Sichuan 7-Day In-Depth Tour: Everything About Food, Accommodation, and Transportation!
"If I were a flower, for whom would I bloom? If I were a bird, where would I fly? The twinkle of a single star is not enough to form a constellation; the sum of a big tree gathers a single weight." Lately, I've been looping this song, "The Sum of Loneliness." Perhaps we are all the sum of loneliness, which is why we come together!
Wide and Narrow Alleys, embodying the charm of old Chengdu
If you come to Chengdu, you must not miss this attraction—Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alley). Although it's called Wide and Narrow Alley, it actually consists of Jing Alley, Wide Alley, and Narrow Alley. Here, you can experience the local life of this city. Kuanzhai Alley has always been a portrayal of leisurely and comfortable life. Some say Kuanzhai Alley is like Beijing's Nanluoguxiang, but to me, Nanluoguxiang is ancient and traditional, while Kuanzhai Alley is leisurely and soothing. However, both share one common point: they are full of special local snacks. The well-known local delicacies here will definitely let you eat to your heart's content!
Because Kuanzhai Alley preserves too much of old Chengdu's culture, when you stroll through it, you'll see a combination of history and modern fashion. Yet you'll find this not at all disharmonious; instead, it gives a wonderful feeling. The rows of walls built with bricks from different eras, and the relief-like paintings of old street life, make this Chengdu afternoon leisurely and beautiful.
When you come to Kuanzhai Alley, don't say you're just here to see the scenery without eating anything. I'm afraid you'd be embarrassed to say you've visited Kuanzhai Alley. There are many Chengdu snacks here, a true feast. I love all kinds of wontons—sweet, salty, numbing, spicy—super tasty and super cheap. Mother's Rabbit Head, diced rabbit, skewers on the street, guokui (stuffed pancake), Zhong Dumplings, and Bobo Chicken are all good. I also recommend a place here for sweet noodles—they suit my taste perfectly, delicious and affordable, really great.
Wandering in Kuanzhai Alley, feeling its charm, you'll find that here you can slowly enjoy a tranquility that is hard to find in daily life. Sipping a cup of tea, eating Chengdu's special snacks—this might be a true enjoyment.
Jiaoliao Hotel—Jiaoliao's New Nest, Memories of Old Kuanzhai; Chengdu's Blossoms Await Your Plucking
Ancient saying: "The wren nests in the deep forest." Today: "The wren nests in Kuanzhai." Speaking of Kuanzhai Alley, this is a bustling area of Chengdu. From ancient times to the present, dignitaries have settled here, and even ordinary folks often wander around here.
Now, tourists and pedestrians come in an endless stream. From afar, you can smell the aroma of snacks drifting from every corner of the alley, and hear the voices of vendors peddling their goods in varied tones.
Jiaoliao Boutique Hotel, finding tranquility amidst the noise, perches delicately and modestly within the Kuanzhai Alley scenic area—No. 28 Kuan Alley. The hotel is near Metro Line 4. It's about 19 km from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, about 40 minutes by car. Nearby attractions include Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli, Tianfu Square, and Chunxi Road.
If you want to enjoy a peaceful vacation without missing the hustle and bustle of the city, Jiaoliao Boutique Hotel is the perfect choice.
Before coming, we had already inquired about the origin of the hotel's name. It is said that "Jiaoliao" is a type of bird, derived from Zhuangzi's saying: "The wren nests in the deep forest, but only occupies one branch." This embodies a poetic dwelling that discards worldly troubles, guards the true heart, returns to nature, and attains freedom, along with a philosophy of returning to nature and staying away from the clamor.
This time, however, Jiaoliao does not nest in the deep forest but chooses this alley full of worldly烟火, located by a bustling street, to create a haven of urban forest for travelers from afar.
Amid the noisy crowd, we pushed open this aged, heavy gate. The first thing that caught our eyes was the main gate, with hollow-carved patterns on the screen doors on both sides. Among them, the bat pattern symbolizes blessings and happiness. The two bats at the corners, with water ripple patterns above, mean "blessings as vast as the East Sea." The bat on the central axis means "blessings descending from heaven." Together with the middle one, they make up the "Five Blessings Approaching the Door," hoping that every honored guest here will enjoy longevity, a good end, wealth, health, and virtue.
Passing through the courtyard into the corridor, we saw a bamboo, a tile, flowing water, and rockery, giving an ancient and elegant feeling, as if entering a parallel space to the bustling world, separated by just a wall. Our travel companion, as if possessed, kept saying how beautiful it was, taking photos incessantly, laughing like a child.
Entering the lobby, we observed carefully. The entire hotel's decoration style is full of the characteristics and elegance of Sichuan folk houses. The simple and elegant Qing-style ancient architecture combines movement and stillness, revealing the essence of mountains and waters within a small space. It seems the owner of this hotel put a lot of heart into it, decorating so exquisitely—no wonder it's so popular.
As we passed through the corridor, the parrots hanging on both sides, jumping up and down, became unusually active because of our arrival, chirping nonstop, making my friend laugh. It seemed these birds were also welcoming our stay!
This hotel's green bricks and black tiles, together with the birds' chirping, interact with each other—one moving, one still—matching the hotel's design style, complementing each other, and fully embodying movement and stillness.
The "movement" is reflected in the details of the hotel's interior decoration: small bird-shaped ornaments echo the hotel's name everywhere. The "stillness" is reflected in the antique siheyuan (courtyard) with green bricks and black tiles, where every plant and tree is exquisite, every bamboo and stone elegant, establishing a quiet and leisurely tone of life, allowing one to ride on things and wander the mind in complete freedom.
Passing through the corridor, we arrived at the accommodation area. Entering the guest room, we found that the materials used were all natural, solid raw wood. The room also features Shu embroidery (one of the four famous embroideries) and a traditional rice-grinding tool (duiwo), fully interpreting the original meaning of returning to simplicity.
Upon closer inspection, we discovered that the hardware facilities in the room are also of high quality. Whether it's the bathroom fixtures, the fully intelligent induction toilet, or the mattress, they are all configured according to the top standards of international five-star hotels. Understated luxury reveals a high-end vibe—such configurations far exceed those of other hotels. How could our group not be tempted?
Inheriting the culture of Laozi and Zhuangzi, creating high-end facilities, not following the crowd, nor abandoning the world. Jiaoliao Hotel allows you to find the perfect balance between bustling excitement and peaceful seclusion, letting you enjoy both the tranquility outside the world and the convenience of urban life—all for your unique experience.
Panda Base—Discovering the Joy of Pandas
Mentioning Sichuan, you must not forget the place where giant pandas live—the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Many people love the adorable, clumsy appearance of giant pandas. Before, I only saw giant pandas online. Browsing pictures of pandas, I found them really soft and cute. This time, coming to the panda base, I was especially excited to see real pandas—after all, they are our national treasure. "Acting cute for the country" is the true strength of these baby pandas.
At this base, you will see many, many giant pandas. It's a completely different feeling from browsing pictures online!
The panda babies enjoy national treasure-level treatment here. The environment fully simulates the wild living conditions of giant pandas. There are lakes, streams, and of course, their favorite food—bamboo!
Most notably, there are "panda villas" built for them. These are also their daily leisure and entertainment venues. When the weather is cool, the panda babies play here. Some leisurely stroll in the yard, others roll on the ground—what a carefree scene!
Tourists can also watch the adorable pandas through the railings. When it's hot, the pandas smartly hide in their resting rooms. Then tourists can only see them sleeping soundly through the glass.
In short, when you come to Sichuan, you must check in at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The pandas here come in all shapes and poses—whatever you want to see, they have.
The national treasure giant pandas are really cute, silly and endearing, free and happy. Suddenly I found myself quite envious of these pandas. Perhaps I’m not the only one who thinks so!
Childlike Joy in the White Snow—Taiziling Ski Resort
If winter snow appreciation is mentioned, people in Chengdu will definitely think of Xiling Snow Mountain, etc. Actually, there is a more beautiful place waiting to be visited—Taiziling Ski Resort at Jiuding Mountain.
Taiziling Ski Resort is located in the Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area of Mao County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan, home of the "Ancient Qiang City." It is 180 km from downtown Chengdu, only about three and a half hours by car. It is a professional-grade ski resort right at the doorstep of Chengdu residents.
In winter, Jiuding Mountain is covered in silver and white snow, ushering in a sunny skiing season lasting up to four months. Jiuding Mountain Taiziling Ski Resort currently boasts the longest intermediate-advanced international commercial standard ski runs in western China, strictly divided from beginner to expert levels, and equipped with a full set of imported new ski gear.
The resort can accommodate 5,000 people skiing at the same time, with professional ski coaches to fully meet the needs of enthusiasts at different levels. The resort also offers free group beginner skiing lessons at different times, allowing visitors to quickly learn basic beginner skiing moves and quickly feel the joy of skiing.
In addition to adult activities, the resort also has a special area for children. In the snow play area, under the company of their families, children slide down from high places on sleds, filling the scene with laughter and joy.
As a top ice and snow resort in southwest China, Jiuding Mountain Taiziling Ski Resort is also equipped with leisure facilities such as the Hemingzhuang Holiday Hotel and the Hemingzhuang Holiday View Restaurant. Coupled with the convenience of a three-and-a-half-hour drive directly to the ski hall from Chengdu, it provides a new winter outdoor sports destination for tourists from Chengdu and surrounding areas.
The ski runs at Taiziling Ski Resort are divided from low to high slopes into 3 beginner runs, 3 intermediate runs, and 3 advanced runs. Each run has a gentle slope, giving beginners a full sense of safety. The 3 intermediate runs are the domain of bold beginners and most regular players, where they can play and have fun to their heart's content.
Parents with children need not worry. There are also snow play runs suitable for children, with very gentle and stable slopes, perfect for kids. They can have safe and fun experiences—snowball fights, building snowmen, and sledding—everything is available. Here, you can feel the innocence of childhood and lost childlike fun.
If you drive here, you're in luck. Driving home at night, passing through Wenchuan, you can also enjoy the night scenery of Wenchuan. Neon lights are brilliant and gorgeous, giving a sense of peace and comfort. Only by skiing yourself can you know how charming it is—once you go, you'll be addicted!
When you blend into that pure white, amidst thrilling sports, you savor the purity and grandeur of the wilderness. While speeding down, you hear the wind whistling past your ears. Snow stretches endlessly, the world beneath your feet.
Let You Taste the Flavor of Home—Yuan Gong
Chengdu Sichuan cuisine food check-in: Yuan Gong. This restaurant was recommended by a friend. It serves authentic Zigong cuisine (salt gang cuisine), with very genuine flavors, allowing hometown folks who miss home cooking to taste the flavor of home.
Specific location: No. 87 Xue Dao Street, Annex 1. South entrance of Chunxi Road, cross the overpass and walk towards Xinhua Bookstore, about ten minutes' walk. It's also not far from Qingshiqiao Seafood Market, about five minutes away.
Before entering, we saw their sign from afar. The storefront is not very large, but it has an antique charm, with a strong Chinese style. It feels like a mid-to-high-end restaurant. The interior hall is spacious and not cramped. The environment is definitely excellent.
The service attitude is very good. When you enter, everyone greets you. The host at the door leads you in, then you are received by the inner hall staff. I feel they are quite thoughtful.
I have to say their serving speed is very fast. Not long after we ordered, the dishes came one after another.
I especially recommend the old duck soup. The flavor is very fresh, the broth rich and delicious. The soup base is truly fresh—one sip makes you feel refreshed both physically and mentally. The duck meat is stewed very tender, not dry, and very nourishing.
Longmen hanging meat is really unique. When the server cuts it, they say: "First cut, good luck; second cut, steady promotion; third cut, happiness and fulfillment." It tastes like crispy pork, very crunchy.
If you ask me which dish impressed me most, it would definitely be the "Naked Shrimp" (peeled shrimp). The shrimp are pre-peeled and definitely fresh, with the vein removed, so diners can eat with confidence. Most importantly, the naked shrimp also have taro, which is delicious—soft and flavorful, with an excellent texture.
Yuan Gong Clam and Bullfrog: visually stunning, like a nebula chain. The taste is great. This combination of frog meat and clams is my first time trying it. I have to say it's very innovative and tasty.
Young Ginger Jumping Frog: tender meat, pure flavor. This dish looks very spicy, but it's actually not that spicy. The frog meat is very tender. Eating it feels like your taste buds are dancing—very good!
The flavors of the dishes are truly delicious, and the portions are generous. It's also a great place for gatherings and treating guests. Recommended with five stars!
Bright and Lively Eating Skewers
Location: Exit A of Huazhao Bi Metro Station, just a few minutes' walk to Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan (Skewer Shop). The sign is really eye-catching. When I walked inside, I felt the style was unique, very Chinese-Vibes, kind of interesting.
I have to say their storefront decoration is quite grand. Inside, there are square tables with good spacing, so it doesn't feel crowded. Sitting inside is very comfortable.
The serving speed is also quite fast. I have to mention that their skewers are cold-pot skewers—you choose your ingredients, and the shop cooks them and brings them directly. No need to worry about whether the food is cooked. Just eat it up—very convenient.
The dry dipping mix is their specialty. The flavor is especially good, topped with many crushed peanuts, which feels great. My friend loved it so much that he wanted to ask the shop for the exact seasoning, but that's impossible—they won't reveal it. The dry mix is good, but for someone like me who doesn't handle spicy food very well, it's not quite suitable. For those who love spicy food, this is your dipping weapon!
Of course, they don't only have skewers; bowl dishes are also their specialty. Many small bowl dishes, all quite tasty. Recommended must-order items: Maohuoguo Fen (hotpot vermicelli). The vermicelli is really delicious and very flavorful—every strand is coated with the soup. The taste is indescribable, absolutely amazing!
Maotudou Tuotuo (boiled potato balls) is my favorite. Not particularly spicy, and the potatoes paired with those toppings are explosively delicious. The potatoes are neither hard nor mushy, just the right texture. After one bowl, you want another.
My first time eating rabbit kidney was at Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan. Unexpectedly, the rabbit kidney tasted great, even better than I imagined. Tender texture, one bite each—simply amazing.
After eating skewers, have some iced jelly to cleanse the palate—life is so satisfying.
In the Private Courtyard, Savoring Time
This tavern, surrounded by greenery, illuminated by neon lights, and surrounded by all kinds of drinks and snacks, instantly became a favorite for Chengdu drinkers.
Perhaps in life you may encounter various unpleasant things, but on such a night, having a nighttime party with friends is a good choice. It can make you temporarily forget some unhappy things, letting you fully enjoy the pleasant time. Taste it, savor it!
This small tavern is actually located near 339, on that bar street. As soon as you enter, you'll find the decoration quite nice. The lively, flashing atmosphere makes you feel like you've come to a midnight party, with a mysterious vibe.
The tavern has two floors. The staircase design to the second floor is quite interesting, with flashing lights—it's also one of their Instagram-worthy photo spots. Indeed, it's very eye-catching. Inside, there are several rows of moving colored lights, changing colors and moving up and down, making the whole tavern even more atmospheric.
This place is practically a museum of alcohol.
In addition to 75 kinds of alcohol and over 20 signature cocktails, they recently added "hotpot wine." This drink has a perfect appearance. You've eaten hotpot and drunk alcohol, but have you ever tried such a good-looking hotpot wine? Tsk, it looks a bit like a traditional Beijing copper hotpot. Inside, there is mellow unfiltered sake and strong vodka. The pot has its own base ingredients, including tangerine peel, cloves, dragon fruit, small kumquats, and rose petals—romantic to the fullest.
The alcohol content is not high. It tastes sweet and sour, with a floral and fruity fragrance. It appeals to both men and women. And the portion is large—for two or three people, one pot is enough. Sitting at the bar, watching the bartender's effortless skills is itself a wonderful enjoyment.
Perhaps in such moments, we can find the indulgent self!
Give Yourself a Reason
I finally understood a truth: A person's life needs at least two impulses—one for love without hesitation, and one for a journey taken on a whim...
