Jinli Street

» Chengdu, Si Chuan

Jinli Street Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

Dating back to the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C. - 206 B.C.), the Jinli Street in Chengdu City was one of the busiest of commercial boulevards of the Kingdom of Shu, during the Three Kingdoms Period (220 B.C. - 280 B.C.). It is thus known as the "First Street of the Shu Kingdom."

A look at the street

The 350-metre-long Jinli Street enjoys a reputation as a historic town. At one end of the street is an imposing archway with "Jinli Street" carved on it.

Extending from a gatehouse decorated with two red lanterns, the slab stone-paved street stretches with ancient-style buildings lined on both sides. The grey bricks and crimson columns of these two and three-storey teahouses and antique shops are of classic beauty and primitive simplicity. Porcelain and folk handicrafts displayed in the shops are so dazzling; you can't tear yourself away from them.

Getting around

The success of the Jinli Street lies in the perfect combination of local culture and business. It has attracted thousands of tourists since its opening. Strolling down the narrow street, you can enjoy both traditional entertainment and modern venues.

Buildings with ancient style

By combining the culture of the Three Kingdoms Period with the folk customs of Sichuan, the buildings on both sides including tea-houses, stores and hotels, are 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.

Cultural refreshment

Strolling down the narrow street, you can experience the particular cultural refreshment. You will find yourself surrounded by old-world stores selling lacquer products, curios, clay figurines, paper cuts and calligraphies and paintings of celebrities.

You can also find Shu Embroidery at Jinli Street, a world-renowned silk product unique to the province. In the Museum of Sichuan Brocade, local girls in traditional wax-printed costumes skillfully demonstrate quilts made with the famous brocade to tourists.

Sichuan Opera

In a wooden stage like an ancient pavilion halfway down the Jinli Street, classic pieces of Sichuan Opera are staged regularly. You can enjoy folk music along with the actor's beautiful, quick costume and make-up changes. The actors' perfect performances will wow you.

Shadow Play

Another interesting performance is the Shadow Play, which is a traditional Chinese folk art with over one thousand years of history.The "actors" are brightly painted puppets. The hidden or hooded people manipulate the rods of the talking puppets to tell dramatic versions of traditional fairy tales and myths.

The shadow play employs "total theater" integrating dance, music and drama into one art form. Gestures are based on a code of symbolic meanings shared by the actors and audience. The puppeteer moves and gesticulates depending on the stress of the dialogue. When the puppet moves gracefully, the puppeteer moves with the puppet. The puppeteer "transfers" his soul to the puppet, subordinating himself to the puppet and giving life to it.

Have fun in modern venues

Apart from traditional entertainment, modern venues to have fun can also be found at Jinli, such as cafes and pubs. What is different about these pubs and cafes on Jinli Street is that they are the perfect blend of modernism and tradition.

The well-structured and beautifully decorated pubs are furnished with red wooden chairs. Carved doors and windows contain classic elegance. The names of the pubs, such as Joy Luck Joint and Lotus Mansion, are written on horizontally inscribed board in Chinese calligraphy, showing the special taste of the shop owners. Outside, wooden desks and chairs of simple styles are placed under oilpaper umbrellas. With a cup of coffee, you can choose to spend an afternoon here, relaxing with a view of the stream of passersby.

Delicious local snacks

When reaching the end of the street, you'll be tempted by the aroma of delicious local snacks. Here there are many restaurants as well as sidewalk booths offering local snacks that will make your mouth water.

San Da Pao is a distinctive snack of Sichuan Province and is made from sticky rice, brown sugar, sesame, and beans. And the sweet dried persimmon here is also considered a unique reflection of Chengdu. Some other local snacks include rice glueballs, wontons, and boiled dumplings.

Attractions around » Chengdu, Si Chuan

Natural Scene

• Mt. Emeishan
• Mt. Qingchengshan
• Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
• Small Three Gorges
• Wangjiang Park

Historical Site

• Leshan Giant Buddha
• Dujiangyan Irrigation System
• Wenshuyuan
• Du Fu Cottage
• Wuhou Memorial Temple
• Qingyanggong Temple
• Jinli Street
• Langzhong Ancient City
• Broad and Narrow Alley in Chengdu

Cultural Site

• Sanxingdui Ruins
• Wangjiang Park
• Wenshuyuan

Shopping & Leisure

• Jinli Street
• Tian Xia Shua Du
• Chunxi Road

Jinli Street Highlights

Chengdu Snacks attraction highlights

• Wenshuyuan
• Jinli Street
• Tian Xia Shua Du
• Chunxi Road

Sichuan Cuisine attraction highlights

• Wenshuyuan
• Jinli Street
• Tian Xia Shua Du
• Chunxi Road

Ancient City & Town in Great China

• Lijiang Old Town
• Ancient Town of Zhouzhuang
• Shuhe Naxi Village
• Jiaohe Ruins
• Ancient Town of Wuzhen
• Pingyao Ancient City
• Tunxi Ancient Street
• Xidi Village
• Hongcun Village
• Yangliuqing Town
• Old Town of Xitang
• Cuandixia Village
• Zhujiajiao Old Town
• Phoenix Town
• Loulan Ancient City
• Qiuci Capital Ruins
• Baidicheng
• Fengdu
• Shibaozhai Temple
• Mallikurwatur Ruins
• Tangyue Archway
• Dali Ancient City
• Qingyan Ancient Town
• Zhenyuan Ancient Town
• Stone Drum Town
• Gaochang Ancient City
• Furong Town
• Qibaozhen Ancient Town
• Tongli Town
• Daxu Ancient Town
• Jingzhou Ancient City
• Nanping Village
• Xingping Town
• Longli Ancient Town
• Ancient Sanlu Temple Street
• Shiban Street
• Ciqikou Old Town
• Tunbao Cultural Village
• Kashgar Old Town
• Subashi Ancient City
• Gyangtze Old Town
• Lhatse
• Jinli Street
• Langzhong Ancient City

Shopping Street in Great China

• Wangfujing Walking Street
• Tunxi Ancient Street
• Nanjing Road
• Shopping Heaven on Xujiahui Street
• Barkhor Street
• Foreign Tourist Street
• West Street
• Liulichang Culture Street
• Central Street
• Hefang Street
• Grand Bazaar
• Panjiayuan Collection Market
• Quanyechang Bazaar
• Dongtai Road Antique Market
• Shopping on Fuzhou Road
• Kaili Sunday Market
• Wai Chai
• Moslem Street
• Shiban Street
• Kundu Bar Street
• Lhasa Carpet Factory
• Shuyuanmen Street
• Fishermans Wharf
• Ancient Culture Street
• Pudong New Area
• Yandang Road Bar Street
• Kashgar Bazaar
• Jinli Street
• Tian Xia Shua Du
• Xi'an Antique Market
• Stanley Market
• Binhai Road
• Chunxi Road
• Senado Square
• Nanshi Food Street
• Xintiandi Area
• Wenbaozhai Tourist Shopping Center
• Red Market

Jinli Street FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. What about climate in Chengdu?
2. What's the best season for traveling in Chengdu?
3. Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area lie in Aba, what about the climate here? What's the best season here?

  Food

1. What are the characteristics of Chengdu snakes? Could you introduce some unique dishes?
2. What eating-taboos need we pay attention to in the Tibetan region - Aba?

  Shopping

1. What souvenirs can we buy for friends and relatives in Chengdu?

  Travel

1. What are entertainments in Chengdu?
2. I know Jiuzhaigou scenic areas lie in Aba County. Could you tell me where the Aba is located?
3. Can I do the self-serve traveling in Aba?
4. What are the items to be aware of when traveling in Jiuzhaigou?
5. Can we enjoy some typical performances in Jiuzhaigou?

  Customs

1. What are the minority residents in Sichuan? What taboos need we pay attention to in Sichuan?

  Other Hints

1. What need we prepare if we visit the plateau region?
2. What's the city code of Chengdu?

• What about climate in Chengdu?

  The climate of Chengdu is mild and humid with distinct four seasons and plenty of rainfall. It is a city with the early spring, hot summer, cool autumn and warm winter.

  The annual average temperature is 16 degree Celsius. January is the coldest season when the average temperature is approximately 5 degrees Celsius. Snow is rare but there are a few periods of frost each winter. Summer is hot and humid. July is the hottest season when temperatures can be almost 35 degree Celsius.

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• What's the best season for traveling in Chengdu?

  The best time to visit is between March and June or between September and November. In the hottest seasons of July and August, you can summer at the nearby Mt. Qingchengshan or Xiling Snow Mountain. When snow in winter, you can enjoy the nice snow scenery at Xiling Snow Mountain and Longchi Forest Park.

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• Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area lie in Aba, what about the climate here? What's the best season here?

  Aba has a continental plateau climate. So visiting Aba, including Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area, spring or autumn clothing is necessary in summer for the temperature varies greatly during a day.

  The spring of Aba is from June to July. And the winter is from December to March and April of the next year. Some people say that paradise is distributed everywhere in Aba. The fact is different sceneries of Aba show their best in different seasons.

  The best time to Huanglong is from April to November, to Jiuzhaigou is from September to October. During the high tourist seasons such as International Labor Day (May 1st) and National Day (October 1st), there are a lot of visitors here. So the prices of the hotel, food and transportation in this period are very high. You'd better avoid the high tourist seasons.

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• What are the characteristics of Chengdu snakes? Could you introduce some unique dishes?

  Chengdu snacks enjoy a high reputation both at home and abroad with their unique colors, aromas, shapes and tastes. It covers the essence of Sichuan cuisine.

  You can taste some famous dishes such as the Long Wonton Soup, Mapo Doufu, Hot pepper, and so on. There are many foods with the unequal characteristics in Chengdu. Although you can buy some from Beijing, such as beef jerky and dehydrated bean curd, the varieties and taste are not more than original place.

  You can buy the typical Sichuan seasoning in the local market. In a word, you will come back with fruitful results.

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• What eating-taboos need we pay attention to in the Tibetan region - Aba?

  The Tibetan food and Sichuan cuisine are popular in Aba. But there are some Muslim foods. So you can have your meals in Aba County or some bigger towns. However, you need to take along some food with you.

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• What souvenirs can we buy for friends and relatives in Chengdu?

  There are a few good local specialties which are worth having a look at even if you don't want to make a purchase!

  Shu Embroidery is an interesting example of exquisite workmanship and detail. And it is one of the four best and most famous brocades in China along with Nanjing Brocade, Suzhou Brocade and Guangxi Brocade.

  Silk Tapestry is also one of your best choices. The tapestry is smooth and sleek and to touch it feels soft and springy and this makes a lovely souvenir.

  Equally impressive are the beautiful Silverware pieces and Qingcheng Silk Tapestries.

  All kinds of Bamboo craftwork and lacquer ware are also worthy to buy some for your friends and relatives as the decent gifts.

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• What are entertainments in Chengdu?

  The main form of entertainment in Chengdu is Chinese traditional opera C Sichuan opera. It is a great place to see some authentic Chinese art on stage such as facial makeup, fire-spitting, the long flowing silk inner sleeves, spirals-lifting.

  When you are in Chengdu, you will see teahouses everywhere on the streets. Teahouses sprawl over Chengdu sidewalks, public parks, main scenic spots, in back-alley sections and suburbs. You can enjoy your pastimes and stay in theses teahouses all day!

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• I know Jiuzhaigou scenic areas lie in Aba County. Could you tell me where the Aba located is?

  Aba is situated in northwestern Sichuan Province. Aba County is well connected to many provincial towns and cities such as Garz, Liangshan and Yaan City. It is bounded on the famous Tibet Autonomous Region. It is a special region. We need to follow the customs and habits of the local people.

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• Can I do the self-serve traveling in Aba?

  Aba is surely one of incredibly amazing places in China people want to visit. It is a place with a lot of splendid scenic spots and with the unique culture. Its beauty bears no comparison with other places from home and abroad. There are so many snow mountains in the large area of Aba.

  You may meet some troubles when you do the self-serve traveling in the remote and undeveloped area. So transportation, hotel, food here are all not convenient. It's recommended to well plan this trip before you rock this place.

  If you have time, give yourself at least couple days to explore this place with the help of some professional person or tour guides.

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• What are the items to be aware of when traveling in Jiuzhaigou?

  There are some hidden washrooms and dustbins in the main scenic spots of Jiuzhaigou. You need to collaborate with the tour guide and to protect the environment during the trip.

  Do not feed the fish in Jiuzhaigou. Do not pick the wild fruit and some fungus to avoid being food poisoned. Follow the tour guide to avoid some accidents. Do not stay overnight in Jiuzhaogou and live in the hotel outside of Jiuzhaigou after one day's trip.

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• Can we enjoy some typical performances in Jiuzhaigou?

  Yes, your first choice is to enjoy the performance of Tibetan servant-girl. It is the best time to display the local customs for travelers all over the world.

  At the same time, we can eat the typical snacks and take part in the singing and dancing party with local minority peoples around a campfire.

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• What are the minority residents in Sichuan? What taboos need we pay attention to in Sichuan?

  Sichuan is one of the multi-ethnic provinces in the country. In addition to the Han people, there live another 52 ethnic groups, including the Tibetan, Qiang, Miao, Tujia, Naxi, Manchu, Dai, Zhuang, Bai minority peoples.

  Most of the minority residents live in the northwestern part of Sichuan. There have established three autonomous prefectures: Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture.The famous scenic resorts such as Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area are located in Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture.

  This is a multiethnic reign; you need to follow the customs and habits of the local people, in order not to trouble yourselves. It is more suitable to gain their permission if you want to have a photo taken with the local people.

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• What need we prepare if we visit the plateau region?

  The Plateau is an area with high altitude, thin oxygen and intensive sunshine. The temperature here varies greatly during a day. So you need to take along with some clothes such as jacket, sweater, etc.

  At the same time, you need to take the sunglasses, sun hat, suntan lotion, lip balm, cold tablets, and stomach tablets.

  In high Plateau, you can't do the labor work and you need to avoid doing some intense exercise like walking quickly, especially running. Drink less and eat more vegetable and fruit to avoid altitude sickness. So it is better for you with a pre-existing heart and lung problems to consult the doctors before taking Plateau tours.

  And it is necessary for you to take some drugs for routine (Medication to help your headache, diarrhea, stomach-ache, cold and altitude sickness).

  Most Plateau tours are not highly demanding physically. However, the travelers need to be in good conditions and able to walk up and down moderate hills on a daily basis.

  If you feel out of breath or your chest feels tight, you need to transfer to the lower altitude place to have rest as soon as possible. And it is better for the old and infirm to take along with a small oxygen cylinder.

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• What's the city code of Chengdu?

  Chengdu's City Code: 028

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