Bookmark This! A Comprehensive 7-Day Chengdu Itinerary Covering Food, Drinks, Stays, and Transport!

“If I were a flower, for whom would I bloom; if I were a bird, where would I fly; the sparkle of a star is not enough to form a constellation; the sum of a big tree gathers a single weight.” Lately, I’ve been looping the song “The Sum of Loneliness.” Perhaps we are all sums of loneliness, which is why we have come together!

Wide Narrow Alley holds the essence of old Chengdu. If you come to Chengdu, you must not miss this attraction—Kuanzhai Alley. Although called Kuanzhai Alley, it actually consists of Jing Alley, Wide Alley, and Narrow Alley. Here, you can experience the city’s street life. Kuanzhai Alley has always been a portrait of a leisurely, carefree life. Some say Kuanzhai Alley is like Beijing’s Nanluoguxiang, but in my view, Nanluoguxiang has an ancient and traditional charm, while Kuanzhai Alley is leisurely and soothing. However, they share one common point: a huge variety of local snacks. Some of the well-known local delicacies here will definitely let you eat to your heart’s content!

Because Kuanzhai Alley preserves so much of old Chengdu culture, as you stroll through it, you’ll see a blend of history and modern fashion—yet you’ll find it not at all incongruous; instead, it gives a wonderful feeling. The rows of walls built with bricks from different eras, along with those relief-like paintings of old street life, make this afternoon in Chengdu leisurely and beautiful.

When you come to Kuanzhai Alley, don’t say you’re just here for the scenery. If you don’t eat something, I’m afraid you’ll be embarrassed to say you’ve been. There are many Chengdu snacks here—it’s a feast. My favorites are the various types of wontons—sweet, salty, numbing, spicy—super tasty and super cheap. Old Mother Rabbit Head, rabbit dices, street-side skewers, guokui, Zhong Shui Jiao, and boboji are all pretty good. I also recommend a place here for sweet water noodles—they suit my taste, delicious and affordable, really great.

Strolling around Kuanzhai Alley and savoring its charm, you’ll find you can slowly enjoy a tranquility absent from daily life. Sipping a cup of tea while eating Chengdu’s specialty snacks—perhaps that is true enjoyment.

Jiaoliao Hotel — Jiaoliao’s New Nest, Memories of Kuanzhai; The Blossoms of Rongcheng Await Your Plucking.

In ancient times, there was “the wren nests in the deep forest”; now, there is “the wren nests in Kuanzhai.” Kuanzhai Alley is a prosperous area of Rongcheng. From ancient times to the present, dignitaries and nobles have settled here, and even ordinary people often wander and linger. Today, tourists and pedestrians come in an endless stream; from a distance you can smell snacks wafting from all corners, and your ears are filled with the sounds of vendors chanting their business in cadence.

Jiaoliao Boutique Hotel, finding tranquility amid the bustle, perches in a delicate and exquisite manner, simple and introverted, within the Kuanzhai Alley scenic area—No. 28 Kuan Alley. The hotel is near Metro Line 4. It is about 19 km from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, about a 40-minute drive. Surrounding attractions include Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli, Tianfu Square, Chunxi Road, and other famous spots.

If you want to enjoy a peaceful vacation without missing the city’s hustle and bustle, Jiaoliao Boutique Hotel is the perfect choice. Before coming, we had inquired about the origin of the hotel’s name. It is said that jiaoliao (wren) is a bird, originating from Zhuangzi’s writing: “The wren nests in the deep forest, but only takes one branch.” This embodies a poetic dwelling that abandons worldly troubles, holds true to one’s heart, returns to nature, and attains freedom and ease, as well as a philosophy of returning to nature away from the noise.

But this time, the wren does not nest in the deep forest; it has chosen an alley full of mundane bustle, located on a long street crowded with tourists, opening up a city forest refuge for those who come from afar.

Amid the noisy crowd, we pushed open the old, heavy gate. The first thing that met our eyes was the main gate; the screen doors on either side had hollow-carved patterns, including bat motifs symbolizing blessings and happiness. The two facing blessings, with water ripples above, imply blessings as vast as the eastern sea; the blessing at the center line represents blessings descending from heaven. Together with the middle one, they complete the ‘Five Blessings at the Door,’ wishing all honored guests here 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 a simple and elegant feeling, as if entering a parallel space apart from worldly splendor, just one wall away from the bustling scene outside. Our companion, as if on fire, kept praising the place, taking photos nonstop, happy as a child.

Entering the lobby, we observed that the hotel’s décor is full of the characteristics and elegance of Sichuan folk houses. The simple, antique imitation-Qing architecture achieves a blend of movement and stillness, revealing the essence of landscape within a small space. It seems the owner put a lot of heart into it—such exquisite decoration, no wonder it’s so popular.

As we passed the corridor, parrots hanging on both sides, hopping up and down, became unusually active at our arrival, chirping incessantly, amusing my friend. It seemed these birds were welcoming our stay!

The hotel’s green bricks and black tiles interweave with the birds’ calls—one dynamic, one static—complementing the hotel’s design style, reflecting both aspects. The “dynamic” is expressed in the details of the hotel’s décor: bird-shaped ornaments echo the hotel’s name throughout. The “static” is embodied in the antique gray-brick, black-tiled courtyard: every plant and tree is serene, every bamboo and stone offers elegance, establishing a tranquil and leisurely tone, allowing you to roam freely in spirit.

Passing the corridor, we reached the accommodation area. Entering the guest room, we found that the materials used are all natural—solid, genuine wood. The room also features Shu embroidery, one of the four famous embroidery styles, and a duiwo (traditional rice pounding vessel), fully explaining the concept of returning to simplicity.

Upon closer observation, we noticed that the hardware facilities are also impressive: the bathrooms, fully intelligent sensor toilets, and mattresses are all configured according to top standards of international five-star hotels. Understated luxury mixed with high-end vibes—such configurations far exceed those of other hotels. How could our group not be tempted?

Inheriting Lao-Zhuang culture, offering high-end facilities—neither vulgar nor renouncing the world. Jiaoliao Hotel lets you find the perfect balance between bustling activity and serene detachment, allowing you to enjoy both the peace beyond the mundane and the convenience of urban life—all for your unique experience.

Panda Base — Discover the Joy of Pandas

When talking about Sichuan, you cannot forget the place where giant pandas live—the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Many people love the adorable, clumsy look of pandas. Previously, we only saw pandas online; browsing pictures, we found them soft and cute. Coming to the panda breeding base, thinking we would see real pandas, we were especially excited—after all, they are our national treasure. “Serving the country with cuteness”—that’s the real strength of baby pandas.

In this base, you will see many giant pandas, which is a different feeling from browsing pictures online! The panda babies enjoy a national treasure–level treatment here; the environment fully simulates the pandas’ wild habitat. There are lakes, streams, and of course, their favorite food—bamboo! Most notably, “Panda Villas” have been built for them. These are their daily leisure and entertainment spaces. When the weather is cool, the panda babies play here: some stroll leisurely in the yard, others roll on the ground—a truly carefree scene!

Visitors can also watch the cute pandas from behind the railing. When it’s hot, the pandas cleverly hide in their resting rooms; then visitors 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 poses—whatever you want to see, they have.

Our national treasure pandas are truly adorable—goofy, cute, free, and happy. Suddenly I found myself envying these pandas; perhaps I’m not the only one who thinks so!

Childlike Innocence in White Snow — Taiziling Ski Resort

If we talk about winter snow viewing, people in Chengdu must think of Xiling Snow Mountain. But there is an even more beautiful place waiting to be visited—Taiziling Ski Resort on Jiuding Mountain.

Taiziling Ski Resort is located in the Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area of Mao County, Aba Prefecture, known as “China’s Ancient Qiang City.” It is 180 km from downtown Chengdu, about a 3.5-hour drive—a professional ski resort at the doorstep of Chengdu residents.

In winter, Jiuding Mountain is clad in silver, covered with white snow, ushering in a 4-month sunshine skiing season. Taiziling Ski Resort on Jiuding Mountain has the longest intermediate-to-advanced international commercial standard ski runs in the west, strictly divided from beginner to top levels, and is equipped with a full set of imported new snow gear.

The ski resort can accommodate 5,000 people skiing at the same time, with professional ski instructors to guide, fully meeting the skiing needs of enthusiasts of different levels. The resort also offers free group beginner courses at different times, allowing visitors to quickly learn basic skiing moves and feel the joy of skiing.

In addition to adult activities, the resort has specially prepared an area for children. In the snow play area, with family company, children slide down from high places on sleds, filled with laughter.

As a top winter resort in the southwest, Taiziling Ski Resort is equipped with supporting facilities such as the Hemingzhuang Holiday Hotel and the Hemingzhuang Holiday Viewing Restaurant. Plus, the convenience of a 3.5-hour drive from Chengdu directly to the ski hall provides a new destination for winter outdoor sports for Chengdu and surrounding tourists.

The ski runs at Taiziling are divided into 3 beginner runs, 3 intermediate runs, and 3 advanced runs according to slope gradient. Each run is gently sloped, giving beginners a full sense of safety. The 3 intermediate runs are the domain of brave beginners and most casual skiers, where you can have a blast.

Parents with kids need not worry—there are also child-friendly snow play runs with very gentle slopes, perfect for children, ensuring safe and enjoyable fun: snowball fights, building snowmen, and sledding—everything is available. Here, you can feel the purity of childhood and the lost childhood fun.

If you drive here, you’re in luck: on the way home at night, passing through Wenchuan, you can also enjoy the night scenery of Wenchuan—neon lights splendid and beautiful, giving a sense of peace and comfort. Only by skiing yourself do you know how charming it is—you’ll get addicted after one try! When you immerse yourself in that pure white, experience the purity and grandeur of the wilderness amid thrilling sports, listen to the wind whistling past your ears during high-speed gliding, the world under your feet is vast and white.

Let You Taste the Flavor of Home — Yuan Gong

Chengdu Sichuan food check-in spot: Yuan Gong. This restaurant was recommended by a friend. It serves authentic salt-branch cuisine, with truly genuine flavors that allow homesick people to taste the flavor of home.

Location: No. 87 Xuedao Street, Annex 1. South entrance of Chunxi Road, cross the overpass and walk toward the Xinhua Bookstore, about ten minutes. It’s also not far from Qingshiqiao Seafood Market, about five minutes.

Before we went in, we saw their sign from a distance. The shop isn’t very large, but it has an antique charm with a strong Chinese style. It feels like a mid-to-high-end eatery; the interior hall is quite spacious and not crowded. The environment is definitely excellent.

The service attitude is good. Upon entering, everyone says a welcome greeting. The receptionist at the door led us in, and then the inner hall staff took over. They seem quite thoughtful.

I have to say their serving speed is fast. Not long after we ordered, the dishes came up one after another.

Special recommendation: the old duck soup. The flavor is very fresh, the broth rich and delicious, and the soup base is really fresh. Taking a sip feels refreshing for both body and mind. The duck meat is stewed very tender, not dry or tough, very nourishing.

Longmen Hanging Meat is really special. When the server 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 pick the most impressive dish, it would be the Luoben Shrimp. The shrimp are pre-processed, definitely fresh, and the veins are removed, so diners can eat with peace of mind. Most importantly, the Luoben Shrimp also has taro—the taro is delicious, soft and flavorful, with an excellent texture.

Yuan Gong Clam and Frog—visually stunning, like a nebula chain. The taste is great. It was my first time trying this combination of frog and clams; I have to say the novelty is high and the flavor is good.

Zai Jiang Jumping Frog—the meat is tender and the flavor pure. The dish looks very spicy, but actually it’s mild. The frog meat is tender, and eating it feels like a dance on the taste buds. Good, good!

The dishes are really tasty and generous in portion. This is also a great place for gatherings and entertaining guests. Recommended with five stars!

Fiery Red Skewers

The location is right near Metro Line 7’s Huazhaobi Station Exit A, just a few minutes’ walk to Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan. The sign is very eye-catching. When I walked in, I found the style unique—very Chinese, quite interesting.

I have to say the shop’s façade is grand. Inside, there are square tables with proper spacing, so it doesn’t feel crowded. Sitting inside is comfortable.

The serving speed is fast. I have to mention that their skewers are cold pot skewers: you pick your ingredients, and the restaurant cooks them and brings them straight to you—no worry about whether they’re cooked, just eat right away. Very convenient.

The dry dipping powder is their specialty. It tastes particularly good, with lots of crushed peanuts on top—seems great. My friend loved it so much he wanted to ask the owner for the exact seasoning, but that’s impossible; they won’t reveal it. The dry dip is good, but for someone like me who can’t handle much spice, it’s not quite suitable. For spice lovers, this is your dipping weapon!

Of course, they don’t just have skewers; small bowl dishes are also a specialty. Many small bowls are quite tasty. Recommended must-order: Spicy Hot Pot Noodles—the noodles are really good, very flavorful, each strand soaked in broth—absolutely amazing!

Spicy Potatoes are my favorite—not too spicy, and each potato paired with the condiments is deliciously addictive. The potatoes are not hard or too soft, just right; after one bowl, you want a second.

I had rabbit loin for the first time at Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan. Unexpectedly, the rabbit loin tasted great, even better than I imagined—tender texture, one bite each, truly satisfying.

After finishing the skewers, have some ice jelly to cut the grease—life is just that awesome.

Savoring Time in Bie Yuan

This tavern, surrounded by greenery, lit by neon lights, and filled with various drinks and snacks, has quickly become a favorite of Chengdu’s nightlife lovers.

Perhaps in life you may encounter various upsetting things, but on a night like this, having a night of revelry with friends is a good choice. It might let you temporarily forget some unpleasantness and let you thoroughly enjoy a pleasant time—taste it, savor it!

This small tavern is actually near 339, on that bar street. As soon as you enter, you’ll find the décor quite nice. The glittering, bustling atmosphere makes you feel like you’re at a midnight cocktail party—a unique sense of mystery.

The place has two floors. The staircase to the upper floor is interestingly designed with flickering lights—this is one of their Instagram-worthy decorations, indeed eye-catching. Inside, there are several rows of moving colored lights that change colors and move up and down, making the tavern even more atmospheric.

This place is practically a museum of alcohol.

Besides 75 types of alcohol and over 20 specialty cocktails, they recently introduced a new “hot pot wine.” This drink gets full points for appearance. Have you ever had hot pot? Have you ever had alcohol? But have you ever had such a good-looking hot pot wine? Hmm, it looks a bit like a traditional Beijing copper pot. Inside, there is mellow rice wine and strong vodka. The pot comes with base ingredients: besides dried tangerine peel, cloves, dragon fruit, and small kumquats, rose petals are added—full marks for romance.

The alcohol content is not high; it tastes sweet and sour with a floral and fruity fragrance—suitable for both men and women. The portion is large; for two or three people, one pot is enough. Sitting at the bar, watching the bartender’s smooth moves is itself a wonderful enjoyment.

Perhaps in moments like these, we can find the uninhibited version of ourselves!

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