Save This Now! A 7-Day In-Depth Chengdu Tour: Everything on 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, cannot form a constellation; the sum of a big tree, gathers a single weight." Lately, this song "The Sum of Loneliness" has been on repeat. Perhaps we are all the sum of loneliness, which is why we have come together!
Wide and narrow alleys, embodying the charm of old Chengdu
If you come to Chengdu, you must not miss this attraction—Kuanzhai Alleys.
Although called Kuanzhai Alleys, it actually consists of Jing Alley, Wide Alley, and Narrow Alley. Here, you can experience the local life of this city.
Kuanzhai Alleys have always been a symbol of a leisurely and comfortable life. Some say Kuanzhai Alleys are like Beijing's Nanluoguxiang. In my opinion, the charm of Nanluoguxiang is ancient and traditional, while Kuanzhai Alleys are leisurely and soothing. However, both share a common point: there are plenty of distinctive snacks. The local famous foods here will definitely let you eat your fill!
Because Kuanzhai Alleys preserve too much of old Chengdu's culture, when you stroll through them, you will see a combination of history and modern fashion. But you will find that this does not feel disharmonious at all; instead, it gives a wonderful sensation. The rows of walls built with bricks from different eras, and those old-time market-life bas-relief paintings, make this Chengdu afternoon leisurely and beautiful.
When you come to Kuanzhai Alleys, don't say you're just here to see the scenery without eating something. I'm afraid you'll be embarrassed to say you've visited Kuanzhai Alleys. There are many Chengdu snacks here, perfect for feasting. I love all kinds of wontons—sweet, salty, numbing, spicy—the taste is superb and the price is very cheap. Laoma Rabbit Head, rabbit dices, roadside chuanchuan (skewers), guokui (flatbread), Zhong's Dumplings, Bobo chicken are all pretty good. I also recommend a sweet water noodle place here, which suits my taste, delicious and inexpensive, truly great.
Wandering around Kuanzhai Alleys, feeling its charm, you will find that here you can slowly enjoy the tranquility that you can't feel in life. Sipping a cup of tea and eating Chengdu's specialty snacks—this might be a true enjoyment.
Jiaoliao Hotel — Jiaoliao's New Nest, Old Memories of Kuanzhai; The Blossoms of Rongcheng, Await Your Plucking
In ancient times, there was "Jiaoliao nests in deep forests"; today, there is "Jiaoliao nests in Kuanzhai." Speaking of Kuanzhai Alleys, this is a bustling area of Rongcheng. From ancient times to the present, dignitaries have settled here, and even ordinary folks linger around here daily.
Now, tourists and pedestrians come in an endless stream. From far away, you can smell the aroma of snacks wafting from every corner of the alleys, and your ears are filled with the voices of vendors, chanting their businesses in varied tones.
Jiaoliao Cultural Boutique Hotel stands quietly amidst the hustle and bustle, with a delicate and exquisite posture, plain and introverted, located in the Kuanzhai Alleys scenic area—No. 28 Wide Alley. The hotel is near Metro Line 4. It is about 19 km from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, about a 40-minute drive. There are also various famous attractions around, such as Kuanzhai Alleys, Jinli, Tianfu Square, and Chunxi Road.
If you want to enjoy a peaceful holiday without missing the city's prosperity and excitement, Jiaoliao Cultural 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 originally a kind of bird, derived from Zhuangzi's writing: "Jiaoliao nests in deep forests, taking no more than a single branch." This conveys a poetic dwelling that discards worldly troubles, guards the original heart, returns to nature, and attains freedom and ease, as well as a philosophy of returning to nature and staying away from the hustle and bustle.
This time, Jiaoliao does not nest in deep forests but has chosen such an alley full of the flavors of human life, located on a long street crowded with tourists, opening up a resting place amidst the urban forest for travelers from afar.
Amidst the noisy crowd, we pushed open this old, unassuming gate. The first thing that caught our eyes was the main gate. On both sides of the screen doors, there were hollow-carved patterns, among which the bat pattern symbolizes blessings and happiness. The two opposite bats have water ripples above them, meaning blessings as vast as the sea. The bat on the central axis represents blessings descending from heaven. Together with the middle one, they form the arrival of five blessings. It is hoped that all honored guests who come here will enjoy longevity, a good end, wealth, health, and virtue.
After passing through the courtyard into the corridor, we saw a bamboo, a tile, flowing water, and rocks, giving a sense of primitive elegance, as if entering a parallel space parallel to the world's prosperity, separated only by a wall from the bustling outside. My friend, as if on a roll, kept saying how beautiful it was, taking photos nonstop, happy like a child.
Entering the lobby, we looked closely. The entire hotel's decoration style is filled with the characteristics and elegance of Sichuan folk houses. The simple and elegant imitation Qing ancient architecture is a combination of movement and stillness, showing the essence of mountains and waters within a small space. It seems the hotel owner put a lot of effort into such exquisite decoration; no wonder it is so popular.
When we passed through the corridor, the parrots hanging on both sides, jumping up and down, became unusually active because of our arrival, chirping incessantly, which amused my friend. It seems these birds are also welcoming our stay!
The green bricks and black tiles of this hotel are interconnected with the chirping of the birds. One movement, one stillness, complementing the hotel's design style, and this movement and stillness are vividly embodied.
The "movement" is reflected in the detailed creation of various parts of the hotel's decoration. Small bird-shaped decorations echo the hotel's name everywhere.
The "stillness" is reflected in the imitation ancient courtyard with dark tiles and bricks. Every plant and tree is secluded, every bamboo and stone is elegant, establishing a quiet and leisurely lifestyle, allowing one to let the mind wander freely.
Passing through the corridor, we arrived at the accommodation area. Entering the guest room, we found that the materials used in the room are all natural, solid raw wood. The room also features Shu embroidery, one of the four famous embroideries, and a rice pounding mortar, fully explaining the original meaning of returning to simplicity.
Upon closer observation, we found that the hardware facilities in the room are also of great origin. Whether it's the bathroom fixtures, fully intelligent induction toilet, or the mattress, they are all configured according to the top standards of international five-star hotels. Low-key luxury exudes a high-end atmosphere. Such configuration far exceeds that of other hotels; how could our group not be tempted?
Inheriting the culture of Laozi and Zhuangzi, building high-end facilities, not following the vulgar, not abandoning the world. Jiaoliao Hotel allows you to find the perfect balance between bustling excitement and peaceful detachment. It lets you enjoy the tranquility beyond the earthly world while having the convenience of urban hustle and bustle. Everything is for your unique experience.
Panda Base — Discover the Joy of Pandas
Speaking of Sichuan, you must not forget the place where giant pandas live—they live in the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Many people love the adorable and naive appearance of giant pandas. In the past, I could only see giant pandas online. When browsing pictures of pandas, I found them really soft, cute, and lovely. This time, coming to the panda breeding base, thinking about seeing real giant pandas, my mood was exceptionally excited. After all, they are our national treasure. "Selling cuteness for the country"—this is the real strength of baby pandas.
At this base, you will see many, many giant pandas. It's a completely different feeling from browsing pictures online!
Baby pandas here enjoy a national treasure-level treatment. The environment here completely simulates the wild living environment of giant pandas.
There are lakes, streams, and of course, pandas' favorite food—bamboo!
What is most worth mentioning is that there is also a "Panda Villa" built for them. This is also their daily leisure and entertainment place. When the weather is cool, baby pandas play here. Some stroll leisurely in the yard, some roll on the ground—what a carefree scene!
Visitors can also watch the cute pandas through the railings. When the weather is hot, the pandas cleverly hide in the rest room. At that time, visitors can only watch 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 are truly in various poses; everything you want to see is available.
The national treasure giant pandas are really adorable—chubby, cute, free, and happy. Suddenly I found myself quite envious of these pandas. Perhaps, and maybe not just me thinking this!
Snowy Innocence and Fun—Taiziling Ski Resort
If winter snow appreciation is mentioned, people in Chengdu will definitely think of Xiling Snow Mountain, etc. Actually, there is an even more beautiful place waiting for people to visit, and that is the Taiziling Ski Resort in Jiuding Mountain.
Taiziling Ski Resort is located in the Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area in Mao County, Aba Prefecture, the site of "China's Ancient Qiang City." It is 180 km from downtown Chengdu, only about a 3.5-hour drive, making it a professional-level ski resort at the doorstep of Chengdu residents.
In winter, Jiuding Mountain is covered in silver, white snow, welcoming a 4-month sunny ski season. Taiziling Ski Resort in Jiuding Mountain boasts the longest intermediate-advanced international commercial standard ski runs in western China, strictly divided from beginner to top levels, and is equipped with full sets of imported brand-new ski equipment.
The ski resort can accommodate 5,000 people skiing at the same time and is staffed with professional ski instructors to fully meet the needs of enthusiasts at different levels. The ski resort also offers free centralized beginner ski 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 ski resort has specially prepared areas for children. In the snow play area, you can see children sliding down from heights on sleds with their families, full of laughter and joy.
As a top-level ice and snow resort in southwest China, Taiziling Ski Resort in Jiuding Mountain is also equipped with leisure supporting facilities such as Hemingzhuang Holiday Hotel and Hemingzhuang Holiday View Restaurant. Coupled with the convenience of a direct drive from Chengdu in three and a half hours to the ski hall, it has found a new winter outdoor sports destination for tourists from Chengdu and surrounding areas.
The ski runs at Taiziling Ski Resort are divided into 3 beginner runs, 3 intermediate runs, and 3 advanced runs according to slope steepness. Each run has a gentle slope, giving beginners a full sense of security. 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 kids, with very small and stable slopes, perfect for children. They can have safe and enjoyable fun—snowball fights, building snowmen, sledding—everything is available. Here, you can feel the innocence of childhood and the lost childlike fun.
If you drive here, you are also in luck. When driving home at night, passing through Wenchuan, you can also enjoy the night scenery of Wenchuan.
Neon lights are brilliant and magnificent, 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, experience the purity and grandeur of the wilderness amidst thrilling sports, listen to the wind whistling by your ears while sliding at high speed, the vast white snow, the world is under 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 Yanbang cuisine, with particularly authentic flavors, allowing folks who miss home-cooked meals to taste the flavor of home.
Specific location: No. 87 Xue Dao Street, Unit 1. South entrance of Chunxi Road, cross the overpass and walk towards Xinhua Bookstore, about ten minutes. It's also not far from Qingshiqiao Seafood Market, about five minutes.
Before entering, we could see their sign from afar. The storefront is not particularly large, but it has an antique charm, with a strong Chinese style. The storefront gives a feeling of a mid-to-high-end restaurant. The interior hall is quite spacious and doesn't feel crowded. The environment is definitely excellent.
The service staff is very friendly, and everyone greets you with a welcome phrase upon entry. The receptionist at the door leads you in, and then the interior staff takes over.
I feel they are quite sincere.
I have to say their serving speed is very fast. Shortly after we ordered, the dishes started coming up one after another.
Special recommendation: the old duck soup. The flavor is very fresh, the soup is rich and delicious, and the broth is really fresh. Drinking a sip makes the whole body and mind feel much more comfortable. The duck meat is stewed very tender, not dry and tough, very nourishing and healthy.
The Longmen hanging meat is really unique. When the waiter cuts it, they say: "First cut, good luck; second cut, step by step promotion; third cut, happiness and fulfillment." It tastes like crispy pork, very crunchy.
If I had to say which dish impressed me the most, it would definitely be the naked shrimp. The naked shrimp is pre-processed shrimp meat, absolutely fresh, and the vein has also been removed, ensuring diners can eat with confidence. Most importantly, the naked shrimp also contains taro. The taro is delicious, soft and flavorful, really an excellent texture.
Yuan Gong clams and frog: visually stunning, with a kind of chakram chain feeling. The taste is very good. This combination of frog meat and clams is the first time I've tasted it. I have to say the novelty is high, and the taste is also good.
Young ginger jumping frog: tender meat, pure flavor. This dish looks very spicy, but it's actually not too bad. The frog meat is very tender, and eating it feels like the taste is jumping in the mouth. Not bad, not bad!
The dishes are really delicious, and the portions are absolutely generous. It's also a good place for gatherings and treating guests. Recommendation index: five stars!
Eat Chuan Chuan in a Lively and Boisterous Way
Located just a few minutes' walk from Exit A of Huazhaobi Metro Station, Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan's sign is really conspicuous. When I walked in, I found the style unique, very Chinese, and quite interesting.
I have to say their storefront decoration is very grand. Inside are square tables, with enough distance between them so it doesn't feel crowded. Sitting inside is quite comfortable.
The serving speed is also quite fast. I have to mention that their chuan chuan is cold-pot chuan chuan. You choose your own ingredients, and the shop cooks them and brings them directly. No need to worry if the food is cooked; just eat it as soon as it's served. Very convenient.
The dry dipping powder is their specialty. It tastes very good, with a lot of crushed peanuts on top, which feels great. My friend especially loves it. He even wanted to ask the shop for the exact seasoning of the dipping powder, but that's impossible; the shop won't reveal it. The dry dipping powder is good, but for someone like me who can't eat very spicy food, it's not really suitable. If you like spicy food, this is your dipping weapon!
Of course, they not only have chuan chuan but also bowl dishes as their specialty. Many small bowl dishes are quite tasty. Recommended must-order items: Mao Hot Pot Vermicelli. The hot pot vermicelli is really delicious and very flavorful. Each strand of vermicelli is covered with soup; the taste is simply amazing—absolutely awesome!
Mao Potato Chunks are my favorite. Not particularly spicy, and each potato chunk with those toppings is incredibly delicious. The potatoes are neither hard nor too soft, just the right texture. After one bowl, I wanted a second bowl.
I had rabbit kidney for the first time at Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan. Unexpectedly, the rabbit kidney tastes very good, even a bit better than I imagined. Soft texture, one piece at a time, really satisfying.
After finishing the chuan chuan, have some ice jelly to cut the grease. Life is so enjoyable.
In Bieyuan, Savor Time
This tavern, surrounded by greenery, lit by neon lights, and filled with various drinks and snacks, instantly became a favorite for Chengdu drinkers upon its debut.
You may encounter various unpleasant things in life, but on such a night, having a night of revelry with friends is also a good choice. It might temporarily let you forget some unhappy things, allowing you to fully enjoy the pleasant time. Savor it, savor it carefully!
This small tavern is actually near 339, right on that bar street. Upon entering the tavern, you'll find the decoration is really kind of nice. The atmosphere of lights and wine makes you feel like you've come to a midnight party, with a mysterious feel.
The whole store has two floors. The staircase design leading to the upper floor is quite interesting, with flashing lights. This is also one of their Instagram-worthy decorations, indeed very eye-catching. Inside, there are several rows of moving small colorful lights, changing colors and moving up and down, making the whole tavern feel more atmospheric.
Their place is like a museum of alcohol.
Besides 75 kinds of wine + over 20 specialty cocktails, they recently introduced hot pot wine. This wine scores full marks for appearance. Have you eaten hot pot, drunk alcohol, but have you ever had such a good-looking hot pot wine? Tsk tsk, it looks a bit like a traditional Beijing copper pot. Inside, there is mellow unfiltered wine and strong vodka. The pot comes with base ingredients, including tangerine peel, clove, dragon fruit, kumquat, and rose petals added for full romance.
The alcohol content is not high; it tastes sweet and sour with a fruity and floral aroma. It appeals to both men and women. And the portion is large; two or three people can share one pot. Sitting at the bar, watching the bartender's smooth and skillful techniques is itself a wonderful enjoyment.
Perhaps in such moments, we can find the indulgent version of ourselves!
Give Yourself a Reason
I've finally come to understand a truth: A person's life should have at least two impulses—one for a love that knows no bounds, and one for a journey that takes off without a second thought...
