Chengdu 7-Day In-Depth Tour: Food, Drink, Accommodation, and Transport All Covered, Feel Free to Copy~

“If I were a flower, for whom would I bloom; if I were a bird, where would I fly; a star’s twinkle is not enough to 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, so we come together!

The wide narrow alleys contain the charm of old Chengdu

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

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

Kuanzhai Alley has always been a portrayal of a leisurely and comfortable life. Some say Kuanzhai Alley is like Beijing's Nanluoguxiang, but in my opinion, Nanluoguxiang’s charm lies in its antiquity and tradition, while Kuanzhai Alley is leisurely and soothing. However, both share one thing in common: they have a wide variety of specialty snacks. The local famous delicacies here will definitely satisfy you!

Because Kuanzhai Alley retains a lot of old Chengdu culture, when you stroll through it, you'll see a blend of history and modern fashion, yet you'll find it not at all discordant, but rather wonderfully fascinating. The walls built of bricks from different eras, and those bas-relief paintings of old street life, make this afternoon in Chengdu leisurely and beautiful.

When you come to Kuanzhai Alley, don't say you're just here to see the sights without eating something. I'm afraid you'd be embarrassed to say you've visited Kuanzhai Alley. There are many Chengdu snacks here, simply a feast. I love all kinds of wontons — sweet, savory, numbing, spicy — superb taste, very cheap. Mama Rabbit Head, rabbit ding, street-side chuanchuan, guokui, Zhong dumplings, boboji are all good. Also recommend a place here for sweet noodles, which suit my taste, delicious and not expensive, really nice.

Strolling in Kuanzhai Alley, feeling its charm, you'll find that here you can slowly enjoy the tranquility you can't feel in daily life. Sip a cup of tea, eat Chengdu's specialty snacks — this is perhaps a kind of enjoyment.

Jiaoliao Hotel — Jiaoliao's New Nest, Kuanzhai's Old Memories; Chengdu's Blossoms, Waiting for You to Pick

In ancient times, there was a saying: '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 ordinary people often wander around as well.

Nowadays, tourists and passersby are in an endless stream. From afar, you can smell the snacks wafting from every corner of the alley, and hear the voices of vendors, with their cadenced cries touting their business.

Jiaoliao Cultural Boutique Hotel, nestled in the midst of noise, takes a delicate and simple stance, quietly residing in Kuanzhai Alley Scenic Area at 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. Surrounding attractions include Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli, Tianfu Square, Chunxi Road, and other famous spots.

If you want to enjoy a peaceful vacation but don't want to miss the prosperity and excitement of the city, Jiaoliao Cultural Boutique Hotel is the perfect choice.

Before coming, we had already inquired about the origin of the hotel's name. It is said that Jiaoliao is originally a bird, from Zhuangzi's writing: 'The wren nests in the deep forest, but only needs one branch.' This embodies a poetic dwelling that casts aside worldly distractions, guards the true heart, returns to nature, and attains freedom and ease, as well as a philosophy of life that returns to nature away from the hustle and bustle.

This time, however, Jiaoliao does not nest in the deep forest but chooses such an alley full of worldly warmth, located on a long street bustling with tourists, opening up a haven of urban forest for guests from afar.

Among the noisy crowd, we push open this ancient and weathered gate. The first thing that catches our eyes is the main gate. On both sides, the screen doors have hollow-carved patterns, among which bat motifs symbolize blessings and happiness. The two bats at the corners have water ripples above, meaning blessings as vast as the eastern sea. The bat on the central axis represents blessings descending from heaven. Together with the middle one, they complete the 'Five Blessings at the Door,' wishing all distinguished guests longevity, good death, wealth, health, and virtue.

Passing through the courtyard into the corridor, we see a bamboo, a tile, flowing water, and rockery, giving a sense of primitive elegance, as if entering a parallel space parallel to the world's prosperity, separated by just one wall from the bustling scene outside. Our friend, as if on a winning streak, kept saying how beautiful it was, taking photos incessantly, laughing happily like a child.

Entering the lobby, upon careful observation, the entire hotel's decoration style is full of the characteristics and elegance of Sichuan folk houses. The simple and elegant imitation Qing ancient architecture combines movement and stillness, revealing the mysteries of mountains and waters in a small space. It seems the owner of this hotel put a lot of thought into it, with such exquisite decoration — no wonder it's so popular.

As we passed the corridor, the parrots hanging on both sides, jumping up and down, became unusually active at our arrival, chirping incessantly, making my friend laugh. It seems these birds are also welcoming our stay!

The green bricks and black tiles of this hotel are interrelated with the birds' chirping, one moving and one still, complementing the hotel's design style, and both are concretely reflected.

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

The 'stillness' is reflected in the antique quadrangle courtyard of blue-grey bricks and tiles, where every plant and tree is secluded, every bamboo and stone exudes elegance, establishing a quiet and leisurely life tone, allowing one to roam freely in spirit.

Passing through the corridor, we arrive at the accommodation area. Entering the guest room, we find that the materials used are all natural, solid raw wood. The room also features Shu embroidery, one of the four famous embroidery styles, and a rice mortar, fully interpreting the original meaning of returning to simplicity.

Upon careful observation, we find that the hardware facilities inside the room are also of high origin. Whether it's the bathroom, the fully intelligent sensor toilet, or the mattress, they are all configured according to the top standards of international five-star hotels. Low-key luxury exudes a high-end atmosphere. Such configuration far exceeds 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 the perfect balance between bustling excitement and serene detachment, letting you enjoy the peace beyond the world while having the convenience of urban hustle. All for your unique experience.

Panda Base — Discover the Joy of Pandas

Speaking of Sichuan, you must not forget the place where giant pandas live — the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Many people love the adorable and clumsy appearance of giant pandas. Previously, I could only see pandas online. Browsing pictures, I found them really soft, cute, and adorable. This time, coming to the panda breeding base, thinking about seeing real pandas, I was extremely 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, many giant pandas, which is a completely different feeling from browsing pictures online!

The panda babies enjoy a national treasure-level treatment here. 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, they have built 'Panda Villas' for them. These are their daily leisure and entertainment venues. When the weather is cool, panda babies play here, some strolling leisurely in the yard, others rolling on the ground — a truly carefree scene!

Visitors can also watch the adorable pandas from behind the railings. When it's hot, the pandas smartly hide in their resting rooms. Then visitors can only watch them sleeping soundly through the glass.

In short, when you come to Sichuan, you must check in at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The pandas here are in all sorts of poses, everything you want to see.

The national treasure pandas are really cute — silly, adorable, free and happy. Suddenly, I found myself envying these pandas. Perhaps, I'm not the only one thinking this!

The Innocence and Fun in the Snow — Taiziling Ski Resort

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

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

In winter, Jiuding Mountain is covered in snow, ushering in a four-month sunny ski season. Jiuding Mountain Taiziling Ski Resort features the longest international commercial standard ski runs in western China, strictly divided from beginner to advanced levels, and provides a full set of imported new ski equipment.

The ski resort can accommodate 5,000 people skiing at the same time, and is equipped with professional ski instructors to fully meet the skiing needs of enthusiasts of different levels. The resort also offers free beginner ski lessons at different times, allowing visitors to quickly learn basic skiing moves and quickly experience the joy of skiing.

In addition to adult activities, the resort also has a special area for children. In the snow play zone, children slide down from heights on sleds accompanied by their families, filled with laughter and joy.

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

The ski runs at Taiziling Ski Resort are divided into 3 beginner runs, 3 intermediate runs, and 3 advanced runs according to slope gradient. 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 players, where they can have fun to their heart's content.

Parents with children don't need to worry either. There are also snow play runs suitable for kids, with very gentle and stable slopes, perfect for children. It ensures they 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. On the way home at night, passing through Wenchuan, you can also enjoy the night scenery of Wenchuan.

Neon lights are brilliant and magnificent, giving a sense of peace and comfort. Only by skiing yourself do you realize its great charm — once you go, you'll be addicted!

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

Let You Taste the Flavor of Home — Yuan Gong

Chengdu Sichuan cuisine food check-in: Yuan Gong. This restaurant was recommended by a friend. It serves authentic Zigong cuisine, with truly genuine flavors, allowing homesick folks to taste the taste of home.

Specific location: No. 87 Xue Dao Street, Annex 1. South entrance of Chunxi Road, cross the overpass and walk towards the Xinhua Bookstore, about ten minutes. 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 store has a mid-to-high-end feel, with a spacious interior that doesn't feel crowded. The environment is definitely excellent.

The service staff are very friendly. Upon entering, everyone greets you with a welcome phrase. The receptionist at the door leads you in, and then the staff inside takes over.

They seem quite thoughtful.

I have to say, their serving speed is very fast. Shortly after we ordered, the dishes started coming up one after another.

Highly recommend the old duck soup. The flavor is very fresh, the broth is rich and delicious, and the soup base is exceptionally fresh. Drinking a sip makes you feel relaxed throughout. The duck meat is tender and well-braised, not dry, very nourishing.

The Dragon Gate Hanging Meat is really unique. When the server cuts it, they say: 'First cut brings good fortune, second cut brings promotion step by step, third cut brings 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.' The shrimp are pre-prepared, definitely fresh, and the veins are removed, ensuring diners can eat with confidence. Most importantly, there is taro in the dish. The taro is delicious, soft and flavorful, with an excellent texture.

Yuan Gong Clam and Bullfrog has a great visual effect, like a nebula chain. The taste is great. This combination of bullfrog and clams is my first time trying it — very novel and tasty.

Young Ginger Jumping Frog has tender meat and pure flavor. This dish looks very spicy, but it's actually okay. The frog meat is tender, and eating it feels like a dance of flavors in the mouth. Good, good!

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

Eat Chuan Chuan in High Spirits

The location is right at the exit A of Huazhaobi metro station, just a few minutes' walk to Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan. The sign is very eye-catching. When I walked in, I felt the style was unique, very Chinese, quite interesting.

I have to say, the storefront is very grand. Inside, there are square tables with enough space between them, so it doesn't feel crowded. Sitting inside is very comfortable.

Serving speed is also fast. I must mention that their chuan chuan are cold-pot style. You choose your dishes, then the shop cooks them and brings them to you directly. No need to worry about whether they're cooked — just eat them straight away. Very convenient.

The dry dipping dish is their specialty. It tastes great, with lots of crushed peanuts on top, looks very good. My friend loved it so much he wanted to ask the shop for the exact seasoning, but that's impossible — the shop won't reveal it. The dry dip is good, but for someone like me who can't handle too much spice, it's not quite suitable. For spice lovers, this is your dipping weapon!

Of course, they don't just have skewers. Small bowl dishes are also their specialty. Many small bowl dishes, all quite tasty. Recommended must-order items: Mao Huoguo Fen — really delicious and well-infused. Each noodle is coated with broth — the taste is indescribably awesome!

My favorite is Mao Tudi Tuotuo. Not overly spicy, and the potatoes paired with the toppings are explosively tasty. The potatoes are neither hard nor too soft, 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 was very tasty, even better than I imagined. Tender texture, one bite each — truly satisfying.

After eating skewers, enjoy a bowl of ice jelly to cut the grease. Life is so good.

In the Bie Yuan, Savor Time

This tavern, surrounded by greenery, lit by neon lights, and surrounded by various drinks and snacks, has become a favorite of Chengdu's drinkers as soon as it appeared.

In life, you might encounter various unpleasant things, but on such a night, having a night of revelry with friends is also a good choice. It can temporarily make you forget some unhappy things and let you enjoy the carefree time. You savor it, you appreciate it!

This small tavern is actually located near 339, on the bar street. Upon entering, you find the decoration quite attractive. The atmosphere of lights and wine makes you feel like you're at a midnight party, with a sense of mystery.

The entire venue has two floors. The staircase design to the second floor is interesting, with flashing lights. It's one of their Instagram-worthy decorations, really worth seeing. Inside, there are several rows of moving colorful lights, changing colors and moving up and down, adding to the atmosphere.

This place is practically a museum of liquor.

In addition to 75 kinds of liquor and over 20 specialty cocktails, they recently introduced hotpot liquor. This drink looks perfect in appearance. Have you ever eaten hotpot and drunk alcohol, but have you ever tried such a good-looking hotpot liquor? Hmm, it looks a bit like a traditional Beijing copper pot. Inside, there is warm cloudy liquor and strong vodka. The pot comes with base ingredients: besides dried tangerine peel, cloves, dragon fruit, and small kumquats, it also includes rose petals — full of romance.

The alcohol content is low, sweet and sour with a floral and fruity aroma — it appeals to both men and women. The portion is large; two or three people can share this pot. Sitting at the bar, watching the bartender's smooth techniques is itself a wonderful enjoyment.

Perhaps in such moments, we can find the indulgent self!

Give Yourself a Reason

I finally understand a truth: A person's life needs at least two impulses — one for a love that you would die for, and one for a trip that you take on a whim......