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The Wide and Narrow Alleys

The Wide and Narrow Alleys

Written by Kelly PangUpdated Nov. 24, 2023

Summary

The wide and narrow alleys (Kuai Zhai Xiangzi) are two ancient streets restoring the old archetecture in Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) styles, and they are the shorten versions of Chengdu, a city combining history and modern changes.

Overview

Chengdu kuan-zhai laneChengdu Kuan Zhai Xiangzi

The wide and narrow alleys, along with Daci Monastery and Wenshu Monastery, consist of three famous historical relics in Chengdu. A visit to the alleys, visitors can experience the leisurely and comfortable life in Chengdu with boutique hotels, characteristic local snacks and cuisines, traditional teahouse, distinctive inns and relaxing Spas. The historical and cultural area of the wide and narrow alleys is consists of wide alley, narrow alley, jing (well) alley and quadrangle courtyards.

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Wide Alley, Leisurely Life

The wide alley was called Xingren Lane during Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), and it is the representative of Chengdu folk culture, with the theme is travel and leisure. Featuring boutique hotels, unique restaurants in folk styles, traditional teahouses, taverns and distinctive inns, the alley provides visitors an opportunity to experience the life of old Chengdu. There is a museum called "Chengdu's Real-Life Experience Hall" showing the daily life of a common family during the Republic of China (1911–1949), such as the scenes in kitchen, study, central room and bridal chamber. There, visitors also can relish the night snacks and barbecue under old trees, and watch shadow plays, puppet plays and Chinese calligraphy demonstrations in the night.

Chengdu kuan-zhai laneWide Alley

Narrow Alley, Slow Life

Walking across the south-north passageway of the wide alley, visitors reach the narrow alley which was called Taiping Lane during Qing Dynasty (1644–1911). There are western food, Coffee, retails and themed culture salon in the courtyard and the long alley. Decorated with elegant ambience of fashion in German, Japanese, American, French, Indian styles, the narrow alley really reflects the slow life in Chengdu and is a great place to spend the quiet afternoon.

Jing (Well) Alley, Modern Life

The jing alley is closely neighboring the wide and narrow alleys. In Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), it has another name: Ruyi Lane. It is a site with numerous pubs, a great place to have a taste of the multicolored modern night. This public place of entertainment is themed with creative fashion with pubs, night clubs and characteristic restaurants. The 400-meter wall with bricks in different dynasties is scenery should not be missed in the wide and narrow alleys.

Chengdu kuan-zhai laneJing Alley

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Contact us for a private tour of Leshan and Mount Emei.

How to Get There

Travelers can take bus line 5, 13, 43, 47, 58, 64, 78, 81, and 163 and get off at Jinhe Road (金河路) Stop; or take bus line 62, 70, 93 and 340 and get off at the stop of "Changshun Shangjie" (长顺上街).

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