Chengdu’s living museum of leisurely urban life
⇲Address:
Kuanzhai Xiangzi, Qingyang District, Chengdu (near Intersection of Tongren Road and Changshun Street)
🕐opening Hours:
24/7 (shops and restaurants generally operate 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
🎫Ticket Information:
Free admission
⎋How to Get There:
– Metro: Line 4 to Kuanzhai Alley Station (Exit B)
– Bus: Routes 5, 13, 43, 47, 58 to Kuanzhai Alley stop
✌︎Suggested Visit Duration: 2–3 hours
Time Capsule of Chengdu’s Urban Evolution
This meticulously preserved Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) neighborhood showcases Sichuan’s distinctive huangtiling architecture – grey brick walls, sloping tiled roofs, and carved wooden doors. Once residential lanes for Manchu bannermen, the alleys now host chic teahouses like the Shu Yin Garden Tea House, avant-garde art spaces like the Museum of Chengdu Urban Life, and Michelin-recommended restaurants such as Yu’s Family Kitchen.
Nighttime Poetry in Motion
As twilight descends, paper lanterns glow above flagstone paths while live Sichuan opera vocals blend with jazz piano notes. The Zen Tea courtyard becomes an open-air theater for face-changing performances, while craft cocktail bar Jīng Bar mixes Sichuan pepper-infused martinis. Don’t miss the alley-side shadow plays projected onto ancient walls after dark.
Culinary Time Travel
Taste three centuries of Chengdu’s snack culture within 400 meters:
Zhang Lao Er’s century-old recipe for dan dan noodles (¥15)
Three Squirrels Candy Shop’s hand-pulled dragon beard candy (¥10)
Modern interpretations like Kuanzhai 3’s foie gras-filled zhong dumplings (¥48)
*For updated information on opening hours, closing, prices, and more, please check the official website or ask the facility directly.