Winter in Chengdu: A Unique Charm, Paradise for Foodies and Fun-seekers
Winter evokes emotions most; thoughts still lingering in autumn, in an instant, winter arrives.
Chengdu's winter, seemingly in a slow-paced life, has scenery that is endlessly charming.
Chengdu's winter: first impression is a world of green, where indoors is colder than outdoors.
Chengdu's winter: now it feels like a world of colorful splendor, captivating with impressionist scenes; it's a poetic spiritual world, an adventure in a gastronomic fantasy.
"Chengdu is worth remembering. Chengdu's elegance, Chengdu's laid-backness, Chengdu's simplicity, Chengdu's unique local flavor will leave a deep impression on those who have experienced it."
I think everyone who has been to Chengdu will feel a lingering reluctance to leave.
The leisurely Funan River, the bustling Chunxi Road, the idle street-side teahouses, the lively suburban agritainment.
Like a vivid and colorful painting, like a cup of pure and mellow old wine, they infuse everyone who comes to Chengdu.
And Chengdu's cuisine adds the strongest flavor to this memory.
In this intensity, there is also much heart-tugging warmth: hotpot skewers, Sichuan spicy hot pot, these snacks, along with the soft lights of small street shops, will long remain 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) → Bieyuanli Tavern (Kuanzhai Alley)
With nothing to do on the weekend, I planned a food and travel adventure with friends, enjoying beautiful scenery while savoring the taste impact of delicious food. I got up very early this morning, got ready, and met up with my friends. But we didn't go straight to eat; instead, we first found a place to have fun, then headed to our final food destination. My friends all suggested going to the nearby Tazishan Park to play. Action speaks louder than words, so we took the bus and went.
When we arrived, we found it was quite crowded, after all, it was the weekend. Many parents brought their children out to play, do activities, and bask in 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 mountain and near the water, the plants are arranged according to the terrain, lush and verdant, with birdsong and floral fragrance all year round.
The main building in the park is Jiutian Tower, named after Li Bai's famous poem "Climbing the Scattered Flower Tower in Jin City" in the line "Now I come to climb and look afar, as if on a tour to the Ninth Heaven." Jiutian Tower looks like a pagoda from afar and a building up close, with a novel and unique design, making it a landmark and magnificent garden landscape in Chengdu. Climbing up Jiutian Tower, you can take in all the beauty of Chengdu, refreshing your mind and heart.
The park also has a Bird Language Forest, which brings together about 5,000 birds of nearly 150 species from around the world, including more than 20 species under national first- and second-class protection. The Bird Language Forest focuses on bird science education and highlights bird performance, which is both entertaining and educational for children.
In addition, this is also a great place for people to play, relax, fish, have fun, climb the tower for views, picnic, and sip tea.
Lawns, lakes, pavilions, paths—full of rustic mountain charm, perfect for bringing kids to run wild. Moreover, Tazishan Park is the main venue for the annual Chengdu Lantern Festival!
This is indeed a wonderful place, with everything for leisure and entertainment. Unknowingly, we spent over three hours here, and it was already past four o'clock. No wonder I felt a bit hungry—going out to play sure makes you hungry faster. Next, we headed to our final destination: Yuan Gong on Chunxi Road, which is super popular. I had always heard my colleagues talk about it, and finally got the chance to try it. I checked the navigation—it wasn't far, so we took a bus there.
This restaurant is on Xuedao Street near Chunxi Road, quite close to the city center, a quiet spot amidst the hustle and bustle. The decoration is very down-to-earth, with a Chinese vintage style, and the environment is elegantly decorated.
Turning from the lobby into the dining area, it was very spacious, with many private rooms, and decorated with colorful flowers, giving it a unique charm.
After finding our seats, we started feasting. First, let me recommend these dishes—super delicious and tasty.
Soy-Fragrant Whole Fish: The fish is silver carp, with many bones, so be careful when eating. The fish is especially tender and flavorful, with a wonderful taste, smooth and delicious, irresistible.
Longmen Hanging Meat: A young man specially cuts the meat and places it on the plate. The meat is crispy and tender, the outer coating is fried perfectly, and you can't stop eating one piece after another.
Yuan Gong Sliced Local Chicken: The chicken slices are mostly with skin, added with scallion slices, refreshing in texture, topped with secret red chili oil, with just the right spiciness.
Yuan Gong Signature Rabbit: It's a combination of double-pepper rabbit and clams, exceptionally fresh and delicious, numbingly spicy and perfect with rice, generous portions, absolutely my favorite.
After eating and drinking our fill, it was time to go home. The day's fun ended, and I would return to dreamland to savor these endless delicious memories.
Ten years pass like night rain, the world is chaotic.
What remains unchanged is the narrow and wide lanes, what changes is people's hearts. We are never quite satisfied with this bustling world. After experiencing breathtaking beauty, you suddenly realize that even amidst noise there are quiet moments. In the center of Kuanzhai Alley stands the Jiaoliao Hotel.
Amid the noisy crowd, we gently pushed open this door full of stories. While waiting for the butler to open it, the old door itself became a must-see scenery. The gate is made of red bean wood, without any restoration, still retaining its original appearance. Painted in the middle are traditional Chinese door gods. The left door god holds peonies, the right holds a wine vessel, together symbolizing promotion and advancement. It is said that this design is to wish guests staying at Jiaoliao a thriving career and steady rise, leading us back to the most natural state of life.
Pushing the door open, we saw a long corridor. The gray tile walls on both sides contrasted sharply with the steel and concrete high-rises. For us, tired of the fast-paced city life, the gray tiles seemed to soothe our constantly tensed nerves, making us want to touch and get close.
As we passed through the corridor, the birds hopping up and down on both sides became unusually lively because of our arrival, chirping incessantly. Though we couldn't understand the bird language, we could feel their warm welcome from their calls.
Changing the scene, we officially entered the accommodation area. The Jiaoliao Hotel is quite large; we walked through, admiring its beauty. It has four floors, with guest rooms and an open-air tea terrace. Each floor has its unique scenery, with different views at every step, making people stop to admire.
Upon entering the room, the overall color tone was light natural wood, without any other color embellishments.
From the bed to the wardrobe, window frames, tables and chairs, all were made of smooth polished phoenix tree wood, used directly. The facilities were complete—even more well-equipped than my home. This kind of close-to-nature lifestyle is exactly what we need.
We noticed that every room had orchids, surrounded by bamboo. Looking closely, we could see some relief carvings with chrysanthemum motifs, creating a very elegant atmosphere. Combined with the dim warm lighting, the entire room felt very cozy. The details exuded understated luxury.
The hotel's facilities were truly high-end, all meeting five-star hotel standards, offering us the ultimate staying experience. The mattress, Kohler bathroom products, and smart toilet—everything was perfect, giving us the best enjoyment. Running my fingers over every part of the room, I could feel the owner's thoughtfulness, and my heart was touched.
The guest room also had a SPA room, such a considerate touch that we really appreciated. After a day out, we could lie in the SPA room, enjoy the masseuse's service, relax our muscles and bones, and fully enjoy the long-lost comfort.
At Jiaoliao, living among mountain forest, stone, and bamboo, savoring zen elegance, we enjoyed the joy of freedom and poetic dwelling. Amid the noisy Kuanzhai, crowds bustle every day. Outside the long street of flowing people, in the tranquil corner of prosperity, Jiaoliao quietly 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 fantastic. Indeed, eating, drinking, and having fun is the best way to relax. Winter arrived as promised, with a chilly wind, but it still couldn't stop us from moving forward. Today we decided to visit the renowned Taiziling Ski Resort to experience the unique charm of ice and snow.
Taiziling Ski Resort at Jiuding Mountain is located beside National Highway 213 from Wenchuan County to Mao County in Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province, in 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 its strong technical support. It is said that the resort is equipped with pure imported ELAN ski equipment, which has supported many Taiziling skiing competitions, as well as various professional ski gear 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.
Upon arriving at the ski resort, the first thing was to buy tickets at the scenic area gate, then rent ski gear: boots, skis, poles, and other equipment. There were so many people today that we waited in line for a long time, showing just how popular this place is.
After finally getting to ski, it was fun, but for a group of beginners, we kept falling. Two hours was our limit, and there were too many people crowded on the beginner slope, which is not far from the entrance.
When skiing under the sun, it was both hot and bright, with strong UV rays. You must apply sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and not wear too much clothing—just dress comfortably. For beginners, it's advisable to hire an instructor, or you'll fall badly.
When skiing, you must wear gloves and sunglasses; to go on intermediate slopes, you must wear a helmet. Double skis are the best choice for beginners; the skis can be adjusted according to shoe size. Once you ensure you're properly equipped, you can enter the snowfield.
There were also many places to eat in the scenic area, like hotpot and soup pots, which tasted quite good—colorful, fragrant, and delicious, almost like heavenly food. Outside our dining hall, a glass sunroom was built, where people could take photos, drink tea, relax, and enjoy the sunshine while admiring the view—very nice!
Jiuding Mountain itself has beautiful scenery. Taiziling Ski Resort is the most professional ski resort we've visited in Sichuan, with beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes offering various gradients for skiers to choose from. The resort's altitude is about 2,500 meters, similar to Wolong, so altitude sickness is generally not an issue. The resort has 2.5 kilometers of ski runs.
Relying on Jiuding Mountain's unique natural terrain, high altitude, and rich vegetation, the ski resort has fresh air with high levels of negative oxygen ions. It has no severe cold in winter and no scorching heat in summer, with a pleasant climate. It's a rare natural ecological resort around Chengdu, ideal for skiing and relaxation.
Waking up early this morning, I suddenly wanted to visit Tianfu Square. After discussing with friends, 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.
When we arrived, there were so many people. Indeed, on weekends, everyone comes out to relax.
Tianfu Square, without a doubt, is the political and cultural center of Chengdu, a landmark among landmarks, like Tiananmen in Beijing.
The Sun Bird stands in the center of Tianfu Square. It is the junction of Metro Lines 1 and 2 and the soon-to-be-opened Line 18, the central node of Chengdu's southeast and northwest transportation arteries.
It is one of the hot check-in spots for out-of-town tourists in Chengdu, always bustling with people. What impressed me most was the strong patriotic atmosphere at Tianfu Square on the eve of National Day this year, which deeply moved me.
And the biggest highlights of Tianfu Square are:
1. The architectural beauty of the square itself: a Taiji pattern with buildings shaped like the character "乡" on both sides; this Taiji scenery must be photographed from above to be perfectly presented.
2. The historical significance of the square: it has always been an important landmark around the imperial city, and now it is the economic and cultural center of Chengdu.
3. Transportation hub: you can transfer to the subway here, and there are exhibition halls all around. Convenient transportation makes it easy to find each other when meeting here for the first time.
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, with convenient transportation, it wouldn't take too much time.
When we got off, the first thing we saw was a shop decorated in an antique style, looking quite fashionable.
The main color was red, with wooden tables and stools, giving a sense of comfort. The space was spacious, with clear functional zones, making it easy for customers to get food and dine.
The most noteworthy thing is their dishes—super delicious.
Spicy Beef: Tender beef marinated for a long time, spicy and flavorful. When eating, sprinkle with chopped green onions and dried chili flakes, and the taste is even better.
Brown Sugar Glutinous Rice Cake: A top choice for dessert lovers. Soft and sticky, smooth and chewy. Pick up a piece and chew; the fragrance of rice and spices dances in your mouth—very delicious!
Boiled Glass Noodles in Chili Sauce: Spicy and numbing. When faced with such a bowl of noodles, forget about image, just gobble it down! The texture—I guarantee that whenever I crave this dish, I'll come here!
Tripe Slices: Tripe paired with bean sprouts tastes great. The tripe shreds are thin and bouncy, with an interplay of moderate numbing and spiciness in your mouth.
There are also various meat and vegetable skewers in the freezer for you to choose from. Action speaks louder than words—let's dig in!
This place is paradise for skewer lovers! Tender and delicious, you can't stop eating.
As the saying goes, walk after meals to live to ninety-nine. After eating, it's good to take a stroll and then start the evening fun mode.
The best place for an after-dinner walk is none other than 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 state of "one step bustling, one step tranquil."
Walking hand in hand with my friend, it felt like we had cut 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 walked into the alley. The leisure and slowness here make you mistakenly think that time has forgotten to pass, and stories still happened yesterday.
Clean gray bricks and black tiles, old-style wooden doors and windows, horse-tying stones by old walls, old teahouses under the eaves, lush sycamore trees—these ancient and clear objects seem to be separated from the city's noise by a soundproof wall. The worldly dust has been filtered away. The thousand-year-old dream of ancient Bashu, in a turn or a glance, gently falls on the threshold of memory, stunning in an instant.
Time is soft. Tourists from all directions come and go, brushing past like flowing water with shallow waves and smiling chatter. Original residents, antique inns, exquisite doorways, towering ancient trees, covered-bowl tea houses, copper-ringed wooden doors, bluestone water tanks, and ivy and catkins cascading from the green walls... constitute its unique attractive elements and Chengdu vocabulary, presenting modern people's memory of a city.
Walking in Kuanzhai Alley, the sun is warm, flowers bloom, and the dazzling window displays keep our eyes busy. We walk here and there, looking around. A shop full of zen has exquisite tea sets and overflowing tea fragrance; a fashionable restaurant has leaping fountains and blurry light and shadow; a charming and soft window display has Jiangnan-style linen clothes and small fans.
At the deep corner of the alley, there are young people lying down getting ear cleaning or setting up portrait stalls; classical and elegant inns have singing voices and red lanterns... Here, time is slow, life is idle, and walking steps naturally become very light and slow.
Busy Chengdu locals, after a day's work, now bring their families to stroll. Old and young, male and female, in groups of three or five, they walk, look, talk, laugh, and eat in the alleys... The leisurely nightlife, like a dream, begins its prelude...
After visiting Kuanzhai, nightfall approached. We arrived at our last stop of the day: Bieyuanli Tavern. Entering this shop, we were immediately attracted by its unique charm. Walking into the hall, you look up and meet colorful light and shadow.
At Bieyuanli, your eyes are always filled with stars. The dynamic lighting, where lights move and shadows shift, brings you an excellent visual experience.
The indoor plants are all lively and full of vitality. The room is full of romantic atmosphere, 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, making your tense nerves slowly pulse. Booth seats and private rooms fully satisfy your desire for free chat—perfect for gatherings with friends.
The tenderness of Bieyuanli is hidden in every ingenious arrangement: flower arrangements on tables, dazzling lights, a whole wall of wine storage, a full set of Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain tableware, and Chinese-style eaves... It's a fusion of culture and trend, overturning the common perception of an ordinary tavern. I felt like I was attending a magnificent art exhibition.
Here, we not only encountered various flavors of delicious food but also felt a different kind of dazzling charm.
Long Island Iced Tea: Boys who are fond of alcohol intoxication must not miss the classic Long Island Iced Tea. This most story-filled strong cocktail has explosive power and a strong aftereffect. It looks light but is actually a "heart arsonist."
Doujiu Osmanthus: Coming to Bieyuanli Music Tavern, how can you not have fight wine? I first chose Doujiu Osmanthus. The light color is stunningly beautiful. The floral fragrance of osmanthus wine is prominent, with a light and refreshing taste. After a bowl, I felt like running away with my beloved to the ends of the earth.
Ancient Qiang Wheat Straw Zha Wine: The story continues, and the wine doesn't stop. Drinking happily, the boss mysteriously said, "Our zha wine is really interesting. Wanna try?" When served, the plate of wheat straws used as straws for the zha wine exudes a wild aura. If this guy wants to drink, he has to use the wheat straw, which is fun.
Handmade Stir-fried Glutinous Rice Balls: A bit like mini versions of sugar-oil fruits. Coated with a layer of brown sugar, soft, sticky, sweet, and fragrant—these glutinous rice balls are your sweet today, reminding me of the taste made by my grandmother when I was young.
Fruit Platter: A mix of various fruits, crisp and refreshing, fresh and tasty, very delicious.
I am really impressed by this shop—it's awesome, and I will definitely revisit it.
The meaning of food and scenery is not to escape, hide, obtain, or record.
But in an environment beyond imagination, to change your worldview, and then slowly change what you truly consider important in your heart.
