Welcome Copy, 7-Day In-Depth Chengdu Tour: Food, Accommodation, and Travel Tips All Here!

"If I were a flower, for whom would I bloom? If I were a bird, where would I fly to? The twinkle of a single star does not form a constellation; the sum of a big tree gathers a single weight." Lately, I've been looping this song, "The Sum of Loneliness." Perhaps we are all sums of loneliness, which is why we gather together!

The wide yet narrow alleyways embody the charm of old Chengdu.

If you come to Chengdu, you must not miss this attraction—Kuanzhai Alley.

Although called Kuanzhai Alley, it actually consists of Jing Alley, Kuan Alley, and Zhai Alley. Here, you can experience the daily life of this city.

Kuanzhai Alley has always been a reflection of a leisurely and comfortable life. Some say Kuanzhai Alley is like Beijing's Nanluoguxiang, but in my view, Nanluoguxiang's charm is ancient and traditional, while Kuanzhai Alley is leisurely and soothing. However, both share a common point: they have a wide variety of specialty snacks. The local delicacies here will definitely satisfy your appetite!

Because Kuanzhai Alley preserves a great deal of old Chengdu culture, as you stroll through it, you'll see a blend of history and modern fashion, yet you'll find it harmonious rather than jarring, creating a wonderful feeling. The rows of walls built with bricks from different eras, and those relief-like paintings of old street scenes, make Chengdu's afternoon leisurely and beautiful.

When you come to Kuanzhai Alley, don't just come to see the scenery without eating something—I'm afraid you'd be embarrassed to say you've visited Kuanzhai Alley. There are many Chengdu snacks here, perfect for indulging. I especially love the various wontons—sweet, salty, numbing, spicy—they taste amazing and are very cheap. Mom's Rabbit Head, rabbit cubes, street-side skewers, guokui (stuffed flatbread), Zhong Shui Jiao (Zhong's dumplings), and钵钵鸡 (bo bo ji, cold spicy chicken skewers) are all quite good. I also recommend a restaurant here that serves sweet noodles—they suit my taste perfectly, delicious and affordable, truly wonderful.

Wandering through Kuanzhai Alley and soaking in its charm, you'll find you can slowly enjoy a tranquility not found in everyday life. Sip a cup of tea while eating Chengdu's specialty snacks—this might just be a true pleasure.

Jiaoliao Hotel—Jiaoliao's New Nest, Memories of Old Kuanzhai; Chengdu's Blossoms Await Your Harvest.

In ancient times, there was "the wren nests in the deep forest"; today, there is "the wren nests in Kuanzhai." Speaking of Kuanzhai Alley, this is a bustling area of Chengdu. From ancient times to the present, high-ranking officials and nobles have settled here, and even ordinary people often wander around here.

Now, tourists and pedestrians flow endlessly; from afar, you can smell the aroma of snacks wafting from all corners of the alley, and hear the voices of vendors shouting their wares in varied tones.

Jiaoliao Boutique Hotel, a serene haven amidst the hustle and bustle, nestles delicately and modestly within the Kuanzhai Alley scenic area—No. 28 Kuan Alley. The hotel is near Metro Line 4. It is about 19 km from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, about a 40-minute drive. Nearby attractions include Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli, Tianfu Square, and Chunxi Road.

If you want to enjoy a peaceful vacation without missing the city's hustle and bustle, Jiaoliao Boutique Hotel is the ideal choice.

Before we came, we had already asked about the origin of the hotel's name. It is said that the wren in the hotel's name is a bird, derived from Zhuangzi's saying: "The wren nests in the deep forest, but only needs one branch." This implies an abandonment of worldly troubles, a quiet guarding of one's true nature, a return to simplicity, and a poetic dwelling in freedom and ease, embodying a philosophy of returning to nature and远离尘嚣 (far from the noise of the world).

This time, the wren does not nest in the deep forest but chooses this alley full of worldly烟火 (fireworks, i.e., human life), located on a long street bustling with tourists, carving out a resting place in the city forest for guests from afar.

Amidst the noisy crowd, we pushed open this aged yet grand gate. The first thing that caught our eyes was the main entrance. On both sides of the screen doors were carved hollow patterns, including bat motifs, symbolizing blessings and happiness. The two bats in opposite corners had water ripples above them, implying blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea. The bat on the central axis represented blessings descending from heaven. Together with the middle one, they formed the Five Blessings arriving at the door, wishing all distinguished guests here longevity, a good death, wealth, health, and virtue.

Passing through the courtyard and entering the corridor, we saw a bamboo, a tile, flowing water, and rockery, giving a sense of antique elegance, as if stepping into a parallel space separate from the worldly繁华 (prosperity), separated only by a wall from the outside world. My travel companion, as if on a roll, kept exclaiming how beautiful it was, taking photos nonstop, happy as a child.

Entering the lobby, we observed that the entire hotel's decoration style was full of the characteristics and elegance of Western Sichuan folk houses. The ancient and simple imitation Qing dynasty architecture was a combination of movement and stillness, revealing the essence of mountains and waters within a small space. It seemed the hotel owner put a lot of effort into such exquisite decoration—no wonder it is so popular.

As we passed through the corridor, the parrots hanging on both sides, hopping up and down, became unusually active at our arrival, chirping incessantly, amusing my friend. It seemed the birds were also welcoming our stay!

The green bricks and black tiles of this hotel were interconnected with the birds' chirping sounds, one moving and one still, complementing the hotel's design style, creating a mutual reflection. The movement and stillness were both vividly presented.

The "movement" was reflected in the meticulous details of the hotel's interior decoration, with bird-shaped ornaments echoing the hotel's name everywhere.

The "stillness" was embodied in the antique quadrangle courtyard with cyan-black bricks and tiles, where every plant and tree exuded tranquility, every bamboo and stone possessed elegance, establishing a quiet and leisurely lifestyle, allowing one to roam freely in spirit.

Passing through the corridor, we arrived at the accommodation area. Entering the guest room, we found that the materials used were all natural, solid raw wood. The room also featured Shu embroidery, one of the four famous embroideries, and a duiwo (a traditional rice pounding vessel), fully interpreting the concept of returning to simplicity.

Upon closer inspection, we discovered that the room's hardware facilities were also impressive. Whether it was the bathroom, the fully intelligent感应 toilet, or the mattress, all were configured according to the top standards of international five-star hotels. Understated luxury exuded an air of high quality, far surpassing other hotels—how could our group not be tempted?

Inheriting the culture of Laozi and Zhuangzi, building high-end facilities, neither conforming to the vulgar nor abandoning the world. Jiaoliao Hotel allows you to find a perfect balance between bustling excitement and serene detachment, letting you enjoy both the peace beyond the mortal world and the convenience of urban hustle, all for your unique experience.

Panda Base—Discover the Joy of Pandas.

Mentioning Sichuan, you must not forget the place where giant pandas live—the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Many people love the cute and clumsy appearance of giant pandas. In the past, I could only see pandas online; when browsing pictures of giant pandas, I found them really soft, adorable, and cute. This time, coming to the giant panda breeding base, knowing I would see real giant pandas, I was especially excited—after all, they are our national treasure. "Being cute for the country"—this is the true strength of baby pandas.

At this base, you will see many giant pandas, which is a completely different feeling from browsing pictures online!

The baby pandas here enjoy national treasure-level treatment. The environment is fully simulated to mimic the wild living conditions of giant pandas.

There are lakes, streams, and of course, the pandas' favorite food—bamboo!

Most notably, there are "panda villas" built for them. These are also their daily leisure and entertainment venues. When the weather is cool, the baby pandas play here; some leisurely stroll in the yard, while others roll on the ground—such a carefree scene!

Visitors can also watch the adorable pandas through the railings. When it's hot, the pandas cleverly hide in the rest area, and visitors can only watch them snoozing inside through the glass.

In short, when you come to Sichuan, you must visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The pandas here are truly diverse, and you can see whatever you want.

The national treasure giant pandas are really adorable, silly and cute, free and happy. Suddenly, I found myself quite envious of these giant pandas—perhaps I'm not the only one who thinks this way!

Childlike Innocence in the Snow—Taiziling Ski Resort.

If we talk about enjoying snow in winter, people in Chengdu must think of Xiling Snow Mountain. But there is another even more beautiful place waiting for people to visit—the Taiziling Ski Resort at Jiuding Mountain.

Taiziling Ski Resort is located in the Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area in Mao County, the "Ancient Qiang City of China" in Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It is 180 km from downtown Chengdu, only about a 3.5-hour drive, making it a professional-level ski resort on Chengdu's doorstep.

In winter, Jiuding Mountain is clad in silver, covered in white snow, ushering in a 4-month sun-skiing season. The Taiziling Ski Resort at Jiuding Mountain has the longest middle-to-high-level international commercial standard ski runs in western China, strictly divided from beginner to expert levels, and is equipped with full imported new ski equipment.

The ski resort can accommodate 5,000 skiers simultaneously and is staffed by professional ski instructors to fully meet the skiing needs of enthusiasts of different skill levels. The resort also offers free centralized beginner ski lessons at various times, allowing visitors to quickly learn basic skiing moves and immediately feel the joy of skiing.

In addition to adult activities, the ski resort has specially prepared areas for children. In the snow play area, children, accompanied by their families, slide down from heights on sleds, filling the scene with laughter and joy.

As a top-level ice and snow resort in Southwest China, Jiuding Mountain Taiziling Ski Resort is also equipped with leisure facilities such as the Hemingzhuang Holiday Hotel and the Hemingzhuang Holiday View Restaurant. Coupled with the convenience of a 3.5-hour drive from Chengdu directly to the ski hall, it provides a new destination for winter outdoor sports for Chengdu and surrounding tourists.

The ski runs at Taiziling Ski Resort are divided by slope gradient into 3 beginner runs, 3 intermediate runs, and 3 advanced runs. Each run has a gentle slope, giving beginners a full sense of security. The 3 intermediate runs are the domain of bold beginners and most regular skiers, where they can have fun and enjoy themselves.

Parents with children need not worry either. There are also snow play runs suitable for kids, with very gentle and stable slopes, perfect for children to play safely and happily. Snowball fights, building snowmen, and sledding—everything is available. Here, you can experience the innocence of childhood and the lost childlike fun.

If you drive here, you're in luck too. When driving home at night, passing through Wenchuan, you can also enjoy the night scenery of Wenchuan.

The neon lights are绚烂 (gorgeous), beautiful and magnificent, giving a sense of peace and comfort. Only by skiing yourself can you know how charming it is—once you go, you'll be addicted!

When you merge into that pure white, experiencing the purity and grandeur of the mountain wilderness amidst thrilling sports, listening to the wind whizzing past your ears during high-speed gliding, with snow stretching far and wide, the world is beneath your feet.

Let You Taste the Flavor of Home—Yuan Gong.

Chengdu Sichuan cuisine check-in: Yuan Gong. This restaurant was recommended by a friend. It serves authentic Zigong cuisine (salt gang cuisine), with genuine flavors that allow homesick locals to taste dishes with the flavor of home.

Specific location: No. 87-1, Xuedao Street. South entrance of Chunxi Road, cross the overpass and walk towards Xinhua Bookstore, about ten minutes. It's also not far from Qingshiqiao Seafood Market, about five minutes.

Before entering, we could see their sign from afar. The storefront is not particularly large, but it has an antique charm with a strong Chinese style. The shop gives off a middle-to-high-end feel; the interior hall is quite spacious and doesn't feel crowded. The environment is definitely excellent.

The service staff are very friendly. Everyone greets you with a welcome phrase upon entry. The receptionist at the door leads you in, and then the waiter inside takes over.

They seem quite thoughtful.

I must say their serving speed is very fast. Shortly after we ordered, the dishes came up one after another.

I especially recommend the old duck soup. It's very fresh, with a rich and delicious broth. The soup base is incredibly savory; one sip makes you feel relaxed all over. The duck meat is stewed until very tender, not dry and stringy, very nourishing and healthful.

The Longmen hanging meat (龙门吊肉) is really distinctive. When the waiter cuts it, he says: "First cut, great fortune; second cut, steady promotion; third cut, happiness and fulfillment." It tastes like crispy pork, very crunchy.

If I had to pick the most memorable dish, it would be the "Naked Shrimp" (裸奔虾). The shrimp are pre-processed, definitely fresh, and the veins are removed, ensuring diners can eat with confidence. The best part is that the dish also contains taro, which is delicious—soft and flavorful, giving an excellent texture.

The Yuan Gong clams and bullfrog (缘贡花甲美蛙) has a great visual effect, reminiscent of a nebula chain. The taste is very good. This combination of frog meat and clams was my first time trying it; I must say it's quite novel and the flavor is also good.

The ginger frog (仔姜跳水蛙) has tender meat and a pure taste. The dish looks very spicy, but it's actually mild. The frog meat is very tender, making your taste buds dance when you eat it—not bad at all!

The flavors of the dishes are truly delicious, and the portions are generous. It's also a great place for gatherings and treating guests. Five-star recommendation!

Eating Skewers in a Lively Atmosphere.

It's located at the exit of Huazhaobi Metro Station on Line 7, just a few minutes' walk away. The sign of Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan (成都瓜串串) is really eye-catching. When I walked in, I felt the style was unique, very Chinese in feeling, quite interesting.

I must say their storefront decoration is very grand. Inside, there are square tables arranged with ample space between them, so it doesn't feel crowded, and sitting inside is quite comfortable.

The serving speed is also fast. I have to mention that their skewers are cold pot skewers (冷锅串串). You choose your own dishes, and the shop cooks them and brings them directly. You don't have to worry about whether the food is cooked—just eat it directly. Very convenient.

The dry dip (干碟) is their specialty. The dry dip tastes excellent, with lots of crushed peanuts on top, giving a good impression. My friend especially loved it; he even wanted to ask the shop for the specific seasoning recipe, but of course, that's impossible—the shop won't reveal it. The dry dip is good, but for someone like me who can't handle very spicy food, it's not suitable. For spicy food lovers, this is your dipping weapon!

Of course, they don't only have skewers; small bowl dishes are also their specialty. Many small bowl dishes, all with good flavors. Recommended must-order items: Mao Huo Guo Fen (冒火锅粉, spicy hot pot vermicelli). The vermicelli is really tasty and very flavorful. Each strand is coated in the soup, and the taste is simply amazing—absolutely awesome!

Mao Tu Dou Tuo Tuo (冒土豆坨坨, spicy potato chunks) is my favorite. It's not particularly spicy, and the potato chunks combined with the seasonings are incredibly delicious. The potatoes are neither hard nor mushy, just the right texture. I could eat a second bowl after finishing one!

My first time eating rabbit kidney was at Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan. Unexpectedly, the rabbit kidney tasted great, even better than I imagined—tender texture, one piece at a time, really enjoyable.

After eating the skewers, have some ice jelly (冰粉) to cut the grease—life is just so satisfying.

Savoring Time in a Private Courtyard (别院里).

This tavern, surrounded by greenery, lit by neon lights, and encircled by various drinks and snacks, instantly became a favorite among Chengdu's drink lovers.

Perhaps you encounter various frustrations in life, but on such a night, having a nighttime revelry with friends is a good choice. It might help you temporarily forget unpleasant things, allowing you to fully enjoy a relaxing time. You sip, you savor!

This small tavern is actually near 339, on that bar street. As soon as you enter, you'll find the decoration quite appealing. The atmosphere of bright lights and酒绿 (green wine, i.e., revelry) makes you feel like you've arrived at a midnight cocktail party, with a mysterious vibe.

The entire tavern has two floors. The staircase leading upstairs is quite interesting, with flickering lights—it's also one of their Instagram-worthy decorations. Indeed, it's a nice look. There are also rows of moving fairy lights in the shop, alternating colors and moving up and down, adding to the overall atmosphere of the tavern.

It's practically a museum of alcohol.

Besides 75 types of wine and over 20 specialty cocktails, they recently introduced "hot pot wine" (火锅酒). This drink scores full marks in appearance. I've had hot pot and I've had alcohol, but have you ever had such a good-looking hot pot wine? Hmm, it looks a bit like a traditional Beijing copper hot pot. Inside, there is mellow浊酒 (unfiltered rice wine) and strong vodka. The pot contains base ingredients like dried tangerine peel, cloves, dragon fruit, and small kumquats, along with rose petals—full marks for romance.

The alcohol content is not high; it tastes sour and sweet with a fruity and floral aroma, appealing to both men and women. And the portion is large; for two or three people, one pot of this wine is enough. Sitting at the bar, watching the bartender's skillful performance is itself an exquisite enjoyment.

Perhaps in moments like these, we can find the indulgent side of ourselves!

Give Yourself a Reason.

I finally understood one truth: a person's life should have at least two impulses—one for a love that you would risk everything for, and one for a trip that you take without hesitation...