Charm Everywhere: A Chengdu Travelogue

Chengdu is not a place that dampens your willpower; on the contrary, it makes you feel full of life. The only reason to sink into indulgence is that you cannot resist the city's unrestrained imagination. Its beauty lies in its innocence. The men and women, young and old, who live here all possess a charming, irresistible ease. They never doubt the meaning of life—they are doers. If they want to play mahjong, they play mahjong; if they crave small chili peppers, they eat them. The people of Sichuan have a certain spirit: a tranquil, fearless, neither humble nor arrogant way of living their beloved little lives. I would say it's not so much that I like Chengdu, but that I love the lively atmosphere of daily life here.

Chengdu people love good food, and Chengdu is a capital of gastronomy! The finest feelings in life are surely hidden in the journey. Some people's journeys are sweet, some sour, some a mix of all flavors, but my journey has only one flavor: the aroma of food. So I came to Chengdu, this city overflowing with delicacies!

Yuan Gong, Yuan Gong—by fate, an offering. The red plaque with gold characters instantly struck my heart. The moon-white verses printed on the ground also highlighted the theme of “fate.” It seems that this restaurant and I truly have a destiny together.

The ceiling of Yuan Gong is covered with red flowers like blazing flames, giving it a fresh and original feel, and my mood unconsciously lifted.

This restaurant is located on another street behind Chunxi Road near Qingshi Bridge. The location is a bit secluded. Compared to the bustling nightlife of Chunxi Road, this place seems somewhat detached from the worldly fray, and I love this very detachment.

The restaurant is quite spacious, with separate booths for each table and adequate distance—suitable for small gatherings. It doesn't feel crowded at all; I absolutely adore the ambiance!

Nowadays, restaurant interiors are often stylish, and this one is no exception. The lighting and color tones, whether in the private rooms or the main hall seating, are all quite design-conscious.

The dishes here are authentic Zigong-style Sichuan cuisine, and the flavors are excellent. The environment has a homely feel—the red flowers and umbrellas used as decorations give a sense of festivity and warmth, making warmth surge in my heart. Perhaps this is the taste of home.

The service staff were great—truly warm and attentive, coming at the slightest call. Although we were sitting in a somewhat remote spot, we could always get a server's attention; there was never a situation where we couldn't call anyone. They were genuinely friendly and courteous to guests, from the moment we entered to the moment we left, there was always someone guiding us. This is something I found commendable.

As for the dishes, the one that left the deepest impression was Yuan Gong's Signature Clam Rabbit. The green and red chili peppers made the rabbit meat even more tender and delicious, and the clams looked enticing. One bite—tender, slightly numbing, with just the right amount of spiciness—instantly made my taste buds dance. "When golden wind meets jade dew, it surpasses countless moments in the mortal world!"

Longmen Hanging Meat—a special young man came to cut the meat and arrange it on a plate. It had a crispy texture, the batter was perfectly fried, and it didn't feel greasy even after eating a lot. This is one of their signature dishes, quite distinctive.

The Old Duck Soup left a deep impression too. It wasn't heavy on MSG or chicken essence; it was clear, slightly sweet and fragrant, perfect for relieving dryness. One sip soothed my body and mind—so comfortable and delicious.

Another dish, Yuan Gong Local Chicken Slices, was absolutely the best of the evening. The flavor was great, with lotus root slices underneath, and the red chili oil was very fragrant, blending perfectly with the chicken slices—a truly heavenly delicacy. My friend and I couldn't stop praising this dish; it was really wonderfully made!

Soybean-Fragrant Whole Fish—the fish was large, covered with fermented soybeans and minced meat. Even just the condiments could go with several bowls of rice. The fish meat was especially tender and not at all fishy!

"Across a thousand miles, fate brings us together at Yuan Gong." An authentic Sichuan restaurant that keeps surprising you!

As everyone knows, Chengdu is a city of gastronomy. When it comes to representative foods, chuan chuan (skewers) definitely holds a place. Large bundles of bamboo sticks, hot red broth, numbing and spicy flavors—it makes your mouth water uncontrollably. This store, Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan Main Branch on Jinfangyuan East Road, could be your choice.

The variety of skewers in the shop is quite rich, with dozens of types. There are many kinds of vegetables and meats, and I was dazzled trying to choose.

The ingredients are pre-skewered and placed in a refrigerated cabinet for customers to pick on their own; you just select what you like. One special feature here is that the kitchen cooks the skewers and then brings them out in a big basin, saving you the trouble of cooking them yourself—directly ready to eat. For a lazy person like me, it couldn't be more convenient.

After a short wait, a steaming pot of skewers arrived on the table. The broth looked oily and spicy, but the spiciness was moderate. The flavor was numbing, spicy, and fresh. The shop also provides dry dipping powder and oil dip. The dry dip is their specialty, quite good—worth recommending.

Besides skewers, there were also several hot dishes: mapo tofu-style pig brain (numbing-spicy), smooth and delicate; numbing-spicy duck blood, tender and silky; numbing-spicy duck intestines, crunchy and tasty; and numbing-spicy luncheon meat, instant noodles, etc., all quite memorable.

This Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan may not be the best skewer place in Chengdu, but it is definitely the most unique.

In Chengdu, a city that prides itself on leisure, there are many taverns large and small. But one that is surrounded by greenery, lit by neon lights, and filled with a rich variety of alcohol and snacks—that's only Bie Yuan Li.

The cat girl characters unique to the shop add a touch of mystery to the nighttime, making people eagerly anticipate the arrival of evening.

I heard that to give customers a better in-store experience, the owner hired the company that designed the lighting for the Bird's Nest Stadium. I could only quietly think: what a big production—the owner is really generous!

As the lights inside the tavern turn on, the whole place becomes a colorful neon world. Under the interplay of light and shadow, colorful lights resemble stars in the sky, shining brilliantly. Looking at this scene, I couldn't help but marvel—indeed, the owner's decision was right. The customers' experience is the greatest affirmation.

Since this is a small tavern, alcohol is essential. There is an enormous variety: whiskey, cocktails, mixed drinks, pure imported beers—everything you could imagine, and many that I couldn't even name. It was dizzying. Basically, if you want to drink it, you can probably find it here!

Not only that, but even the vessels for food were carefully selected by the owner—Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain, elegant and beautiful, making hearts flutter.

Although there are many kinds of alcoholic drinks, I don't seem to favor the strong ones. Long Island Iced Tea appears clear and mild like black tea, yet it also has the strong, mellow fragrance of alcohol. With added lemon juice and cola, it tastes sweet, similar to lemon iced tea, so it's always popular with girls. A friend of mine who really knows his drinks told me that this cocktail is the "wolf in sheep's clothing" of the mixology world—its alcohol content is quite high, so those who can't hold their liquor shouldn't overindulge.

There is also a cocktail called The Cosmopolitan. It's no exaggeration to say that the Cosmopolitan is one of the most popular cocktails in the world. To this day, it has been popular for over thirty years. With its lower alcohol content, sweet-and-sour taste, and strong fruit flavor, it won me over and became my favorite.

At Bie Yuan Li, if you happen to order one of the bartender's special cocktails, then congratulations—you'll enjoy an incredibly eye-pleasing cocktail show. After mixing, the cocktail slowly "breathes" a mist of cold air from the rim of the glass, creating a very artistic atmosphere. As you savor it, the deeper your tongue engages with the cocktail, the more wonderful the flavor becomes.

I must recommend this Chinese-style cocktail—Guchang Wheat Straw Rice Wine. It's a rice wine drunk through a wheat straw, which I'd never seen before. The rice wine is sweet, mellow, and rich, smooth and gentle on the palate. Drinking a small bottle in winter makes your whole body feel warm.

Don't think you can only drink here. This place is also a hidden Sichuan restaurant, with quality and portions comparable to outside Sichuan eateries. Dan dan noodles, Zhong-style dumplings, and even childhood-flavored fermented rice with brown sugar are all available here!

Their signature grilled fish is always a popular dish. The fish is well-marinated, crispy on the outside and tender inside—I guarantee you'll become a fan after a few bites.

After reading so much, if you're curious, go and experience it yourself!

From the entrance of Kuanzhai Alley to the Jiaoliao hotel, it's only about 200 meters, but it can take a full half hour to walk. With rows upon rows of snack shops and all kinds of gold and silver utensils, if your mind wanders even a little, you'll get lost in the sights and sounds.

Your eyes see blue bricks and black tiles, ancient trees and long streets. Your ears hear the clinking of copper and silver craftsmen and the calls of shopkeepers. Your nose catches the aromas of fried dough balls and egg pancakes. Breaking free from all this requires considerable willpower.

It's full of worldly hustle and earthly pleasures. Walking back and forth once is like doing a somersault in the sea of mortal desires—your eyes, ears, nose, mind—all are fully satisfied.

Right in the middle of Kuanzhai Alley, Jiaoliao stands as an exception. Its two tightly closed gates and the perpetually locked copper lock seem to declare a philosophy of "shutting oneself in a small courtyard to create one's own world."

I truly understood what "city forest" means! Step out—bustling crowds; step in—quietly guard your heart. Amid prosperity and comfort, carve out a pure land, luxurious inside, full of spirit.

And indeed it is: once the half-kilogram copper lock drops, it separates the gazes of passing tourists and also isolates the lively, bustling world that has soaked the alley for three hundred years.

Wind can pass through the courtyard, birds can perch on the eaves. But none of the noise outside can enter. Amid the hubbub, you find peace—that is Jiaoliao.

The whole structure is built from tung wood, a meeting of traditional aesthetics and modern techniques, natural yet sturdy. Long-term exposure to the faint woody fragrance helps with sleep, calms the mind, and soothes the body.

The architectural style of the hotel combines movement and stillness. "Movement" is seen in the careful details throughout the interior. Bird images greet you from the entry corridor to the bird-shaped decorations in guest rooms, echoing the hotel's name—Jiaoliao.

"Stillness" is found in the blue-black brick and tile courtyard, a replica of an ancient quadrangle. Every plant and tree is elegant, every bamboo and mat has charm. Each room has its own poetic name, as if alive and vivid.

Inside the rooms, most decorations are natural wood, fresh and clean. Facilities are complete: King Koil mattresses (the "Jingzhu Shiguang" co-branded model), Kohler bathrooms, TOTO smart toilets... Various drinks, snacks, fruits, tea, and water are all provided. The overall feeling is very warm and comfortable. There is also a small open-air balcony where you can look out at Kuanzhai Alley in the morning—stepping into the world while standing apart from it—this is the life I want. And if you need to relax your tired body, they offer professional spa services.

Breakfast is also very thoughtful. When you check in, the butler asks about your meal time and taste preferences—very considerate. You can choose Western or Chinese breakfast, accompanied by fruits, nuts, and various pastries, and it's delivered to your room. Full of love.

Living here, you truly enjoy yourself in leisure, possessing this beautiful scenery and enjoying the pleasure of freedom!

Taiziling Ski Resort is located in the Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area in Mao County, about 180 kilometers from Chengdu. The drive from Chengdu to the ski resort takes about three and a half hours. The highest altitude of the ski resort is 2,971 meters, the lowest is 2,733 meters, with a drop of 238 meters. Most people don't experience altitude sickness, so you can ski with peace of mind. The total length of the slopes is 2.5 kilometers, making it the ski resort with the longest ski runs in southern China.

Taiziling Ski Resort has quite professional slopes: 3 advanced runs, 3 intermediate runs, and 3 beginner runs. Whether you're a first-timer feeling out skiing or a seasoned expert with all kinds of techniques, you can find fun here.

Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area boasts beautiful natural surroundings, green mountains and clear waters, and rich vegetation. It's a multifunctional scenic area integrating outdoor camping, tourism, sports, and leisure. The area has extremely high concentrations of negative oxygen ions, with PM2.5 levels consistently below 10. During the snow season, 70% of the days are sunny—a true city of sunshine and land of snow views.

The ski runs wind and undulate naturally, called "dream runs" by ski enthusiasts. There are multiple runs to choose from—lots of options, lots of surprises—providing a stage for both beginners and ski gods to have fun and show off their skills.

Skiing is really a physically demanding activity, and with the strong ultraviolet rays, you'll soon be sweating and exhausted. Make sure to hydrate and rest appropriately. While resting, look at the blue sky, take photos, and admire others' cool moves—it's also very enjoyable. The weather was great, and the sunlight reflecting off the snow was dazzling, so be sure to bring sunglasses in your gear.

To go on the advanced runs, you must take the cable car, and to ride the cable car, you must wear a helmet. So if you plan to try the advanced slopes, remember to rent a helmet.

On the cable car, with white snow beneath and the blazing sun above, skiers speed by below—I was especially afraid of dropping my gear or phone—it was quite thrilling.

After about ten minutes on the cable car, we reached the starting point of the advanced run. The moment I stepped off, my legs went weak—the first slope was at least 40 degrees.

Truly, "it is lonely at the top." There were even fewer people on the advanced run. Few used snowboards; most were skilled riders with their own boards, who in a few seconds slid down and disappeared from sight.

If you get hungry, you can buy food. There is a dining area in the ski resort, but you can also bring your own—rice and a self-heating hotpot are not a bad idea. The hotpot in the hotel was tasty, no worse than what you'd get outside—a big pot of red, oily but not greasy. Enjoying the snow views while savoring the spicy excitement of hotpot—that's true enjoyment.

From the moment you set foot in Jiuding Mountain, you'll experience a natural realm far from noise, full of poetry and painting, harmony between man and nature, simple and peaceful. And at Taiziling Ski Resort, you can have a more harmonious and intimate holiday with family and friends—why not do it!

Du Fu's Thatched Cottage in Chengdu is located on the banks of the Huanhua Stream outside the west gate of Chengdu. It is a must-visit for tourists coming to Chengdu.

As the name suggests, Du Fu's Thatched Cottage was the former residence of the poet Du Fu. Although the cottage complex is grand and luxurious, Du Fu's actual dwelling is only a very small part of the scenic area—just a few small, shabby thatched huts. The large-scale buildings were built by later generations in memory of Du Fu.

After entering the cottage, there are many forks in the road, with signposts pointing the way to various attractions. A little further in, a quaint old alley comes into view: the walls on both sides are vermilion, the tiles are embedded with round bricks carved with animal faces, and the moss on the tiles shows that the alley has been around for a while. The green stone slabs underfoot have been worn black and have developed cracks.

Passing through the alley, a winding brook appears, with green bamboo growing on both banks and towering ancient trees—a truly poetic scene.

Before we knew it, we arrived at a place that looked like a thatched cottage. Indeed, this was Du Fu's former residence! Paths on both sides were enclosed by bamboo fences.

The roof has no modern building materials, but it is no longer the same cottage that Du Fu lived in. Here, I just wanted to stand in front of the house and feel the eternal verse: "Could I get a vast mansion sheltering all the poor scholars in the world, every one of them smiling with joy!" I saw the earthen walls crumbling, revealing a framework of bamboo strips. The wooden threshold looked so decayed it could be crushed underfoot.

Walking through the thatched cottage, the air was thick with history and an intense poetic flavor, making me soak in it, reluctant to leave for a long time...

What I miss is the scenery of Chengdu; what I miss is the food of Chengdu; what I miss is the lively, everyday atmosphere of Chengdu...