Jinli Street, a Must Visit Place in Chengdu, China

J. has been living in China for a number of years and he keeps telling us that Chengdu is his most favourite city to visit. It was the main reason we were there visiting the city on our 2024 Asian trip. We were beginning to see why J. likes Chengdu so much. He bought us to a Mongolian area and tried some authenic dishes from that region in a restaurant decorated in traditional style. The food was a little different and delicious. After dinner, we were able to shop at the nearby shops for some souvenirs and I bought a panda hat for Bea. J. also took us to Jinli Street, one of the famous streets in Chengdu and a busy commercial area during the Shu Kingdom (221-263). Hence, it is known as 'First Street of the Shu Kingdom'. Visitors could experience for themselves the leisurely ambience so famously associated with this ancient city. The street is located to the east of the Wuhou Temple of Chengdu (the most famous Three Kingdoms period (220 - 280) relic museum in China)

Jinli Street is recorded to have been mentioned as early as during the Qin Dynasty (221 BC - 206 BC). It was the most famous place for baldachin - a rich, ornate cloth. The streeet was restored to its former glory and opened to public in October of 2004. It has become a popular place for visitors from all over China and abroad. Walking down the narrow strret we saw beautiful old stores including tea-houses, stores and hotels modeled on the architectural style of a traditional old town in western Sichuan Province from the Qing (1644-1911) Dynasty. The wooden steles and the brick-walls exhibit an ancient charm.

Since we were there after dark, many stored were closed. But we learned that if we were here during the day, we could have found folk artisans putting on funny shows such as a Shadow Puppetry show or a hand puppet show. Some traditional arts such as Paper-cut and clay figurines made by the skilled craftsmen were sold here too. Visitors to Jinli Street could get a taste of the true life of the local people and find some reminders of China's past in the modern city. Occasionally, some classic Sichuan Operas, along with some folk music and quick costume and make-up changes by some actors could be seen in the pavilion located in the middle of the street entertaining visiotrs to the area. If visitors are here during some traditional festival days, they may be able to enjoy some theme activities such as lantern exhibitions on Lantern Festival, zong zi (glutinous rice wrapped to form a pyramid using bamboo leaves) eating competition on the Dragon Boat Festival, appreciating the glorious full moon on the Mid-Autumn Festival etc. It was an awesome street to visit and we loved the evening out in Chengdu! RT, JINLI STREET, CHENGDU, CHINA 02062024