Wide and Narrow Alley (Kuanzhai Xiangzi)
Attractions Overview: Landmark of Chengdu; three historic paralleled alleys from Qing dynasty.
Attraction Type: Street, Cultural
Chinese Name: 成都宽窄巷子
English Name: Kuanzhai Alley in Chengdu
Best Time to Visit: All Year Round
Recommended Visiting Time: 3 Hours
Open Hours: 05:00-23:00
Admission Fee: Free
Address in English: Jinhe Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu
Address in Chinese: 成都市青羊区金河路口宽窄巷子
Why is Wide and Narrow Alley So Special?
Wide and Narrow Alley, also known as “Kuanzhai Alley” or “Kuanzhaixiangzi Alley”, consists of three historic paralleled alleys from Qing dynasty. Ancient style buildings, local Chengdu life, delicious Sichuan snacks, exquisite Sichuan handicrafts, etc. make it one of the most attractive places in Chengdu for people from the whole world.
Where is Wide and Narrow Alley?
Wide and Narrow Alley is located at Chengdu Shudu Avenue, with a total length of about 500 meters. The alley lies about 5 km from Chengdu Railway Station, and about 20 km from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.
How to Get to Wide and Narrow Alley?
Travel with China Dragon Tours (top recommended)
If you want to get rid of hustle of transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private tour package which covers visiting, dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to Wide and Narrow Alley with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on travel.
Independent Travel
For independent travelers you can
By Bus:
Take bus 51, 62, 70, 93, 126, 127, 163 or 340, and get off at Kuanzhai Xiangzi (Wide and Narrow Alley) Station.
Take bus 5, 13, 43, 47, 51, 58, 64, 64 Express, 78, or 163 to Jinhe Road, and then Walk to Wide and Narrow Alley.
By Metro:
Take Metro Line 4, get off at Wide and Narrow Alley Station. Then walk southeast and arrive at the scenic area.
Take Metro Line 2, get off at People’s Park Station, get out from Exit D1 and then walk along Changshun Upper Road to get there.
Main Attractions in Wide and Narrow Alley
Wide Alley
The wide alley was called Xingren Alley during the Qing Dynasty, and it is the representative of Chengdu folk culture, with its theme of tradition and leisure. This alley exhibits the leisurely life of natives and represents the most typical forms of Chengdu folk culture. The unique attractive elements include the natives, old lodges, and ancient tea houses, etc, show the modern Chengdu people’s memories about the city’s past. Wide Alley Alley is a symbol for modern people to memory the past Chengdu.
Narrow Alley
Narrow alley, which is synonymous with fashion and modernity, represents the typical slow life of Chengdu. It mainly shows the courtyard culture of the city. Its courtyards are mostly occupied by stylish bars and restaurants, and tourists and youths who love literature and art gather there. After renovation, the alley was decorated with bamboos, vines and traditional wall lamps. Other facilities and services within this alley include western and fast food restaurants, café, and healthy life experiencing hall.
Well Alley
Well Alley, known during the Qing dynasty as Ruyi Hutong or Mingde Hutong, is a microcosm of Chengdu folk custom. It shows urban life of the old Chengdu. After renovation, people built a 500-meter-long culture brick wall and a 500-meter-long folk custom wall in memory of the old culture and folk customs. Jing Alley is a multi-culture area. People can enjoy the delicious food in the most beautiful historic street in Chengdu; enjoy the interesting night life in the traditional Chengdu architecture; enjoy the creative happiness in the most classic alley.
Useful Travel Tips
- It rains a lot in summer, so it is necessary to take an umbrella or rain coat if you visit Wide and Narrow Alley in summer.
- Don’t ignore the tips in the scenic area.
Nearby Attractions
- Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
- Jinsha Site Museum in Chengdu
- Tianfu Square in Chengdu
- Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum in Chengdu
- Jinli Old Street in Chengdu
- Sichuan Museum in Chengdu
Edited by Emily Wang/王海玲