Don't Go to Sichuan When Young: Chengdu, a City You'll Never Want to Leave!
Chengdu, a place you don't want to leave once you come.
A land of abundance you won't want to leave after visiting — Chengdu, a city with 3,000 years of long history and brilliant Shu culture. Not only does it have numerous attractions in the surrounding areas, but it is also a world-renowned food capital, definitely a top tourist destination you must visit.
Jinli Ancient Street, located in Chengdu, the land of abundance of Sichuan. Walking into Jinli Ancient Street in the Wuhou District of Chengdu feels like traveling back in time. China has countless ancient streets, but this one is unforgettable.
Jinli Ancient Street is close to the Wuhou Shrine. It is neither wide nor narrow, and at first glance it looks no different from ordinary alleys, but once you step inside, you realize it is quite unique. Red lanterns hang at the entrance, and the same goes for the inside. As you walk along, you see long vertical lanterns in clusters, giving you the feeling of strolling through an ancient market.
The further you go, a small creek by the roadside catches your attention. There are many aquatic plants in the creek, the water is crystal clear, and you can see many cute little goldfish swimming around. When tourists feed them, the goldfish immediately rush over to compete for the food. Their joyful mood causes ripples to spread across the water. Where there is water, the air is naturally good, and these lovely little creatures bring new vitality to the place. This is an ancient street full of life at all times.
Where there is beautiful scenery, there is naturally delicious food. There are many food options in Jinli Ancient Street. Each shop has a large signboard, and there is really everything to eat and drink.
The names of the shops are particularly artistic, easily giving you the feeling of traveling back in time. There are also many spicy skewers in the roadside shops, a treat for those who love spicy food.
Cold noodles, glutinous rice cakes, iced jelly, grilled skewers, steamed sweet cakes, and many other delicacies whose names I don't know.
Some people sell candied hawthorns, some make sugar figurines, some sell antiques, some sell paper fans — everywhere you look.
There is also a taste that is indispensable in ancient alleys: candy sellers. Those white hard candies can stick to your teeth, but they are especially sweet and delicious.
This is the ancient street in my impression, perfectly fulfilling my expectations of what an ancient street should be. If I had enough time, I would love to take a set of photos here, holding an oil-paper umbrella, with a beautiful hairstyle, wearing ancient costume, strolling leisurely — it would surely be a unique experience.
The surrounding shops are all antique in style, with many decorations carrying a vintage flavor. Nothing feels modern, and even after you leave, the feeling lingers. Entering Jinli Ancient Street brings back an ancient dream!
If you are a foodie, then when you arrive in Chengdu, you must visit its many food spots to taste. Sichuan has long been known as the 'Land of Abundance', with beautiful mountains and rivers, and outstanding people. Its history is long and its cuisine is profound. Even hotpot alone has dozens of variations depending on the region. Chengdu is the capital of this land of abundance, and although it cannot encompass all the essence of Sichuan, you can still experience Sichuan's food culture here.
Eastern Suburb Memory: Unlock Your Memories
This is Chengdu's cultural and creative industry highland. Many people say it looks a lot like Beijing's 798, but I feel it has more of a historical contrast impact than 798.
Once a red-brick factory, now a cutting-edge art exhibition venue; once a boiler room, now a music bar; once a Soviet-aided office building, now a coffee shop and hotel. Everywhere here reflects the changes of the times, forming a strong contrast. It feels as if time and space have cracked, yet everything exists harmoniously. Eastern Suburb Memory, formerly Chengdu Eastern District Music Park, was built on the site of the former state-owned Hongguang Electronic Tube Factory and transformed into a new type of cultural industry park. It officially opened on September 29, 2011. On November 1, 2012, it was renamed Eastern Suburb Memory.
Initially, it was a music-themed park, so you can see a lot of sculptures related to music and art elements. As a relic of an old industrial site, the remaining factory buildings, abandoned pipes, tanks, or machine tools have been fully utilized by designers, many of which have become artworks.
First, it carries the memory of old industrial elements: red bricks, factory buildings, pipelines, large chimneys, machine tools, and other industrial tools and elements. After a series of renovations, it has become a leisure park area.
Of course, it is not only these elements that leave memories, but also the inheritance of industrial civilization. In addition to memories of old industry, there are also memories of life from the 60s, 70s, and 80s: bicycles, mailboxes, red-lacquered wooden furniture, supply and marketing cooperatives — full of nostalgia for the past.
It is a music hub where you can see musical instruments placed everywhere. There are many musicians or music students in the park, carrying a guitar or other instruments, dragging a speaker to perform live. Many people stop and gather around to listen.
Even the bar owners play and sing by themselves. There are many cafes, dessert shops, and bars in the park. When I passed by a bar, the owner was playing and singing, so I chose that place without hesitation. The weather was just right, and I truly enjoyed that moment. I love environments with live music performances.
At Eastern Suburb Memory, there are cafes and drink shops, but don't forget there is also a cozy, wonderful place — the bookstore, which is essential for those who love a slow life and enjoy exquisite living.
The most pleasant time is sipping an afternoon tea or coffee while reading a favorite book. Or watching a play in a theater, experiencing a movie-like feeling. Perhaps in such an environment, you realize that life can be so comfortable, and you can enjoy the peace that time brings.
It is precisely this industrial-style photography, music enjoyment, and slow pace of life that are exactly my favorite lifestyle and state. So Eastern Suburb Memory Music Park is the best place for me to relax.
Wren Hotel — A Cultural Haven, Beautiful Scenery, a Place of Tranquility
Chengdu Wren Boutique Hotel is located in the Kuanzhai Alley scenic area. In the bustling Kuanzhai Alley, it creates a quiet, classical, and elegant atmosphere of Chinese classical culture.
Ten years have passed, and the world is chaotic.
What remains unchanged is Kuanzhai; what changes is the human heart. We are never fully satisfied with this bustling world. After seeing the most beautiful sights, we suddenly realize that even in the noisy city, there is tranquility. Right in the middle of Kuanzhai Alley stands the Wren Hotel.
Amid the noisy crowd, we gently push open the door full of stories. While waiting for the butler to open the door, the old door itself becomes a sight we must admire. This door is made of rosewood, untouched by any restoration, still retaining its original appearance. The center is painted with traditional Chinese door gods. The left door god holds a peony, and the right door god holds a jue (ancient wine vessel), together symbolizing promotion and rising rank. It is said that this design is meant to wish guests staying at Wren a prosperous career and continuous promotion, leading us back to the most natural state of life.
Pushing the door open, we see a long corridor. The green-tiled walls on both sides form a sharp contrast with the concrete and steel high-rises. For us who are tired of the fast-paced urban life, the green tiles seem to soothe our constantly tense nerves, making us want to touch and get close to them.
As we pass through the corridor, the birds jumping up and down on both sides become unusually active because of our arrival, chirping incessantly. Although we don't understand bird language, we can feel a warm welcome from their calls.
With a change of scene, we officially enter the accommodation area. The Wren Hotel is quite large; we walk through one by one, admiring the beauty of this hotel. It has four floors, including guest rooms and an open-air tea terrace. Each floor has unique scenery, with different views at every step, making people stop to admire.
As soon as we enter the room, we see the overall color tone is light natural wood, without any other color decoration.
From the bed, wardrobe, window frame, tables, and chairs, all are made of raw phoenix wood polished smooth and used directly. The facilities are quite complete, even more well-equipped than my own home. This kind of lifestyle close to nature is exactly what we need.
We noticed that each room has orchids, surrounded by bamboo. Looking closely, we can see that some reliefs are carved with chrysanthemums, creating a very elegant atmosphere. Combined with the dim yellow lighting, the whole room feels very warm. The details reveal understated luxury.
The facilities in this hotel are truly high-end, matching the standards of five-star hotels. Every detail gives us an ultimate stay experience. The mattress, Kohler bathroom products, and smart toilet — everything is perfect, providing us with the best enjoyment. Running our fingers over every corner of the room, we feel the owner's thoughtfulness, and it touches our hearts.
The guestroom also has a SPA room. This thoughtful touch is much appreciated. After a tiring day of sightseeing, we can lie down in the SPA room, enjoy the masseur's service, relax our muscles and bones, and indulge in a long-lost sense of comfort.
At Wren, living among rocks, trees, and bamboo, savoring Zen elegance and charm, we enjoy a leisurely and poetic life. Noisy Kuanzhai is bustling with people every day. Outside the long streets filled with flowing crowds, in the tranquility of prosperity, Wren quietly watches the people coming and going before its door.
