Chengdu’s Most Relaxed Courtyard: Rooftop Running, Tea in the Bamboo, and Industrial Vibes That Photograph Beautifully
Ever gone for a run on a rooftop? Not the treadmill-at-the-gym kind, and not just circling a rooftop terrace either — I mean an elevated track that spirals up and around an entire building. That’s exactly what you’ll find at West Village Chengdu (西村大院) in Chengdu.
Funny thing is, I’d been to West Village plenty of times before, but every visit was just a quick stop at the Hema supermarket on the ground floor. I never once wandered deeper into the courtyard. The architecture always struck me as unusual — clean, grey concrete walls with masses of green plants cascading down the sides. Industrial grit meets wild nature, and the contrast between grey and green creates this strangely beautiful tension.
A few days ago I went back to Hema, but I arrived too early and the store wasn’t open yet. So I figured I’d take a stroll into the courtyard. That’s when I realized what a hidden gem this place is. It’s got the rough, heavy industrial feel of Eastern Suburb Memory (东郊记忆), mixed with the quiet bamboo-grove serenity of Wangjiang Tower Park.
And to my delight — there’s an elevated running track. The whole of West Village is built from raw, eco-friendly concrete, and this three-dimensional track winds its way up the building. It’s full of novelty and the joy of exploration.
Up on the Roof: An Elevated Track Where the Wind Feels Like Freedom
Raw concrete pillars frame a rubber running track. At the starting point, there’s a sign that says something like “you can climb up and tear off the roof tiles” — it instantly stirs up childhood memories and makes you want to head straight up. I got excited right away.
Yesterday it was drizzling, and I went for a run here. On the uphill sections, my legs kept pushing, my breathing settled into a rhythm, and every step felt solid and upward — like I was climbing something. Then on the downhill, it felt like the wind was pushing me forward, my steps getting lighter and lighter. I genuinely felt like I could fly. Absolutely exhilarating.
Standing on the track, running with a wide-open view and a fresh breeze in your face — it’s pure freedom. The track wraps around the basketball and football courts below. As you run, it’s like being in a giant grandstand, and you can look down and see people playing sports. Everywhere you look, there’s vibrant, energetic life.
The Commercial Side Has That Chengdu Chill
West Village has a rich mix of businesses — bars, restaurants, tutoring centers, beauty salons, gyms, traditional Chinese medicine therapy, teahouses, and all kinds of brand concept stores. Pretty much anything you need for daily life is here. It’s not exhausting to wander around; if anything, it’s incredibly relaxing.
The biggest difference from a regular mall is this sense of ease. I’ve never been a fan of shopping malls — those polished, luxurious displays and tight, enclosed spaces always make me feel stiff. Most malls have this standoffish vibe, like they’re keeping you at arm’s length. West Village is completely different: friendly, casual, free. It’s got that unmistakable Chengdu feeling.
Artsy Teahouses Everywhere — Sip the Slow Life of Chengdu
The ground floor is full of teahouses, each with its own unique style. Tucked among flowers and plants, you can sit and savor a cup of tea, pet a cat for a while, grab a coffee, or make a little craft you enjoy. Gather a few friends for a chat and a lazy afternoon. Just being there, you can truly feel Chengdu’s slowness and leisure.
That contrast — running upstairs, tea downstairs — is probably the most charming thing about West Village.
Concrete Meets Bamboo Shadows — Every Shot Looks Great
Here, concrete buildings collide with lush greenery. Steel and cement blend with fresh breeze and green leaves — it’s incredibly photogenic. While I was running, I saw quite a few people who’d brought suitcases specifically to take photos here. I’m no good at photography myself, but anyone with an eye for beauty will definitely get shots they love here.
This courtyard has won multiple architecture awards both in China and abroad. The designer is Liu Jiakun, who became the second Chinese architect to win the Pritzker Prize — often called the Nobel Prize of architecture. The talk show Round Table (圆桌派) also filmed an interview here.
It brings together commerce, sports, and tranquility in one place. No matter your age, you’ll find your own space here. If you want to move, you can run. If you want to be still, you can drink tea. Wander as you please, let your mind go free. This is West Village — not the kind of place that’s so polished it feels distant. It’s very Chengdu, very relaxed. Come sit, run, stroll, rest whenever you have time.
📍 Address: West Village (西村大院), No. 1 Beisen North Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu
🚇 Getting there: Take Metro Line 4 or 7 to Culture Palace Station (文化宫站), exit B, then walk 800 meters.
