Slow Travel in Chengdu: A Local’s Easy Day Route – Wide and Narrow Alleys
Honestly, I don’t think Wide and Narrow Alleys is a Must-See in Chengdu
This route is all about following the easiest timing and direction, get the best experience without rushing
Perfect for anyone who had a bit too much fun last night or just enjoys a slow wander
12:30 Head out
13:00 Lunch (two options ✨)
•纯阳馆鱼香排骨面 Chunyang Noodle House: Popular with both locals and visitors.
My go-to dishes are the fish-flavoured noodles (鱼香面), Sichuan spicy wontons in chilli oil (红抄)
•贺水饺 He Dumplings: Super clean and mostly filled with neighbourhood regulars
Downsides: not much choice
At both places I usually ask for“no garlic (免蒜)” . Portions are generous, so I suggest ordering the small size – 1两.
14:00 魁星楼街 Kuixinglou Street – 纽space
A gallery showcasing Chinese and Chengdu artists, with affordable prices.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/m74wB4fveJLy2vGs5
14:30 依旧小屋 Still Bar ✨
A cosy spot for Hainan-style desserts. Properly made, not overly sweet, really refreshing. I love sitting outside by the street. Do note the portions are big – if you don’t have a big appetite, two people can easily share one dish.
Opens at 14:00. Closed on Monday
15:00 宽窄巷子 Wide and Narrow Alleys
宽厰(Kuanchang) ✨: The free exhibition upstairs is worth a look – the old building setting reminded me of visiting galleries in Kyoto. The souvenir shop has tasteful and not overpriced goods.
Afterwards you can wander around nearby, though honestly, about 80% of the shops feel tailored for tourist.
The POP MART there looked pretty good though, if you’re into that.
16:00 Coffee break
• % Arabica Chengdu Wide and Narrow: So far, the prettiest % shop I’ve seen ✨
• Slow tea time: There are loads of tea houses in the alleys, and some tucked behind bookshops – those tend to be quieter.
• Explore the side lanes: The little streets around Wide and Narrow are a mix of traditional local life and new trendy shops. I really enjoy them.
17:00 If you still have energy
• 平安桥天主教堂 + 摩诃池 Ping’an Bridge Catholic Church + Mohe Pool: The church tends to close quite early (around 4 p.m.), so do bring this visit forward if you’d like to see inside
• 东华门遗址公园 Donghuamen Ruins Park: Super under-the-radar, and honestly surprising that such an open space exists right in the city centre.
18:30 If you fancy something different for dinner
Italian: Panini BACI 巴次帕尼尼
Japanese：（sorry I wrote this one in Japanese）
Michelin restaurants
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Final Note
If you’re on a tight schedule, you can totally skip Wide and Narrow Alleys.
But if you do drop by, you won’t regret it – especially the surrounding streets, which I personally love.
Hope your trip to Chengdu is full of good food and good fun!
Cheers
