 4 PM. No wonder I felt a bit hungry—playing outdoors really makes you hungry fast. Next, we headed toward our ultimate destination: Yuan Gong on Chunxi Road, which is super popular and always recommended by colleagues. Finally, I got a chance to try it. I checked the navigation; it wasn't far, so we took a bus over.
This restaurant is on Xuedao Street near Chunxi Road, quite close to the city center. It's a quiet spot away from the hustle and bustle. The decoration is down-to-earth, in a Chinese retro style, with an elegant environment.
Turning from the lobby into the dining area, it was very spacious with many private rooms, decorated with clusters of flowers, giving a unique charm.
After finding our seats, we started raiding the menu for delicious food. The first dishes to recommend are these: super tasty and super delicious.
Douchi Whole Fish: The fish is silver carp, with many bones, so be careful when eating. The fish meat is particularly tender and flavorful, incredibly tasty, smooth and delicious, simply irresistible.
Longmen Hanging Meat: A dedicated young man helps to cut the meat and arrange it on a plate. The meat is crispy, tender, and refreshing, with a perfectly fried coating. One bite leads to another non-stop.
Yuan Gong Chicken Slices: Most of the chicken slices are with some skin, mixed with scallion slices, giving a refreshing taste. Drizzled with secret red chili oil, the spiciness is just right.
Yuan Gong Signature Rabbit: A combination of double-pepper rabbit and clams, extremely fresh and delicious, with a numbing and spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with rice. Generous portions—simply the favorite.
After eating and drinking our fill, it was time to go home. The day's fun was over, and we would return to our dreams to reminisce about all the endless delicacies.
Ten years pass like rain in the night; the world is chaotic.
What remains unchanged are the narrow and wide alleys; what changes is people's hearts. We are never fully satisfied with this bustling world. After witnessing the world's beauties, we suddenly realize that even in noisy places there is tranquility. Right in the middle of Kuanzhai Alley stands the Owl Hotel.
Amid the noisy crowd, we gently pushed open this door full of stories. While waiting for the butler to answer, the old door itself became a must-see sight. This door is made of red bean wood, untouched by any restoration, preserving its original appearance. In the center is a traditional Chinese door god image. The left door god holds a peony, the right door god holds a jue vessel, together symbolizing promotion and prosperity. This design is said to wish guests staying at the Owl Hotel a thriving career and continuous advancement, leading us back to the most natural state of life.
Pushing open the door, we saw a long corridor. The blue-tiled walls on both sides stood in stark contrast to the steel-and-concrete high-rises. For those of us tired of fast-paced urban life, the blue tiles seemed to soothe our constantly tense nerves, making us want to touch and get close.
As we walked through the corridor, birds hopping up and down on both sides became unusually active due to our arrival, chirping incessantly. Although we couldn't understand bird language, we could feel a warm welcome from their calls.
The scene shifted as we entered the accommodation area. The Owl Hotel is quite large; we walked through and admired its beauty. It has four floors, with rooms and an open-air tea terrace. Each floor has its own unique scenery, changing with every step, making one stop to admire.
Upon entering our room, the overall color tone was light natural wood, without any additional paint or decoration.
From the bed to the wardrobe, window frames, tables, and chairs—all were made of original plane tree wood, polished smooth and used directly. The facilities were comprehensive, even more complete than what I have at home. This way of life close to nature is exactly what we need.
We noticed that each room has orchids, surrounded by bamboo. Looking closely, we could see chrysanthemums carved on some reliefs, creating a very elegant atmosphere. Combined with the dim yellow lighting, the whole room felt warm, with subtle details revealing understated luxury.
The hotel's facilities are truly top-notch, meeting five-star hotel standards. Every detail provided the ultimate stay experience. The mattress, Kohler bathroom fixtures, and smart toilet—everything was perfect, giving us the best enjoyment. As my fingers traced every part of the room, I felt the owner's dedication, and I was moved.
The guest room also includes an SPA room, which was such a thoughtful touch. After a day of travel, we could lie in the SPA room and enjoy the massage therapist's service, relaxing our muscles and joints, and savoring a long-lost sense of comfort.
At the Owl Hotel, nestled among mountains, forests, and bamboo, tasting Zen elegance, we enjoyed complete carefree joy and poetic dwelling. The bustling Kuanzhai Alley is crowded every day. Beyond the busy streets, amidst the noise, the Owl Hotel silently watches people come and go.
Yesterday, I tasted Yuan Gong, strolled Chunxi Road, and enjoyed divine service at the Owl Hotel. Waking up today, I felt great—indeed, eating, drinking, and having fun are the best ways to relax. Winter has arrived on schedule, with a chill in the wind, but it couldn't stop our steps forward. Today, we decided to visit the famous Taiziling Ski Resort and experience the unique charm of ice and snow.
Located at Qinglong Dam in Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area, next to National Highway 213 from Wenchuan County to Mao County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan, Taiziling Ski Resort is 180 kilometers from Chengdu, about a three-and-a-half-hour drive.
The reason it attracts so many tourists is not only its popularity but also the strong technical support behind it. It is said that the ski resort is equipped with imported ELAN ski gear, which has supported many Taiziling ski competitions, as well as various professional ski equipment from HEAD, BURTON, and NORDICA, attracting many professionals to showcase their skills. It truly is the largest, most beautiful, and most professional ski resort in Southwest China.
Upon arriving at the ski resort, we first had to buy tickets at the main gate, then purchase ski gear: boots, skis, poles, and rental equipment. The crowd was huge today, and we queued for a long time, showing just how popular this place is.
After finally getting on the slopes, it was fun but, for a group of beginners, we kept falling. Two hours of skiing was our limit, and it was very crowded, especially on the beginner run near the entrance.
When skiing under the sun, it was both hot and sunny, with strong UV rays. In this case, you must wear sunscreen and sunglasses, and not wear too much—just dress comfortably. For beginners, it's advisable to hire a coach; otherwise, you might fall hard.
When skiing, always bring gloves and wear sunglasses. You must wear a helmet to go on intermediate runs. Actually, for beginners, the best option is double skis. The skis can be adjusted according to boot size. After making sure everything is worn properly, you can enter the ski area.
There are also many places to eat inside the resort, like hot pot, soup pot, etc. The food is quite tasty—colorful, fragrant, and delicious, almost heavenly. Outside the dining hall, there is a glass sunroom where you can take photos, drink tea, relax, and enjoy the sunshine while looking at the scenery—very nice!
In fact, the scenery of Jiuding Mountain is quite beautiful. Taiziling Ski Resort is the most professional ski resort we've visited in Sichuan so far, with beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs offering various slopes for visitors to choose from. The resort is at an altitude of about 2,500 meters, similar to Wolong, so altitude sickness is unlikely. The ski slopes cover 2.5 kilometers.
Thanks to Jiuding Mountain's unique natural terrain, high altitude, and rich vegetation, the ski resort has fresh air and a high concentration of negative oxygen ions. It's neither too cold in winter nor too hot in summer, with a pleasant climate—a rare natural eco-tourism resort near Chengdu, perfect for skiing and relaxing.
Waking up today, I suddenly wanted to visit Tianfu Square. After discussing with my friends, we decided to go. Today, we took the subway because taking the bus was too crowded. I'm not sure how long the ride took, but it felt pretty close.
Upon arrival, we found a lot of people. It seems everyone wants to relax on the weekend.
Tianfu Square, in Chengdu, is unequivocally the city's political and cultural center, a landmark among landmarks, akin to Beijing's Tiananmen.
The Sun Bird sculpture stands at the center of Tianfu Square. This is the intersection of Metro Lines 1 and 2, and the upcoming Metro Line 18—the central hub of Chengdu's southeast-northwest transportation artery.
It's one of the most popular check-in spots for out-of-town visitors, bustling with people at all times. What impressed me most was the strong patriotic atmosphere at Tianfu Square just before National Day this year—it deeply moved me.
The highlights of Tianfu Square include:
1. The architectural beauty of the square itself: a Taiji pattern flanked by pillar-like structures forming the character "乡"—this Taiji landscape is best captured from above.
2. The historical significance: It has always been an important landmark near the imperial city, and now it's Chengdu's economic and cultural center.
3. Transportation hub: You can transfer to the subway here; there are exhibition halls around, and transportation is convenient. The first time you meet here, you'll definitely find each other.
After visiting Tianfu Square, it was time for lunch. Today, we unanimously decided to eat Gua Chuanchuan. Although it's on Jinfangyuan East Road, transportation is convenient, so it wouldn't take too long to get there and back.
Upon getting off, the first thing that caught our eyes was a shop with antique-style decoration, looking quite stylish.
With red as the main color, wooden tables and benches gave a sense of comfort. The space was spacious, with clear functional zones, making it convenient for customers to pick food and dine.
What is most worth mentioning is their food—super delicious.
Spicy Beef: Tender beef marinated for a long time, spicy and flavorful. When served, it's topped with scallions and dry chili flakes, making it even more delicious.
Brown Sugar Glutinous Rice Cake: A favorite among dessert lovers. Soft, sticky, smooth, and Q-elastic. Take a piece and chew; the fragrance of rice and spices dances in your mouth—very tasty!
Spicy Hot Pot Noodles: Spicy and numbing, when you encounter such a bowl of noodles, forget about your image and just gobble them up! The texture—I guarantee that whenever I crave hot pot noodles, I'll come here!
Tripe: Tripe paired with bean sprouts tastes great. The tripe shreds are thin and elastic, with moderate spiciness and numbness intertwining in your mouth.
There are also various meat and vegetable skewers in the freezer for you to choose from. Action speaks louder than words—start eating now!
This place is truly a skewer lover's paradise—delicious and tender, too good to stop.
As the saying goes, "After a meal, walk a hundred steps and live to ninety-nine." After eating, we decided to take a stroll and then start the night's fun.
The best place for an after-meal walk is undoubtedly Kuanzhai Alley. It not only presents the old and new lifestyles of Chengdu but also represents the slow pace of life of Chengdu people, fitting the ideal state of "every step a bustle, every step a tranquility."
Walking hand in hand with my friend, it felt like we had cut out a piece of leisurely time. We followed the narrow and wide alleys, sniffing the scent of time, taking a leisurely and slow stroll.
Stepping on the soft light of time, we entered the alleys. The leisure and slowness here made us mistakenly think that the years had forgotten to change, that the stories still happened yesterday.
The clean black bricks and tiles, old-fashioned wooden doors and windows, hitching stones by the old walls, old tea houses under the eaves, dense sycamore trees—these clear and ancient objects seemed to be separated from the city's noise by a soundproof wall. The dust of the world had been filtered away. The thousand-year-old Bashu dream, in a turn or a glance, lightly fell on the threshold of memory, stunning in an instant.
Time is warm and soft. Tourists from all directions come face to face and pass by, like flowing water, with shallow ripples and light laughter. Original residents, quaint inns, exquisite doorways, ancient towering trees, covered-bowl tea houses, brass-ringed wooden doors, bluestone water tanks, and vines and flowers cascading from the green walls... all constitute its unique attraction elements and Chengdu vocabulary, presenting a modern person's memory of a city.
Walking in Kuanzhai Alley, the sun is warm, flowers are in bloom, and the dazzling array of window displays keeps our eyes busy. We walk here and there. A shop full of Zen has exquisite tea sets and rich tea aroma; a trendy restaurant has leaping fountains and blurry lights; a charming window has Jiangnan-style cloth clothes and small fans;
On a deep alley corner, there are young people lying down for ear-cleaning services and an artist setting up a street stall; a classical and elegant inn has melodic singing and red lanterns... Here, time is slow, life is idle, and naturally, our walking pace becomes especially light and slow.
Chengdu locals, busy all day, now come with their families, young and old, male and female, in small groups, walking, looking, talking, laughing, eating... The dreamy, leisurely nightlife begins here...
After strolling through Kuanzhai, night was about to fall. By then, we arrived at our last stop of the day—Bieyuanli Tavern. Entering this shop, we were drawn by its unique charm. As we stepped into the lobby, looking up, we met the colorful and shifting lights.
At Bieyuanli, stars are always hidden in your eyes. This kind of moving light and shadow provides an excellent visual experience.
All indoor plants are vibrant and full of life; the whole room is filled with a romantic atmosphere, like a utopia for young people. Two-story loft plus an open-air garden lets you fall into the gentle night, gradually stirring your tense nerves. Booth seats and private rooms fully satisfy your desire for free chat—perfect for a friend gathering.
The tenderness of Bieyuanli hides in every creative arrangement: flower arrangements on the tables, dazzling lights, a whole wall of displayed wine, uniform Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain tableware, and Chinese-style eaves... a fusion of culture and trends, subverting the perception of an ordinary tavern. I felt like I was attending a splendid art exhibition.
Here, we not only encountered various delicious foods but also felt a unique and splashing charm.
Long Island Iced Tea: Boys who love the intoxication of alcohol must not miss the classic Long Island Iced Tea. This most storied cocktail has amazing explosive power and a strong aftertaste. It looks light, but actually it's a "heart arsonist."
Doujiu Osmanthus: When coming to Bieyuanli Music Tavern, how can you not have a drinking game? I chose Doujiu Osmanthus first. The light color is stunning. The fragrance of osmanthus wine is prominent. With one bowl down, I felt like running away with my beloved.
Ancient Qiang Wheat Straw Zha Wine: The story continues, the wine too. Just as we were getting tipsy, the owner mysteriously said, "Our Zha wine is really interesting. Want a taste?" Served on the table, this wine with wheat straw as a straw has a wild aura. To drink it, you have to suck through the wheat straw—very fun.
Hand-Fried Glutinous Rice Balls: Kind of like a mini version of sugar-oiled fruit. Coated with brown sugar syrup, soft, sticky, and sweet—these balls are your sweet for today, reminding me of the taste my grandmother used to make.
Fruit Platter: A mix of various fruits, crisp and fresh, very tasty.
I was truly won over by this shop. It's fantastic—a place I will revisit.
The meaning of food and scenery is not escape, not hiding, not acquisition, not recording.
Rather, it is to change one's worldview in an environment beyond imagination, and gradually change what is truly important in one's heart.
