Kuanzhai Alleys are located in Qingyang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province. It is a national 2A-level tourist attraction. Composed of Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley in parallel, the planned control area covers 479 mu, with a core protection area of 108 mu. The scenic area is distinctively featured as a large-scale preserved ancient street complex from the Qing Dynasty in Chengdu, integrating the characteristics of southern Chuanxi dwellings and the cultural connotations of northern Manchu-Mongolian cultures. It is the last remnant of the "Millennium Shaocheng" urban pattern and century-old authentic architectural layout of old Chengdu, as well as the "unique example" of northern alley culture in Chengdu and southern China.
The buildings here are mostly courtyard-style structures from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with blue brick walls, high gatehouses, and flowered wall skirts, featuring a chuandou (overhanging column) structural style. The area ratio of the courtyard to the house is approximately 1:3.
History and Culture
In the 57th year of the Kangxi reign (1718), after the Junggar tribe invaded Tibet, the Qing court dispatched 3,000 troops to quell the rebellion. Nian Gengyao, the admiral of Sichuan, built a new city within the west wall of the grand city according to Qing regulations, exclusively for Manchu and Mongolian Eight Banners troops, named Mancheng (Manchu City), also known as Shaocheng (Minor City). After the 1911 Revolution, the walls of Shaocheng were demolished, and the barracks were gradually replaced by private residences. In 1981, the Chengdu Municipal Government announced the Kuanzhai Alleys at the Shaocheng site as a historical and cultural protection zone. The renovation project of Kuanzhai Alleys was launched in 2003 and opened as a symbolic scene for Chengdu's tourism recovery after the earthquake in 2008.
During the Republic of China period, the city administrators issued a document changing "hutong" to "alley". In 1948, during a city survey, staff marked the wider alley as "Kuan Alley", the narrower one as "Zhai Alley", and the one with a well as "Jing Alley".
Main Attractions
Kuan Alley
Known as Xingren Hutong in the Qing Dynasty, Kuan Alley was originally barracks for Qing troops. It gathers intact old buildings, with more than 20 characteristic courtyards, most of which retain well-preserved ancient door facades, presenting a more nostalgic appearance. Among them, Kailu is located at No. 11 Kuan Alley. The courtyard gate is an arched gate built with special blue bricks, with a curved arch. A traditional Chinese stone plaque is embedded above the gate, inscribed with "Kailu" in seal script. Demen Renli at No. 8 Kuan Alley was formerly a courtyard for experiencing old Chengdu life and is now a boutique hotel, demonstrating the perfect integration of classic and modern styles.
Zhai Alley
Named "Taiping Hutong" in the Qing Dynasty, Zhai Alley features mostly buildings from the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republic of China, integrating Western styles and forming a inclusive culture of Chinese-Western integration. The businesses in Zhai Alley mainly include Western restaurants, cafes, clubs, and theme cultural commerce, making it the best place to experience the aesthetics of Kuanzhai Alleys. The Horse Tying Stone is on the old wall of the gate at No. 32 Zhai Alley, about 1.2 meters above the ground. It is one of the three remaining horse tying stones in Kuanzhai Alleys, symbolizing the northern culture in Chuanxi.
Jing Alley
Located on the east side of Xiatongren Road and south of Zhai Alley, Jing Alley was named Ruyi Hutong in the early Qing Dynasty, later renamed Mingde Hutong due to the Mingde Archway built in the northern part, and finally named Jing Alley in the early Republic of China because of a well in the alley. It has the only brick-based museum wall in China, about 380 meters long, a two-dimensional wall architecture that interprets a century of history and shows the vicissitudes of Chengdu. Jing Alley is a typical microcosm of folk Chengdu, gathering Chengdu's characteristic snacks and folk handicrafts, presenting the unique flavor of authentic old Chengdu life.
Delicacies
Long Chaoshou (Dragon Wonton)
Long Chaoshou features thin wrappers, plump fillings, and a smooth and tender taste, available in various flavors such as clear soup, spicy soup, and dry-mixed.
Zhong Shui Jiao (Zhong's Dumplings)
Zhong Shui Jiao is characterized by thin skins and plump fillings. When served, it is drizzled with special chili oil, mixed with garlic juice, sesame oil, and other seasonings, offering a spicy, slightly sweet, and salty taste.
Sugar Oil Fruits
Sugar Oil Fruits are bright yellow, crispy outside and glutinous inside, sweet and delicious.
Tickets
Free admission. However, some attractions and experience projects require additional fees.
Opening Hours
Open 24/7 throughout the year.
Tour Routes
Start the tour from Kuan Alley to feel the life atmosphere of old Chengdu and admire traditional Chuanxi architecture; then stroll to Zhai Alley to experience its exquisite and elegant atmosphere and Chinese-Western integrated architectural style; finally, arrive at Jing Alley to view the brick culture wall and taste various Chengdu characteristic snacks. If time permits, sit in a teahouse in the alleys, enjoy a bowl of covered-bowl tea, and savor the leisurely time.
Transportation
- Subway: Take Subway Line 4 and get off at Kuanzhai Alleys Station.
- Bus: Take buses No. 5, 13, 25, 43, 47, 58, 64, 78, 81, 93, etc., and get off at stations near Kuanzhai Alleys.
- Self-driving or Taxi: Parking lots are available around for self-driving, but parking may be tight and traffic congested during holidays. Taking a taxi may also encounter traffic jams, so public transportation is recommended.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Kuan Alley: Experience old Chengdu life, admire Chuanxi-style architecture, and feel the leisurely atmosphere.
- Zhai Alley: Appreciate the Chinese-Western integrated architectural style and enjoy the artistic and leisure atmosphere.
- Jing Alley: View the only brick-based museum wall in China and taste Chengdu's characteristic snacks.
Tour Tips
- To avoid crowds, it is recommended to visit in the morning on weekdays.
- When tasting food, learn about the prices and types first—some small shops in side alleys may offer surprising delicacies.
- Tourists interested in handicrafts and souvenirs should compare products and prices from different stores before purchasing.
Notes
- With a large number of visitors, please keep valuables like mobile phones and wallets safe.
- Choose restaurants with good hygiene conditions to avoid physical discomfort from unclean food.
- Respect local customs and cultural traditions, do not touch ancient buildings and cultural relics randomly, and keep the ancient streets clean and quiet.