Chengdu Travel Diary: From Old Charm to Modern Glam 🐼🎋🧋🚂🍛

My trip to Chengdu was a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern indulgence. Each spot offered something unique, showing just how multi-layered this city really is.

东郊记忆 (Eastern Suburb Memory)
Once an old factory district, this area has been reborn into a hub of creativity. The mix of industrial relics with contemporary art galleries, cafes, and music spaces gives it a gritty-yet-hip vibe. Walking around feels like stepping into Chengdu’s artistic heartbeat — a place where the city’s past and present meet in vibrant colors.

宽窄巷子 (Kuan Zhai Alley)
This is where Chengdu slows down to its traditional rhythm. The alleys are lined with old courtyards, teahouses, and street snacks. I sipped tea while listening to the buzz of Sichuan opera performances and soaked in the cultural atmosphere. It’s touristy, yes, but still very much worth it for the sense of heritage and everyday Chengdu life.

Chengdu SKP
Then came the ultra-modern side of the city. SKP is Chengdu’s luxury shopping paradise, filled with high-end brands and futuristic architecture. It’s less about shopping (though tempting!) and more about experiencing how Chengdu positions itself on the global fashion map.

Chengdu IFS (International Finance Square)
Another modern highlight. The massive shopping mall is a lifestyle destination, with rooftop gardens, trendy restaurants, and of course, the famous giant panda sculpture climbing the building façade — one of Chengdu’s most Instagrammable spots.

Final Thoughts
Chengdu surprised me with its contrasts: the creative rebirth at 东郊记忆, the historic charm of 宽窄巷子, and the modern glamour at SKP and IFS. It’s a city that truly balances culture with cosmopolitan energy, making every day feel like a different chapter of a story.

#成都 #宽窄巷子 #东郊记忆 #skpchengdu #ifs #travel #familytravel

Post by CY Tan | Sep 11, 2025