Kuan Zhai Alley consists of three parallel ancient lanes—Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley—along with 45 courtyards lining the streets. Together with Daci Temple and Wenshu Monastery, it is designated as a Chengdu Historical and Cultural Preservation Area. This alley serves as a microcosm of Chengdu’s history and remains a profoundly imprinted memory in the hearts of its people.
The history of Kuan Zhai Alley dates back to the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911 AD). At that time, it was a fortified enclosure within Chengdu known as Mancheng or Shaocheng, serving as a garrison for imperial troops. Over time, the fortifications gradually fell into disrepair, leaving only Kuan Alley and Zhai Alley. In 2003, renovation began on the two lanes with the goal of creating a cultural commercial street integrating tourism and leisure. On June 14, 2008, the renovated Wide and Narrow Lanes officially opened to the public. Located in present-day Qingyang District, east of Tongren Road and west of Changshun Street, it has since become a renowned entertainment district and tourist attraction in Chengdu, lined with numerous restaurants, bars, teahouses, and specialty souvenir shops.
1. Kuan Zhai Alley
Kuan Zhai Alley showcases the leisurely lifestyle of Chengdu locals and stands as the most quintessential representation of the city’s folk culture. Unique elements within the alley—including elderly Chengdu residents, old Western-style houses, and antique teahouses—evoke modern Chengduites’ memories of the city’s history. The alley features an Old Chengdu Life Experience Hall, serving as both the “face” of Kuan Zhai Alley and its tourism hub. The experience hall comprises a kitchen, study, living room, and bedroom, primarily showcasing the daily life of an ordinary Chengdu family during the Republican era (1912-1949). Visitors can also enjoy performances such as Sichuan embroidery, shadow puppetry, and puppet shows.
2. Narrow Alley
This alley embodies the quintessential slow pace of Chengdu life, showcasing the city’s courtyard culture and the Chinese dream of a garden home. Here, houses nestle within gardens, gardens cradle houses, houses enclose courtyards, courtyards shelter trees, trees frame the sky, and the sky holds the moon. Renovated with bamboo, vines, and traditional wall lamps, the alley also features amenities like Western restaurants, fast-food outlets, cafes, and wellness experience centers.
3、Well Alley
Applying a theme as the new life of Chengdu people, Well Alley is the modern side of Wide and Narrow Ally, as well as the most open, most diverse, and most dynamic zone in the area. In this most beautiful historical block of Chengdu, one can taste the delicious food; among the most delicate traditional buildings of the city, one can entertain oneself in the colorful night; in the most typical alley of the city, one can enjoy the happiness of free thinking. The facilities here include pubs, nightclubs, dessert shops, wedding site, and retail shops. The most featured building here is a western villa. Originally a private residence and later a church, it is now a site for love and marriage consumption, and representative of sweetness and fashion.
4. How to Get to Kuan Zhai Alley
♥Bus:
Take bus routes 51, 62, 70, 93, 163, or 340 and get off at Kuan Zhai Alley Station.
♥Subway:
Take Subway Line 4 and get off at Kuan Zhai Alley Station. Walk southeast to reach the scenic area.
Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Renmin Park Station. Exit via Exit D1 and walk along Changshun Road to arrive.
Chengdu Bus/Subway Inquiry
Tourists can board the Chengdu Sightseeing Bus at the Kuan Zhai Alley City terminal to visit other popular attractions such as Dujiangyan, Mount Qingcheng, and the Sanxingdui Museum. For more travel information, contact 365 China Travel guides. >>>apply now
