Kuanzhai Xiangzi, Historic shopping district in central Chengdu, China
Kuanzhai Xiangzi is a historic shopping district in central Chengdu featuring three parallel lanes called Wide Alley, Narrow Alley, and Well Alley. Each lane displays traditional Qing Dynasty architecture with blue-tiled roofs, wooden doorways, and shop fronts that line the paved pathways.
The district began in 1718 when Emperor Kangxi established a settlement for Manchu Banner troops and their families following a military campaign. This military origin shaped how the streets were organized and continues to influence the character of the area.
Tea houses here operate as social centers where locals and visitors spend hours chatting over cups of tea, reflecting a core practice of daily life. Galleries and performance spaces activate the streets with art and live shows, turning the district into a gathering place for the community.
The district sits between Tongren Road and Changshun Street with connections to Metro Line 4 and multiple bus routes for easy arrival. The pedestrian lanes are compact and straightforward to walk through, making navigation simple for visitors.
A 400-meter sculptured brick wall in Jing Alley serves as China's first museum where brick itself becomes the artistic medium. The wall tells stories through carved details and invites visitors to view it as a three-dimensional artwork.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
