Live Your Best Lives
Legend has it that Jinli was once one of the oldest and most commercial streets in Western Sichuan, renowned throughout China as early as the Qin, Han, and Three Kingdoms periods. Today, this street epitomizes the essence of Chengdu life: teahouses, inns, restaurants, bars, opera stages, local snacks, handicrafts, and local specialties, fully showcasing the unique charm of Three Kingdoms culture and Sichuan folk customs.
Jinli is one of Chengdu's most popular attractions and forms part of the Chengdu Wuhou Temple Museum. Here, you can admire clay figurine and sugar painting craftsmen, and browse shops steeped in Three Kingdoms themes. The street also offers a variety of Sichuan snacks, and guests can relax in a variety of teahouses, cafes, bars, and inns. At dusk, Jinli lights up, creating a captivating atmosphere and perfect for photo opportunities.
Subtropical monsoon humid climate;
From March to June or from September to November, the climate is cooler and not too hot.
free
All day
Jinli Ancient Street, dating back over 1,800 years, is a historic commercial street in Chengdu. It was a bustling marketplace during the Shu Kingdom and is now famous for preserving traditional Sichuan culture, architecture, and crafts.
Jinli Street is located in Wuhou District, Chengdu, near Wuhou Shrine. It is easily accessible by Chengdu Metro (Line 1 to Wuhou Shrine Station), taxis, or a short walk from nearby hotels in the city center.
The street is open daily, typically from 09:00 to 22:00. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon and evening when the lanterns are lit and performances take place.
Entrance to Jinli Ancient Street itself is free. Certain cultural performances, exhibitions, or attractions nearby may have separate fees, which can usually be purchased onsite or online.
For the street itself, no booking is needed. For popular Sichuan opera shows, booking 1–3 days in advance is recommended, especially on weekends or holidays.
2–4 hours to fully explore Jinli Street, enjoy snacks, shop, and watch performances. Add extra time if visiting Wuhou Shrine nearby.
Yes, guided tours are available in Chinese and English, often including historical explanations and cultural context. Audio guides may also be available for some performances and nearby attractions.
Start at the main entrance, stroll along the street sampling snacks, visit shops and cultural exhibits, watch a Sichuan opera show, then continue to Wuhou Shrine if time permits. End at night to capture the illuminated lanterns.
Jinli Street is very crowded on weekends, holidays, and evenings. Weekday afternoons are less busy and ideal for a relaxed visit.
Public toilets, food and beverage vendors, benches, and souvenir shops are available along the street. Nearby cafes and restaurants offer additional rest areas.
The street is mostly pedestrian and level, but may be crowded. Wheelchair access is limited in some areas due to narrow paths and steps near traditional buildings.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely used and convenient for food, shopping, and performances.
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available at many stalls. Halal restaurants can be found nearby in Chengdu city center.
Yes, typical souvenirs include Sichuan handicrafts, embroidery, teapots, traditional masks, and local snacks.
