The wide and narrow alleys (Kuanzhai Xiangzi) are two ancient streets restored in the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) architectural styles. They sum up Chengdu, a leisurely city combining history and modern changes.
Chinese: 宽窄巷子 Kuānzhǎi Xiàngzi /kwan-jeye sshyang-dzuh/
Location: near Changshun Upper Street (长顺上街), just 1 km northwest of the city center (Tianfu Square)
Time needed: half a day
Highlights: ancient Chinese architecture, folk culture with local characteristics, local snacks
Things to Do
The Wide and Narrow Alleys, along with Daci Monastery and Wenshu Monastery, make up the "Three Famous Historical Relics of Chengdu". The historical and cultural area of the Wide and Narrow Alleys consists of Wide Alley, Narrow Alley, Jing ('well') Alley, and Quadrangle Courtyards.
In the alleys, visitors can experience the leisurely and comfortable life of Chengdu, with their boutique hotels, characteristic local snacks and cuisines, traditional teahouses, distinctive inns, and relaxing spas.
Wide Alley — Leisurely Life
The wide alley was called Xingren Lane during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), and it is the representative of Chengdufolk culture, with its theme of tradition 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 Real-Life Experience Hall', showing the daily life of a common family during the Republic of China era (1912–1949), such as scenes set in a kitchen, study, central room, and bridal chamber.
At night in Wide Alley, visitors also can relish the night snacks and barbecue under old trees, and watch shadow plays, puppet plays and Chinese calligraphy demonstrations.
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 the Qing Dynasty. There is Western food, coffee, retail, and themed culture salons in the courtyards and the long alley.
Decorated with an elegant, fashionable ambience of German, Japanese, American, French, and Indian styles, Narrow Alley really reflects the slow life in Chengdu, and is a great place to spend a quiet afternoon.
Jing (‘Well’) Alley — Modern Life
Jing Alley is close by the wide and narrow alleys. In the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), it had another name: Ruyi Lane. It is a lane with numerous pubs, a great place to have a taste of the multicolored modern nightlife.
This public place of entertainment is creatively-and-fashionably-themed, with pubs, night clubs, and characteristic restaurants.
The 400-meter wall with bricks from different dynasties should not be missed.
The Relationship Between Kung Fu Panda and the Wide and Narrow Alleys
Kung Fu Panda, the famous animated panda movie series, is a visual feast to all the panda fans, and fans of Chinese culture. Have you ever thought about where DreamWorks got their inspiration for the backdrops from? In the Wide and Narrow Alleys, you have the answer.
In the Wide and Narrow Alleys, the streets and architectures are just like in the Kung Fu Panda movies.
How to Get There
Travelers can take bus 5, 13, 43, 47, 58, 64, 78, 81, or 163 to Jinhe Road (金河路); or bus 62, 70, 93 or 340 to Changshun Shang Jie (长顺上街).
