A Feast for Foodies: The Splendor of Chengdu

Fingertip: My lifelong love—only beautiful scenery and delicious food cannot be let down.

Some say that when Chengdu is mentioned, what comes to mind isn't the city name but a myriad of foods. Because Chengdu is a city filled with cuisine. In every alley and on every street in this city, you can encounter a lot of delicious food and interesting snacks at any time.

And the enthusiasm of Chengdu people for food has also led to the highly developed catering industry in Chengdu. Tourists from outside who come to Chengdu are invariably interested in its hotpot, Sichuan dishes, snacks, and spicy hot pot. To visit Chengdu without tasting its food always feels like entering a treasure mountain and returning empty-handed.

Every city has its own history and culture, as well as its characteristic districts. To understand a city's history and culture, you should step into its characteristic districts, learn about the cultural origins and stories of famous figures it carries, and closely touch the lingering warmth of its history, feeling the bustling atmosphere of trade and the pleasures of life that have been handed down through the changes of the times.

With rare leisure time and family accompanying us, we decided to take a stroll near Jinli, walking and enjoying, slowly savoring. If Kuanzhai Alley is classical and artistic, like a crescent moon in a mirror of time, then Jinli is bustling and worldly, like a few fireworks blooming outside the mirror.

Entering Jinli, you are greeted by an irresistible temptation of delicious food. Shops are wide open, mainly selling food and drinks. Fresh fruits and delicacies gracefully decorated appear faintly in the light mist. Seeing their beautiful shapes, discerning their fresh colors, and smelling their fragrant aromas, your mouth waters uncontrollably, and you can't stop yourself.

Beside the shops, there are Sichuan opera xiaosheng (young male roles) in makeup greeting customers. They mimic the movements in opera, suddenly shrinking their necks and turning their white face into a red one, startling you. Before you can be surprised or annoyed, they pull you and make a funny face, making you burst into laughter. This amusement instantly lifts your spirits.

When we first arrived, the sky was clear. Strolling in Jinli with fewer tourists, it had a hazy, classical charm. The streets of Jinli are not wide, but ancient buildings on both sides face each other, with strings of red lanterns hanging high and low—some under upturned eaves, some on tree branches—glimmering in the hazy rain, possessing a unique charm.

Walking in the ancient street feels like strolling through a harmonious poetic conception. The carved and latticed windows, the ancient walls covered with trailing vines, and the winding corridors leading to secluded spots are like the background of a poem, contrasting vicissitudes with vitality amidst an elegance of varying intensity.

Jinli is an ancient street suitable for nostalgia, a place that appeals to both high and low tastes. Here you can find memories of Chengdu during the Three Kingdoms period, and you can also enjoy a leisurely life in a fast-paced city.

After touring Jinli, we got hungry. It seems that the temptation of food is quite strong, so I decided to take my family to Gua Chuan Chuan (Gua Skewers) at the Jinfangyuan East Road branch, which I heard was good. When we arrived, we found the environment of this Gua Chuan Chuan really nice.

The overall decoration features green bricks and green tiles, with a predominantly red wall full of festive cheer. The venue is spacious, with clear functional zoning. The Chinese vintage style adds a unique charm to this restaurant, making it truly antique.

Although we thought it was still early, we discovered hidden charms inside. There were really a lot of people; the whole hall was full, with voices non-stop. Yet this didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the foodies waiting in line. Indeed, deliciousness is the top priority—this is the true nature of Chengdu foodies.

Soup base: Authentic Chengdu method for the broth, the spicy cold pot skewers, with an ultra-rich broth freshly boiled every day, covered with red oil and a secret stock base. Full of ingredients, it simmers from early morning until opening at noon. The flavor is fragrant but not numbing, spicy but not dry. This taste simply cannot be imitated; only a recipe passed down from the older generation can be called the old Chengdu flavor.

70+ kinds of skewers to choose from: Six large freezers will dazzle your eyes, ensuring the ingredients are kept at a five-star cold chain. Fresh ingredients carefully selected daily, marinated with care, and skewered. Choose from meat and vegetables, and the skewers are weighed by the jin (half kilo) after eating. Whatever you want to eat, just take it. Start the crazy skewer-eating mode immediately!

Handmade special double dipping sauce: How fragrant is the dry dip? A combination of crushed peanuts and chili powder easily wins first place. A light roll gives a peanut fragrance. The intricate hand-made process makes it unique. The oil dip uses sesame oil, minced garlic, and chopped green onions, also a great helper for reducing spiciness and adding fragrance.

Beef skewers are versatile: Give me a slice of beef, and I can roll up a whole world. Five-spice, spicy, cilantro, pickled pepper, and green onion. The beef is marinated in a secret sauce for two to three hours. Plump pickled peppers with tender beef, with strands of green standing out between the red beef. When eaten, the strong flavor bursts on the tongue, and in the thick beef cubes, the pickled peppers are ready to burst with juice. The mouth says no, but the body is very honest, sending skewers after skewers into the mouth.

Small sausage: Small sausage is a Chengdu specialty. Plump little sausages with alternating fat and lean meat, cut into bite-sized pieces. The slightly sweet taste is very Cantonese-style. The dual sweet and spicy sensation is enchanting. While relieving spiciness, the satisfaction doubles! You won't regret coming to this restaurant; it's really so delicious you can't stop.

Two | 1. Bar "Boss": Finding Your Inebriation

Hearing the name "Wuhou," those who have read the Three Kingdoms must be familiar with it. Yes, it is the alias of the famous Zhuge Liang, "Zhuge Wuhou." If your favorite kingdom in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" is Shu, then the famous scenic spot in Chengdu—the Wuhou Shrine—is a place you must visit. It will surely satisfy all your desires.

Soon it was afternoon. My family and I planned to visit the Wuhou Shrine, to experience the legendary stories of the Three Kingdoms together, and fulfill our Three Kingdoms dream.

Legend has it that the Wuhou Shrine was built in 223 AD. Initially, it was built as a mausoleum for Liu Bei. Later generations merged Liu Bei's mausoleum with Zhuge Liang's shrine to form the current joint temple of ruler and minister, the only one of its kind in China.

The heroes of the volatile Shu kingdom have turned to dust here. Their great achievements and feats are buried and rest here. All the historical stories have precipitated and brewed here, resulting in the heavy Wuhou Shrine today, a memorial site for Shu Han heroes.

From the Sanyi Temple to the Wuhou Shrine, from the Peach Garden Oath to the Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage, we arrived at the main hall of Zhuge Liang's shrine. In the center of the hall hangs a horizontal plaque with the words "Name Eternally Renowned in the Universe," which is probably the highest praise for Master Zhuge. The upper couplet reads: "If one can attack the heart, opposition will disappear; since ancient times, those who know war are not warlike." The lower couplet reads: "If one does not assess the situation, leniency or strictness will both be wrong; later generations governing Shu must think deeply."

These two lines highly summarize Zhuge Liang's unwavering loyalty and ambition for Shu, dedicating his life to the nation until his death. He repaid the kindness of the Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage with his entire life. The Wuhou Shrine is not large. Situated in a bustling area, it doesn't occupy much land; you can tour it in about an hour. But the Wuhou Shrine is also huge, because it carries not only a scenic spot but the history of a dynasty, a tribute and remembrance of that era.

We walked and stopped along the way, exploring quiet paths, admiring bonsai, viewing flowers and plants, and catching faint fragrances. We looked at ancient trees with intertwining roots, admired the exquisite arched bridge and water reflections, and sighed at the scarred remnants of Han palace pillars. With respect for the memory of Shu, we slowly walked out.

In Chengdu, a city known for its leisure, there are many bars of all sizes. But a bar like Bieyuanli, surrounded by greenery, lit up by neon lights, and filled with various alcohols and snacks, is unique in Chengdu. To give customers a better in-store experience, they specially invited a lighting design company to design the lighting effects.

We couldn't waste the evening. We planned to take my family to Bieyuanli to enjoy the pleasant night.

Upon entering the store, with the lights turned on, the whole bar turned into a colorful neon world. Under the interplay of light and shadow, various colored lights resembled stars in the sky, shining brightly in the bar, instantly elevating the entertainment and relaxation atmosphere.

The selection of alcohol in the bar is as rich as its lighting. Foreign liquor, Chinese cocktails, mixed drinks, and pure imported beer are all available! Basically, whatever you want to drink, you can find it here!

Night Dress Mask Kiss: The rose wine, whose appearance alone is enough to win the favor of young ladies, has a refreshing rose fragrance. Since it's low in alcohol, it's perfect for a gathering of girlfriends or a relaxing time. When you first taste it, the rose flavor is not strong, but the taste becomes clearer towards the end, making it captivating.

Ancient Qiang Wheat Straw Zha Wine: A blue-and-white porcelain bottle with a strong martial arts vibe! Using wheat stalks as straws, sipping the wine amidst laughter and chatter adds a unique flavor.

Barbecue Platter: Fine wine and grilled skewers have always been an inseparable couple. Eating barbecue without drinking seems to let down the party! Small sausages, prawns, corn kernels, dried tofu, green beans, and many other items, all spicy, numbing, and delicious, can satisfy different people's cravings.

Lemongrass Grilled Fish: Besides barbecue, this grilled fish is a must-order dish. Although the fish is not big, its aroma had already hooked us. Adding lemongrass to the fish makes its fragrance fresher! After frying, the fish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, smooth and tasty, with a fantastic flavor. Sitting and enjoying yourself in such a music bar is the best way to enjoy leisure and comfort.

| In the second part: The Taste of Sichuan Cuisine on the Tongue, Unforgettable Yuangong

What people call Chengdu's leisure life is not the office buildings in the High-tech Zone, not the crowded Kuanzhai Alley, and certainly not the street photos of Chunxi Road. Come to People's Park; this is the place where Chengdu people most look forward to life.

With a history of 100 years, People's Park serves as both a material and spiritual carrier, storing the real old Chengdu life. On weekends, People's Park becomes the liveliest.

There are two old tea houses in the park: Yongju and Heming, of which Heming is the most famous. It was built in the 1920s, nearly a hundred years ago, almost as old as People's Park. Therefore, it is called the Century-Old Heming. You must learn to "strike first and gain the upper hand," because Heming is always full. As soon as someone leaves, you quickly take the seat. After settling, a server dressed in blue-and-white porcelain style will come to clear the table and let you order tea.

The amusement area is the loudest place. The sounds of children playing and laughing are endless. The small train, carousel, and roller coaster—every child and big kid can find their source of happiness.

But the most popular activity in People's Park is still boating. The mottled little boats bear the childhood memories of Chengdu people from the last century. When the weather is good, there are the most people, and you need to queue for rowing. Young parents often bring their children here to row, enjoying the happiness of a harmonious family. Of course, there are also many young couples on dates. Anyway, whoever is on the boat is as happy as a child.

After visiting the park, today we planned to take my family to Yuangong on Chunxi Road. Earlier, a friend told me that this restaurant is an authentic Zigong-style Sichuan cuisine restaurant, quite popular and bustling. So today, we specially came to taste it.

By the time we arrived, many people were already dining! The restaurant's decoration is quite down-to-earth. The antique environment is very attractive, highlighting the old Chengdu characteristics. The private rooms, main hall, and booth seats are all quite stylishly designed, decorated with flowers and clusters, exuding a unique charm.

Many of the customers here are tourists visiting Chengdu. Judging by the dishes they ordered, which are typical Chengdu specialties, Mao Xue Wang, Tuji slices, and the signature rabbit are the reasons I had to visit. It had been a long time since I had such fresh, spicy, and numbing dishes. Big thumbs up!

Yuangong Tuji Slices: Chicken slices are tender and tasty, with a superb flavor. Added with green onions and scallion white slices, they are refreshing and delicious. Drizzled with secret red oil seasoning, the spiciness is just right.

Longmen Hanging Meat: Prepared like whole fried crispy pork, the young lady cuts it with scissors while saying auspicious words, giving a nice ceremonial feel. The meat is very tender, smooth and slippery. Dipped in chili powder, it's even better.

Yuangong Signature Rabbit: Fresh, tender, and smooth rabbit meat paired with refreshing and juicy clams. The texture and flavor are elevated instantly. Fragrant and spicy, it's extremely satisfying.

Yuangong Braised Duck: The duck meat is tender and flavorful, with a rich braised aroma. The skin part is especially smooth and tasty, with an excellent mouthfeel.

Huoshui Silver Carp: The silver carp is quite large, with several cuts on the back to better absorb flavors. The fish meat is snowy white and tender, and the celery and green pepper segments are especially delicious—simply my favorite. Such deliciousness must not be missed; action speaks louder than words.

| In the third part: Natural Humanities, Refined Feelings—The Unique Charm of Jiaoliao

Jiaoliao—a place whose name alone makes one want to know more. This name comes from "Zhuangzi·Free and Easy Wandering": "The wren nests in the deep forest, taking no more than one branch; the field mouse drinks from the river, taking no more than a bellyful." In this world of insatiable desires, we cannot be too greedy. We should try "to be praised by the whole world without being diligent, and to be criticized by the whole world without being discouraged; to distinguish between internal and external, and to discern the boundaries of honor and disgrace." Perhaps such a state is too difficult, and that's why Jiaoliao exists—to let us slow down and let go of the race for a piece of the world.

Jiaoliao Hotel is a sturdy branch among the myriad forests, pursuing carefree freedom, unwilling to drag its tail through the mud. It draws nourishment from old Chengdu culture, seeking a "slow life" in the busy city, returning to a natural state of living.

Pushing open the door, a corridor came into view. At the end of the corridor hung a plaque with the words "Ride on things to wander the mind." This comes from Zhuangzi's "The World of Men." After understanding its meaning, I couldn't help but admire the great wisdom of the old master Zhuang.

After entering the hotel, we looked at all four floors. The design and decoration of this hotel is really good, giving a comfortable and peaceful feeling. During the tour, we found that each room has its own unique name, such as Yanqian (Shallow Words), Youwei (Slight Existence), Shijia (Worldly Hypocrisy), and so on. We decided to stay in Yanqian, because the first time we saw the name, my friend and I felt we liked it. It seemed to contain deep meaning, leaving us with endless imagination.

The hotel's security is also very good. Guest rooms require swiping a card or the butler to open the door. After confirming our stay, the butler gave us a key card shaped like a jiaoliao (wren), cute and charming! Upon closer inspection, we noticed a butler service window outside the door. Opening it, we found it connected inside and out. When we called, the butler would place what we needed inside, and we could just take it. This thoughtful design is convenient and does not disturb guests.

Although the exterior of Jiaoliao is simple and elegant, the items in the room are of the same quality as those in a five-star hotel. For example, the mattress, linens, bathroom fixtures, and fully automatic toilet—the hardware facilities are all superb. All kinds of ornaments are complete and neatly arranged. Everything is so comfortable and cozy. The various brand-name devices invisibly reflect the hotel's high-end class; we couldn't stop admiring them! My friend kept saying that it's warmer than her own home.

After entering, we found that in every room, there is a pair of loving jiaoliaos on the bedside, gazing deeply, as if thinking or listening. In each room, the jiaoliao's expression and demeanor are different. We treated it like a listener and tried talking to it. The troubles hard to tell others can all be confided to this little animal that can only be understood but not explained. After speaking out all the unhappiness, I felt much better.

On the TV wall, a large handmade Shu embroidery peony blooms, and there is a koi fish leaping on the Shu brocade. As we touched it, we couldn't help but admire the skilled craftsmanship and long-standing culture of our ancestors. Overall, the room is filled with elements of Sichuan's traditional culture; while staying, you can also feel the cultural influence. My friends and I often travel and have stayed in some good hotels, but one as thoughtful and considerate as this is rare. This choice of accommodation was definitely right.

The room also provides four top-grade teas from Mount Mengding. We usually drink too many carbonated beverages, which can be burdensome. When we calmed down, we brewed a cup of tea and savored the gifts of nature. Immediately, I felt refreshed and clear-headed.

My friends and I also discovered that the most considerate part of this hotel is not just the room configuration and decoration, but also the excellent butler service. The butler can customize travel routes and plans for guests, and solve any problems encountered in the hotel. Even our daily breakfast can be customized, delivered to the room according to our taste and time. For lunch, we dined at Zifei, the first cultural restaurant in Kuanzhai Alley themed on Zhuangzi's philosophy. It integrates culture, Sichuan cuisine, drinking games, and performances, taking you into a dynasty of pavilions, ancient zithers, and opera songs. In the morning, pushing open the wooden window, we breathed in the first fresh breeze and first ray of sunshine of Kuanzhai Alley, feeling so refreshing. After washing up, we enjoyed the hotel's customized breakfast, feeling deeply moved.

After eating, we stood in the small garden, breathing fresh air, admiring the clear night sky, and brewing a cup of hot tea. We explored the stories of time in this ancient alley up close.

Observing carefully, we noticed a spider weaving its web on the rooftop opposite, and a falling leaf drifting down to land on the table... Look, everything is striving to grow!

In the busy and noisy city, there is always a leisurely and cozy place where you can relax and let go.