[A 2-Day, 1-Night Foodie Adventure Essay] / A Feast of Fine Dining, Chengdu's Beauty Shines Over the World

Fingertip: The only things I love in life are beautiful scenery and good food, and neither should be let down.

Some say that when we mention Chengdu, what comes to mind isn't the city name but one delicious dish after another. Because Chengdu is a city filled with food. In every alley and on every street of this city, you can encounter a lot of food and many interesting snacks anytime, anywhere.

And the enthusiasm of Chengdu people for eating has also led to a highly developed catering industry in Chengdu. Whenever tourists from other places come to Chengdu, they are all interested in Chengdu's hotpot, Sichuan dishes, snacks, malatang, etc. Not eating good food in Chengdu always makes one feel like entering a treasure mountain and returning empty-handed.

One: Taiziling Ski Resort → Gua Chuanchuan (Jinli) Two: Bieyuanli Tavern (Wuhou Shrine) Three: Yuan Gong (People's Park) → Jiaoliao Hotel

It is said that the winter treasures of Chengdu people are three: eating hotpot, soaking in hot springs, and skiing. In this chilly season, the most comfortable things are these three.

And the place where you can best feel the world of ice and snow, besides Xiling Snow Mountain, is the Taiziling Ski Resort on Jiuding Mountain, which is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Chengdu. Friends who like skiing might as well go with us to experience the passion of winter.

"Among the many immortal mountains in Shu, Jiuding Mountain is called unique." Taiziling Ski Resort on Jiuding Mountain in Mao County is the professional top choice for winter tourism and skiing in Sichuan, providing tourists with a ski resort that integrates skiing and sightseeing, making it a great place for outdoor sports enthusiasts to visit in winter.

Arriving at the ski resort, you'll find not only three beginner slopes with a total length of 290 meters, three intermediate slopes with a total length of 390 meters, and three advanced slopes with a total length of 2630 meters. On top of the advanced slopes, there is a cable car going straight to the mountain top. Looking down from the top, the scenery is really beautiful; the earth is covered in silver, so beautiful that it intoxicates the heart.

Inside the resort, there are also multiple activities suitable for children of all ages: you can watch the snow, have snowball fights, take photos, and ski. You can also take children to the children's play area to ride sleds. No matter your skiing skills, you can find a slope that suits you and have a great time.

In addition to activities, food and accommodation are also the most concerning issues for everyone. To meet the needs of different tourists, the ski resort offers multiple price standards for dining and lodging. The resort is equipped with the Hemingzhuang Holiday Hotel, which has more than 70 guest rooms. The rooms are decorated with wooden sauna panels combined with Qiang ethnic style, with 24-hour heating supply.

The resort has two dining areas that can accommodate 2,000 people at the same time. They offer hot pot chicken, beef offal hot pot, etc., which taste delicious and mouth-watering at first sight. They also serve Tibetan-Qiang flavored specialties made with highland yak meat, lamb, wild vegetables, and alpine wild mushrooms.

Taiziling is at an altitude of about 3,000 meters and the temperature is relatively low. For those who don't exercise, we suggest wearing more clothes. Once the sun comes out and you get moving, it's actually not cold, but rather quite hot. Parents should remember to bring an extra set of clothes for children, as they can easily sweat and wet their clothes while playing. Ski equipment can be brought or rented. If you don't ski often, renting is more cost-effective. Don't worry if you can't ski; there are coaches who will teach you hand in hand.

Relying on the unique natural terrain of the Jiuding Mountain scenic area, high altitude and rich vegetation resources, the air at the ski resort is fresh, with high levels of negative oxygen ions. Therefore, the snow quality is the rare powder snow found in ordinary ski resorts.

In winter, 80% of the days are sunny and beautiful, with daytime temperatures even reaching 20°C. Tourists can enjoy skiing at this sunny ski resort while staying away from smog, getting close to the blue sky, and basking in the sun.

A city has its own historical culture and its own characteristic neighborhoods. To understand a city's history and culture, you should walk into its characteristic neighborhoods, learn about the cultural origins and stories of celebrities, touch the remnant warmth of history up close, and feel the commercial prosperity and lively atmosphere that have continued through the changes of the times.

With rare leisure time and family accompanying us, we decided to take a stroll near Jinli, enjoying the sights and savoring the experience slowly. If Kuanzhai Alley is classical and literary, like a moon in the mirror of time, then Jinli is bustling and worldly, like fireworks blooming outside the mirror of time.

Walking into Jinli, the aroma of delicious food is overwhelmingly tempting. Shops are wide open, mainly selling food and drinks. Fresh fruits and delicacies carefully arranged appear and disappear in the faint mist. Looking at their beauty, discerning their fresh colors, and smelling their fragrance, one's mouth waters uncontrollably.

Next to the shops, there are performers dressed as Sichuan opera actors greeting customers. They mimic the movements in opera plays, suddenly shrinking their necks and stretching their heads, turning from a white face to a red face, startling you. Before you can be surprised or annoyed, they pull a funny face at you, making you laugh out loud. This teasing and amusement instantly lifts your mood.

When we first arrived, the sky was clear. Strolling through Jinli with fewer tourists gave it a hazy, classical charm. The streets of Jinli are not wide, but on both sides, ancient buildings face each other. Strings of red lanterns hang high and low, either under the flying eaves and upturned corners or on tree branches, twinkling in the hazy rain, full of unique charm.

Walking along the ancient street feels like strolling through a poetic atmosphere with harmonious rhythm. Carved and latticed windows and doors, ancient walls covered with creeping vines, winding corridors leading to secluded spots—like the background of a poem, with a contrast of vicissitudes and vitality, both elegant and common.

Jinli is an ancient street suitable for nostalgia and also a place that appeals to both refined and popular tastes. Here you can find memories of Chengdu from the Three Kingdoms period, or enjoy a leisurely life in the fast-paced city.

After touring Jinli, we got hungry. It seems the temptation of food is quite strong. We decided to take the family to Gua Chuanchuan at the Jinfangyuan East Road branch. We heard it was pretty good. When we arrived, we found that the environment of this Gua Chuanchuan was indeed quite nice.

The overall decoration features green bricks and green tiles, with walls mainly red giving a festive feel. The space is spacious, with clear functional divisions. The Chinese retro style adds a unique charm to the restaurant, making it antique and elegant.

Although we thought it was still early, once inside we realized it was a different world. There were so many people; the entire hall was full, with voices everywhere, but it didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the foodies queuing outside. Indeed, delicious food is king; this is the true nature of Chengdu foodies.

Broth base: Authentic Chengdu method for preparing the soup base, spicy and satisfying cold pot skewers, freshly boiled every day with a super rich soup base, red oil covering the secret broth base, full of ingredients simmered from morning until noon opening. Fragrant but not numbing, spicy but not irritating. This flavor simply cannot be imitated; only recipes handed down from older generations can be called the old Chengdu taste.

70+ types of skewers to choose from: Six large freezers so many choices you'll be dazzled; ingredients are protected by five-star cold chain; fresh ingredients are carefully selected and marinated, then skewered. Meat and vegetable options are available; after eating, the skewers are weighed to pay. Take whatever you want and immediately start the crazy skewer munching mode!

Handmade special dip duo: How fragrant is the dry dip? The combination of crushed peanuts and chili powder easily takes the lead. Roll the skewer lightly and you'll taste the peanut aroma. The handmade process makes it unique. The oil dip, made with sesame oil, minced garlic, and chopped green onions, is also a great helper for reducing spiciness and adding fragrance.

Beef skewers are versatile: Give me a slice of beef, and I can wrap a world. Five-spice, spicy, coriander, pickled pepper, spring onion. The beef is marinated in a secret sauce for two to three hours. Plump pickled peppers with tender beef, a hint of green in the red beef makes it particularly striking. When eaten, the bold flavor bursts on the tongue. Inside the thick beef pieces, the pickled peppers are ready to burst with juice. Your mouth says no, but your body is honest, sending one skewer after another to your mouth.

Mini sausage: Mini sausages are a Chengdu specialty. Plump little sausages with alternating fat and lean, cut into bite-sized pieces. The slightly sweet taste is very Cantonese-style. The dual sensation of sweet and spicy is captivating; while relieving spiciness, the satisfaction also doubles! You won't regret coming to this restaurant. It's so delicious you can't stop eating.

Hearing the name "Wuhou," anyone who has read "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" must be familiar with it. That's right, it's the alias of the famous Zhuge Liang, "Zhuge Wuhou." If your favorite kingdom in the novel is Shu, then the famous Chengdu attraction—Wuhou Shrine—is a must-visit. It will surely satisfy all your longings.

Soon it was afternoon. My family and I planned to visit Wuhou Shrine, to experience together the legendary stories of the Three Kingdoms period and fulfill our Three Kingdoms dream.

Legend has it that Wuhou Shrine was first built in 223 AD, initially to build a mausoleum for Liu Bei. Later generations combined Liu Bei's mausoleum with Zhuge Liang's shrine, resulting in the present Wuhou Shrine, a temple where both monarch and minister are worshipped. It is the only such temple in China.

The heroes of Shu, with all their ups and downs, have turned to dust here. Their great achievements are buried and rest here. All historical stories have settled and brewed here, resulting in this weighty Wuhou Shrine, a memorial to the heroes of Shu Han.

From Sanyi Temple to Wuhou Shrine, from the Peach Garden Oath to Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage, we arrive at the main hall of Zhuge Liang's shrine. In the center hangs a horizontal plaque reading "Fame Throughout the Universe," which must be the highest praise for Mr. Zhuge. The couplet reads: "If you can attack the heart, resistance will disappear; from ancient times, those who know war are not fond of war. If you don't assess the situation, both leniency and strictness are mistakes; later rulers of Shu must think deeply."

These two lines highly summarize Zhuge Liang's loyalty and ambition in serving Shu with all his might until his death. He used his entire life to repay the favor of the three visits to his thatched cottage and the kindness of recognition. Wuhou Shrine is not large; being in the bustling city, it doesn't occupy much space. It takes about an hour to tour. Yet Wuhou Shrine is also large, because what it carries is not just a scenic spot, but the history of a dynasty, a tribute and remembrance of that era.

We walked and stopped, turning into quiet spots, admiring bonsai, watching flowers and plants, smelling subtle fragrances. We gazed at ancient trees with twisted roots, observed delicate arched bridges and water reflections, sighed at the dilapidated pillars of the Han palace. With reverence for Shu, we slowly walked out.

In Chengdu, a city known for its leisure, there are many bars of all sizes. But Bieyuanli, surrounded by greenery, lit by neon lights, and rich in various types of alcohol and snacks, is the only one of its kind in Chengdu. To provide customers with a better in-store experience, they specially invited a lighting design company to create the lighting effects.

We couldn't waste the evening; we needed to have a good time. We planned to take the family to Bieyuanli to enjoy a relaxing night.

Upon entering, as the lights turned on, the entire bar became a colorful neon world. Under the interplay of light and shadow, colorful lights resembled stars in the sky, shining brilliantly in the bar, instantly elevating the entertainment and leisure atmosphere.

The variety of alcohol in the bar is as rich as the lighting: foreign spirits, Chinese-style cocktails, cocktails, and pure original imported beer—all available! Whatever you want to drink, you can basically find it here!

Night Suit Mask Kiss: The rose wine, with its attractive appearance that makes young ladies adore it, has a refreshing rose fragrance. Since the alcohol content is not high, it's suitable for small gatherings of girlfriends or leisurely moments. The rose flavor is not strong at first, but as you drink, the taste of alcohol becomes clearer and more captivating.

Ancient Qiang Wheat Straw Zha Wine: Blue-and-white porcelain bottle, full of a martial arts vibe. Wheat straws serve as straws; sipping wine amidst laughter and chatter has a unique flavor.

Barbecue Platter: Good wine and grilled skewers are always an unbreakable pair. Eating barbecue without wine feels like betraying the gathering! Mini sausages, shrimp, corn kernels, dried tofu, green beans, and other dishes, all spicy and flavorful, can satisfy different people's cravings.

Lemongrass Grilled Fish: In addition to barbecue, this grilled fish is also a must-order dish. Although the fish is not large, the aroma of the fish has already hooked us. Because the grilled fish is made with lemongrass, the fragrance of the fish becomes fresher! After frying, the fish is crispy outside and tender inside, smooth and delicious, with a wonderful taste. Sitting and playing in such a music bar is the best place to enjoy comfort and leisure.

The so-called leisure life of Chengdu is not about the office buildings in the High-tech Zone, nor the crowded Kuanzhai Alley, nor the street-photography of Chunxi Road. Come to People's Park; this is the most anticipated living place for Chengdu people.

People's Park, with a history of 100 years, serves as a material and spiritual carrier, storing the real old Chengdu life. On weekends, People's Park becomes the most lively place.

There are two old tea houses in the park: Yongju and Heming. Among them, Heming is the most famous. Built in the 1920s, it has a history of nearly a hundred years, almost as old as People's Park. Therefore, it is called the century-old Heming. You must learn to "strike first to gain the advantage," because Heming is always full. As soon as someone leaves, grab the seat immediately. After sitting, a lady in blue-and-white patterned clothes will come to clean the table and ask you to order tea.

The playground is the loudest place. The noise and laughter of children are incessant. Little trains, carousels, roller coasters—every child and big child can find their source of happiness.

But the most popular activity in People's Park is still boating. Color-worn little boats bear the childhood imprint of Chengdu people from the last century. When the weather is good, there are the most people, and you have to queue for boating. Young parents always bring their children here to go boating, enjoying the happiness of a harmonious family. Of course, there are also young couples on dates. In short, no matter who is on the boat, they are all as happy as children.

After visiting the park, we planned to take the family to eat at Yuan Gong on Chunxi Road. A friend had told us before that this restaurant is an authentic Zigong-style Sichuan restaurant, very popular and bustling, so we specially came to try it today.

By the time we arrived, many people were already dining! The restaurant's decoration is quite down-to-earth, with an antique atmosphere that is very attractive. The ambiance highlights the characteristics of old Chengdu. The private rooms, main hall, and booth seats are all well-designed, decorated with lush flowers, revealing a unique charm.

Many of the customers here are tourists visiting Chengdu. The dishes they ordered are very characteristic of Chengdu. The maoxuewang, sliced chicken, and signature rabbit are the reasons I must visit. It's been a long time since I've eaten such fresh, fragrant, spicy, and numbing dishes; big thumbs up!

Yuan Gong Sliced Chicken: The chicken slices are tender and delicious, super tasty. Added with scallion flowers and white scallion slices, it's refreshing and tasty. Drizzled with a secret red oil seasoning, the spiciness is just right.

Longmen Hanging Meat: The preparation is like whole fried crispy pork. The little sister cuts it while saying auspicious words, giving a nice ceremonial feeling. The meat is very tender, smooth to eat, and even better when dipped in chili powder.

Yuan Gong Signature Rabbit: Tender and smooth rabbit meat paired with refreshing and juicy clams immediately elevates the texture. It's both fragrant and spicy, super satisfying to eat.

Yuan Gong Braised Duck: The duck meat is tender and delicious, with a strong braised flavor. The skin parts are especially fragrant, smooth, and tasty, with excellent texture.

Huoshui Silver Carp: The silver carp is quite large. The back of the fish is slit into pieces for better flavor absorption. The fish meat is snow-white and tender. The celery and green pepper pieces are especially delicious, simply my favorite. Such deliciousness must not be missed; action speaks louder than desire.

Jiaoliao: A place whose name makes you want to know more. The name comes from Zhuangzi's "Xiaoyao You": "The tailorbird nests in the deep forest, and no more than one branch; the mole drinks from the river, and no more than a bellyful." In this insatiable world, we shouldn't be too greedy. We should try to be "one who, even if the whole world praises him, does not become more diligent, and even if the whole world condemns him, does not become dejected; he knows the distinction between inner and outer, and understands the boundaries of honor and disgrace." Maybe such a state is really too difficult, hence Jiaoliao exists, allowing us to slow down, let go of our pursuits, and find a place of our own.

Jiaoliao Hotel is a strong branch in this vast forest, pursuing freedom, unwilling to drag its tail in the mud. It absorbs the nourishment of old Chengdu culture, seeking a "slow life" in the busy city, returning to a natural state of living.

Pushing open the door, a corridor comes into view. At the end of the corridor hangs a plaque reading "Relying on things to roam the mind." It comes from Zhuangzi's "The Human World." Understanding its meaning, one can't help but admire the great wisdom of the old master Zhuang.

Entering the hotel, we looked through all four floors. The design and decoration of this hotel are really good, giving a comfortable and relaxing feeling. During our tour, we found that each room has its own unique name, such as Yanqian, Youwei, Shijia, etc. We planned to stay in Yanqian because when we first saw the name, my friend and I really liked it. It seemed to contain a deep meaning, leaving us with endless imagination.

The hotel's security is also very good. Guest rooms require a card swipe or the butler to open the door. After confirming our stay, the hotel butler gave us a key card in the shape of a jiaoliao bird, cute and charming! Upon closer inspection, we noticed a butler service window outside the door. Opening it, it turned out to be interconnected inside and out. When we called, the butler would place what we needed inside, and we could simply take it. This design is very thoughtful, convenient without disturbing the guests.

Although Jiaoliao looks simple and elegant from the outside, the items used inside the rooms are consistent with five-star hotels. For example, the mattresses, linens, bathrooms, and automatic toilets—all hardware facilities are superb. Various ornaments are complete and neatly arranged; everything appears so comfortable and cozy. Various brand-name equipment invisibly reflect the hotel's high-end style—we absolutely loved it! My friend kept saying it's warmer than our own home.

Upon entering, we found that on the headboard of each room, there is a affectionate jiaoliao bird gazing deeply, as if in deep thought or listening. In each room, the jiaoliao bird's expression and posture are different. My friend and I treated it as our listener, trying to talk to it. All those difficult-to-speak worries could be fully unburdened to this little creature that can only be understood but not explained. After speaking out all the unhappiness, I felt much more comfortable.

On the TV wall, a large hand-embroidered Shu embroidery peony blooms, and there is a jumping koi on Shu brocade. As we reached out to touch, we couldn't help but admire the mature craftsmanship and long-standing culture of our ancestors. Overall, the room is full of traditional Sichuan cultural elements; staying here also allows you to feel the cultural enrichment. My friends and I often travel and have stayed in some good hotels, but it's rare to find one as thoughtful and considerate as this. We really made the right choice to stay here.

The room also provides four top-grade teas from Mengding Mountain. Having drunk too many carbonated drinks, it can be burdensome. When we calmed down, we brewed a cup of tea, savoring the gift of nature, and immediately felt refreshed and invigorated.

My friend and I also discovered that the most considerate part of this hotel is not just the room configuration and decoration, but also the superb butler service. They can customize travel routes and plans for guests, as well as handle any issues encountered in the hotel. Even our daily breakfast can be customized according to our taste and time, delivered to the room. Lunch is at "Zi Fei," the first cultural restaurant in Kuanzhai Alley themed around Zhuangzi culture. In the form of a set meal, it integrates culture, Sichuan cuisine, drinking games, and performances, taking you into a world of pavilions, ancient zithers, and opera songs. In the morning, pushing open the wooden window, breathing in the first breeze and sunlight of Kuanzhai Alley, so refreshing and pleasant. After washing, we enjoyed the customized breakfast, filled with gratitude.

After the meal, we stood in the small garden, breathing fresh air, admiring the clear night sky, brewing a cup of hot tea, and exploring the stories of time in this ancient alley up close.

Looking carefully, we spotted a spider weaving its web on the roof opposite, and a falling leaf landing on the table... Look, everything is striving to grow!

In the busy and noisy city, there is always a leisurely, cozy place where you can relax your body and mind.