Breakfast→Xicun Courtyard→Du Fu Thatched Cottage/Huanhua Creek Park for morning tea→Lunch→Send to Xianqiao Antique City→Qingyang Palace→Leisure→Shufeng Yayin→Dinner
Let's start our journey today with breakfast. No matter where you're staying, it's easy to reach our breakfast spot by taxi or subway.
In Chengdu breakfast, pasta is a very heavy presence, today's breakfast will include siew wheat, dumplings, noodles, hand copying and so on, of course, if you want something else, there are zongzi.
💰 Ticket price: No Admission Fee ⏰Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 📷 Recommended visit duration: 1.5-2 hours Today's first stop is the world-renowned "unfinished building," an architectural marvel that could only be born in Chengdu. This "dilapidated" structure was personally designed by the internationally acclaimed architect Liu Jiakun and was featured in the Central Pavilion of the 15th Venice Architecture Biennale. Introduction to Xicun Courtyard Does the appearance of this building and its name remind you of the East Village in New York on the other side of the world? While they may look similar, their internal essence is entirely different. The inspiration for this building comes from the rich lifestyle of Chengdu. Mr. Liu Jiakun emphasizes that architectural design is not just about designing the building itself but about considering the overall experience and lifestyle of the people. He focuses on the user experience and emotional needs in his designs. He modeled the space on the collective living courtyards from the era of China's planned economy, attempting to integrate this community space model, imbued with collectivist ideals, into modern architectural design. This integration includes collective memory, regional characteristics, and modern lifestyles. By organically incorporating traditional architectural elements such as caissons, Patios, and Linpan (Forest settlements in Chengdu Plain) landscapes into the courtyard, he showcases the respect and inheritance of traditional culture by the people of Chengdu. This is part of his consistent pursuit of "contemporary expression of traditional elements." This building is full of local Chengdu characteristics. The site uses bamboo to meticulously divide the edges of the courtyard into five bamboo plazas. Like the teahouses under the bamboo in the old city's parks, it pays homage to the leisurely life of old Chengdu residents who enjoyed tea with friends while admiring the scenery. The hollow bricks at the top can be used to grow vegetables (such as chili peppers and lettuce) or medicinal herbs, reminiscent of the lifestyle of old Chengdu residents who grew their own vegetables on their balconies. Inside the building, there are many interesting shops, including cafes, dessert shops, clothing stores, and creative markets, reflecting the vibrant street life that Chengdu residents love. The entire building's shape even evokes the image of a "Sichuan hotpot." Beyond emotional expression, this building also serves as a monument to the past and an inspiration for the future. The building materials include debris from the Wenchuan earthquake, symbolizing the spirit of post-disaster reconstruction and emotional regeneration. The building achieves no radiation, low energy consumption, and full rainwater recycling, making it truly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. It features a 1.5-kilometer-long running track, 20 meters above the ground, blending work and life harmoniously. There is much more to explore here, so let's use our own steps to discover it. We have found some coffee shops, tea houses, and interesting stores for you here. We hope you enjoy them.
We recommend two ways for you to get to Huanhuaxi Park.
💰 Ticket price: No reservation required, free entry, enter from the South Gate ⏰Opening Hours: Daily 6:00-22:00 📷 Recommended visit duration: 1.5-2 hours Named after the poems of the Tang Dynasty "Poet Sage" Du Fu from 1300 years ago, Huanhuaxi Park is known as "the most beautiful park in Chengdu" and "the only five-star park in Chengdu." Interestingly, many people prefer this refreshing green space over the nearby Du Fu Thatched Cottage. Entering this park feels like stepping into the world described by the poet, with thatched cottages, small boats, bamboo groves, red walls, egrets, and streams. The park is dotted with poetic verses and has almost no commercial atmosphere, blending natural scenery and cultural history seamlessly into a leisurely and serene environment. Introduction about Du Fu: Du Fu (712–770) was one of the greatest poets in the Tang Dynasty of China. His life was like a thrilling movie, full of turbulence and suffering. However, his poems were like a mirror, truly recording the joys, sorrows, anger, and happiness of that era. He is known as the "Poetic Saint" – "Saint" in Chinese means "the supreme model", similar to the "saint" in Western culture. Du Fu was born into a wealthy official family and could write poems at the age of seven. When he was young, he traveled around like a backpacker, climbed Mount Tai, and saw the sea. He was a huge fan of the great poet Li Bai and wrote 15 poems to Li Bai to express his admiration and concern. But among the poems that Li Bai wrote for him, only three can be confirmed at present. After the age of 30, Du Fu wanted to become an official in the capital Chang'an (today's Xi'an), but he failed in the imperial examination and was so poor that he couldn't even afford to eat. He made fun of himself in his poems: "I knock on the doors of the rich every day just to beg for some leftover food." This experience made him see clearly the gap between the rich and the poor in society, and he wrote the famous line, "The mansions of the rich reek with wine and meat, while on the roads lie the bones of those frozen to death" (The rich have wine and meat that rot, while the poor freeze to death on the streets). Nine years later, the An Lushan Rebellion broke out, and Du Fu and his family fled around like refugees. He witnessed soldiers take the elderly, newlyweds being forced to separate, and even his youngest son starved to death. Even though he himself was down and out, Du Fu still cared about those in even worse situations. He wrote about farmers who were "taxed to the bone" and soldiers whose "clothes sewn by their mothers before going to war were too tattered to be mended". His poems did not have ornate words but only a deep empathy for ordinary people. He turned these stories of blood and tears into the realistic poems "Three Officials" and "Three Partings", which have been passed down for thousands of years. In "The Officer of Shihao", the soldiers took away an old granny in the middle of the night, leaving her crying out: "I don't even have a complete piece of clothing!" And in "Parting on the Eve of Old Age", the soldiers were going to take away the husband of an elderly couple to join the army. All the descendants of this elderly couple had already been conscripted into the army and died in the war. The old couple both knew in their hearts that once the husband left, he would surely not survive. At this moment of life and death separation, the husband was worried that his old wife's clothes were too thin and she would catch a cold in the cold weather. And the wife was nagging that he should have more food on the way and not go hungry. The cruelty of war, the suffering of the common people, the complex emotions of the elderly... The desolation of these small figures in the great era was depicted deeply and vividly in just 200 words. After the age of 50, Du Fu built a thatched cottage in Chengdu (the current "Du Fu Thatched Cottage") and briefly lived a pastoral life of growing vegetables and writing poems. But a strong wind blew off the roof, and he wrote "Song of the Thatched Cottage Ruined by the Autumn Wind", making fun of himself by saying, "There is no dry place by my bed as the roof leaks." Yet he still hoped that "all the poor people in the world would have a place to live". In the last few years of his life, he drifted around like a migratory bird and finally died of illness on a small boat. Du Fu was not a perfect hero – he was poor, liked to complain, and failed as an official. But he turned the sufferings of ordinary people into eternal art with his poems. If you want to know what it means to "maintain hope in despair" and what it means to "change the world with words", just read Du Fu's poems. His story tells us that even if life is full of brokenness, the soul can still be noble. The talented and romantic Li Bai is known as the "Poetic Immortal". His language is free and unrestrained, and his emotions are as passionate and unrestrained as a volcanic eruption, showing extraordinary pride and an elegant and free-spirited temperament, as brilliant and untouchable as the stars in the sky. Du Fu, on the other hand, was completely the opposite. Later generations said that reading his poems was like watching a documentary, which could restore the real China 1,300 years ago. The encounter and experiences of these two people also completely depicted the history of the Tang Dynasty from its prosperity to its decline. It can be said that understanding these two people means understanding half of the Tang Dynasty and half of China. The Du Fu Thatched Cottage is located to the north of Huanhuaxi Park. If you are interested, you can also go and visit it. But in fact, it has nothing to do with Du Fu's former residence, and there are no personal belongings of Du Fu there. It is more like a place where later generations remember and commemorate Du Fu. If you are interested in Du Fu, you can also visit another day. Remember to learn about Du Fu's life and poems in advance, enter from the north gate and exit from the south gate. Tour Route: South Gate → 1. Wanshuyuan→ 2. Western Sichuan Tea Corridor → 3. Canglang Lake → 4. Egret Wetland → Exit North Gate
Huanhuaxi Park is conveniently located near various restaurants, approximately 1 to 2 kilometers away. You can easily reach them by bicycle or on foot. Come to Chengdu, how can not eat some spicy food? Today's lunch, whether it is Pobo chicken, Chen Mapo or Dragon hand, is the most authentic Sichuan flavor, of course, if you can't eat spicy, please remember to tell the staff "slightly spicy" (微微辣), we also provide a completely non-spicy food options. After Lunch， you can walk to the Songxianqiao Antique and Art City, which is approximately 1.2 kilometers away and takes about 18 minutes on foot. Alternatively, you can catch a community bus at the intersection of Mudian Road and Caotang North Road. Take either Community Bus 1031 or Community Bus 1024, and get off at Qingjiang East Road Station. From there, it's a 500-meter walk to your destination, taking around 22 minutes in total. We recommend walking, as it is more efficient. Taking the bus would take longer, so it's not the preferred option.
⏰Opening Hours: Regular: 9:00-18:00 Early Market: on Wednesdays and Sundays: 7:00 12:00 The name "Songxian Bridge" (Bridge of Farewell to the Immortal) is quite elegant. It is said that the immortal Lü Dongbin, after attending a temple fair at Qingyang Palace, crossed this bridge on his way back to the heavens, giving the bridge its name. However, the atmosphere here has nothing to do with immortals. If you have been to Beijing, you will find that the vibe here is very similar to Panjiayuan. This market is filled with treasure hunters hoping to find a hidden gem that could make them rich overnight. The blend of desire and skill creates a unique atmosphere. What is "Jianlou"? In the antique market, "jianlou" refers to the act of buying an item at a low price because the seller does not know its true value, while the buyer does. In the 1980s, there were many stories of people buying antiques worth millions for just a few yuan, inspiring many to try their luck in this way. Market Overview: The market is a maze of antique shops and outdoor stalls. Reputable dealers sell authentic calligraphy, paintings, antiques, jade, pearls, rosewood carvings, bronze Buddha statues, porcelain, and more, often at high prices. There are also hundreds of flower carts and scattered stalls, each with its own unique offerings. Vendors come from all over China, including Henan, Shandong, Shaanxi, Zhejiang, Guangdong, Xinjiang, and Tibet, bringing items from all corners of the country. You can find bricks and tiles of Qin and Han Dynasty, Ming and Qing porcelain, ivory carvings, Buddhist decorations, Yixing purple clay teapots, Henan tri-colored pottery, various jade pieces, snuff bottles, pipes, figurines, badges, pictures, comic books, stamps, and even Cultural Revolution memorabilia like Red Guard badges and armbands. Prices are flexible, and the variety is dazzling, but don't expect too much authenticity from the so-called "antiques." One of the market's highlights is the abundance of jewelry sold by vendors from Tibet. If you are interested in Himalayan culture in Tibet, this is a great place to explore. However, it is advisable to ask more and buy less, as the authenticity of the items can be questionable. Tibet’s jewelry holds significant importance in the daily lives of local people, used not only for decoration but also in religious ceremonies and festivals. Common pieces include necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings, often featuring auspicious symbols and designs with strong Tibetan Buddhist influences. Materials include natural gemstones, animal bones, Tibetan silver, and Tibetan copper. If you are interested in buying something, bargaining is a must. A good rule of thumb is to ignore the first digit of the price. Don't worry about getting into trouble; If the vendor gets upset, they will most likely just ignore you. However, if they agree on the price you ask and then you decide not to buy, this could be seen as dishonest and may lead to disputes. In addition to the numerous Tibetan cultural products available here, there is also a café run by two boys from Tibet:
💰 Ticket price: 10 RMB ⏰Opening Hours: 8:00-17:30 (until 18:00 in summer) 📷 Recommended visit duration: 1.5 hours Introduction to Qingyang Palace Qingyang Palace is one of the four major Taoist temples in China, covering an area of 45,000 square meters. It is a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit, and the Qingyang District of Chengdu is named after this Taoist temple. The construction of this Taoist building began during the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC 256 BC) and was initially named Qingyang Si. According to legend, Laozi, the founder of Taoism, advocated the principle of "Dao follows nature." Disillusioned by the social turmoil and moral decay of the Central Plains, he sought to distance himself from these disturbances to understand the true Dao and achieve spiritual freedom and tranquility. He traveled westward, passing through Hangu Pass, a fortress beyond which lay the territories of nomadic tribes considered barbaric at the time. The gatekeeper, Yin Xi, admired Laozi and persuaded him to write down his teachings. Laozi wrote the "Dao De Jing" and then told Yin Xi that he must leave. He instructed Yin Xi to find him in Chengdu at Qingyang Si after a thousand days. Yin Xi followed the instructions and found a child at Qingyang Si, who was the reincarnated Laozi. Laozi then completed his teachings on the "Dao De Jing" at this sacred site. (Portrait of Laozi) The "Dao De Jing" is an ancient Chinese philosophical text from the pre-Qin period, consisting of about 5,000 characters. It is divided into two parts: the "Dao Jing" and the "De Jing." By explaining the concepts of "Dao"(Truth) and "De"(Virtue), it provides wisdom and methods for self-cultivation, governance, military strategy, and health. The "Dao De Jing" is revered as the king of all scriptures and is one of the greatest masterpieces in Chinese history. It is the most translated Chinese classic after the Bible and has profoundly influenced philosophy, science, politics, and religion. It is an essential part of Chinese culture and a valuable spiritual treasure for all humanity. To help you understand, we interpret "Dao" as "truth" here, and we present the beginning paragraph of this great work for you to appreciate. Although "Dao" encompasses more than just truth, including lifestyle, moral principles, and worldview. First Passage of the "Dao De Jing": "Truth can be articulated, but it is not completely equivalent to the all-encompassing, eternally existing, ever-moving eternal truth. It can also be named, but the name is not completely equivalent to the all-encompassing, eternally existing, ever-moving name of truth. Non-being (which can be understood as potential, infinite possibilities) is the beginning of Heaven and Earth; being is the origin of all things. Therefore, from the eternal non-being, one can observe the subtlety of truth; from the eternal being, one can observe the boundaries of truth." Due to space limitations, we won't delve into academic discussions. If you are interested, there are many translated versions of the "Dao De Jing" available for you to read. During the Three Kingdoms period, this place was known as Qingyang Guan. In the Tang Dynasty (881 AD), Emperor Xizong took refuge in Shu (Sichuan) during the Huang Chao Rebellion and used this place as a temporary palace. In 883 AD, it was renamed Qingyang Palace by imperial decree. During the Five Dynasties period (907-960 AD), it was called "Qingyang Guan" again, and in the Song Dynasty, it was renamed "Qingyang Palace," which it has retained to this day. Most of the existing buildings were rebuilt during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1667-1671 AD). In the early Qing Dynasty, the famous Taoist priest Chen Qingjue came to Sichuan and practiced at Qingyang Palace. He was conferred the title of " the Jade Cave Zhenren(person of Truth)" by Emperor Kangxi and was given the imperial plaque "Jade Cave Altar" and other items. This officially established the Jade Cave Altar sect, making Qingyang Palace the ancestral temple of the Jade Cave Altar sect of the Quanzhen School and the foremost Taoist temple in Southwest China. Qingyang Palace also preserves a national treasure, the engraved edition of the "Daozang Jiyao." This religious compendium not only records a vast amount of Taoist literature but also serves as a cultural treasure, playing a crucial role in the inheritance and development of Taoist culture. When visiting a solemn religious site like Qingyang Palace, if you wish to pay your respects, Taoism has its unique rituals. The proper way to pay respects is to clasp your right hand over your left thumb, place your left hand on the back of your right hand, and form a bow shape, resembling a Taiji diagram, to show respect to the immortals. Qingyang Palace is also one of the places in Chengdu with the most festive atmosphere during the New Year. Qingyang Palace Lantern Festival: During the first month of the Chinese calendar, Qingyang Palace hosts the Lantern Festival. It starts on the second day of the Chinese new year and ends on the fifteenth day. Originating in the Western Han Dynasty and reaching its peak during the Tang Dynasty, the Lantern Festival has a history of over 1,800 years. Initially held for one night on the fifteenth day of the Chinese new year, it was extended to three nights during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, forming the unique Chengdu Lantern Festival. During the Lantern Festival, Qingyang Palace and its surrounding areas are adorned with various exquisite lanterns, including hanging lanterns, revolving lanterns, carp lanterns, and lotus lanterns, creating a dazzling display. The festival also features dragon and lion dances, acrobatics, opera performances, and other folk activities, attracting many locals and tourists. Qingyang Palace Flower Fair: In the second month of the Chinese calendar, Qingyang Palace hosts the Flower Fair. Since the Tang Dynasty (over 1,000 years ago), the annual Flower Fair has been held on the fifteenth day of the second month, lasting for one month to one and a half months. During the Flower Fair, local flower farmers and related organizations bring their best flowers, potted plants to Qingyang Palace for exhibition and sale. The fair also features various folk artists and vendors, creating a lively market. In addition to flowers, there are stalls selling calligraphy and paintings, farm tools, bamboo products, antiques, jade, clocks, glasses, and more. There are also bird markets, book markets, and art exhibitions. Traditional snacks and folk performances add to the festive atmosphere, making the Flower Fair a feast for the senses and a delightful cultural experience. Since 1980, the Chengdu government has decided to hold the Flower Fair in the "Cultural Park," adjacent to Qingyang Palace. Tour Route: 1. Shan Men (Mountain Gate) → 2. Hunyuan Hall → 3. Bagua Pavilion(Eight Trigrams Pavilion) → 4. Sanqing Hall(the Hall of Three Pure Ones)→ 5. Shuofa Platform (Lecture Platform)→ 6. Doulao Palace → 7. Jade Emperor Hall → 8. Tangwang Hall
From Qingyang Palace, you can easily reach your next destination, Shizi Alley, which is 1.4 kilometers away, either by walking or riding a shared bike.
This L-shaped alley, 300 meters long, is free from bustling crowds and retains much of old Chengdu's architecture—traditional Sichuan-style courtyards with grey-tiled roofs, wooden doors and windows, and intricately carved doorsteps and lintels, showcasing the elegance and charm of traditional architecture. According to this tour's schedule, dinner is at 21:00. If you are hungry now, you can skip ahead to the dinner step and then visit Shizi Alley after enjoying the "Shu Feng Ya Yun" performance. Strolling through Shizi Alley at night and enjoying the leisure time is also a great option. The Origin of Shizi Alley Before the Xinhai Revolution (1911), Shizi Alley was a small alley in Chengdu's "Manchu City" called Yongping Alley. "Manchu City" was a unique feature of the Qing Dynasty in China. To maintain their rule, the Manchu people, who made up only 1% of the population, had to station troops composed solely of Manchu people in each province to suppress rebellions. Thus, special residential areas were established, known as "Manchu Cities," meaning cities where Manchu people lived. These areas often had defensive facilities, serving not only to house troops and their families but also to provide some military defense. (Old photo of Manchu City 100 years ago) After the Xinhai Revolution and the fall of the Qing government, the new Republican government announced the abolition of the alley names in Chengdu to signify the end of the old era. Since there was a giant persimmon tree in the alley at that time, it was named "Shizi" (Persimmon) Alley. Although the persimmon tree is no longer there, a 200-year-old ginkgo tree now stands quietly in the alley, witnessing the passage of time. Historical Memories Wang Mansion: Located at the entrance of Jinhe Road, this old Western-style building once belonged to Wang Zejun, the son of Wang Zuanxu, the former governor of Sichuan Province. Wang Zejun was a controversial figure, known as a typical tyrant who often abducted young girls and mistreated his servants. However, he was also a distinguished general during the Anti-Japanese War, bravely fighting and killing over 3,000 enemy soldiers. At the lower Tonge Road, there is a newly renovated green brick wooden door "Tehur's (He) house", the door is the brick building built in the 1980s and 1990s, the owner was born in the Mongolian bone-setting family, the fourth generation of He's orthopedic - He Renfu (1895-1969), his martial arts, homemade recipes, his life for countless patients to relieve the pain, He has written "Renji Medical Words", "Flawless Zhai bone-setting Experience", "Tehul's orthopedic techniques". Shizi Academy: Located in the middle of Shizi Alley, under the 200-year-old ginkgo tree, a modern academy is built on the site of the Du family's ancestral home. It combines a courtyard study, themed guesthouse, and private restaurant, creating a unique cultural atmosphere with its aesthetic design. Beyond its historical significance, Shizi Alley is also home to various delightful shops offering food, drinks, and fun experiences. After exploring Shizi Alley, you might want to indulge in the traditional Chinese "ear cleaning" service, known as "Cai Er." We recommend walking to the service location for a more authentic and immersive experience.
When you come to Chengdu, it's a must to have a foot massage and an earpick. Let's go and relax both physically and mentally.
💰 Ticket price: 128-564 RMB ⏰ Opening hours 20:00 📷 Recommended visit duration: 70 minutes This location is 900 meters from Shizi Alley. Whether you choose to walk or bike, it's very easy to reach. Here, you will spend a delightful hour. If you forgot to make a reservation, you can also try booking on the spot. Ticket Link: [Shufeng Yayun Sichuan Opera House] (https://us.trip.com/travel-guide/attraction/chengdu/shufeng-yayun-sichuan-opera-house-10759015/?locale=en-XX&curr=CNY&_gl=1*1hdfedr*_gcl_au*MTMzMDU2ODIwOS4xNzM1NDY4MjQ4) If you prefer not to watch the performance, heading straight to dinner is also a great option.
Come to Chengdu, do not eat a hot pot somewhat regret, we provide you with different styles of hot pot recommended, of course, if you are not interested in hot pot, tonight's Sichuan food is also excellent.
Your one-day exploration in Chengdu this enchanting city draws to a close. Reflecting on today's journey, whether it was the blend of modern and classical architecture at Xicun Courtyard, the breathtaking beauty of Huanhuaxi Park, the solemn and ancient Qingyang Palace, the thrilling Sichuan opera performance, or the rich and spicy Sichuan cuisine and the laid-back locals, did you feel the essence of how Chengdu defines life? Of course, Chengdu is not just about eating, drinking, and entertainment. There is so much more to this wonderful city, and there are many more ways to explore it. Feel free to check out our other Chengdu tours for more inspiration. We hope you have a fantastic time in Chengdu. If you enjoyed today's itinerary, please consider leaving us a positive review. Should you have any questions while using our self-guided tour, please do not hesitate to contact us via email. We also welcome any valuable feedback or suggestions you may have after using our service. We believe that our positive interaction can help us provide you with even better service in the future.
1. Please wear comfortable shoes, as today will involve a lot of walking.
2. Try to carry a power bank to ensure your phone stays on.
3. Please do not carry too many items, especially knives and fragile items.
4. Bring a coat or sun protection clothing as needed.
5. Carry your passport with you.
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Your route stays available in the app for 2 days after purchase.
Admission and reservations may be separate. Check the official attraction information before travel.
★ 5.0 / 5 · 14 reviews from app travelers
Xicun Courtyard was an unexpected photography goldmine — industrial heritage turned creative campus, great lines and light. Huanhua Creek Park gave a green, calm middle act. Qingyang Palace, one of the oldest Taoist temples in Chengdu, felt quietly powerful. The Sichuan opera performance in the evening had everyone cheering. A day that mixed Chengdu's old soul with its new creative energy.
El día con mejor relación calidad-precio de Chengdu hasta ahora. La ciudad de antigüedades y arte junto al puente Songxian es un laberinto maravilloso — juegos de té, libros viejos, curiosidades y regateo de la manera más amable. El callejón Shizixiang es la versión celestial del street food: me lo recorrí entero comiendo. El espectáculo de ópera de Sichuan por la noche, con el cambio de máscaras, fue espectacular. Un día muy de Chengdu: barato, sabroso, ruidoso, divertido.
La arquitectura moderna del patio Xicun y el parque Huanhuaxi se miran desde la misma calle; la paz taoísta del templo Qingyang roza el bullicio del mercado de antigüedades — el pasado y el presente de Chengdu viven en una misma calle, y cada foto es una lección de composición.
I loved the architectural focus of this day. The Xicun Courtyard is a really unique, modern space built around a traditional courtyard concept. It was a great contrast to the classical serenity of Du Fu's Thatched Cottage and the nearby Qingyang Taoist Temple. The app created a logical path through these different sites, ending with a recommendation for an amazing Sichuan dinner. I tried the Douban Yu (fish in chili bean paste), and it was incredible. A great day for anyone interested in design, poetry, and fantastic food.
Le béton brut de la cour Xicun fait face au parc Huanhuaxi ; au temple Qingyang un moine balaie, au marché des antiquités on marchande — l’« esprit du Sichuan » est comme un essai : le fond est libre, mais le fil tient.
This was my “quiet elegance” Chengdu day—perfect for February when you want beauty without the crowds feeling aggressive. Xicun Compound is such a visual statement: modern structure, open space, clean lines—very editorial. Then Du Fu Thatched Cottage and Huanhua Creek Park felt like a soft-focus interlude, with waterways and winter greenery that made even a simple portrait look composed. I loved browsing the antique vibe at Songxianqiao; it’s the kind of place where objects have attitude. Qingyang Palace added that refined Taoist atmosphere, and the evening show at Shufeng Yayun tied culture and performance together in a way that felt immersive but not touristy. Food was curated like a tasting journey: dan dan noodles, red oil wontons, and a warming hotpot finish. Bonus points for small comforts like foot therapy/ear cleaning—my feet said “thank you” in fluent sarcasm.
More ideas for a day you’ll remember.
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour