Chengdu: A Miniature World Map—She Has Every Look You Love

This year, when we can't travel abroad, we actually have more time and opportunities to explore the city we live in!

In the two years I've lived in Chengdu, I've never grown tired of it. Chengdu seems to have a magic that constantly surprises and invites exploration, always offering a fresh new perspective! When people mention Chengdu, many still think of hotpot, pandas, Chunxi Road, Taikoo Li... But after living in Chengdu for a while, you'll discover that Chengdu is so much more than that—it's like a miniature world map. Without leaving the country, she has every part of the world you love!

Chengdu Version of Turkey & Bali: Pretending to Be Abroad

Hidden in Chengdu is a paradise called 'Qisi Taoyuan Living' where you can enjoy delicious food, camp ⛺️, stargaze ✨, take photos—it's like instantly traveling to Turkey and Bali.

Here are some photo spots to bookmark—get ready for amazing shots 🌿🌿

Photo Spot 1: Turkey-style Cotton Castle. I came here just for this spot. From a distance, it really looks like the Cotton Castle, paired with tropical plants on the mountain—so much vibe! Recommended to shoot from above or close-up—great for photos.

🌿🌿 Photo Spot 2: Bali-style swing and bird's nest. There are so many plants and trees here, it really feels like Bali!

🌿🌿 Photo Spot 3: Mirror of the Sky. Last year I wanted to go to the Mirror of the Sky in Bali, but it was too far and inconvenient. Here, there's a similar version—you can take as many photos as you want!

🌿🌿 Photo Spot 4: Stairway to Heaven. Choose a sunny day, climb these stairs for a photo—super dreamy!

🌿🌿 Photo Spot 5: Miyazaki-style train tracks. Doesn't this little train track remind you of a Miyazaki anime? Even in autumn and winter, the greenery remains lush.

In addition, there are also trending hammocks, infinity pools, and more. You can easily spend 1-2 days here for a relaxing vacation!

Chengdu Version of a Candy-Colored Bridge: A Touch of French Romance

Hidden in Chengdu is a new trendy spot—Cannes Bay Scenic Covered Bridge. With its candy colors and unique shape, eight red European-style pointed towers stand on the piers. Just taking a random photo makes you almost think you're in France 🇫🇷!

It's free 🆓—no ticket needed. Not many people have come yet, so you can enjoy taking beautiful photos here.

It's recommended to come before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m., when the light is softer and portrait photos turn out better!

Chengdu Version of Disney: A Romantic Castle Fairytale

Hidden on the outskirts of Chengdu is a popular trendy spot: 'Jinxiu Anren Wonderland Garden'—hot air balloons, romantic verbena gardens, dreamy fairytale castles and magic bean towers 🗼🗼, windmills, doves 🐦, various flower sculptures, playful cartoons, light shows, music festivals... So dreamy I felt like I was in a 🏰🏰 fairytale world!

No need to go to Turkey 🇹🇷—you can ride a hot air balloon right here! Currently in full bloom is a sea of purple verbena. Floating above the romantic purple flower fields overlooking the entire garden—so romantic! The ride costs 100 yuan per person, which is incredibly reasonable compared to thousands of yuan abroad!

No need to go abroad to feed doves 🐦—here you have Dutch 🇳🇱 windmills and doves. Dove food is 10 yuan for 3 bags—great value!

Besides the hot air balloon, there's also a popular boat 🚤🚤—a transparent glass boat suitable for aerial photography. It's easy to get great shots, but it holds only two people, so watch out for sunburn ☀☀. If there are more people, consider renting a canopy boat for sun protection. Boating is relaxing, and you can see the reflection of the castle in the water while enjoying the scenery. There are beautiful flower sculptures all year round, including the largest flower sculpture recognized by the Guinness World Records—full of variety and childlike wonder: peacocks, pandas, lions, swans, fish 🐠, sloths, and more. 👍

🚗🚗 Transportation Tips:

1⃣ Self-drive: About 1 hour from downtown Chengdu.

2⃣ Bus: There are buses from Xinnanmen and Shichangzi bus stations in Chengdu, costing around 20 yuan.

Chengdu Version of Paradise: Camping in the Clouds

If you're tired of the city's hustle and bustle and the summer heat, come to the stunning ⛺⛺ campsite 'Yunyi Yeshe Camp' on Chengdu's Longquan Mountain. Enjoy the breeze, daydream, and camp—own your little peace and quiet!!

It's about 30 km from downtown Chengdu, so driving is best. The campsite is not big, but the scenery is beautiful—it feels like camping in the clouds, a hidden paradise!

There is one RV for accommodation, and two super cute retro RVs for photo ops: mint green and girly pink—fresh and cute.

Bring your own food for a picnic! Water and electricity are provided—very convenient. 👍

🕐🕐 Opening Hours: Reservations must be made at least one day in advance to avoid disappointment. Day session: 10:00-18:00, Night session: 18:00-22:00 (night session charged separately).

Chengdu Version of Provence: A Romantic Purple Paradise

If you can't go abroad to see lavender, don't worry—you can visit Chengdu's own Provence: 'Ziyi Xiangxun Valley Scenic Area'. A whole garden of romantic purple verbena is in full bloom, making it easy to mistake for Provence!

The scenic area is large, with many great photo spots. Photography fans 📷📷 should set aside half a day to avoid running out of time!

🌞🌞 Tips:

① The park stops admitting visitors at 5 p.m., so plan accordingly. Online tickets are cheaper than at the gate, and buying a few days in advance is even more cost-effective. Budget-conscious visitors should check the weather and buy tickets early for better deals. [squint]

② Sun protection and mosquito repellent: Summers in Chengdu are very hot 🌞🌞, so protect your skin to avoid getting tanned or sunburned! Mosquitoes are plentiful, so carry repellent. ③ Outfits: Wear solid colors, especially light shades, for a dreamy look. White, blue, and green are especially fresh and photogenic!

Chengdu Version of 'The Wind Rises': A Miyazaki Anime Scene Recreated

I remember watching Hayao Miyazaki's 'The Wind Rises' years ago, and scenes kept playing in my mind: the heroine painting flowers in a meadow, her dress blowing in the wind, planes flying overhead—so beautiful!

Near Chengdu Shuangliu Airport, there's a similar scene: Konggang Huatian (Airport Flower Fields). It's very close to the airport, but few people know about it. Due to inconvenient public transport, it's best to drive!

Here, every few minutes, you can see planes flying right over the flower fields—so romantic! Besides flower fields and plane spotting, the area is large with dense forests, perfect for hiking or forest-style photos. You can also have tea and play cards—a typical Chengdu pastime! But be sure to bring mosquito repellent, or you'll be bitten like crazy!

Chengdu Food Map

Chengdu people are famous for their love of food. If you're traveling to Chengdu, don't miss these popular eateries in the city center!

Trendy Hotpot with Republic of China Nostalgia: Houtang

What's it like to travel back to 1930 from 2021?

Check out Houtang Old Hotpot (Taikoo Li Main Store)—a trendy hotpot restaurant with a Republic of China vibe that's so popular it has long queues every day! It takes you back to the old Chengdu market, awakening memories of local life.

As soon as you step inside, you're greeted by a strong wave of retro Chinese fashion—both vintage and trendy. Eating hotpot here feels like an immersive experience!

When you come to Houtang, you must try their unique and creative dual-flavor broth (old Chengdu spicy broth + pickled cabbage, crispy pork, and tofu broth). If you're used to spicy broth, the pickled cabbage one will surprise you!

The hotpot trio—Houtang's super value duck intestine, tripe, and aorta combo—is a must-order. Get all the signature flavors in one go! Super fresh ingredients, never gets old!

If you like Chaoshan beef hotpot, you'll know what 'diao long' is. Surprisingly, Houtang serves freshly cut diao long beef—so satisfying to eat big pieces of tender beef! Don't overcook it, or the meat will become tough.

Their crispy pork (yaoyao surou) is also amazing—crispier than regular ones, paired with dry chili powder—so fragrant! I can eat a whole portion myself!

And hotpot without desserts? Their desserts are free to eat—I love the red bean taro balls and shaved ice—full of happiness! This hotpot restaurant makes desserts so well—unmatched!

Beef-Centric Must-Eat: Niu Shuǐ Zhǔ

In Chengdu, when it comes to eating beef, many locals think of Niu Shuǐ Zhǔ. I remember when there was only one branch—my girlfriends and I used to go all the way to Tianfu Third Street! Now, when shopping on Chunxi Road, I found a branch at Qunguang—so convenient!

Niu Shuǐ Zhǔ specializes in beef dishes. What foodie can resist beef? It's delicious and not too fattening!

When dining with friends, we always order the large 'gong fu shui zhu niu rou' (kung fu boiled beef) to share. A huge pot—great value! No matter how long we haven't seen each other, we bond over grabbing this delicious dish.

The beef in kung fu boiled beef is very tender. The waiter pours hot oil over it, making a sizzling sound—the aroma instantly fills the air and whets your appetite!

If that's not enough, order the black pepper steak—fresh ingredients, generous portions. Eating beef here is both tasty and affordable!

Although beef is the star, you can still enjoy many other dishes: cold dishes, desserts, fried foods... There's something for everyone!

If you like fried food and mushrooms like I do, try the truffle mushroom crisps—they're unique! But eat them while hot—they lose their soul when cold!

Every time I visit Niu Shuǐ Zhǔ, I order plenty of desserts. They're on par with professional dessert shops! For a spicy or greasy relief, definitely order the yogurt fruit salad—it's a lifesaver! The bottom layer is pineapple, middle is cantaloupe, top is dragon fruit and strawberries—so refreshing!

The sour yogurt with mango is also my favorite—great taste and affordable!

I love the desserts here so much that I want to order every kind: pudding and tofu pudding are also signature desserts—you can't go wrong!

Perennially Popular Must-Eat: Chengdu Chike

Chengdu Chike is a super trendy restaurant in the eyes of foodies. It's been popular for years, and every day before lunch and dinner, many foodies queue up specially—so admirable!

Compared to the smaller Kuixinglou branch, the Jiuyanqiao branch is larger and easier to get a seat. But it's still wise to arrive before meal times to avoid the rush!

When dining at Chengdu Chike, don't miss these three signature dishes: Luoben Tuotuo Shrimp (peeled shrimp skewers), limited-edition abalone noodles, and special grilled fish fillets—they'll amaze you!

The daily-limited abalone noodles—I missed them a few times before because I arrived late. This time I came early at noon and finally got one! Those who want to try must come early! The abalone is flavorful, infused with garlic, chewy and refreshing. Eating abalone and slurping noodles—heavenly!

If you come to Chengdu Chike without trying the special grilled fish fillets, you've wasted your visit. The fish fillets are skewered and served on a boat-shaped plate—easier to eat. Though covered in chili, the spiciness is just right. The fish is incredibly tender—my girlfriends and I fight over them!

Luoben Tuotuo Shrimp is always a treat—the veins are removed, and the shells are peeled for you, so no hassle! Fresh and super flavorful—I keep coming back just for this dish!

The spicy ginger fish stomach is a great rice accompaniment—perfect for heavy spice lovers like me! Each piece is crunchy and delicious! Every time, I want to take a portion home!

After the main dishes, don't miss the spicy-relieving desserts! The oat taro rolls are a unique preparation—rich taro flavor—taro lovers, go for it!

Late-Night Street Food Vibe: Haidashu

No matter when you visit Chengdu, you'll notice that many locals love late-night snacks. Chengdu people especially enjoy skewers (chuan chuan)! Eating big portions of meat is probably the most satisfying way to end the night!

At Haidashu Chengdu Street Hotpot (Jiuyanqiao branch), there are many varieties of skewers with unique flavors. You can find BBQ that's hard to get elsewhere, and it's great value—tens of yuan per person is enough to get stuffed! It's a must-try for Chengdu street BBQ!

As soon as you step inside, your mood lifts! The walls are colorful and unique—perfect for photo ops!

Here, order all the signature skewers: grilled pork belly, grilled nose tendon, grilled fish fillets, grilled beef... They're well-seasoned and keep the meat tender—distinctive flavors! Are you tempted yet?

Every time I have BBQ, I must order grilled vegetables! Grilled potatoes, grilled zucchini—each one is delicious! I personally love grilled potatoes and grilled zucchini—the potatoes are super flavorful, and the zucchini has a natural sweetness and freshness—I never get tired of them!

Besides skewers, their bao jiang dou fu (stuffed tofu) is amazing—it redefines what stuffed tofu can be! It has a layered texture with perfect accompaniments—completely different from other places—highly recommend!

The golden sour-spicy small yellow fish hotpot is a first for me—it's warming, perfect for chilly winter days. With bamboo shoots and enoki mushrooms as a base, it tastes a bit like sour soup beef! Another new way to eat—learned something new!

Top-tier Bōbōjī: Jiazhou Ye Popo

Bōbōjī originated in Leshan, Sichuan. Many Sichuan locals love going to Leshan to visit Ye Popo Bōbōjī—I'm no exception. In 2018, I made a special trip to Leshan to try it. Now, you don't have to go to Leshan—you can enjoy authentic Bōbōjī at Jiazhou Ye Popo in Chengdu!

Leshan Bōbōjī has a history of over a hundred years. 'Bōbō' refers to an earthenware pot, usually painted with red and yellow dragon patterns. The pot contains spicy seasonings, and ingredients are skewered on bamboo sticks after being blanched. Both vegetables and meats are fresh to maintain crispness. You pick and eat yourself—the lingering flavor adds to the enjoyment.

A big pot of Bōbōjī is served—rich in aroma, especially the sesame seeds—each bite is memorable!

Besides the red oil Bōbōjī, those who like Sichuan peppercorns can try the Sichuan pepper flavor—more numbing and flavorful!

When eating Bōbōjī here, pairing it with the local Leshan drink Emei Snow is perfect—especially iced Emei Snow—more refreshing and cuts the spice!

Their famous handmade thin pancakes are a must-order. The pancakes are made from flour, filled with crushed peanuts and other ingredients. Wrap the filling in the pancake and dip in vinegar—oh my, the texture is amazing! The sugar granules give a snowy, romantic feel with each bite!

Besides Bōbōjī, there are many Sichuan specialty snacks to satisfy your taste buds: fermented rice poached eggs, handmade brown sugar ice jelly, cold rice cakes—all delicious!

If you like staple foods like I do, don't miss their super tasty special fried rice with minced pork—a whole new way to enjoy fried rice! Every time I visit, I want to take home several portions!

Authentic Japanese Yakiniku: Zhulian Yakiniku

Every time I come to Xiangxiang Alley, I can't resist stopping at Zhulian Yakiniku (Wangping Street branch) for a hearty meal. The Japanese-style decor gives off a late-night diner vibe. It's extremely popular—packed with people at meal times. With its great taste and high value, it can't keep diners from queuing!

The store's signature TOP 1—chewy beef cubes—are incredibly delicious! The seasoning is perfect—sweet and savory in every bite!

Every time, my friends and I order at least two servings. Never get tired of it, and it's great value—eating big pieces of meat is wonderful!

The signature stamina grilled diaphragm is another favorite. The best way to enjoy it: first grill the sauce with butter, then dip the grilled meat in it. This place really knows how to season—unforgettable! No wonder they have so many repeat customers!

As a beef tongue lover, I always order beef tongue at Japanese restaurants. I especially prefer thinly sliced beef tongue—more flavorful, easier to cook, and better texture. Their garlic-flavored thinly sliced beef tongue has a strong garlic aroma—you can smell it while grilling—highly recommend!

Besides meat, I love the sea salt mushrooms and cheese rice cakes! The mushrooms release water when grilled—sweet and tasty with salt and pepper—one bite, full of flavor! The cheese rice cakes burst when bitten—pure happiness for foodies!

Zhulian Yakiniku's sushi is also top-notch—many people come just for the sushi. If you don't know what to order, their signature Zhulian big roll is a safe bet—generous fillings—eat it while hot!

The 'pull-apart cat rice' is a first for me—full of surprises!! The rice has cheese, giving it a pull-apart texture, hence the name. Mixed with Japanese soy sauce, the taste is unexpectedly special!

And what's yakiniku without drinks? Tired of Calpis? Try a Mojito—so refreshing with grilled meat!

If you love Japanese food, be sure to try Zhulian Yakiniku—trust me, it's a taste you won't forget!

Chengdu is like a miniature world map. There are so many hidden travel spots that let you appreciate Chengdu's slow pace, its trendy, fresh, and artistic vibe. Take time to walk through the crowds and explore the side streets—who knows what unexpected surprises await you!