Chengdu in Winter: A Unique Charm, a Paradise for Foodies and Fun-Seekers!

Winter is the most evocative season; thoughts still linger in autumn, and in an instant, winter arrives.

Chengdu's winter seems to unfold in a slow-paced life, and its scenery is endlessly charming.

My first impression of Chengdu's winter was a world of lush greenery, where indoors felt colder than outdoors.

Now, Chengdu's winter feels like a colorful world, captivating with impressionist scenes; it's a poetic spiritual realm, an adventure in a culinary wonderland.

"Chengdu is memorable. Its elegance, its laid-back vibe, its simplicity, and its unique local flavor leave an unforgettable impression on anyone who experiences it."

I think everyone who has visited Chengdu feels a lingering sense of nostalgia.

The leisurely flow of the Funan River, the bustling energy of Chunxi Road, the idle tea houses on the streets, the lively suburban farm stays—

all form a vivid, sound-filled picture, like a rich and mellow aged wine, soaking into every visitor to Chengdu.

And Chengdu's cuisine adds the most intense flavor to this nostalgia.

Within this intensity, there's also heartwarming tenderness: hot pot skewers, Sichuan-style malatang, and the soft glow of street-side shops remain etched in the hearts of many Chengdu visitors.

Day 1: Yuan Gong (Tazishan Park) → Jiaoliao Hotel

Day 2: Taiziling Ski Resort

Day 3: Gua Chuanchuan (Tianfu Square) → Bieyuanli Bar (Kuanzhai Alley)

With nothing much to do on the weekend, I planned a food and travel adventure with friends, enjoying both beautiful scenery and the sensory delights of food. We got up early this morning, packed up, and met up. But instead of heading straight to eat, we first found a place to have fun, then set off for our ultimate food destination. Everyone suggested visiting nearby Tazishan Park. Action speaks louder than words, so we took the bus and went.

Upon arrival, we found quite a crowd. After all, it was the weekend, and many parents brought their kids to play, do activities, and soak up the sun.

Tazishan Park is located in the hilly area east of Chengdu, with vast terrain, lush greenery, and a tranquil environment. Nestled by hills and water, the plants are arranged according to the terrain, verdant and lush, with birdsong and fragrance all year round.

The main building in the park, Jiutian Tower, takes its name from the famous poem "Ascending the Sanhua Tower in Jin City" by the immortal poet Li Bai: "Now I come to climb and gaze, as if ascending to the ninth heaven." From afar, Jiutian Tower looks like a pagoda; up close, it resembles a building, with a novel and unique design. It is a magnificent landmark garden landscape in Chengdu. Climbing to the top of Jiutian Tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Chengdu's beauty, refreshing your mind.

The park also features a Bird Language Forest, home to nearly 150 species and about 5,000 birds from around the world, including over 20 species under national first- and second-level protection. The Bird Language Forest emphasizes bird science education and highlights bird performances, which are both entertaining and educational for children.

In addition, it's a great place for playing, relaxing, fishing, having fun, climbing the tower for views, picnicking, and sipping tea.

Lawns, lakes, pavilions, and paths offer a rustic mountain charm, perfect for bringing kids to have fun. Moreover, Tazishan Park is also 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 four o'clock. No wonder I felt a bit hungry—playing outside really makes you hungry faster. Next, we set off for our ultimate destination: Yuan Gong on Chunxi Road, which is super popular. I'd been hearing colleagues talk about it, and finally got the chance to try it out. Checked the navigation; it wasn't far, so we took the bus there.

This restaurant is on Xuedao Street near Chunxi Road, quite close to the city center, a peaceful spot amid the hustle and bustle. The decoration is very down-to-earth, with a Chinese retro style, and the environment is tastefully decorated.

Turning from the hall into the dining area, it's very spacious with many private rooms, decorated with flowers and ribbons, giving it a unique charm.

We found our seats and started our culinary raid. I highly recommend these dishes—super tasty, super delicious.

Fragrant Fish with Black Bean Sauce: The fish is bighead carp, with quite a few bones, so be careful when eating. The fish is incredibly tender and flavorful, with a great taste—smooth and delicious, utterly irresistible.

Longmen Suspended Meat: A special young man helps cut the meat and arranges it on a plate. The meat is crispy and tender, with a perfect coating of fried batter. You just can't stop eating one piece after another.

Yuan Gong Local Chicken Slices: Mostly chicken slices with skin, mixed with scallion slices, refreshing and light. Drizzled with secret chili oil, the spiciness is just right.

Yuan Gong Signature Rabbit: A combination of double-pepper rabbit and clams, incredibly fresh and tasty. The numbing and spicy flavor pairs perfectly with rice, and the portion is generous—absolutely my favorite.

After eating and drinking our fill, it was time to go home. With the day's fun over, we returned to our dreams to savor these endless delicacies.

Ten years have passed like night rain, the world is chaotic.

What remains unchanged is Kuanzhai; what changes is people's hearts. We are never quite satisfied with this bustling world. After experiencing the ultimate beauty, we suddenly realize that even noisy places have tranquil moments. Right in the center of Kuanzhai Alley stands the Jiaoliao Hotel.

Amid the noisy crowd, we gently pushed open this story-filled door. While waiting for the butler to open it, the old door itself became a sight we couldn't ignore. The gate is made of red bean wood, untouched by any restoration, preserving its original appearance. In the center are painted 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 advancement. It is said this design is meant to wish guests of Jiaoliao a thriving career and continuous progress, leading us back to the most natural state of life.

Pushing the door open, we saw a long corridor. The blue-tile walls on both sides of the corridor contrast sharply with the reinforced concrete high-rises. For us tired of the fast-paced city life, the blue tiles seem to soothe our constantly tense nerves, making us want to touch and lean in.

Passing through the corridor, the birds hopping and chirping on both sides became unusually lively due to our arrival, constantly twittering. Though we couldn't understand the bird language, we could feel a warm welcome from their calls.

Changing the scene, we officially entered the accommodation area. Jiaoliao Hotel is quite large; we walked through, admiring its beauty. It has four floors, with guest rooms and an open-air tea terrace. Each floor offers unique views—different scenery at every step, making you stop to admire.

Upon entering the room, we noticed the overall color tone is light, natural wood color, without any other added embellishments.

From the bed to the wardrobe, window frames, tables, and chairs, everything is made from smoothed raw parasol wood, used directly. The facilities are very complete, even better than my own home. This nature-close lifestyle is exactly what we need.

We also noticed each room has orchids, surrounded by bamboo. Looking closely, you can see some reliefs carved with chrysanthemums. The atmosphere is very elegant, enhanced by the dim yellow lighting, making the entire room feel warm. The details reveal understated luxury.

The hotel's equipment is truly high-end, following five-star hotel standards. Every detail provides us with an ultimate stay experience. The mattress, Kohler bathroom fixtures, and smart toilet—everything is perfect, giving us the best enjoyment. Running our fingers over every part of the room, we felt the owner's care, and it moved us deeply.

The guest room also has a SPA room. This thoughtful feature is very enjoyable. After a tiring day out, we could lie in the SPA room, enjoy the masseur's service, relax our muscles and bones, and savor the long-lost comfort.

At Jiaoliao, nestled among rocks, forests, and bamboo, we appreciated Zen elegance, enjoying carefree pleasure and poetic dwelling. The bustling Kuanzhai is crowded with people every day. Outside the long, traffic-filled street, in the tranquil spot amid prosperity, Jiaoliao quietly watches the people coming and going.

Yesterday, we tasted Yuan Gong, strolled Chunxi Road, and enjoyed divine service at Jiaoliao Hotel. Waking up this morning, I felt fantastic. Truly, eating, drinking, and having fun is the best way to relax. Winter has arrived as promised, with a chill in the cold wind, but it still can't stop our forward strides. Today, we decided to visit the famous Taiziling Ski Resort, to experience the unique charm of ice and snow.

Jiuding Mountain Taiziling Ski Resort is located next to National Highway 213 from Wenchuan County to Mao County in Aba Prefecture, Sichuan, at Qinglong Dam within Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area. It's 180 km from Chengdu, about a three-and-a-half-hour drive.

What attracts many visitors is not only its high popularity but also strong technical support. It is said that the ski resort is equipped with pure imported ELAN ski equipment, which has supported multiple Taiziling ski competitions, as well as various professional ski gear from HEAD, BURTON, and NORDICA. This attracts many professionals to show off their skills, making it truly the largest, most beautiful, and most professional ski resort in Southwest China.

Upon arriving at the ski resort, the first thing was to buy tickets at the scenic area entrance, then rent ski gear: boots, skis, poles, and other equipment. Today, there were so many people; we queued for a long time, showing just how popular this place is.

After finally getting to ski, it was fun, but for a group of beginners, we kept falling. Two hours of skiing was our limit, and there were so many people crowding the beginner slope, just a short distance from the entrance.

When skiing under sunny conditions, it was both hot and bright, with strong UV rays. We had to apply sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and avoid wearing too much. Comfortable clothing was enough. For beginners, we recommend hiring an instructor, otherwise, you'll fall badly.

Gloves and sunglasses are essential when skiing; you must wear a helmet to go on intermediate slopes. Actually, twin-tip skis are the best choice for beginners. The skis can be adjusted according to shoe size. Once properly dressed, we could enter the ski area.

There are also many places to eat inside the scenic area, such as hot pot and soup pots. The taste is quite good, with great color, aroma, and flavor—truly a delight. Outside our dining hall, there is a glass sunroom where people can take photos, drink tea, relax, and enjoy the sunshine and scenery. It's really nice!

Actually, the scenery of Jiuding Mountain is quite beautiful. Taiziling Ski Resort is the most professional ski resort we've visited in Sichuan so far. It has beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes with various gradients for visitors to choose from. The altitude of the ski resort is about 2,500 meters, similar to Wolong, so altitude sickness is generally not a problem. The ski resort has 2.5 kilometers of ski runs.

Relying on Jiuding Mountain's unique natural terrain, high altitude, and rich vegetation, the ski resort has fresh air with high levels of negative oxygen ions. With no severe cold in winter and no scorching heat in summer, the climate is pleasant. It's a rare natural eco-resort around Chengdu, perfect for skiing and relaxing.

Waking up early this morning, I suddenly felt like visiting Tianfu Square. After discussing with friends, we decided to go. Today, we took the subway. The bus was too crowded; I don't know how long we rode the subway, but it felt quite close.

Upon arrival, we saw many people. Indeed, on weekends, everyone goes out to relax.

Tianfu Square is undoubtedly the political and cultural center of Chengdu, a landmark among landmarks, like Tiananmen in Beijing.

The Sun Bird sculpture stands in the center of Tianfu Square. It's the intersection of Metro Lines 1 and 2 and the upcoming Line 18, the central node of Chengdu's southeast, north, and west traffic arteries.

It's one of the most popular check-in spots for out-of-town visitors to Chengdu, always bustling with people. My most profound impression was the strong patriotic atmosphere at Tianfu Square on the eve of National Day this year, which deeply moved me.

The biggest highlights of Tianfu Square are:

1. The architectural beauty of the square itself: a Tai Chi pattern flanked by building pillars in the shape of the character "xiang" (乡). This Tai Chi view must be photographed from above to be perfectly presented.

2. The historical significance of the square: it has always been an important landmark near the Imperial City, and now it is Chengdu's economic and cultural center.

3. Transportation hub: you can transfer to other metro lines here, surrounded by exhibition halls. With convenient transportation, it's easy to meet someone here for the first time.

After visiting Tianfu Square, it was time for lunch. Today, we all agreed to eat at Gua Chuanchuan. Although it's on Jinfangyuan East Road, transportation is convenient, so it wouldn't take too much time to get there and back.

Getting off, we saw a shop decorated in an antique style, looking quite stylish.

With red as the main color, wooden tables and stools give a comfortable feel. The venue is spacious with clear functional areas, making it convenient for customers to get food and dine.

The most noteworthy thing is their dishes—super delicious.

Spicy Beef: Tender beef marinated for a long time, numbing and spicy to the core. Served with chopped green onions and dry chili flakes, the taste is superb.

Brown Sugar Glutinous Rice Cake: A favorite for dessert lovers. Soft, sticky, smooth, and chewy. Once you bite into it, the aroma of rice and spices dances in your mouth—very tasty!

Popped Hot Pot Noodles: Spicy and numbing. When faced with such a bowl of hot pot noodles, forget about your image and just gobble them down! The texture—I guarantee if you ever crave hot pot noodles, you'll come here!

Popped Tripe: Tripe and bean sprouts go well together. The tripe shreds are thin and bouncy, with a perfect mix of numbing and spicy flavors dancing in your mouth.

The fridge also has a variety of meat and vegetable skewers for you to choose from. Action speaks louder than words—start eating!

This place is a paradise for skewer lovers! Delicious and tender, you can't stop eating.

As the saying goes, "After a meal, take a walk to live to ninety-nine." After eating, it's time to go out for a stroll and then start the evening fun mode.

The best place for an after-dinner walk is undoubtedly Kuanzhai Alley. It not only presents the old and new lifestyles of Chengdu but also represents Chengdu's slow pace of life, perfectly matching the leisurely state of "prosperity at every step, tranquility at every step."

My friend and I walked hand in hand, as if cutting a piece of leisurely time. We breathed in the scent of time, unhurriedly following the wide and narrow alleys, strolling leisurely and slowly.

Stepping on the soft light of time, we entered the alley. The leisure and slowness here make you mistakenly think that time has forgotten to change, and stories still happened yesterday.

The clean blue bricks and black tiles, old-fashioned wooden doors and windows, hitching posts by old walls, old tea houses under the eaves, lush plane trees—these ancient and clear objects seem separated from the city's noise by a soundproof wall. The worldly dust has been filtered away. The old dream of Bashu from a thousand years ago, in a turn or a glance, gently falls on the threshold of memory, stunning in an instant.

Time is soft. Tourists from all directions come face to face, then pass by, like flowing water with shallow ripples and smiling voices. Original residents, quaint inns, exquisite doorways, ancient towering trees, covered-bowl tea houses, copper-ringed wooden doors, blue-stone water tanks, and trailing ivy and flowers cascading from blue walls... all form unique attractions and Chengdu vocabulary, presenting modern people'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 wander here and there. Shops full of Zen meaning, with exquisite tea sets and overflowing tea fragrance; fashionable restaurants with jumping fountains and hazy light and shadow; charming shop windows with Jiangnan-style linen clothes and small fans;

at the corner of deep alleys, young people lying down for ear cleaning or setting up stalls for portraits; classical and elegant inns with operatic singing and red lanterns... Here, time is slow, life is idle, and our footsteps naturally become particularly light and slow.

After a busy day, locals from Chengdu now also bring their families and stroll here. Old and young, men and women, walk in groups through the alleys, looking, talking, laughing, eating... The dreamlike leisurely nightlife begins, pulling back the curtain...

After wandering Kuanzhai, nightfall was approaching. We arrived at our last stop of the day—Bieyuanli Bar. As soon as we entered, we were captivated by its unique charm. Stepping into the hall, we looked up and locked eyes with the colorful light and shadow.

At Bieyuanli, your eyes always have stars. The magical motion lights, with moving lamps and shifting light, give you an excellent visual experience.

The indoor plants are all vibrant and full of life. The romantic atmosphere fills the room, like a utopia for young people. Two-story loft plus an open-air garden lets you fall into the night's tender embrace, making your taut nerves slowly stir. Booths and private rooms fully satisfy your desire for unrestrained chatting. Perfect for friends' gatherings!

The tenderness of Bieyuanli is hidden in every ingenious arrangement: the flower arrangements on tables, the dazzling light fixtures, the full wine wall, the uniform Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain tableware, and the Chinese-style eaves... It's a fusion of culture and trends, overturning ordinary perceptions of bars. I felt like I was attending a splendid art exhibition.

Here, we not only encountered various delicious flavors but also experienced a different kind of splendor.

Long Island Iced Tea: Boys who love the intoxication of alcohol must not miss the classic Long Island Iced Tea. This most story-rich strong cocktail has amazing explosive power, with a strong aftertaste. It looks light, but actually it's a "heartbreaker."

Doujiu Osmanthus: At Bieyuanli Music Bar, how can you not have doujiu? I first chose Doujiu Osmanthus, with its light color that looks amazing. The osmanthus wine has a prominent floral aroma, with a fresh taste upon entry. After a bowl down, I wanted to roam the world with my beloved.

Ancient Qiang Wheat Straw Zha Wine: The story continues, and the wine can't stop. While drinking happily, the owner mysteriously said, "This zha wine is really interesting, want to try?" When it was brought to the table, the plate of zha wine with wheat straws as straws had a wild aura. If you want to drink, you have to use the wheat straw to sip—quite fun.

Handmade Stir-fried Tangyuan: A bit like mini versions of candied oil balls, coated with a layer of brown sugar syrup. Soft, sticky, and sweet, these tangyuan are your sweet treat today, reminding me of the taste my grandmother used to make when I was young.

Fruit Platter: A mix of various fruits, crisp and refreshing, fresh and delicious. Very tasty indeed.

I was truly impressed by this place. It's fantastic, and I'll definitely come back again.

The meaning of food and scenery is not to escape, not to hide, not to acquire, not to record.

Rather, it is to change our worldview in environments beyond our imagination, and over time slowly change what we truly consider important.