Kuanzhai Alley（宽窄巷子） Travel Guide
Nov 09, 2024
by orient china travel
Location and History
- Kuanzhai Alley is located in Qingyang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province. It is a well-preserved ancient street area from the Qing Dynasty2. The area was once part of the "lesser city" built during the Qing Dynasty, and after years of development and transformation, it has become a popular tourist attraction2.
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Getting There
- By Public Transport: You can take Subway Line 2 or Line 4 and get off at Tong Hui Men Station. There are also many buses passing by, such as Routes 5, 13, 43, 47, 58, 64, 78, 81, 163, 62, 70, 93, and 340.
- By Taxi or Private Car: It is relatively convenient to reach by taxi or if you are driving by yourself. However, during peak tourist seasons or rush hours, there may be traffic congestion.
Attractions within Kuanzhai Alley
- Wide Alley (Kuan Alley): It was originally named Xingren Hutong in the Qing Dynasty and was a place for the Manchurian soldiers to reside. The alley is relatively wide, with a width of 6 to 8 meters. Here, you can see many well-preserved old buildings and courtyards, most of which have retained their original appearance. There are about 20 unique courtyards, with traditional door facades that are full of historical charm. For example, "Kai Lu" at No. 11 of the Wide Alley is one of the most iconic doorways, with a special arched door made of specially made green bricks2.
- Narrow Alley (Zhai Alley): This alley is more refined and elegant, with a width of 4 to 6 meters. The architecture here mainly features buildings from the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, absorbing some Western styles. It is a perfect combination of Chinese and Western cultures. There are many cafes, bars, and high-end restaurants, creating a slow-paced and stylish atmosphere. One of the notable features is the horse tethering stone on the old wall at the door of No. 32 in the Narrow Alley, which is a symbol of the former residence of the Manchurians2.
- Well Alley (Jin Alley): Located in the southernmost part, it was originally named Ruyi Hutong in the Qing Dynasty. There is a 400-meter-long "Brick" cultural wall, which is like a museum in the form of a wall. It uses old bricks of different historical periods to display the historical and cultural fragments of Chengdu, showing the city's vicissitudes of history. There are also food stalls and tea houses nearby, allowing you to taste local snacks and enjoy a leisurely time
Activities and Festivals
- Kuanzhai Tea Gathering: Starting from 2009, it is held in March and April every year. During this event, there are various tea-related activities, allowing you to experience the traditional tea culture of Chengdu.
- Music Festival: Since 2010, the music festival held in Kuanzhai Alley in the summer has attracted many music lovers and has become a music center in Chengdu.
- New Year Rock Music Festival: Held on New Year's Eve every year, this event is often used as the official New Year's celebration in Chengdu and is very lively.
Food and Shopping
- Food: You can find a wide variety of local delicacies here, such as spicy hot pot, Mapo Tofu, and various snacks. There are also many teahouses where you can sit down, relax, and taste a cup of fragrant tea while enjoying the unique scenery of the alley.
- Shopping: There are numerous shops selling traditional handicrafts, such as Shu embroidery, Shu brocade, and bamboo products. You can also buy some souvenirs and local specialties to bring back as memories.
Tips for Visiting
- Try to avoid visiting during peak tourist seasons and holidays to avoid the crowds and have a better experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking.
- Bargain when shopping in some small shops, but also respect the business owners and local customs.