My Journey to Sichuan: What I Miss Is Your Lively Vibe
Chengdu is not a place that dampens one's willpower; on the contrary, it makes you feel vibrant. The only reason to succumb is that you cannot resist the city's wild imagination. Its beauty lies in its innocence. The people living here, young and old, men and women, all have a deadly charming sense of relaxation. They never doubt the meaning of life; they are doers—if they want to play mahjong, they play mahjong; if they love eating little chili peppers, they eat them. The people of Sichuan have a certain spirit—calm, fearless, living their beloved simple life with neither arrogance nor humility. Rather than saying I like Chengdu, it's more accurate to say I love Chengdu's lively and mundane atmosphere.
Chengdu people love food, and Chengdu is also a capital of cuisine! The best feelings in life are surely hidden in journeys. Others' journeys have sweetness, sourness, and all flavors of life, but my journey has only one flavor: the aroma of food. So, I came to Chengdu, this city full of delicious food everywhere!
Yuán Gòng, Yuán Gòng, meeting by fate. With its red plaque and golden characters, it instantly struck me. The moon-white verses on the ground also echoed the theme of "fate" (yuán). It seems this restaurant and I truly have a connection.
The ceiling of Yuán Gòng was covered with fiery red flowers, feeling exceptionally creative, and my mood unconsciously brightened.
This restaurant is located behind another street near Chunxi Road, close to Qingshi Bridge. The location is a bit secluded. Compared to the dazzling nightlife of Chunxi Road, this place seems somewhat detached from the worldly hustle, and I love this otherworldly place.
The restaurant's environment is quite spacious. Each table has its own separate booth, with ample distance, suitable for small gatherings. It never feels crowded—I absolutely adore this setting!
Nowadays, restaurants are decorated with great taste, and this one is no exception. The lighting and color tones, whether in private rooms or the hall's booth seats, are quite stylish!
The dishes here are authentic Zigong-style Sichuan cuisine, and the flavors are excellent. The environment actually feels very homely. The red flowers and umbrellas as decorations give a very festive and warm feeling, and this atmosphere instantly brought a surge of warmth to my heart. Perhaps this is the taste of home.
The service staff were very good—truly enthusiastic and attentive, always available when called. Even though we were sitting in a relatively remote spot, the waitstaff could be summoned at any time, and there was no situation where we couldn't get their attention. Their attitude toward guests was genuinely friendly and welcoming. From entering to leaving, we were guided by dedicated staff, which I think is a very good point.
Now about the dishes: the most memorable for me was Yuán Gòng's Signature Clam Rabbit. The green and red peppers highlighted the tenderness and deliciousness of the rabbit meat, and the clams looked enticing. With one bite, the tender, fresh, slightly numbing, and moderately spicy flavors instantly made my taste buds dance—like a golden breeze meeting jade dew, it was unparalleled!
Lóngmén Dàng Ròu (Dragon Gate Hanging Meat): This dish had a special young waiter help cut the meat and arrange it on the plate. It had a crispy texture, and the outer coating was perfectly fried. Eating too much didn't feel greasy. This is one of their signature dishes, quite unique.
The Old Duck Soup left a deep impression on me. It didn't have a strong MSG flavor; it was clear, sweet, and refreshing, perfect for relieving dryness. One sip made me feel relaxed and soothed—it was so comfortable and delicious.
Another dish, Yuán Gòng Native Chicken Slices, was definitely the best of the evening. The flavor was excellent, and it came with lotus root slices underneath. The red chili oil was very aromatic, and mixed with the chicken slices, it was simply heavenly. My friend and I couldn't stop praising it—it was truly delicious!
Dòuchǐ Whole Fish: The fish was very large, covered with plenty of fermented black beans and minced meat. Even without eating the fish, the condiments alone could go with several bowls of rice. The fish meat was particularly tender and not fishy at all!
Fate brings us together from afar, and we meet at Yuán Gòng. An authentic Sichuan restaurant that keeps surprising you!
As everyone knows, Chengdu is a capital of cuisine. When it comes to representative foods, skewers (chuàn chuàn) definitely hold a place. Big bunches of bamboo sticks, hot red broth, numbing and spicy flavors—mouthwatering. This store, Chengdu Guā Chuàn Chuàn Main Shop—Jinfangyuan East Road Store—could be your choice.
The variety of skewers in the store is quite rich, with dozens of types. Both vegetable and meat options are abundant, making my head spin trying to choose.
The ingredients are pre-skewered and stored in a refrigerator for diners to pick. Diners just choose what they like. Another feature here is that the kitchen cooks the skewers and serves them directly in a large basin, saving you the trouble of cooking them yourself. For lazy people like me, it's super convenient.
After a short wait, a steaming pot of skewers was served. The broth looked oily and spicy, but the spiciness was moderate. It was numbing, spicy, and fragrant. The store also provides dry dip and oil dip. The dry dip is their specialty, with a great taste, highly recommended.
Besides skewers, there are also several hot dishes that are quite good, such as numbingly spicy pork brain (soft and delicate), numbingly spicy duck blood (tender and smooth), numbingly spicy duck intestines (crisp and tasty), and numbingly spicy luncheon meat and instant noodles, all quite memorable.
Although Chengdu Guā Chuàn Chuàn doesn't claim to be the best skewers in Chengdu, it is the most unique.
In Chengdu, a city known for its leisurely lifestyle, there are many bars of various sizes. But a bar like this one—surrounded by greenery, lit by neon lights, and abundant with various liquors and snacks—there is only Bié Yuàn Lǐ in Chengdu.
The unique Cat Girl in the bar adds a touch of mystery to the night, making people look forward to the evening even more.
I heard that to provide customers with a better experience, the boss hired the company that designed the lighting for the Bird's Nest Stadium. I could only silently say: what a big production! The boss is really generous!
As the lights in the bar turned on, the whole place became a colorful neon world. Amid the interplay of light and shadow, colorful lights resembled stars in the sky, shining brightly in the bar. Seeing this scene, I couldn't help but marvel—the boss's decision was indeed wise; the customer's feelings are the greatest affirmation.
Since this is a small bar, alcohol is definitely essential. The selection of drinks here is enormous: spirits, cocktails, mixed drinks, and pure imported beers—everything you could want. There were also many drinks I couldn't even name, leaving me dazzled. Anyway, whatever you want to drink, you can basically find it here!
Not only that, but even the vessels for serving food are carefully selected by the boss—Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain, looking elegant and beautiful, making one's heart flutter.
Although there are many alcoholic beverages, what I seem to love is not the strong, fiery ones. Long Island Iced Tea is as clear and gentle as black tea, yet it also has the strong, mellow fragrance of alcohol. With the addition of lemon juice and cola, Long Island Iced Tea has a sweet taste, similar to lemon iced tea, and is thus very popular among girls. A friend of mine, who knows a lot about drinks, told me that this cocktail is the "wolf in sheep's clothing" of the mixology world—it has a relatively high alcohol content, so those who can't handle much should not overindulge.
Another drink here is called Metropolitan. It's no exaggeration to say that Metropolitan is one of the most popular cocktails in the world. To this day, it has been popular for over thirty years. With its low alcohol content, sweet-and-sour taste, and rich fruity flavor, it also conquered me and became one of my favorites.
If you happen to order the bartender's special mix at Bié Yuàn Lǐ Bar, congratulations—you'll enjoy a super visually appealing cocktail show. The finished cocktail slowly "breathes out" a misty vapor from the rim of the glass, creating a particularly artistic atmosphere. Sip it slowly; the deeper the contact between your tongue and the cocktail, the more wonderful the taste becomes.
I must recommend this Chinese-style cocktail—Ancient Qiang Wheat Straw Brewed Wine. Using a wheat straw as a straw for rice wine—this is the first time I've seen it. The rice wine is sweet, mellow, and rich, smooth and gentle on the palate. Drinking a small bottle in winter makes the whole body feel warm.
Don't think you can only drink here; it's also a hidden Sichuan restaurant. The taste and portions can rival outside Sichuan restaurants. Dan Dan Noodles, Zhong Dumplings, and even the childhood-flavored fermented rice with brown sugar can all be found here!
Their signature grilled fish is always a popular dish in the store. The fish is grilled to perfection, with a crispy outside and tender inside; after a few bites, you're sure to become a fan.
After seeing so much, if you're curious, go and experience it yourself!
From the entrance of Kuanzhai Alley to the Jiāoliáo (Wren) hotel, it's only about 200 meters, but it can take a full half hour to walk. With rows of snack shops and various gold and silver utensils, if your mind wanders, you can easily get lost in the sights and sounds.
Your eyes take in the blue bricks and black tiles, ancient trees and long streets. Your ears are filled with the ding-dong of coppersmiths and silversmiths and the shopkeepers' calls. Your nose catches the aroma of sugar-oil fruits and egg-wrapping cakes. Breaking away from this requires a lot of willpower.
It's full of the lively smoke and mundane world. Walking back and forth is like tumbling through the karma of the mortal world—eyes, ears, nose, colors, senses—all are fully satisfied.
The Jiāoliáo (Wren) hotel right in the middle of Kuanzhai Alley is an exception in this century-old alley. The two closed doors, with a bronze lock that seems perpetually locked, seem to declare the philosophy of hiding in the courtyard and being self-contained.
It truly makes you realize what "city forest" means! Step out—bustling crowds; step in—quietly guarding your heart. Build a pure land amidst bustling comfort, with luxury hidden inside and spirit contained within.
Indeed, the half-kilogram bronze lock separates the gazes of passing tourists and also isolates the lively world that has soaked this alley for three hundred years.
The wind can pass through the courtyard, birds can perch on the eaves. But the noise outside cannot enter even a bit. Taking a quiet place in the midst of noise—this is Jiāoliáo.
The entire structure is made of tung wood, a meeting of traditional aesthetics and modern techniques—natural yet stable. Being immersed in the faint woody scent over time helps with sleep, calms the mind, and soothes the body.
The hotel's architectural style also combines movement and stillness. "Movement" is reflected in the details of the hotel's interior decoration. Birds come into view from the long corridor at the entrance, and the bird-shaped decorations in the guest rooms echo the hotel's name—Jiāoliáo (Wren).
"Stillness" is found in the antique courtyard with blue-gray bricks and tiles. Every plant and tree is exquisite, every bamboo and mat elegant. Each guest room has its own poetic name, as if full of life and vivid!
The rooms are mostly decorated with natural wood, fresh and clean, and fully equipped: King Koil Sleep & Light co-branded mattress, Kohler bathroom fixtures, TOTO smart toilet... Various drinks, snacks, fruits, tea, etc., are all provided, giving a very warm and comfortable feeling overall. There is also a small open-air balcony; waking up in the morning, you can look out at Kuanzhai Alley—being in the world while staying detached. This is the life I want. If you need to relax a tired body, professional spa services are also available.
Breakfast is also very warm. When checking in, the butler asks about dining time and taste preferences, very thoughtful. You can choose between Chinese and Western food, and it comes with fruits, dried fruits, and various pastries, delivered to your room by the butler! Full of love.
Living here is truly leisurely and comfortable, owning this beautiful scenery, enjoying the utmost freedom and joy!
Taiziling Ski Resort is located in Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area, Mao County, about 180 kilometers from Chengdu. It takes about 3.5 hours by car from Chengdu to the ski resort. The highest altitude of the resort is 2,971 meters, the lowest is 2,733 meters, with a drop of 238 meters. Most people do not experience altitude sickness and can enjoy with peace of mind. The total length of the slopes is 2.5 kilometers, making it the longest ski resort in southern China.
Taiziling Ski Resort has relatively professional slopes: 3 advanced runs, 3 intermediate runs, and 3 beginner runs. Whether you are skiing for the first time or a professional with all the skills, you can find fun here.
Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area has a beautiful natural environment with clear mountains and lush vegetation. It is a multi-functional scenic area integrating outdoor camping, tourism, sports, and leisure. The concentration of negative oxygen ions is extremely high, and PM2.5 has been below 10 for a long time. During the snow season, 70% of the time it is sunny, earning it the reputation of being a city of sunshine and a country of snowscapes.
The slopes inside are naturally winding and undulating, called "dream slopes" by skiing enthusiasts. There are multiple slopes to choose from, offering variety and surprises, providing a wonderful stage for beginners and ski gods to enjoy and show off their skills.
Skiing is a very physically demanding activity. Coupled with strong ultraviolet rays, you can sweat profusely and feel exhausted quickly. It's important to rehydrate and rest properly. While resting, enjoy the blue sky, take photos, and admire other people's cool moves—it's also a pleasure. The weather was great; sunlight reflected off the snow, making the glare very strong, so it's best to bring sunglasses as part of your gear.
To access the advanced runs, you must take the cable car, and wearing a helmet is mandatory. So, if you plan to go on the advanced runs, remember to rent a helmet.
Sitting on the cable car, with white snow underfoot and a blazing sun overhead, with skiers whizzing by below, I was particularly afraid of dropping my equipment or phone—it was quite thrilling.
After about ten minutes on the cable car, we reached the starting point of the advanced runs. As soon as I got off, my legs felt weak—the first slope was at least 40 degrees.
Indeed, "it's cold at the top." There were fewer people on the advanced runs, and very few using alpine skis. Most were excellent skiers with snowboards, who slid down in no time and disappeared from sight.
If you get hungry, you can buy some food. There is a dining area inside the ski resort, but you can also bring your own. Bringing some rice and self-heating hotpot is quite nice. The hotpot in the hotel is delicious, no worse than what you get outside. A big pot of bright red broth, oily but not greasy, enjoying the snowy scenery while experiencing the spicy stimulation of hotpot—that's true enjoyment.
From the moment you step into Jiuding Mountain, you will experience a natural realm far from noise, full of poetic charm, harmony between man and nature, and ancient tranquility. And in Taiziling Ski Resort, you can have a more joyful and intimate holiday with family and friends—why not do it!
Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage is located on the bank of Huanhua Creek, outside the west gate of Chengdu. It is a must-visit for tourists coming to Chengdu.
As the name suggests, Du Fu Thatched Cottage is the former residence of Du Fu. Although the cottage area is built on a grand and luxurious scale, Du Fu's actual residence is only a very small part of the scenic spot—just a few small and shabby thatched huts. The large-scale constructions were built by later generations to commemorate Du Fu.
After entering the cottage, there are many forks in the road, with signposts guiding visitors to various scenic spots. Going further in, an antique alley comes into view: the walls on both sides are vermilion, the tiles above are embedded with round bricks carved with animal faces, and the mottled moss on the tiles indicates that the alley was built some time ago. The bluestone slabs underfoot have been worn black and have cracks.
Passing through the alley, a winding stream appears, with green bamboo growing on both banks and ancient towering trees—a truly poetic scene.
Before we knew it, we arrived at a place that looked like a thatched cottage. That's right, this is Du Fu's former residence! There are small paths on both sides, with bamboo fences surrounding the small garden.
No modern building materials were added to the roof, but it is no longer the same hut Du Fu lived in. I just wanted to stand in front of the house and feel the timeless verse: "Could I get a vast mansion covering ten thousand rooms, sheltering all the poor scholars in the world with joyful faces!" The mud on the walls was loose, revealing large sections of a frame woven from bamboo strips. The wood on the threshold felt like it could be crushed with one step.
Walking through the cottage, the air was thick with the breath of history and rich poetic sentiment, making me indulge and reluctant to leave...
What I miss is the scenery of Chengdu; what I miss is the food of Chengdu; what I miss is still the lively, mundane atmosphere of Chengdu...
