Greetings, fellow travelers and foodies! We visited Jinli Ancient Street in Chengdu twice during our Chengdu trip and it was a memorable experience worth sharing. Here’s a candid account of what you can expect from this must-visit destination!
1. A Step Back in Time
Jinli Old Street boasts a rich historical background, dating back over 2,000 years to the Three Kingdoms period. The well-preserved traditional Sichuan-style architecture and picturesque streets take you on a stroll through history.
Stepping into Jinli Old Street felt like something out of the movie Spirited Away. The well-preserved traditional Sichuan-style buildings and stone-paved pathways transported me to another era. I couldn’t resist capturing the picturesque streets with my camera, and every corner just seemed like a perfect photo opportunity.
2. A Gastronomic Paradise
If you’re a food lover like me, make sure to come to Jinli Old Street with an empty stomach! The street is a gastronomic paradise, offering a wide array of authentic mala street food. I savored the famous Sichuan hotpot and indulged in various spicy snacks that left my taste buds tingling with delight.
Food enthusiasts will be in for a treat at Jinli Old Street. Indulge in the vibrant culinary scene, from the famous Sichuan hotpot to street snacks that will delight your taste buds.
3. Sichuan Tea Culture
A visit to Chengdu wouldn’t be complete without immersing yourself in its renowned tea culture. At Jinli Old Street, we enjoyed a cup of freshly brewed pot of jasmine tea while watching a traditional opera performance in one of the small traditional operahouses around. This was a truly unforgettable experience I highly suggest you to try when you’re in Chengdu.
More details about the performances in the next item!
4. Folk Arts & Live Performances
Like what I mentioned earlier, one of the highlights of my visit was watching a Sichuan opera performance. It was a unique and enthralling experience. The mask-changing acts and the rhythmic music kept me completely mesmerized throughout the show. I wholeheartedly recommend you to try watching a live performance while you’re there as this is a signature Chengdu experience. Aside from mask-changing performances, there were also plenty of other ones such as this Long Spout Tea Pouring performance pictured above!
5. Enchanted Evenings
Personally, I found Jinli Old Street even more enchanting at night. The colorful lanterns illuminates the streets, creating a magical ambiance. We spent hours wandering around, captivated by the lively atmosphere and street performers who added an extra touch of charm to the experience.
Jinli Ancient Street is a treasure trove of history, culture, and enchantment that will leave you with lasting memories when you visit. I fell in love with this place we even visited it twice during the same trip! Jinli Ancient Street is located at the city center of Chengdu City, just next to Wuhou Memorial Temple.
How to get to Jinli Ancient Street (Jinli Pedestrian Street):
To get to Jinli Street, you can take public buses like Bus No.1, No.57, No.304, No.306, etc. or to make it easier, you can also just book a cab going straight to Jinli Ancient Street! Comparing day and night views, Jinli Ancient Street looks so much prettier at night. There are fewer people too, and all the red lanterns along the street are lit up, making it very beautiful.
Travel Tips:
- Jinli is a popular spot in Chengdu, so it gets crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Besides trying local snacks and shopping at craft shops, you can also buy gifts like panda toys and other specialties at Jinli Street!
- If you’re there during Chinese Spring Festival, enjoy the lively temple fair at Wuhou Memorial Temple (ticket required)
