Winter in Chengdu: A Unique Charm, A Paradise for Foodies and Fun-seekers

Winter stirs the most emotion; thoughts still linger in autumn, but in an instant, winter arrives.

Chengdu's winter seems to unfold in a slow-paced life, where the scenery is endlessly captivating.

The first impression of Chengdu's winter is a world of green, where indoors is colder than outdoors.

Now, the feeling of Chengdu's winter is a colorful world, an impressionist painting that draws you in; a poetic spiritual realm, a fantastical encounter in a culinary dream.

"Chengdu is unforgettable. Its elegance, its laid-back attitude, its simplicity, its unique local flavor—all leave a lasting impression on those who experience it."

I think everyone who has visited Chengdu feels a lingering reluctance to leave.

The leisurely pace of the Funan River, the bustle of Chunxi Road, the idle tea houses on the streets, the lively farmhouse fun in the suburbs—

It's a vivid picture with sound and color, like a mellow, long-aged wine, soaking into everyone who comes to Chengdu.

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

Within this intensity, there are many heart-tugging warmths: hotpot skewers, Sichuan spicy hot pot, and other snacks, along with the soft lights of street-side shops, will linger long in the hearts of many visitors to Chengdu.

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

Day 2: Taiziling Ski Resort

Day 3: Gua Chuanchuan (Tianfu Square) → Bieyuan Li Tavern (Kuanzhai Alley)

With nothing much to do on the weekend, my friend and I decided to embark on a food-and-travel adventure, enjoying both the scenery and the impact of delicious food. We got up early today, got ready, and met up with my friend. But instead of heading straight to eat, we first looked for a place to have some fun, then set off toward our ultimate food destination. My friends all suggested visiting nearby Tazishan Park for some fun. Action speaks louder than words; we took the bus and went.

When we arrived, we found quite a lot of people there. After all, it was the weekend, and many parents brought their kids out to play, do activities, and soak up the sun.

Tazishan Park is located in the eastern hilly area of Chengdu, with vast terrain, lush trees, and a serene environment. Nestled against the hills and near water, the plants are arranged according to the terrain, verdant and lush, with birdsong and floral fragrance all year round.

The main building in the park is Jiutian Tower, named after the famous poem "Ascending Jin City Sanhua Tower" by the immortal poet Li Bai: "Now I come to ascend and gaze, as if on a journey to the Ninth Heaven." From a distance, the tower looks like a pagoda; up close, it resembles a building. Its novel and unique design makes it a spectacular landmark in Chengdu. Climbing Jiutian Tower, one can take in the beautiful views of Chengdu, refreshing the mind.

Inside the park is also Niaoyulin (Bird Forest), which gathers nearly 150 species and about 5,000 birds from around the world, including more than 20 species under national first- and second-level protection. Niaoyulin focuses on bird science education and highlights bird performance shows, which are both entertaining and educational for children.

In addition, it's a great place for people to play, relax, fish, have fun, climb the tower for views, have picnics, and sip tea.

With lawns, lakes, pavilions, and paths, it's full of rustic charm and perfect for bringing kids to run wild. Moreover, Tazishan Park is also the main venue for the annual Chengdu Lantern Festival!

It's really a nice place, with leisure and entertainment of all kinds. Before we knew it, we had spent over three hours there, and it was already past 4 p.m. No wonder I felt a bit hungry—being out and about sure makes you hungry faster. Next, we set off for our final destination: Yuan Gong on Chunxi Road. It's super popular; I'd been hearing colleagues talk about it, and finally got the chance to check it out. I checked the navigation; it wasn't far, so we took the bus over.

This restaurant is on Xuedao Street near Chunxi Road, quite close to the city center, a quiet spot amid the hustle and bustle. The decor 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 was very spacious with many private rooms, and the decorations were lush and colorful, giving a unique ambiance.

After finding our seats, we started a culinary raid. The first dishes I want to recommend to everyone are these: super delicious, super tasty.

Soy-sauce-flavored whole fish: The fish is silver carp, with many bones, so be careful when eating. The flesh is very tender and flavorful, incredibly smooth and delicious, irresistible.

Longmen hanging meat: A special young man helps cut the meat and arrange it on a plate. The meat is crispy and tender, with the outer coating fried to perfection. I couldn't stop eating it piece after piece.

Yuan Gong sliced local chicken: Most of the chicken slices come with a bit of skin, topped with scallion slices, giving a refreshing taste. Drizzled with a secret red chili oil, the spiciness is just right.

Yuan Gong signature rabbit: A combination of double-pepper rabbit and clams, extremely fresh and tasty, with a numbing and spicy flavor that's perfect with rice. The portion is generous—my absolute favorite.

After eating and drinking our fill, it was time to go home. The day's outing was over, and it was time to return to dreamland and savor these endless delicacies.

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

What remains unchanged is the wide and narrow; what changes is the human heart. For this bustling world, we are never quite satisfied. After witnessing earthly beauty, we suddenly realize that even noisy places have their quiet moments. Right in the middle 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 must-see sight. The door is made of red bean wood, never restored, retaining its original appearance. The center depicts traditional Chinese door gods. The left door god holds a peony, the right one holds a jue (an ancient wine vessel), together symbolizing promotion and advancement. It is said this design is to wish guests staying at Jiaoliao a thriving career and continuous success, 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 stood in stark contrast to the concrete-and-steel high-rises. For us, tired of the fast-paced city life, the blue tiles seemed to soothe our tense nerves, making us want to touch and get close.

Walking through the corridor, birds hopping up and down on both sides became unusually active because of our arrival, chirping incessantly. Though we couldn't understand their language, we could feel a warm welcome from their calls.

Then the scene changed, and we officially entered the accommodation area. The Jiaoliao Hotel is quite large; we walked through it, admiring its beauty. It has four floors, including guest rooms and an open-air tea terrace. Each floor has unique scenery; the view changes with every step, making us stop and admire.

Upon entering our room, we saw the overall color scheme was light natural wood, without any other color embellishments.

From the bed to the wardrobe, window frames, tables, and chairs—all were made of raw parasol wood polished smooth and used directly. The facilities were quite complete, even better equipped than my home. This lifestyle close to nature was exactly what we needed.

We noticed each room had orchids, surrounded by bamboo. Looking closely, we could see chrysanthemums carved on some reliefs. The ambiance was very elegant, and with the dim yellowish lighting, the whole room felt warm. The details showed understated luxury.

The hotel's amenities were truly high-end, all meeting five-star hotel standards, providing us with the ultimate stay experience. The mattress, Kohler bathroom products, and smart toilet—everything was perfect, giving us the best enjoyment. Running my fingers over every corner of the room, I could feel the owner's care, and I was moved.

The guest room also had a SPA room. Such considerate touches were very much appreciated. After a tiring day out, returning to lie in the SPA room, enjoying the massage therapist's service, relaxing muscles and bones, and fully experiencing long-lost comfort.

At Jiaoliao, living among the mountain forest, bamboo, and stone, savoring Zen elegance and poetic dwelling, one enjoys the pleasure of carefree wandering. Amid the noisy Kuanzhai, every day is crowded with people. Beyond the bustling long street, in the tranquil spot of prosperity, Jiaoliao silently watches the comings and goings.

Yesterday we tasted Yuan Gong, strolled Chunxi Road, and enjoyed divine service at Jiaoliao Hotel. Waking up today, I felt great. Indeed, eating, drinking, and playing are the best ways to relax. Winter arrived as promised, with a chill in the cold wind, but it couldn't stop our steps forward. Today we decided to visit the famous Taiziling Ski Resort and experience the unique charm of ice and snow.

Jiuding Mountain Taiziling Ski Resort is located beside National Highway 213 from Wenchuan County to Mao County in Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province, on Qinglongba within the Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area. It is 180 kilometers from Chengdu, about a three-and-a-half-hour drive.

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

Arriving at the ski resort, the first thing was to buy tickets at the scenic area gate, then rent ski equipment: boots, skis, poles. The crowd was huge today; we waited in line for a long time. This shows its incredible popularity.

Finally getting on the slopes, it was fun, but for a group of beginners, we kept falling. Two hours of skiing was the limit, and there were so many people crowded on the beginner trail, just a short distance from the entrance.

When skiing under the sun, it was both hot and sunny, with strong UV rays. We had to apply sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and not wear too much—just comfortable clothing. For beginners, it's advisable to hire an instructor, or you'll fall badly.

When skiing, you must wear gloves and sunglasses; for intermediate runs, a helmet is required. In fact, double skis are the best choice for beginners. The skis can be adjusted according to boot size. After making sure everything is on, you can enter the snowfield.

Inside the scenic area, there were many places to eat, such as hotpot and soup pots. The food was quite good, with great color, aroma, and taste—truly delicious. Outside the dining hall, there was a glass sunroom where people could take photos, drink tea, relax, and also enjoy the sunshine and scenery. It was very nice!

Actually, the Jiuding Mountain scenery was quite beautiful. Taiziling Ski Resort is the most professional we've been to in Sichuan, with beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails and many slopes for visitors to choose from. The altitude of the ski resort is about 2500 meters, similar to Wolong, so altitude sickness is unlikely. 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's air is fresh with high negative oxygen ion content. It's neither severely cold in winter nor hot in summer, with a pleasant climate. It's a rare natural eco-resort near Chengdu, perfect for skiing and relaxation.

Waking up early this morning, I had a sudden urge to visit Tianfu Square. After discussing with my friend, we decided to go. Today we took the subway; the bus was too crowded. I don't know how long we rode, but it felt quite close.

Arriving, we found many people. Indeed, on weekends, everyone comes out to relax.

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

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, west, and north transportation arteries.

It's one of the must-visit spots for tourists in Chengdu, always bustling with people. The most impressive was the strong patriotic atmosphere at Tianfu Square just before 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 symbol with building pillars shaped like the character "xiang" (乡) on both sides. This Tai Chi scenery must be photographed from above to be perfectly presented.

2. The historical significance: It has always been an important landmark around the imperial city, and now it's the economic and cultural center of Chengdu.

3. Transportation hub: Here you can transfer to the subway. Surrounding it are exhibition halls. Transportation is convenient; if you meet here for the first time, you can definitely find each other.

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

Getting off the bus, we were greeted by a restaurant with antique-style decoration, looking quite fashionable.

Predominantly red with wooden tables and benches, it gave a cozy feeling. The space was spacious with clear functional divisions, making it easy for customers to get food and dine.

The most noteworthy thing was the food—super delicious.

Spicy beef: Tender beef marinated for a long time, rich in spicy flavor. When eating, sprinkle with scallions and dried chili flakes—even better.

Brown sugar glutinous rice cake: A favorite for dessert lovers. Soft and sticky, smooth and chewy. Take a bite, the fragrance of rice and spices dances in the mouth. Very tasty!

Sichuan-style spicy vermicelli: Spicy and numbing. Faced with such a bowl, forget about image and just gobble it down. The texture—I guarantee if I ever crave spicy vermicelli, this is where I'll come.

Spicy thousand-layer tripe: The tripe and bean sprouts go well together. The tripe shreds are thin and bouncy, with a perfect mix of numbing and spicy in the mouth.

There were also all kinds of skewers (meat and veg) in the fridge for you to choose from. Action speaks louder than words—let's eat!

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

As the saying goes, walk a hundred steps after a meal, live to ninety-nine. So after eating, it was time to stroll around and then kick off the evening's fun mode.

The best place for an after-dinner stroll is undoubtedly Kuanzhai Alley. It not only presents the diverse life of old and new Chengdu but also represents the slow pace of life of Chengdu people, perfectly matching the leisurely realm of "one step bustling, one step tranquil."

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

Treading on soft time, we entered the alley. The leisure and slowness here made us mistakenly think that time had forgotten to pass, that stories still happened yesterday.

Clean black bricks and gray tiles, old wooden doors and windows, horse-tying stones by old walls, old tea houses under the eaves, lush sycamore trees—these antique and clear objects seemed to be separated from the city's noise by a soundproof wall. The dust of the mundane had been filtered away. The thousand-year-old dream of ancient Shu, in a turn or a glance, gently dropped on the threshold of memory, stunning in an instant.

Time was soft. Tourists from north and south came towards us and passed by, like flowing water, shallow waves, laughing and talking. Original residents, rustic inns, exquisite doorways, towering ancient trees, Gaiwan tea houses, brass-ringed wooden doors, bluestone water vats, and the ivy and catkins spilling from green walls... all constitute unique attractive elements and Chengdu vocabulary, presenting modern people's memory of a city.

Walking in Kuanzhai Alley, the sun was warm, flowers were blooming, and the dazzling display of window displays kept our eyes busy. We walked here and there, looking around. A shop full of Zen had fine tea sets and overflowing tea fragrance; a stylish restaurant had leaping fountains and hazy light and shadow; a soft and charming window displayed Jiangnan-style cloth clothes and small fans;

In a deep corner of the alley, there were young people lying down getting ear cleaning and setting up stalls for portraits; a classical and elegant inn had arias and red lanterns... Here, time was slow, life was idle, and our walking steps naturally became particularly light and slow.

Chengdu locals, after a busy day, were also strolling here with their families—old and young, men and women, in groups of three or five, walking, watching, talking, laughing, eating... The leisurely nightlife, like a dream, began here...

After touring Kuanzhai, night was about to fall. At this moment, we arrived at our last stop of the day: Bieyuan Li Tavern. Entering this place, we were attracted by its unique charm. Stepping into the hall, we looked up and met the colorful, ever-changing lights.

At Bieyuan Li, your eyes always hold stars. This kind of dynamic lighting—lights moving, light shifting—gives a fantastic visual experience.

All the indoor plants are vibrant, full of life. The room is full of romance, like a utopia for young people. A two-story loft plus an open-air garden lets you fall into the gentle embrace of the night, gradually stirring your tense nerves. Booth seats and private rooms fully satisfy your desire for hearty conversation. Ha, perfect for friend gatherings.

The softness of Bieyuan Li is hidden in every ingenious arrangement: flower arrangements on tables, dazzling light fixtures, a full wall of wine storage, uniform Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain tableware, and Chinese-style eaves... It's a fusion of culture and trend, overturning the perception of an ordinary tavern. I felt like I was attending a splendid art exhibition.

Here, we not only encountered various delicious tastes but also felt a different kind of brilliant charm.

Long Island Iced Tea: Boys infatuated with alcohol's intoxication must not miss the classic Long Island Iced Tea. This most storied strong cocktail has amazing explosive power, with a strong aftertaste. It looks light but is actually a "heartbreaker."

Doujiu Osmanthus: Coming to Bieyuan Li Music Tavern, how can you not have challenge drinks? I first chose Doujiu Osmanthus. The light color is stunningly beautiful. The floral fragrance of the osmanthus wine is very prominent, with a refreshing taste. One bowl down, I just wanted to roam the world with my beloved.

Ancient Qiang Wheat Straw Zha Wine: The story continues, so the wine must not stop. As we drank happily, the owner said mysteriously, "Our zha wine is really interesting. Want to try?" Served on the table, this wine with wheat straw as a straw has a wild aura. If this gentleman wants to drink, he has to use the straw to sip—very fun.

Handmade stir-fried tangyuan: A bit like mini sugar-oil fruit, coated with a layer of brown sugar. Soft, sticky, sweet, and fragrant tangyuan is your sweet of the day. It reminded me of the taste my grandmother used to make.

Fruit platter: A mix of various fruits, crisp and refreshing, fresh and tasty, very delicious.

I was really impressed by this place. It's amazing—a place I'll definitely visit again.

The meaning of food and scenery is not about escaping, hiding, obtaining, or recording.

Rather, it's about changing your worldview in an environment beyond imagination, and slowly changing what you truly consider important in your heart.