Tourists flock to Chunxi Road, but the real Chengdu old streets hold the city’s simplest and most soulful corners—once you wander down them, you’ll see why the true ‘Land of Abundance’ has more flavor than Chunxi Road ever could. Ready to explore? Here’s what to expect on each one.
Why These 8 Chengdu Old Streets Beat Chunxi Road
The hustle and bustle of Chunxi Road belongs to visitors, but the everyday scenes on these old streets belong to Chengdu locals. Each one is a quick metro ride away, and they’re packed with character, history, and some of the city’s best street food. Skip the tourist crowds and dive into the real deal.
Caojiaxiang (Caojia Alley)
A street lined with comic murals—even the electrical boxes on the sidewalk are decorated. Ironically, this place used to be a workers’ village.
Getting there: Metro Line 3, Qianfeng Road Station, then a short walk.
Check-in: Comic murals, LEGO dolls, decorative toys…
Shiyijie (Eleventh Street)
This place shows off classic Sichuan-style architecture: two-story tiled-roof buildings with white walls and gray tiles, looking old and worn. It’s also packed with cheap, no-frills local eateries (苍蝇馆子).
Getting there: Metro Line 3, Xinnanmen Station.
Check-in: Sichuan-style tiled-roof architecture.
Qinglian Shangjie (Upper Qinglian Street)
The street is shaded by plane trees and ginkgo trees, and tucked around it are loads of exquisite little shops.
Getting there: Metro Line 2, Dongmen Daqiao Station Exit A, then walk about 600 meters.
Check-in: Independent bookstores, grocery stores, Central European–style craft beer bars.
Citang Jie (Ancestral Hall Street)
A trendy century-old street named after the ancestral hall built by the Sichuan governor. It sits near People’s Park, and it’s definitely worth a stroll.
Getting there: Metro Line 2, People’s Park Station.
Check-in: Red-brick paths, the old Xinhua Daily site, MuMu Art Museum, Patagonia store.
Beishuyuan Jie (North Academy Street)
The buildings here keep an old-world charm; walking down the street feels like stepping back in time to old Chengdu.
Getting there: Metro Line 3, Hongxing Bridge Station Exit D, then walk about 700 meters.
Check-in: Hotpot and skewers, teahouses and mahjong, sweet soups and snacks…
Dongzikou Laojie (Dongzikou Old Street)
An old street in the north of Chengdu that brings back memories for generations of locals. It’s a 1990s-era alley full of cheap, tasty eats.
Getting there: Metro Line 5, Dongzikou Station Exit A, then walk about 500 meters.
Check-in: Chen Liangfen (a special jelly), hotpot and skewers, old teahouses…
Shuwajie (Shuwa Street)
Some of Chengdu’s earliest century-old buildings stand here, making this a distinctive cultural landmark of the city.
Getting there: Metro Line 1, Tianfu Square Station, East 1 North exit, then walk.
Check-in: Old post office, stamp collecting, vintage clothing building…
Taiping Laojie (Taiping Old Street)
This one hasn’t been over-commercialized at all. It’s ancient, quiet, and full of antique charm—with a hint of fresh, breezy vibes. Perfect for snapping photos.
Getting there: Metro Line 10, Xinping Metro Station Exit E, then walk about 10 minutes.
Nearby special eats: Braised pork tofu, beef-filled guokui (baked buns), yellow spring rolls, and more.
There you have it—eight old streets that show you a side of Chengdu you won’t find on Chunxi Road. Whether you’re into street art, old architecture, or just eating your way through local neighborhoods, these spots are ready to be explored. So grab your metro card and start wandering!
