Kuan Alley and Zhai Alley

Had a great time here! I got my portrait cut out of paper and framed by a very talented artist—such a unique souvenir. Tried the local specialty dandanmian (so tasty!) and finished with some delicious ice cream. The alleys are beautiful and full of life, though it does get very crowded, so go early if you can.

A very popular tourist spot in central Chengdu, that sports a good amount of souvenir shops, cafes and eateries with their traditional shows (like face changing). We did manage to experience both the day and night crowd, and was actually not too tough to still manoeuvre within the streets despite the heavy crowd since everyone is just pacing slowly - though they do get pushy once they are split from their families. It’s pretty easy to navigate the entire area since it’s mostly a one way street up and down, with just 2 lanes where most of the shops are located. While it’s nothing too unique, it’s worth a visit if you are travelling to Chengdu since it’s very near the city centre.

A great historic place to visit in Chengdu! 🌸 Kuan Alley and Zhai Alley are full of charm, with traditional architecture and a lively atmosphere. There are many bustling shops selling snacks, souvenirs, and local crafts — perfect for strolling and discovering something new. I highly recommend visiting one of the teahouses to enjoy a relaxing cup of tea, but do be cautious of tourist scams (check prices before ordering!). Also, renting a traditional dress is a fun experience — dress up and explore! 📸 There are so many beautiful photo spots throughout the area. Overall, a must-visit spot for both culture and fun.

This charming old town district has been beautifully transformed into a bustling, vibrant marketplace. The ancient-style buildings and narrow streets are full of character, offering a glimpse into the past — yet the lively shops bring a modern twist, using playful technology and bright displays to catch the eyes of everyone passing by. There’s so much to discover here: colorful and intriguing foods, unique local snacks, traditional herbal medicines, and stunning old-style Chinese costumes that seem to bring history back to life. The atmosphere is so lively, so full of energy and excitement, that it’s easy to get swept away in the moment — and maybe even forget to pause and admire the beautiful old architecture all around you.

Absolutely amazing experience! Everyone was so friendly, and every shop was worth stopping by. The street food? Incredibly delicious — and the prices were super reasonable too. Sadly, I didn’t have much time since it was the last day of my trip, and I haven’t checked out all the spots in Kuan and Zhai Alley. Can’t wait to come back next year — just thinking about it gets me so excited!

Kuanzhai Alley is a beautiful historic street. You can find everything here — from drinks and food to souvenirs — all of them are tasty and charming. I really want to come back to this famous alley and hang out.

loved our evening visit here (at the suggestion of friends who knew it). We took the subway and the subway station is right at the entrance to the alleys. Its essentially an area of old houses filled with shops and restaurants (for tourists). There are public (squat) toilets as well if anybody is wondering:-) Loved it!

Super touristy but definitely worth a visit if you're in Chengdu. The vibe is fun, the streets are charming and full of photo-worthy corners. Lots of souvenir stalls and snacks around—perfect for a casual stroll and soaking in the atmosphere.