Nostalgia for the Ubiquitous Charm of Chengdu

Chengdu is actually not a place that erodes one's willpower; on the contrary, it makes you feel vibrant. The only reason to sink is that you cannot resist the city's boundless imagination. Its beauty lies in innocence, and the men, women, old and young living here all have an intoxicating, 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 crave them. The people of Sichuan have a certain spirit: serene, fearless, neither arrogant nor humble, living life on their own terms. Rather than saying I like Chengdu, it's more accurate to say I love Chengdu's earthly烟火气 (the lively, bustling atmosphere of daily life).

Chengdu's people love food, and Chengdu is a capital of gastronomy! The best feelings in life are surely hidden in our journeys. Others' journeys have sweetness, sourness, and the many 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!

Yuán Gòng (Yuan Gong), Yuan Gong, a meeting by fate, with its red plaque and gold characters, instantly struck my heart. The moon-white verses on the ground also highlight the theme of 'fate,' making me feel that I truly have a connection with this restaurant.

The ceiling of Yuan Gong is covered with fiery red flowers, giving it a unique and refreshing feel, and my mood naturally brightened.

This restaurant is on another street behind Chunxi Road near Qingshi Bridge. The location is a bit off the beaten path; compared to the bustling nightlife of Chunxi Road, this place seems almost otherworldly, untouched by worldly hustle. And that's exactly the kind of place I love — one that feels detached from the mundane.

The restaurant has a spacious dining area, with separate booths for each table, providing enough distance for intimate gatherings. It doesn't feel cramped at all — I absolutely love the atmosphere!

Modern restaurants put a lot of thought into their interior design, and this one is no exception. The lighting and color tones, whether in the private rooms or the main hall's booth seating, have a strong sense of design.

The cuisine here is authentic Zigong-style Sichuan food, and the flavors are excellent. The environment feels very homey, with red flowers and umbrellas adding a festive and warm touch. This ambiance warmed my heart with a surge of warmth — perhaps this is the taste of home.

The service was great, warm and attentive, always available when called. Our seats were a bit tucked away, but the servers were still easy to reach, and there was never a moment when we couldn't get someone's attention. The staff were genuinely friendly and welcoming, with someone guiding us from the entrance to the exit — that was a highlight.

As for the dishes, the one that left the deepest impression was the Signature Clam Rabbit (Yuán Gòng Zhāo Pái Huā Jiǎ Tù). The rabbit meat was exceptionally tender and flavorful, paired with green and red chili peppers, and the clams were glossy and tempting. One bite delivered tenderness, a slight numbing sensation, and a moderate spiciness — it was a dance of flavors on my tongue. 'When golden wind and jade dew meet, they surpass countless encounters in the mundane world!'

Another dish, Long Men Diao Rou (Dragon Gate Hanging Meat), had a dedicated staff member come to cut the meat into pieces and arrange them on a plate. It had a crispy texture, with the batter fried to perfection. Even eating a lot didn't feel greasy. This is one of their signature dishes, quite distinctive.

The Old Duck Soup (Lǎo Yā Tāng) left a strong impression too. It wasn't heavy on MSG or chicken bouillon, with a clear, slightly sweet fragrance that was perfect for quenching dryness. One sip made my whole body feel refreshed — so comforting and delicious.

Then there was the Yuan Gong Native Chicken Slices (Yuán Gòng Tǔ Jī Piàn) — definitely the best dish of the meal. The flavor was outstanding, with tender chicken slices and lotus root at the bottom, mixed with fragrant red chili oil. It was simply heavenly. My friend and I couldn't stop praising it — truly made to perfection!

The Braised Whole Fish in Black Bean Sauce (Shì Xiāng Quán Yú) was a large fish topped with plenty of fermented black beans and minced meat. Even without eating the fish, the toppings alone could go with several bowls of rice. The fish meat was exceptionally tender and not fishy at all!

'Fate brings people together across a thousand miles, meeting at Yuan Gong.' An authentic Sichuan restaurant that keeps surprising you!

As everyone knows, Chengdu is a capital of gastronomy. When it comes to iconic foods, Chuan Chuan (skewers) surely takes a spot. Big handfuls of bamboo sticks, bubbling red broth, hot, numbing, and fragrant — it makes you drool uncontrollably. This Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan main branch on Jinfangyuan East Road could be your choice.

The variety of skewers is quite abundant, with dozens of types — plenty of vegetables and meats to choose from, leaving me overwhelmed with choices.

The ingredients are pre-skewered and stored in refrigerated cabinets for customers to pick freely. You just choose what you like. Another feature here is that the kitchen cooks the skewers and serves them in a large pot directly to your table, saving you the trouble of cooking and waiting. For lazy people like me, that's incredibly convenient.

After a short wait, a steaming pot of skewers arrives. The broth looks oily and spicy, but it's actually moderately hot. It's aromatic and numbing when you eat it. The store also offers dry and oil dipping dishes — their dry dip is a specialty with great flavor, highly recommended.

Besides skewers, they also have some hot dishes worth trying, such as Spicy Pig Brain (Má Là Nǎo Huā), which is smooth and delicate; Spicy Duck Blood (Má Là Yā Xuè), fresh and tender; Spicy Duck Gizzards (Má Là Yā Cháng), crisp and tasty; Spicy Luncheon Meat, Instant Noodles, etc., all quite memorable.

This Gua Chuan Chuan place may not be the best skewers in Chengdu, but it's certainly the most unique.

In this leisurely city of Chengdu, there are many small bars of all sizes. But a bar like this one, surrounded by greenery, lit by neon lights, and filled with a vast selection of drinks and snacks, is only found at Beyond Yard (Bié Yuàn Lǐ) in Chengdu.

The in-house cat waitress adds a touch of mystery to their nights, making people look forward to the evening with anticipation.

I heard that to provide a better experience for customers, this bar hired the company that designed the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) lighting to create their lighting effects. I can only whisper: that's a big production — the owner is really generous!

When the lights come on, the whole bar turns into a colorful neon wonderland. Under the interplay of light and shadow, colorful lights resemble stars in the sky, shining brightly in the bar. Looking at the scene, I couldn't help but marvel — indeed, the owner's decision was a good one; the customers' feelings are the greatest validation.

Since this is a small bar, drinks are a must. They have a huge selection: foreign liquors, mixers, cocktails, and original imported beers — virtually everything you can think of. There were even many drinks I couldn't name, making my head spin. In short, if you want it, you can probably find it here!

Not only that, but the containers used for food are also carefully selected Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain, looking elegant and beautiful, and really capturing the heart.

Despite the vast drink selection, I don't seem to favor the strong liquors. Long Island Iced Tea is as clear and mild as black tea, but it also has the intensity and rich fragrance of alcohol. With added lemon juice and cola, it tastes sweet, similar to lemon iced tea, so it's always popular among girls. A friend who knows a lot about drinks told me that this cocktail is a 'wolf in sheep's clothing' in the mixology world — it has a high alcohol content, and those who can't handle much should avoid overindulging.

Another drink here is called Metropolitan (Dà Dōu Huì). Calling it one of the most popular cocktails in the world is no exaggeration. It has been popular for over thirty years. With its lower alcohol content, sweet and sour taste, and rich fruitiness, it conquered me and became my favorite.

If you happen to order the bartender's special cocktail at Beyond Yard, congratulations — you'll enjoy a super visually appealing cocktail show. After mixing, the cocktail slowly 'breathes' mist from the rim of the glass, creating a wonderful atmospheric feel. The deeper you taste it, the more wonderful the flavor becomes.

I must recommend this Chinese-style cocktail — Ancient Qiang Wheat Straw Wine (Gǔ Qiāng Mài Gān Zá Jiǔ), made with rice wine and a wheat straw as a straw — it was my first time seeing that. The rice wine is sweet and rich, smooth and velvety on the palate. Drinking a small bottle in winter warms your whole body.

Don't think they only serve drinks — they also have a hidden Sichuan restaurant, with flavors and portions comparable to outside eateries. Dan Dan Noodles, Zhong Shui Jiao (dumplings), and childhood-style brown sugar fermented rice (Hóng Táng Láo Zāo) are all available here!

Their signature grilled fish has always been a popular dish in the store. The fish is grilled until well seasoned, crispy on the outside and tender inside — a few bites will make you a fan.

After seeing so much, curious readers should go and experience it for yourself!

The entrance to Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alley) is only about 200 meters to the Jiao Liao (Wren) boutique hotel, but it can take a full half hour to walk. The rows of snack shops and various gold and silver items can easily distract you, making you get lost in the sounds and sights.

You see the blue bricks and black tiles, ancient trees and long streets. Your ears are filled with the clanging of coppersmiths and silversmiths and the calls of shopkeepers; your nose picks up the aromas of tangyuan (sweet rice balls) and egg puff cakes. It takes a lot of willpower to pull yourself away.

Full of worldly hustle and bustle. Walking back and forth is like somersaulting through the troubles of the mortal world, satiating all your senses.

The Jiao Liao (Wren) hotel, located right in the middle of Kuanzhai Alley, is a unique exception on this century-old lane. Its two large doors are always closed, with a copper lock perpetually hanging, as if declaring a philosophy of 'hiding away in a small yard, creating one's own world.'

You truly understand what 'urban forest' means! Step out into the bustling crowds, step in to find inner peace! Amidst prosperity and leisure, they have built a sanctuary with luxury hidden inside and spirit revealed within.

And that's indeed the case: the heavy eight-tael copper lock separates the gazes of passersby and isolates the noisy excitement of the alley soaked in three hundred years.

Wind can pass through the courtyard, birds can perch on the eaves. But the noise outside can't get in at all — taking tranquility from the hustle and bustle, that is Jiao Liao.

The wooden structure made entirely of tong wood combines traditional aesthetics with modern techniques, natural yet stable. Being immersed in the faint woody aroma over time helps with sleep and calming the mind.

The architectural style of the hotel also balances movement and stillness: the 'movement' is seen in the detailed decorations throughout the hotel. Birds appear from the entrance corridor, and guest rooms have bird-themed decorations, echoing the hotel's name — Jiao Liao (Wren).

The 'stillness' lies in the antique courtyard of blue-black bricks and tiles, where every plant and tree is exquisitely tranquil, every bamboo and mat has elegant charm. Each guest room has a poetic name, as if full of life!

The rooms are mostly decorated with raw wood, fresh and clean, fully equipped with King Koil 'Jing Zhu Shi Guang' co-branded mattresses, Kohler bathroom fixtures, TOTO smart toilets... Various drinks, snacks, fruits, and teas are all provided, creating a warm and comfortable feeling. There's also a small open-air balcony, where you can view the Kuanzhai Alley outside from the window, connecting with the world while staying detached — this is the life I want! For those who want to relax their tired body, professional spa services are also available.

Breakfast was especially heartwarming. Upon check-in, the butler asks about your dining time and taste preferences, very thoughtful. You can choose between Chinese and Western meals, with fruits, dried fruits, and various pastries, and the butler delivers them to your room! Full of love.

Living here is truly leisurely and comfortable, owning such beautiful scenery, enjoying the joy of carefree life!

Taiziling Ski Resort is located in the Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area of Mao County, about 180 km from downtown Chengdu. It takes about 3.5 hours by car from Chengdu to the ski resort. The highest altitude is 2,971 meters, the lowest is 2,733 meters, with a drop of 238 meters. Most people won't experience altitude sickness, so you can enjoy with peace of mind. The total length of ski trails is 2.5 km, making it currently the longest ski trail in southern China.

Taiziling Ski Resort has relatively professional slopes: 3 advanced runs, 3 intermediate runs, and 3 beginner runs. Whether it's your first time skiing or you're an expert with all kinds of skills, you'll find fun here.

Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area boasts a beautiful natural environment with lush mountains and clear waters, rich in vegetation. It is a multi-functional scenic area combining outdoor camping, tourism, sports, and leisure. The area has high concentrations of negative oxygen ions, with PM2.5 levels consistently below 10. During the snow season, over 70% of the days are sunny, making it a city of sunshine and a kingdom of snow.

The ski trails here wind naturally and are called 'dream trails' by skiing enthusiasts. There are many trails to choose from, full of options and surprises, providing a wonderful stage for beginners and experts to enjoy themselves and showcase their skills.

Skiing is a very physically demanding activity, especially with strong ultraviolet rays. After playing for a while, you'll work up a sweat and feel exhausted; you need to replenish water and take breaks. While resting, enjoy the blue sky, take photos, and admire others' cool postures — it's also very enjoyable. The weather was great, with sunlight reflecting off the snow and creating harsh glare, so it's best to bring sunglasses.

To get on the advanced runs, you must take the cable car, and helmets are mandatory for the cable car. So if you plan to ski advanced runs, remember to rent a helmet.

Riding the cable car, with snow-white ground beneath your feet and the blazing sun above, and skiers zipping by below, I was especially afraid of dropping my equipment or phone — it was quite thrilling.

After about ten minutes on the cable car, you reach the starting point of the advanced run. As soon as I stepped off, my legs went weak — the first slope was at least 40 degrees. Indeed, 'high places are cold and desolate.' There were fewer people on the advanced run, and very few skiing with twin boards; most were skilled snowboarders with their own gear, gliding down in a few seconds and disappearing from sight.

When hungry, you can buy some food. There are places to eat inside the ski area, but you can also bring your own food — rice and self-heating hotpot are good options. The hotpot in the hotel is tasty, no worse than what you'd get outside — a big red pot that is rich but not greasy. Enjoying the spicy kick of hotpot while appreciating the snow scenery is a real pleasure.

From the moment you step into Jiuding Mountain, you will experience a natural realm far from the noise, full of poetry and painting, harmony between man and nature, and simple tranquility. And at Taiziling Ski Resort, you can have an even more harmonious and intimate vacation with family and friends — why not enjoy it?

The Du Fu Thatched Cottage in Chengdu is located on the bank of Huanhua Stream, west of the city gate, and it's a must-visit for tourists coming to Chengdu.

As the name suggests, Du Fu Thatched Cottage is Du Fu's former residence. Although the Du Fu Thatched Cottage complex is large and luxurious, Du Fu's actual residence is only a tiny part of the scenic area — a few small, dilapidated thatched huts. The large-scale constructions were built by later generations to commemorate him.

After entering the thatched cottage, there are many crossroads with signposts guiding tourists to various sights. Further in, you'll see a quaint little alley: the walls on both sides are vermilion, with roof tiles embedded with round bricks carved with beast faces. The moss on the tiles shows that the alley has existed for some time. The flagstones underneath are dark, blackened, and cracked from years of use.

Passing through the alley, a winding stream comes into view, flanked by green bamboo and towering ancient trees — a truly poetic scene.

Before we knew it, we arrived at a place that looked like a thatched cottage — yes, this is Du Fu's former residence! There are paths on both sides, and a bamboo fence surrounds the small garden.

The roof doesn't have modern building materials, but it's no longer the one Du Fu lived in back in his day. Standing in front of the house, I wanted to feel the timeless verse: 'Could I get a vast mansion covering thousands of rooms, sheltering all the world's poor scholars with joyful faces!' I saw the soil on the walls falling off, revealing a framework woven from bamboo strips. The wood on the threshold looked so fragile that one step could break it.

Walking through the thatched cottage, I was enveloped by the breath of history and thick poetic flavor, sinking into it, unwilling to leave for a long time...

What I miss is Chengdu's scenery; what I miss is Chengdu's food; what I miss is still Chengdu's earthy烟火气...