Kuanzhai Alley

Sight 1

Wide Alley

宽巷子

Kuan Xiangzi (Wide Alley). Kuan Xiangzi is a core component of the Kuanzhai Alley historical and cultural district in Chengdu, preserving the courtyard layout and grey-brick, dark-tiled architectural style of Western Sichuan residential houses from the Qing Dynasty. There are no broad avenues here; instead, narrow alleyways connect teahouses, Sichuan restaurants, handicraft shops, and opera stages. Visitors can savor covered-bowl tea, watch Sichuan opera face-changing performances, and experience the leisurely pace of Chengdu life. Compared to the adjacent Zhai Xiangzi (Narrow Alley), Kuan Xiangzi feels more open and spacious, housing a greater concentration of traditional courtyards and folk culture displays, making it an ideal place to understand the vernacular culture of old Chengdu.

Sight 2

Narrow Alley

窄巷子

Zhai Zi Alley. Running parallel to Kuan Alley, Zhai Zi Alley is an integral part of the Kuanzhai Alley Historic and Cultural District in Chengdu. Here, traditional Western Sichuan residential courtyards from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China period are preserved, featuring gray brick walls, black-tiled roofs, and ornately carved wooden windows. Teahouses, snack stalls, handicraft shops, and creative studios line the alley in delightful arrangement. Strolling through, you can experience the everyday life and unhurried rhythm of old Chengdu. When night falls and lanterns glow, the alley takes on an even more timeless and tranquil charm, making it a wonderful spot to immerse yourself in local Chengdu culture and sample authentic street snacks. Admission is free, and you can visit at your leisure.

Sight 3

Well Alley

井巷子

Jing Alley. Located on the south side of Wide and Narrow Alley, running parallel to Wide Alley and Narrow Alley, Jing Alley is an important part of the urban fabric of old Chengdu. The lane retains traditional Sichuan-style courtyard dwellings with blue bricks and grey tiles, exuding a quiet and rustic charm. Its most distinctive feature is the "Brick Culture Exhibition Wall" along the lane, where bricks from different dynasties are assembled to depict the history of Chengdu's streets and alleys, earning it the reputation of a "Museum of Bricks." Strolling through the alley, visitors can experience the daily life of old Chengdu, admire the exquisite brick-carved gateways, and soak in the slow-paced urban atmosphere. It is an excellent spot for photographing traditional architecture and local culture, as well as a vivid window into the transformation of Chengdu over time.

Sight 4

Hitching Post

拴马石

Sight 5

Kailu

恺庐

Kailu Residence. Kailu is a typical Western Sichuan-style courtyard dwelling within Kuanzhai Alley, distinguished by its unique arched gate and ornate brick carvings that reflect the architectural style of the late Qing and early Republic periods. Inside, traditional elements such as an open-air courtyard and wooden windows have been preserved, standing in striking contrast to the bustling streets outside. Once home to scholars and literati, it still exudes the leisurely pace of old Chengdu life, offering an excellent window into authentic Western Sichuan architecture and local street culture.

Sight 6

Brick Cultural Wall

砖文化墙

The Brick Culture Wall, located beside Kuanzhai Alley, is crafted from blue bricks and carved with scenes of old Chengdu's street life. Through three-dimensional relief sculptures, it vividly recreates traditional folk customs such as ear cleaning, sugar painting, and shadow puppet plays, with details nestled between the brick joints as if freezing a century-old memory of the city in time. Visitors can stroll along the wall to soak in the historical essence of Chengdu's slow-paced lifestyle, making it a popular spot for photos and check-ins.