Kuanzhai Alley

宽窄巷子

Three parallel old lanes left from Qing-dynasty Manchu city, with teahouses, Sichuan restaurants, and a small theater for face-changing performances hidden in the brick courtyards. A signature of Chengdu's slow-paced lifestyle.

Kuanzhai Alley consists of three parallel Qing-dynasty lanes: Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley. They are the only surviving streets of the “Lesser City,” built during the Kangxi era for the Eight Banner garrison, and they are the only neighborhood in Chengdu that retains the layout of northern-style hutongs. Kuan Alley represents “old Chengdu leisure.” Traditional residences such as Kailu and brick gateways have been converted into teahouses and Sichuan restaurants (for example, Kuanzuo and No. 3 Kuan Alley). You can sit in the courtyards, drink gaiwan tea, and watch ear-cleaning masters at work. Zhai Alley is about slow living, with mainly creative shops, cafés, and boutique inns. Jing Alley represents modern life, with a 400-meter brick culture wall and a snack street offering sanpao, sugar-oil rice cakes, and steamed egg cakes. The district is free to enter at any time, and most shops open from about 10:00 to 22:00. To watch Sichuan opera face-changing, go to Shufeng Yayun on Qintai Road (about RMB 150–300), or visit the small theaters inside the alleys, which have performances every evening. Compared with Jinli Street, Kuanzhai Alley is more refined and better for photos, but its sit-down meals are pricier. Consider having only tea and snacks here, and eat main meals on Kuixinglou Street (Maoyan Huola and Chengdu Eaters) or near People's Park. Within walking distance are People's Park (10 minutes), Qingyang Temple, and Qintai Road, which together make an afternoon walking route through the western part of the city. Getting there: Metro Line 4 to Kuanzhai Alley Station, Exit B. Pickpockets can be a problem in crowds, and the area is extremely busy on weekend afternoons and holidays.

Kuanzhai Alley

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