Written by Clementine |
Wide & Narrow Alley, located at the Changshun Street, is composed by wide alley, narrow alley and well alley. All of them are blue-bricks courtyards in an ancient style. There exists large scale antique lanes and alleys of the Qing dynasty. Thus, it enjoys the great reputation as one of the three historical districts of Chengdu.
Nowadays, visitors travling to Chengdu can not only have a tea at the street, but can also see a Sichuan opera or meet up with friends in the exquisite classical buildings to experience the slow life of Chengdu. The diversified and fashionable lifestyle of modern Chengdu can be fully experienced here.
Fast Facts about Kuanzhai Alley
- Location: 127, Changshun Shangjie, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province
- In Chinese:宽窄巷
- Tickets:Free
- Opening hours:All day
- Time needed: 2 – 3 hours
- Best time to go: March to June & September to November
Kuanzhai Alley History
In 1718, during the period of the emperor Kangxi of the Qing dynasty, the emperor appointed more than 1,000 troops to stay in Chengdu to build the Man city. The wide and narrow alleys today are the remnants of the Man city. At the end of the 18th century, missionaries purchased properties and built plank houses here, creating a unique urban landscape where commoners and the elite lived side by side. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the courtyards gradually turned into mixed-use compounds, with a more authentic daily-life vibe.
Since the 1980s, through protective renovation that integrates the culture of northern Chinese hutongs and Sichuan Western siheyuan, it has become a cultural business card of Chengdu. In 2009, it was awarded the title of “China’s Characteristic Commercial Pedestrian Street.” Now, it is known as one of the three major historical and cultural protection blocks in Chengdu, along with Wenshu Monastery and Daci Temple.
Why Visit？
There were more than 70 courtyards and more than 300 rooms in ancient time, but now the old city wall, Jinshui river and other buildings have gone with the wind. So, the current wide and narrow alley is the last remnant of the old city, and the only part including the northern hutong culture and architectural style in south China. It records the vicissitudes of old Chengdu, and the unique architectural style combining the characteristics of western Sichuan folk houses and northern courtyard houses.
Nowadays, with the advantageous location and profound history, Wide Narrow Alley has become a must-visit place in Chengdu, where visitors can not only appreciate the ancient architecture and history but also taste authentic Sichuan Cuisine and buy some interesting souvenir.
Top Attractions & Things to Do
Wide Alley
The Wide Narrow Alley is composed by wide alley, narrow alley and well alley. Wide Alley is a nostalgic area with ancient buildings, which was called Xingren hutong in Qing dynasty. There are many buildings in the late Qing dynasty style in the alley, and there are also some western style buildings left by the church. Wide alley is the “leisure life” area, and it is the reproduction of old Chengdu life. There are old Chengdu life experience museum, where people can experience and know the local customs of old Chengdu.
Narrow Alley
Narrow Alley, is a “slow life” area showing the courtyard culture. Most of the courtyards here are equipped with stylish bars and restaurants, where people can have a relaxing afternoon tea or chat with friends. It is a modern area integrating various western-style food, coffee, arts, and leisures, so it is really popular among people who enjoys a slow life.
Well Alley
Well Alley is adjacent to the south of narrow alley. It was named Ruyi hutongin the Qing dynasty, and was renamed as “well alley” after the revolution of 1911. “Well alley” was named after an ancient well dug during the reign of emperor Kangxi in the Qing dynasty. There exists a photo wall to show the civil culture of old Chengdu. It is the most open, diverse and dynamic consumption area in wide and narrow alley. As a dynamic entertainment area equipped with bars, nightclubs, dessert shops, fast food, wedding venues and creative fashion shop, the Well Alley is really popular among young people.
Taste Local Delicacies
One of the eight great Chinese cuisines, Sichuan cuisine is widely known for its strong, spicy, and aromatic tastes. In Kuanzhai Alley, you can savor all kinds of classic dishes including Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, and Spicy Boiled Beef. Make sure you try popular street food such as Long Chao Shou (wontons), Chuan Chuan Xiang (spicy skewers), and Dan Dan Noodles. It is a real food paradise for foodies.
Watch Special Performances
Traditional opera performances are a must-see for cultural experience in Kuanzhai Alley. The most popular one is the face-Changing of Sichuan Opera, in which the actor in splendid costume changes his facial masks rapidly, attracting all eyes on him.
Alongside this, the alley also regularly practices more traditional operas including Sichuan Opera, Kunqu, Yuju and Huangmei Opera. There’s even a “grand opening performance” with famous opera performers from across the nation during the Spring Festival. And if you prefer a more relaxed and funny show, shadow puppetry and clown performances are also available. These playful performances are especially perfect for families with kids, who will surely be delighted with laughter.
Nighttime Activities
As a national-level gathering area for nighttime culture and tourism consumption, Kuan Zhai Alley comes alive at night. Diverse experiences such as night shopping, dining, and entertainment allow visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant nightlife of “Shaocheng, Land of Abundance.” Whether it’s late-night reading in bookstores or enjoying snacks in the alleyways and courtyards, everything highlights the unique charm of the nighttime economy in Qingyang District.
Strolling through the alleyways, you’ll be captivated by the array of shops and intangible cultural heritage delicacies. Guests can listen to explanations while savoring the old Chengdu charm. At night, Kuan Zhai Alley weaves together tradition and trend, painting a dynamic picture of Chengdu life.
Admiring Intriguing Sculptures and Graffiti
As you stroll through Kuan Zhai Alley, you will often be drawn to some interesting and historical “ornaments,” such as this horse-tying stone. The horse-tying stone is a symbolic representation of northern Chinese culture in Western Sichuan. The one on the old wall of the entrance at No. 32 in the narrow alley is the only remaining one in Kuan Zhai Alley. It vividly recreates the scene of that time in the form of a three-dimensional city sculpture.
Best Time to Visit
Chengdu has four distinct seasons, with an average annual temperature of 16℃. Generally, March to June or September to November are all good times for Chengdu tours. But since there are many night activities in Kuanzhai Alley, I’d say June is the best season to visit, as the weather is very comfortable at day and not that cold at night.
How to Get to
Flying and taking the high-speed train to Chengdu are both very convenient, but the high-speed train gets you to Kuanzhai Alley faster. The train station near Kuanzhai Alley the most is Chengdu Railway Station.
Get to Kuanzhai Alley from Chengdu Downtown
- Bus:Take Bus No.5, 13, 43, 47, 58, 64, 78, 81 or 163 get off at Jinhe Lu(Jinhe Road) Station; No.62, 70, 93, 163 or 340 get off at Changshun Jie Station
- Subway:Travel by Subway Line 2, getting off at the Renmin Gongyuan Station, and transfer to the Wide and Narrow Alley. Or take Line 4 and get off at the Kuanzhai Xiangzi Station.
- Taxi or ride-hailing:From the city center of Chengdu, it takes 15 – 20 minutes to reach Kuan Zhai Alley by taxi or ride-hailing, with fare from 20 to 30 RMB based on traffic condition.
Get to Kuanzhai Alley from Airport
Take Airport Line 2 to Tianfu Square East Station – walk to Tianfu Square Subway Station – transfer to Subway Line 2 – get off at Renmin Park Station – walk for about 8 minutes (540 meters) – arrive at Kuan Zhai Alley.
Nearby Attractions
- People’s Park: Established in 1911, this park has become a popular spot for locals to drink tea, chat, and play cards. You can come here to experience the happy “slow life” of Chengdu.
- Tianfu Square:The center of Chengdu, the entire city radiates outward from Tianfu Square. The main element of Tianfu Square is the Sun God Bird, which is also the totem of the ancient Shu Kingdom. This is the city landmark and symbol of Chengdu.
