Sichuan Trip: What I Miss Is Your Lively Atmosphere

Chengdu is not a place that dampens one's will; on the contrary, it makes you feel vibrant. The only reason to succumb is that you cannot resist the city's unrestrained imagination. Its beauty lies in its innocence, and the men and women, young and old, living here all have a fatal charming sense of relaxation. They never doubt the meaning of life; they are doers - they play mahjong when they want to, and eat small chili peppers when they like. Sichuan people have a certain spirit, one that is calm, fearless, and unassuming, living their beloved little life. Rather than saying I like Chengdu, it's better to say I like the lively atmosphere of Chengdu.

Chengdu people love food, and Chengdu is the capital of gastronomy! The best feelings in life must be hidden in the journey. Others' journeys have sweet tastes, sour tastes, and all flavors of life, but my journey has only one flavor: the aroma of food. So I came to Chengdu, a city full of delicious food everywhere!

Yuán Gòng, Yuán Gòng, fate brings tribute. The red plaque with gold characters instantly struck my heart. The moon-white verses on the floor also highlighted the theme of "fate." It seems I truly have a connection with this restaurant.

The ceiling of Yuán Gòng is covered with fiery red flowers, making it feel exceptionally innovative, and my mood unconsciously improved.

This restaurant is behind another street near Chunxi Road and Qingshi Bridge. The location is a bit off the beaten path. Compared to the dazzling nightlife of Chunxi Road, it feels somewhat detached from the mundane. And this is exactly the kind of place I love - a place that is aloof from worldly affairs.

The overall environment of the restaurant is quite spacious. Each table has a separate booth, with decent distance, suitable for small gatherings. It doesn't feel crowded at all; I absolutely love this setting!

Nowadays, restaurant decor is quite stylish, and this place is no exception. The lighting and color tones, whether in private rooms or the main hall's booth seats, are all tastefully designed!

The dishes here are authentic Zigong-style Sichuan cuisine, and the flavors are excellent. The environment actually has a very homey feel, with red flowers and umbrellas as decorations giving a very festive and warm atmosphere. Such an ambiance instantly fills my heart with warmth; perhaps this is the taste of home.

The service staff were great, genuinely warm and attentive, readily available whenever called. Even though we were seated in a relatively remote spot, the waitstaff could be summoned at any time, and we never encountered a situation where no one responded. Their attitude towards guests is truly friendly and welcoming, with dedicated staff guiding you from entrance to exit. I think that is a very good point.

As for the dishes, the one that left the deepest impression on me was Yuán Gòng's signature rabbit with clams. The green and red twin peppers highlight the tender and delicious rabbit meat, and the clams look tantalizingly colored. A bite delivers tenderness, a slight numbness, and a moderate spiciness. Instantly, taste buds dance - when golden wind meets jade dew, it surpasses countless worldly pleasures!

Longmen Hanging Meat, this dish is cut by a dedicated young man and placed on a plate. Crispy texture, the fried coating is perfectly done, and it doesn't feel greasy even after eating a lot. This is also one of their signature dishes, quite unique.

The old duck soup left a deep impression. It doesn't have a strong MSG flavor, but rather a clear, sweet, and fragrant taste that is just right for quenching dryness. A sip makes me feel relaxed and comfortable; it's so delicious and soothing.

Another dish, Yuán Gòng's local chicken slices, was definitely the best of the evening. The flavor was excellent, and there were lotus root slices underneath. The red chili oil was very fragrant, and when combined with the chicken slices, it was simply a heavenly delicacy. My friend and I couldn't stop praising this dish; it was truly wonderfully made!

The bean-scented whole fish was very large, covered with fermented black beans and minced meat. Even without the fish, the seasoning alone could go with several bowls of rice. The fish meat was especially tender and not at all fishy!

Fated to meet from a thousand miles away, we meet at Yuán Gòng. An authentic Sichuan restaurant that keeps surprising you!

As everyone knows, Chengdu is the capital of gastronomy. When it comes to representative foods, Chuan Chuan (skewers) definitely has its place. Large bundles of bamboo skewers, hot red soup, spicy and numbing flavors – it makes your mouth water uncontrollably. This Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan Main Store on Jinfangyuan East Road can be your choice.

The variety of skewers in the store is quite rich, with dozens of types. Both vegetable and meat options are plentiful, which made me dizzy trying to choose.

The ingredients are pre-skewered and placed in refrigerators for customers to pick on their own. Customers just need to choose their favorite dishes. Another feature is that the chef cooks them directly and then serves them in a large pot, saving customers the time of cooking themselves. It's incredibly convenient for lazy people like us.

After a short wait, a pot of steaming skewers arrives. The soup looks oily and spicy, but actually has a moderate spiciness, with a numbing and delicious flavor. The store offers dry and oil dipping sauces. The dry sauce is their specialty and is great tasting; highly recommended.

Besides skewers, there are also some hot dishes like spicy brain, smooth and delicate; spicy duck blood, tender and smooth; spicy duck intestines, crisp and tasty; and spicy luncheon meat, instant noodles, etc., all quite memorable.

Although this Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan may not claim to be the best skewers in Chengdu, it is the most special.

In this leisurely city of Chengdu, there are many pubs of various sizes. But one like theirs, surrounded by greenery, lit by neon lights, and filled with various alcohols and snacks, is unique to Chengdu – only Bieyuan Li.

The unique cat girl inside adds a touch of mystery to their nights, making people look forward to the arrival of evening.

I heard that this store hired the company responsible for the lighting design of the Bird's Nest Stadium to design their lighting effects. I could only secretly say, what a grand production! The boss is really generous!

As the lights come on, the entire pub seems like a colorful neon world. Under the interplay of light and shadow, various colored lights resemble stars in the sky, shining brightly in the pub. Looking at the scene, I can't help but exclaim: indeed, the boss's decision was correct, and the customers' feelings are the greatest affirmation.

Since this is a small pub, alcohol is a must. There is an enormous variety: foreign spirits, cocktails, cocktails, pure imported beer – everything you could imagine. There were even many liquors I couldn't name, making my eyes dazzled. Anyway, as long as you want to drink something, you can find it here!

Not only that, but the utensils used for serving food are also carefully selected Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain, looking elegantly beautiful and captivating.

Although there are many alcoholic beverages, what I favor is not the strong ones. Long Island Iced Tea is clear and mild like black tea, yet also has the strong, mellow aroma of alcohol. With lemon juice and cola added, Long Island Iced Tea has a sweet taste similar to lemon iced tea, and is very popular among girls. My friend, who knows a lot about alcohol, told me this drink is a "wolf in sheep's clothing" in the cocktail world, with a relatively high alcohol concentration. Those who can't handle it shouldn't overindulge.

Another drink here is called Metropolitan. Saying that Metropolitan is one of the most popular cocktails in the world is no exaggeration. To this day, it has been trending for over thirty years. With its low alcohol concentration, sweet and sour taste, and rich fruity flavor, it has conquered me and become my favorite.

If you happen to order their bartender's special at Bieyuan Li Pub, congratulations! You'll enjoy a super satisfying cocktail show. The finished cocktail slowly "breathes" out mist from the rim of the glass, creating a very artistic atmosphere. Savoring it, the deeper the contact between your tongue and the cocktail, the more wonderful its taste becomes.

I must recommend this Chinese-style cocktail – ancient Qiang wheat straw za wine. Rice wine drunk through a wheat straw? It's the first time I've seen this. The rice wine is sweet and mellow, smooth and gentle. Drinking a small bottle in winter makes your whole body feel warm.

Don't think they only have alcohol here. Actually, their place is also a hidden Sichuan restaurant. The taste and portion sizes can rival outside Sichuan restaurants. Dan dan noodles, Zhong dumplings, and the childhood-tasting fermented rice with brown sugar – you can have them all here!

Their signature grilled fish is always a popular dish. The fish is grilled to perfection, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. After a few bites, you'll definitely become a fan.

After seeing all this, if you're curious, go and experience it yourself!

From the entrance of Kuanzhai Alley to the Jiaoliao hotel is only about two hundred meters, but it can easily take half an hour to walk. Rows upon rows of snack shops, various gold and silver utensils – if your mind wanders, you'll get lost in the sights and sounds.

Your eyes take in the green bricks and black tiles, ancient trees and long streets. Your ears are filled with the clanging of copper and silver craftsmen and the cries of shopkeepers inviting customers. Your nose catches the aroma of sugar-oil fruits and egg-flour cakes. Escaping from all this requires a lot of willpower.

It's full of lively worldly atmosphere. Walking back and forth once is like doing a somersault in the world of desires, satisfying all your senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and mind.

The Jiaoliao hotel right in the middle of Kuanzhai Alley is a peculiar exception in this century-old lane. Its tightly closed double doors and the copper lock that falls year-round seem to declare the concept of retreating into your own courtyard and being self-contained.

Truly experiencing what it means to be a "city forest"! Going out is hustle and bustle; coming in is quiet and guarding your heart. Build a sanctuary amidst prosperity and comfort, with luxury hidden inside and charm within.

And indeed, it is: once the eight-tael copper lock falls, it separates the gazes of passing tourists and shuts out the lively world that has steeped this alley for three hundred years.

The wind can pass through the courtyard, birds can perch on the eaves. But none of the outside noise can enter. It takes a quiet spot in the middle of the hustle and bustle. This is Jiaoliao.

The wooden structure made of whole tung wood is a meeting of traditional aesthetics and modern techniques, natural yet stable. Long-term exposure to the faint wood fragrance helps you sleep, calms the mind, and relaxes the body.

The hotel's architectural style combines movement and stillness. "Movement" is reflected in the detailed decoration throughout. Birds come into view from the entrance corridor and continue with bird-shaped decorations in the guest rooms, echoing the hotel's name, Jiaoliao.

"Stillness" is in the antique quadrangular courtyard with green and black tiles. Every blade of grass and every tree is secluded; every bamboo and every mat has elegant charm. Each guest room has its own poetic name, giving it life and vitality!

The rooms are mostly decorated with natural wood, fresh and clean, with complete facilities: King Koil mattress, Kohler sanitary ware, TOTO smart toilet... Various drinks, snacks, fruits, tea, etc., are all provided, giving a very warm and comfortable feeling. There's also a small open balcony where you can look at Kuanzhai Alley outside when you wake up. This is the life you want – being in the world while staying detached. And if you want to relax your tired body, they offer very professional spa services.

Breakfast is also very warm. When checking in, the butler asks about your meal time and taste preferences, which is thoughtful. You can choose between Chinese and Western meals, with fruits, nuts, and pastries, and the butler delivers them to your room! Full of love.

Living here, I feel truly carefree and comfortable, owning this beautiful scene alone, enjoying the joy of leisure!

Taiziling Ski Resort is located in the Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area in Mao County, about 180 kilometers from Chengdu. It takes about 3.5 hours to drive from Chengdu to the ski resort. The highest altitude of the ski resort is 2,971 meters, the lowest is 2,733 meters, with a drop of 238 meters. Generally, people do not experience altitude sickness, so you can enjoy it with peace of mind. The total length of the ski trails is 2.5 kilometers, making it the longest ski resort in southern China.

Taiziling Ski Resort has relatively professional ski runs: 3 advanced, 3 intermediate, and 3 beginner runs. Whether you are experiencing skiing for the first time or are a professional with all the skills, you can find fun here.

Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area boasts a beautiful natural environment, with green mountains and clear waters, rich in vegetation. It is a multifunctional scenic area integrating outdoor camping, tourism, sports, and leisure. The concentration of negative oxygen ions is very high, and PM2.5 has been consistently below 10 for a long time. During the snow season, 70% of the time it is sunny and clear, making it a city of sunshine and a land of snow scenery.

The ski trails are naturally winding and undulating, known as "dream trails" by ski enthusiasts. Multiple trails are available for you to choose from, offering many options and surprises, providing an exciting stage for beginners and professionals alike to have fun and showcase their skills.

Skiing is a very physically demanding activity, and with strong ultraviolet rays, you'll soon be sweating profusely and feeling exhausted. Make sure to rehydrate and take breaks. During breaks, look at the blue sky, take photos, and admire others' cool poses – it's also very enjoyable. The weather was good; sunlight reflected off the snow was dazzling, so it's best to bring sunglasses.

To go to the advanced runs, you must take the cable car, and you must wear a helmet. So if you plan to go to the advanced runs, remember to rent a helmet.

Riding the cable car with the white snow beneath, the bright sun above, and skiers whizzing below, I was especially 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 run. As soon as I got off, my legs went weak. The first slope was at least 40 degrees.

Indeed, "high places are unbearably cold" – on the advanced run, there were fewer people. Very few were using double boards; most were advanced players with their own snowboards. They skied down in just a few moves and were out of sight in no time.

When hungry, you can buy some food. There are dining areas inside the ski resort, but you can also bring your own. Bringing some rice and a self-heating hot pot is a good idea. The hot pot at the resort hotel is delicious, no worse than outside. A big pot of red, fragrant soup, oily but not greasy – while enjoying the snow scenery and the spicy thrill of the hot pot, that's a real pleasure.

From the moment you step into Jiuding Mountain, you will experience a natural realm far from the noise, full of poetic charm, harmony between heaven and man, and ancient tranquility. And in Taiziling Ski Resort, you can have a more harmonious, intimate, and wonderful holiday with your family and friends. Why not!

Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage is located on the banks of Huanhua Brook, west of Chengdu city. It is a must-visit for tourists coming to Chengdu.

Du Fu Thatched Cottage, as the name suggests, is Du Fu's former residence. Although the thatched cottage is built on a grand and luxurious scale, Du Fu's actual former residence is only a very small part of the scenic area – a few shabby, small thatched huts. The large-scale constructions were built by later generations to commemorate Du Fu.

Entering the thatched cottage, there are many fork paths with signposts indicating directions for tourists. Going further in, an antique alley comes into view: walls painted vermilion on both sides, tiles embedded with round bricks carved with animal faces, and mottled moss on the tiles indicating that the alley has been around for some time. The bluestone slabs underfoot have become dark and cracked.

Crossing the alley, a winding stream appears, with green bamboos growing along the banks and towering ancient trees, creating a picturesque scene.

Before we know it, we arrive at a place that looks like a thatched hut – yes, this is Du Fu's former residence! Small paths on both sides lead to a small garden enclosed by bamboo fences.

The roof does not contain modern building materials, but it is no longer the one Du Fu lived in back then. Here, I just want to stand in front of the house and feel the timeless verse: "How can I get thousands of grand houses to shelter all the world's cold scholars with joyful faces?" I see the mud on the walls coming loose, revealing large bamboo frames. The wood on the threshold feels like it would break if you stepped on it.

Walking through the thatched cottage, I am overwhelmed by the historical atmosphere and rich poetic sentiment, making me indulge in it and reluctant to leave...

What I miss is the scenery of Chengdu; what I miss is the food of Chengdu; what I miss most is the lively atmosphere of Chengdu...