Summer in Rongcheng丨Kuanzhai Alley

Kuanzhai Alley is a relatively large-scale ancient street from the Qing Dynasty left in Chengdu. Together with Daci Temple and Wenshu Monastery, it is known as one of the three major historical and cultural preservation districts in Chengdu. Kuanzhai Alley is a reflection of the past of this ancient yet young city of Chengdu, a symbol deep in memory. When tourists walk in the alleys at dusk, accompanied by the setting sun and looking at the smoke from kitchens, scenes of the long-lost life of old city residents come to mind. Kuanzhai Alley is located near Changshun Street in Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, and consists of three parallel alleys: Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley, all of which are ancient-style courtyards with blue-gray bricks and tiles. Kuan Alley was called Xingren Hutong during the Xuantong years of the Qing Dynasty, with many buildings from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, including some Western-style buildings left by churches. Zhai Alley is the "slow life" area, showcasing the courtyard culture of old Chengdu. Most of these courtyards are occupied by stylish bars and restaurants, where you can spend a leisurely afternoon and feel the pause of time. Jing Alley is adjacent to the south of Zhai Alley and was called Ruyi Hutong in the Qing Dynasty. The brick cultural landscape wall in Jing Alley is a 400-meter-long east-west sculpture wall, the first museum in China to use bricks as a medium. Old bricks from different historical periods are artistically created into platforms, cities, walls, roads, steles, and gates, depicting fragments of Chengdu's history and interpreting a century of history. It is said that "Kuanzhai Alley is the most Chengdu," and the three alleys here are rich in connotation, blending ancient charm and modernity, serving as a window to showcase Chengdu's culture. Here, you can taste local snacks, buy local specialties, and experience unique folk customs such as covered-bowl tea and ear picking. You can also take photos in front of distinctive buildings. Kuanzhai Alley condenses the simplicity and trendiness of Chengdu. Nowadays, it tells the story of modern and diverse Chengdu culture in a new way. In your leisure time, why not take a walk here and leave behind a beautiful memory unique to you.