A 6-Day In-Depth Chengdu Trip: Full Sharing on Food, Accommodation, and Fun!
"If I were a flower, for whom would I bloom? If I were a bird, where would I fly? The twinkle of a single star cannot form a constellation; the sum of a big tree is just a single weight." Lately, I've been looping this song, "The Sum of Loneliness." Perhaps we are all the sum of loneliness, which is why we come together!
The Wide Narrow Alleys, embodying the charm of old Chengdu.
If you come to Chengdu, you must not miss this attraction β Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alley). Although called Wide and Narrow Alley, it is actually composed of Jing Alley, Wide Alley, and Narrow Alley. Here, you can experience the city's local life.
Kuanzhai Alley has always been a portrayal of leisurely and comfortable life. Some say Kuanzhai Alley is like Beijing's Nanluoguxiang. In my view, Nanluoguxiang has an ancient and traditional charm, while Kuanzhai Alley is leisurely and relaxing. However, both share a common point: they have a great variety of local snacks. The famous local delicacies here will definitely let you eat your fill!
Because Kuanzhai Alley preserves too much of old Chengdu culture, when you stroll inside, you'll see a blend of history and modern fashion. Surprisingly, there's no disharmony; instead, it creates a wonderful feeling. The rows of brick walls built in different eras and the relief-like paintings of old street life make this Chengdu afternoon leisurely and beautiful.
When you come to Kuanzhai Alley, don't say you're just here for the scenery without eating anything. I'm afraid you'd be embarrassed to say you've visited Kuanzhai Alley. There are many Chengdu snacks here, perfect for a hearty feast. I love all kinds of wontons β sweet, salty, numbing, spicy β super tasty and very cheap. Mother Rabbit Head, diced rabbit, street-side skewers, guokui (pancake), Zhong's Dumplings, and Bobo Chicken (poached chicken) are all good. I also recommend a shop here serving Sweet Noodles β they suit my taste well, delicious and affordable, really great.
Strolling around Kuanzhai Alley and feeling its charm, you'll find you can slowly enjoy a peace you can't usually experience in life. Sipping tea while tasting Chengdu's specialty snacks β that might be true enjoyment.
Jiaoliao Hotel β Jiaoliao's New Nest, Kuanzhai's Old Memories; Chengdu's Blossoms Await Your Picking.
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 officials and nobles have settled here, and even ordinary people often wander around here.
Now, tourists and pedestrians come in an endless stream. From afar, you can smell the aroma of snacks wafting from every corner of the alley, and you can hear the voices of vendors, rhythmically hawking their goods.
Jiaoliao Boutique Hotel, finding tranquility in the midst of noise, nestles delicately and humbly at No. 28 Kuan Alley within Kuanzhai Alley scenic area. 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, and Chunxi Road.
If you want to enjoy a peaceful holiday without missing the hustle and bustle of the city, Jiaoliao 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, derived from Zhuangzi's words: "The wren nests in the deep forest, but only takes one branch." It embodies a poetic dwelling that discards worldly troubles, guards the true heart, returns to nature, and finds ease, as well as a philosophy of life that returns to nature and stays away from the mundane.
This time, the wren does not nest in the deep forest but chooses this alley full of humanηη« (worldly life). Situated along a long street crowded with tourists, it opens up a habitat of urban forest for guests from afar.
Amid the noisy crowd, we pushed open this ancient, heavy door. The first thing that caught our eyes was the main entrance. Both side screen doors featured hollow-carved floral patterns, including bat motifs symbolizing blessings and happiness. The two bats at the corners, with ripples above, represent blessings as vast as the East Sea. The bat on the center line signifies blessings descending from heaven. Together with the middle one, it makes five blessings arriving at the door β wishing all distinguished guests here longevity, a good end, wealth, peace, and virtue.
Passing through the courtyard into the corridor, we saw a bamboo, a tile, flowing water, and rockery, giving an antique and elegant feeling β like entering a parallel space parallel to the world's prosperity, separated only by a wall. Our friend, as if on fire, kept exclaiming how beautiful it was and kept taking photos, happy as a child.
Entering the lobby, upon careful observation, the entire hotel's decoration style is full of the characteristics and elegance of Sichuan-style folk houses. The antique and simple imitation-Qing ancient architecture presents a combination of motion and stillness, showcasing the essence of landscapes within a small space. It seems the hotel owner was very attentive, decorating so exquisitely; no wonder it's so popular.
As we passed the corridor, the parrots hanging on both sides, bouncing up and down, became unusually active due to our arrival. They kept chirping, making my friend laugh. It seemed the birds were also welcoming our stay!
The hotel's gray bricks and black tiles and the birds' singing are intertwined β one moving, one still β complementing the hotel's design style, fully expressing both motion and stillness.
The "motion" is reflected in the careful creation of details throughout the hotel's decoration, with bird-shaped decorations echoing the hotel's name everywhere.
The "stillness" is reflected in the antique gray-brick-and-tile quadrangle courtyard, where every plant and tree is delicate, every bamboo and stone has elegance, establishing a quiet and leisurely tone of life, allowing for carefree wandering and enjoyment.
Passing through the corridor, we arrived at the accommodation area. Entering the guest room, we found that all materials used were natural, solid raw wood. The room also features Shu embroidery, one of the four famous embroideries, and a duiwo (mortar and pestle) for rice, fully explaining the intention of returning to simplicity.
Upon closer inspection, we found that the room's hardware facilities were also of high quality. Whether it's the bathroom fixtures, fully intelligent sensor toilets, or the mattress, they are all configured according to top international five-star hotel standards. Understated luxury exudes a high-end vibe, far exceeding other hotels. How could we not be impressed?
Inheriting Laozi and Zhuangzi culture and creating high-end facilities, neither vulgar nor detached from the world. Jiaoliao Hotel allows you to find the perfect balance between bustling excitement and peaceful detachment, letting you enjoy both the tranquility away from the world and the convenience of urban bustle β all for your unique experience.
Panda Base β Discovering the Joy of Pandas.
When talking about Sichuan, you must not forget the home of giant pandas β the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Many people love the adorable and clumsy appearance of giant pandas. Previously, I could only see giant pandas online. Browsing pictures, I found them soft, cute, and adorable. This time, coming to the Panda Base and seeing the real pandas made me exceptionally excited β after all, they are our national treasure. "Acting cute for the country" is truly the real ability of these baby pandas.
At this base, you will see many giant pandas, a completely different feeling from browsing pictures online!
Here, the baby pandas enjoy national treasure-level treatment. The environment fully simulates pandas' wild habitat β with lakes, streams, and of course, their favorite food β bamboo!
Most notably, they have built "Panda Villas" for them. These are also their daily leisure and entertainment venues. When the weather is cool, baby pandas play here β some stroll in the yard, others roll on the ground. What a carefree scene!
Visitors can also watch the adorable pandas through the railings. When it's hot, the pandas wisely hide in their restrooms, so visitors can only watch them through the glass as they sleep soundly.
In short, when you come to Sichuan, you must check in at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The pandas here are truly diverse β whatever you want to see, you can find.
The national treasure giant pandas are so cute β chubby, adorable, free, and happy. Suddenly I found myself envying these pandas. Perhaps I'm not the only one thinking this!
Innocent Fun in the Snow β Taiziling Ski Resort.
When it comes to winter snow viewing, Chengdu people surely think of Xiling Snow Mountain, etc. Actually, there is a more beautiful place waiting for people β the Taiziling Ski Resort at Jiuding Mountain.
Taiziling Ski Resort is located in the Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area in Mao County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan, known as "China's Ancient Qiang City." It is 180 km from downtown Chengdu, only about a 3.5-hour drive, making it a professional ski resort at the doorstep of Chengdu people.
In winter, Jiuding Mountain is covered in silver, with snow stretching for miles, welcoming a 4-month sunny ski season. Taiziling Ski Resort at Jiuding Mountain boasts the longest intermediate-to-advanced international commercial standard ski runs in western China, from beginner to top-level strictly divided, and is equipped with a full set of imported new ski equipment.
The ski resort can accommodate 5,000 people skiing simultaneously and is staffed with professional ski instructors to fully meet the needs of skiers of different levels. The resort also offers free centralized beginner ski lessons at different times, allowing visitors to quickly learn basic beginner skiing movements and quickly feel the joy of skiing.
Besides adult activities, the resort has specially prepared areas for children. In the snow play area, you can see children sliding down from heights on sleds with their families, full of laughter and joy.
As a top winter resort in Southwest China, Taiziling Ski Resort is also equipped with supporting facilities such as Hemingzhuang Holiday Hotel and Hemingzhuang Holiday View Restaurant. Combined with the convenience of a 3.5-hour drive from Chengdu directly to the ski hall, it provides a new winter outdoor activity spot for Chengdu and surrounding tourists.
The ski runs at Taiziling Ski Resort are divided into 3 beginner, 3 intermediate, and 3 advanced runs based on 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 casual players, where they can have fun to their heart's content.
Parents with children need not worry; there are also snow play runs suitable for kids β gentle slopes, very stable, perfect for children, ensuring they play safely and happily. Snowball fights, snowmen, and sledding β everything is available. Here, you can experience the purity of childhood and lost childhood fun.
If you drive here, you're in luck. Driving home at night, passing Wenchuan, you can also enjoy the night scenery of Wenchuan β colorful neon lights, magnificent and beautiful, giving a sense of peace and comfort. Only by skiing yourself can you know how charming it is. Once you go, you'll get addicted!
When you step into that pure white world, experience the purity and grandeur of the wilderness amidst thrilling sports, and hear the wind whistling by your ears while speeding down, the snow stretches endlessly, and the world is beneath your feet.
Tasting the Taste of Home β Yuan Gong.
Chengdu Sichuan cuisine food check-in: Yuan Gong. This restaurant was recommended by a friend. It serves authentic Zigong cuisine (salt-cuisine), with genuine flavors that allow hometown folks missing home-style cooking to taste the flavor of home.
Specific location: No. 87 Xue Dao Street, Unit 1. 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.
We could see their signboard from afar before entering. The shop isn't particularly large but has an antique charm, with a strong Chinese style. The storefront gives a mid-to-high-end feeling; the interior hall is spacious and doesn't feel crowded. The environment is definitely excellent.
The service staff are very attentive. As soon as we entered, everyone greeted us together. The receptionist at the door led us in, and then we were attended by the indoor waitstaff.
They really put their hearts into it.
I must say their serving speed is quite fast. Shortly after we ordered, dishes came up one after another.
Special recommendation: Old Duck Soup. The flavor is very fresh, the broth rich and delicious, and the taste is truly refreshing. After a sip, I felt very comfortable. The duck meat was stewed very tender, not dry, very nourishing and healthy.
The "Dragon Gate Hanging Meat" is really distinctive. When the waiter cuts it, he says: "First cut brings good luck; second cut promotes step-by-step promotion; third cut brings happiness and fulfillment." It tastes like crispy pork, very crunchy.
My most memorable dish is definitely the "Naked Shrimp." The naked shrimp are pre-processed, definitely fresh, and the vein has been removed, making diners feel safe to eat. Best of all, the naked shrimp are cooked with taro β the taro is delicious, soft and flavorful, with an excellent texture.
Yuan Gong's Razor Clam and Bullfrog β visually stunning, giving a feeling of a nebula chain lock. Delicious taste. The combination of frog meat and razor clams was my first time trying it. I have to say it's highly innovative and tasty.
Young Ginger Leaping Bullfrog β tender meat, pure flavor. This dish looks very spicy, but in fact, it's okay. The frog meat is very tender, and it feels like the taste buds are jumping in the mouth. Not bad, not bad!
The dishes are really delicious, and the portions are absolutely generous. It's also a good place for gatherings and treating guests. Highly recommended β five-star rating!
Red and Hot Eating Skewers (Chuan Chuan).
Located just at the entrance of Huazhao Bi Metro Station Exit A, a few minutes' walk away is Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan. The signboard is really eye-catching. When I walked in, I felt the style was unique, very Chinese, quite interesting.
I must say the storefront decoration is very grand. Inside are square tables with enough distance between them, so it doesn't feel crowded. Sitting inside is quite comfortable.
The serving speed is fast too. I must mention that their skewers are cold-pot skewers: you choose your ingredients, the store cooks them, and then brings them out directly. No need to worry about whether they're cooked β just eat. Very convenient.
The dry dipping powder is their specialty. The flavor is especially good, with many crushed peanuts on top, tasting great. My friend loved it so much that he wanted to ask the merchant for the exact seasoning, but that's impossible; the merchant won't reveal it. The dry powder is good, but for someone like me who doesn't handle spicy food well, it's not so suitable. For those who love spicy, this is your dipping magic weapon!
Of course, they not only have skewers; bowl dishes are also their specialty. Many small bowl dishes taste quite good. Recommended must-order items: Spicy Hot Pot Noodles (Mao Huo Guo Fen) β the noodles are really delicious and very flavorful. Each noodle is soaked in broth β the taste is simply amazing, absolutely awesome!
Mao Earth Potatoes (Tu Dou Tuo Tuo) are my favorite. Not particularly spicy, the potatoes with the toppings are incredibly tasty. The potatoes are not too hard and not too soft β just the right texture. After finishing one bowl, I wanted another.
I tried rabbit kidney for the first time at Chengdu Gua Chuan Chuan. Unexpectedly, it tasted very good β a bit better than I imagined. Tender, one bite each, absolutely delightful.
After finishing the skewers, a bowl of ice jelly (bing fen) to cut the grease β life is so awesome.
In Bie Yuan, Fine Moments.
This tavern, surrounded by greenery, illuminated by neon lights, and surrounded by various drinks and snacks, became a favorite among Chengdu drinkers as soon as it appeared.
Maybe in life you encounter all kinds of unpleasant things, but on such a night, having a night of revelry with friends is also a good choice. It might let you temporarily forget some unhappiness and enjoy the pleasant time. Taste it, savor it!
This small tavern is actually near 339, on the bar street. As soon as you enter, you'll notice the decoration is quite nice. The atmosphere of lights and wine feels like you've come to a midnight cocktail party, with a mysterious vibe.
The whole place has two floors. The staircase design leading upstairs is quite interesting, with twinkling lights β that's also one of their Instagram-worthy decorations. Indeed, it's very attractive. Inside, there are also rows of moving colored lights, changing colors and moving up and down, making the entire tavern even more atmospheric.
It's like a museum of liquor.
Besides 75 kinds of liquor and over 20 specialty cocktails, they recently introduced "hot pot liquor." This drink is full marks in appearance. You've eaten hot pot and drunk alcohol, but have you ever had such high-looking hot pot liquor? Hmm, it looks a bit like traditional Beijing copper hot pot. Inside there are mellow unfiltered liquor and strong vodka. The pot contains base ingredients: besides dried tangerine peel, cloves, dragon fruit, and small kumquats, rose petals are added β romantic full marks.
The alcohol content isn't high; it tastes sweet and sour with a fruity floral fragrance, appealing to both men and women. And the portion is large β two or three people coming together can order just this pot of liquor. Sitting at the bar, watching the bartender's smooth skills is itself a wonderful enjoyment.
Perhaps in such moments, we can find the wild side of ourselves!
Give Yourself a Reason.
I finally understand a truth: A person's life needs at least two impulses β one for love that dares all, and one for a trip that leaves on a whim...
