Travel to Chengdu and find amazing niche destinations
Preface
Chengdu has many labels. It is known as the "leisure capital": the leisure of drinking tea in a teahouse, the mottled light and shadow in the afternoon in People's Park, and the lingering incense in Wenshu Temple.
It's also known as the "City of Food": many people come to Chengdu specifically for the food, giving the name its own gourmet connotations. Hot pot, skewers, Bobo chicken, ice jelly, and husband and wife lung slices.
However, this time, I want to break away from the fixed perception of Chengdu, put aside the previous labels, and take my camera to see another world in Chengdu.
If Chengdu is a book, then take this book with you to meet the world.
Yuanyang Tower | Nostalgic Hong Kong, a Chengdu imprint engraved by time
In the 1970s, Sichuan University authorities built this building to address housing needs for young faculty and staff. It was allocated to those who were married with children, or those planning to get married and have children. This is how it came to be known as the "Yuanyang Building." Today, the building is used as rental housing for migrant workers.
Outside the wall are streets filled with fireworks, while inside the wall are alleys of the old times that seem to have been transported back in time. These two completely different worlds hide what old Chengdu should look like.
It looks a lot like Hong Kong's "Monster Building," with its cluttered corridors and rich Hong Kong charm. This makes it a popular spot for photographers. While it's a great place for photos, I personally recommend being mindful of not disturbing residents and being courteous.
Blog Town | Fujian Tulou, unique Hakka culture
Everyone knows about Chengdu's Luodai Ancient Town, but few know it's home to a town within a town—Blog Town. "Blog" means "exploring Hakka culture," and the Blog Building is the only large-scale Hakka earth building in southwest China. Located in Luodai Ancient Town, about 20 kilometers from downtown Chengdu, it's accessible by subway to Xihe and then taxi.
The Tulou is a Fujian-style building, designed according to the Fujian Tulou. Its interior was designed by a well-known Fujian professor. Currently, the Tulou has become one of the most famous cultural landmarks in the entire town.
It's said that Hakka people, living in a foreign land, feel psychologically insecure. Tulou (earth building) serves as a place for family reunion and also as a defense against enemies. Within a single building, members of the same clan form an independent society, sharing common destiny. Therefore, the most appropriate description of the tulou is its ability to protect against external threats while concentrating on internal ones. While there may be fewer red lanterns than in the movies, the magnificent architecture offers a completely different experience.
The exhibition hall is surrounded by six "family doors" that display family sayings of historical figures such as Fan Zhongyan and Zeng Guofan. It also houses a collection of Hakka family genealogies and poems.
Golden Dragon Great Wall | You can also climb the Great Wall here without going to Beijing
The "Little Great Wall" near Chengdu is right next to the Luodai Ancient Town. If you visit the Luodai Ancient Town above, you can also visit the Jinlong Great Wall. Most importantly, there are very few people!
Actually, this Great Wall is a replica, not the real one. It is smaller than the Great Wall, but it looks similar. It can also provide exercise and is a good place to relax on the weekend.
While the Great Wall is small, climbing it is still quite strenuous, so be prepared. The scenery inside and outside the Great Wall is breathtaking, with lush greenery lining both sides. Within this deep, winding, and serene mountain landscape, a path winds its way along the undulating terrain, reaching the summit.
After the first rain, the air on the Great Wall is cool and fresh, and there are clouds and mist on both sides. Standing on the beacon tower, watching the clouds rolling around, my heart is filled with a bit of Zen and clarity.
The beacon tower is also a good place to take photos. Although it is not as majestic as the real Great Wall, there are fewer people there, and the replica is well restored, so it is easier to take photos. Overlooking the mountains from the beacon tower, you will feel like you are the king of the world.
Xerophyte Botanical Garden | Visit Xiamen and experience tropical vegetation
The Xiamen Botanical Garden is a popular tourist attraction that many friends who visit Xiamen will check in. However, in Chengdu, we also found a place that is equally suitable for taking photos. It is in the Xerophytic Plant Hall of the Chengdu Botanical Garden.
It's housed in a glass house that completely changed my understanding of botanical gardens, breaking away from the stereotype that traditional botanical gardens and artificial gardens are all the same. Although not as large as Xiamen, it's still plenty big enough for photos. With just the ten yuan entrance fee, you can take some great photos.
Because it's an artificial greenhouse, it can get quite hot inside, so be careful in the summer; it can feel like entering a sauna, so it's best to visit on a cooler day. The diverse array of cacti, paired with simple clothing, makes for easy Instagram-worthy photos, making this a favorite spot for many wedding photographers.
Bailu Town | French-style town, colorful fairy tale kingdom
The magical and romantic Bailu Town is located in the northwest of Chengdu Plain, 60 kilometers away from Chengdu city and an 80-minute drive from the city.
Bailu Town has a long history and rich religious and cultural resources. Bailu Town, which was reborn from the Wenchuan earthquake, has a more French romantic atmosphere.
Bailu Town boasts earthquake relics and a European-style French street. On sunny days, the vibrant colors of the surrounding mountains are particularly captivating. The poet Liushahe once inscribed the poem: "A white deer drifts with the immortals, while the cuckoo's cry in the ancient town evokes the melodies of Sichuan. Red flowers bloom, inviting visitors to the church, and the poetry reciting in the church feels like a European style."
Upon entering the gate, you'll see the Catholic Church, the religious venue for Bailu Town's Catholic faithful. Originally built in 1865 on the site of what is now Ginkgo Square, it was later rebuilt in front of the Bailu Town gate due to earthquakes. Two rows of lush trees add a touch of comfort on sunny days.
Outside the town, there is a sea of flowers covering the grass. On a sunny day, you can enjoy a wonderful French-style time.
The colorful background wall makes it easy to take beautiful photos. There is also a band playing nearby, which we happened to encounter when we went there.
Nanhu Park | Enjoy a leisurely time by the Seine
Nanhu Park, located in Huayang, Tianfu New District, Chengdu, across from Dream Island, is a tranquil and pleasant place. It's often filled with elderly people doing morning exercises, picturesque streets, and, on clear days, even the occasional nap on the grass.
It was once the real-life filming location for the TV series "Master Lin in Seoul". As the most popular wedding theme park, it also attracts many newlyweds taking wedding photography photos every year.
Among them is a fashionable European-style street about 3 miles long, with authentic European style, complete with restaurants, bars and cafes. It is built by the water and has pleasant scenery.
It's a pleasant thing to spend an afternoon here to bask in the sun. In addition, you can also visit the Fantasy Island Amusement Park opposite Nanhu Park, which is very lively during holidays.
Global Center | Bask in the blue and white of early summer in Santorini
When you see this scene before you, does it give you a sense of déjà vu? This is the place known as the "Chengdu version of Santorini"!
Located on the northern section of Tianfu Avenue in Chengdu's Wuhou District, near Jincheng Square Metro Station on Line 1, the Global Center is the world's largest single building. Since its completion, it has become not only a shopping and dining paradise in Chengdu, but also a hub for the arts, combining entertainment and leisure.
Walking in, it feels like you are in a blue "ocean". Although it is very low-key, its blue and white architectural style has gradually become popular among many photography enthusiasts and couples.
It is a very good choice to take advantage of your free time to come here for a stroll! The overall layout is very beautiful, with a minty smell of summer, and a fresh and sweet romance.
Louis Art Castle | European style, meet Fontainebleau Palace
This European-style castle building stands on the northern section of Jiannan Avenue in Chengdu. It looks extremely majestic and vigorous as a whole, and every corner exudes a classical royal atmosphere. Therefore, it is affectionately called the "Fontainebleau Palace" of Chengdu.
The Louis Art Castle is actually not that big, but it is more than enough for taking photos. If you don’t know, you might think you have gone to Paris.
However, there are still restrictions at present. You can take pictures with your mobile phone in the outdoor area at will, but if you want to take pictures with a camera, there will be corresponding charges. There will be security guards patrolling at any time, so it is best to pay attention.
Currently, the main service here is various banquets, and many newlyweds who are taking wedding photos also regard it as one of their first choices. If necessary, you must make an appointment in advance so that you can realize your dream of being a princess.
Chengdu Food
In Chengdu, the only thing that cannot be missed is the food. Let’s try the delicious food shops hidden in the streets and alleys of Chengdu.
Jiyu Thai, hot Thai hot pot
I had heard of this restaurant a long time ago, so this time I chose it as my first choice when I was in Chengdu. This Thai hot pot restaurant is located in Taikoo Li and opens at 11:00 in the morning.
It was originally a hot pot brand from Phuket, Thailand. With its super authentic Thai seafood flavor and super attentive service, it became famous in Chengdu and is extremely popular!
I recommend the signature curry shrimp, mango sticky rice, pineapple fritters, and caramel pudding. They are all my favorites and the taste is just right. The shrimp has a unique taste with the dipping sauce outside, and the taste of mango penetrates deep into the rice.
The free Haagen-Dazs, yogurt, pudding, and plum jelly are all good. Because it is very popular, it is recommended to go as early as possible, otherwise the queue will take up a lot of time.
Roadside Spicy Hot Pot
This should be the most down-to-earth Malatang in Chengdu. It is located on Zhimin Road in Chengdu. When you walk to the door, you can see the big black words "Lubianbian Malatang". It is a very down-to-earth signboard with the most traditional Chengdu flavor.
This is a well-known, unique, and well-known local shop, specializing in spicy hot pot, a classic skewers dish, reminiscent of the 1980s. The atmosphere is reminiscent of childhood memories, with its small shop, family planning slogans, and the square blue tables and standard blue chairs, which largely restore the old style.
The pictures on the wall are full of the retro feeling of the 1980s. Different from many ordinary spicy hot pot restaurants, it has a strong sense of time travel. As soon as you walk in, you feel like you have returned to the past.
As a Malatang skewers restaurant, there are all kinds of skewers here. Malu Bian Bian Malatang not only has traditional skewers, meat, vegetables, mushrooms, etc., but also many homemade flavors of skewers. Each skewer is served with a special dipping sauce, which is simply perfect.
Special mention must be made of their signature seasoning dish, which consists of dried chili peppers + soybean flour + crushed peanuts + a spoonful of original soup. It is quite powerful, and it is very satisfying to dip the skewers cooked in the hot pot into it!
The braised brain flower, braised clams, beef, vermicelli, etc. are all highly recommended. Add soda and beer, and it's just perfect! You can eat until you're done for just over 70 yuan per person, and the price is very affordable.
Dejiner Braised Kebabs
Located on the basement level of the Chengdu Oak Forest East Road Food Plaza, the restaurant's design is a bit like a combination of a barbecue restaurant and a bar, with a wall of wines displayed alongside the counter. The restaurant is spacious and bright, with wooden tables creating a lively atmosphere under the bright lights.
The dry sauce has two levels of spiciness to suit different tastes. Most importantly, the three dipping sauces are perfect for beef on the far left, vegetarian on the middle, and lamb on the far right. With these secret dipping sauces, there's enough to satisfy everyone.
Dejin'er specializes in grilled skewers, with a variety of styles available. The skewers are large and generous. The meat is also very flavorful, with a juicy texture and a very chewy texture, not greasy at all. The secret dipping sauce is also excellent!
Recommended dishes include black pepper beef belly skewers, secret pork belly skewers, Dejiner toasted steamed bun slices, French lamb chops, palm-sized lamb, lamb shanks, etc.
There aren't many people here, the food court is quite big, and it's not as noisy as Chunxi Road, so it's a good place to get together with friends and chat.
Chengdu Foodie
When you come to Chengdu, you must eat at Chengdu Chike, which is right next to Malatang on the road. There is only a small storefront on the first floor. After entering, go directly to the second floor. As soon as you go up to the second floor, you can see the satisfied expressions of the diners eating here and their tables are full of dishes.
The decoration style of the store is relatively simple, and the wooden chairs are very comfortable to sit on. There are also signs on the wall with the names of iconic places in Chengdu such as Kuanxiangzi, Jianshe Road, and Wenshu Temple, which has a very Chengdu flavor.
Recommended dishes in the store include the special grilled fish fillet, abalone noodles and the sugar-coated fruit in the picture below. If you don’t know, you might think it is a work of art.
Chengdu sugar-coated fruit is bright yellow in color, crispy on the outside and glutinous on the inside, and sweet and delicious. In addition, its shape is a major feature, and those who don't know it may think it is an ornament.
Conclusion
What do you like about Chengdu? I love its multifaceted and unpredictable nature. Like a Rubik's Cube, it can be randomly assembled into many shapes; like a breeze, invisible and intangible, but when it blows, you can always deeply experience and feel it. As long as I keep walking, the story of Chengdu will continue.
