Jinli Pedestrian Street, or Jinli Ancient Street (锦里古街), is a famous commercial and cultural district located in the heart of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in China. It is a vibrant and lively area that offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history, culture, and traditions.
The street is lined with ancient-style buildings that have been restored and transformed into shops, restaurants, tea houses, and street vendors selling a wide variety of local souvenirs, handicrafts, and snacks. Visitors can indulge in delicious Sichuan cuisine, watch traditional Chinese handicrafts being made, or enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the local scenery.
Jinli Pedestrian Street is particularly famous for its night market, which comes alive with a colorful array of lights, sounds, and smells. The bustling atmosphere and the diverse offerings of food and entertainment make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
In addition to its vibrant street life, Jinli Pedestrian Street is also home to several cultural attractions, such as the Wuhou Memorial Temple, which is dedicated to the famous Chinese philosopher and military strategist Zhuge Liang.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Jinli Pedestrian Street
- Vlog about Jinli Pedestrian Street
- Traditional Handicrafts in Jinli Street
- Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
- Attractions Near Jinli Pedestrian Street
Basic Information
| Website | http://www.cdjinli.com/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | The area is accessible 24 hours a day, but most vendors operate from 9.00 to 22.00 apart from the bars and pubs. |
| Telephone Number | 0086-028-66311313 0086-028-85538914 |
Location and Transportation
Jinli Pedestrian Street is located in the central area of Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province in China. Specifically, it is situated in the Wuhou District, which is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance.
The street itself is about 550 meters long and runs parallel to the Wuhou Temple, one of the most famous historical sites in Chengdu. It is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus stops and a metro station within walking distance.
Bus: Take bus 1, 57, 77, 82, 334, 335, G97, or Tourist Line, get off at Wuhou Temple (武侯祠), and you will be standing at the south end of the street.
Metro: The nearest subway station to Jinli is Gaosheng Bridge (高升桥). After getting out of the station from Exit D, you still need to walk about 1.5 kilometers to the northeast to reach the attraction.
Highlights of Jinli Pedestrian Street
Ancient-Style Architecture
The ancient-style architecture of Jinli Pedestrian Street in Chengdu is one of its most notable features. It is lined with traditional Chinese-style buildings that have been restored and transformed into shops, restaurants, and tea houses. These buildings are designed in the style of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) and feature intricate carvings, red lanterns, and tiled roofs. The architectural design of the street takes visitors on a journey through time, back to the ancient era of Sichuan Province.
Night Market
The night market of Jinli Pedestrian Street in Chengdu is a popular and lively destination that attracts both locals and tourists alike. As the sun goes down, the street comes alive with a colorful array of lights, sounds, and smells. Visitors can indulge in a wide variety of local snacks, such as Sichuan hot pot, skewers, and dumplings. The night market also offers a range of unique handicrafts, souvenirs, and cultural performances. It is a great place to experience the local street food culture, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and shop for souvenirs.
Sichuan Opera
The Ancient Theater Stage (古戏台) at Jinli Pedestrian Street preserves the traditional structure of Chinese theater stages. The “出将” (exit) serves as the entrance for actors, while the “入相” (entrance) marks their exit, symbolizing prosperity and advancement. Notably, the stages are constructed from ancient wood, adorned with intricate wood carvings depicting stories from the Three Kingdoms period. This historical ambiance adds depth to the cultural experience. Regular performances of Sichuan opera classics take place on the Ancient Theater Stage, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Chinese performing arts.
The Song Dynasty Stone Carving Corridor
The Song Dynasty Stone Carving Corridor, located in the middle section of the Yanxi Avenue in Jinli, is a picturesque architectural landscape constructed on a small slope. It resembles a winding dragon, with its southern end curving westward forming a small platform resembling a raised dragon head, and its northern end bending slightly eastward like a dragon tail. The western side of the corridor features a solid wall, displaying a series of Song Dynasty stone carvings. Stretching approximately 120 meters, the Jinli Song Dynasty Stone Carving Corridor showcases 111 pieces of stone carvings collected intermittently from various regions of central and southern Sichuan in the early 21st century. These stone carvings share artistic similarities with those from places like Luzhou, bearing significant artistic and historical value.
Zhuge Well
Zhuge Well (诸葛井) is another significant feature of Jinli Pedestrian Street. The entrance gate of Zhuge Mansion bears the inscription “一泓清水鉴风云，三顾隆情真蜀汉” (A pool of clear water reflects the changing times, and three visits display sincere loyalty to Shu Han), paying homage to Zhuge Liang’s legendary loyalty and wisdom. Inside the mansion lies Zhuge Well, believed to have been dug by Zhuge Liang himself for the benefit of the people. Zhuge Mansion and Zhuge Well stand as tributes to the revered historical figure Zhuge Liang. Adjacent to Jinli Pedestrian Street, the Wuhou Shrine further commemorates Zhuge Liang‘s contributions, creating a profound sense of admiration and reverence among visitors for this legendary figure.
Vlog about Jinli Pedestrian Street
Traditional Handicrafts in Jinli Street
1. Sugar Figurines (吹糖人)
In this traditional craft, artisans melt malt sugar and wrap it around a stick. Children can assist by blowing air to help shape the sugar. The artisan then molds the sugar into intricate figurines, creating an interactive and engaging experience.
2. Sugar Painting (糖画)
For about 15 RMB, visitors can spin a wheel to determine the design that the artisan will create. This sweet treat is reminiscent of the malt sugar flavor from childhood. The artisan pours sugar syrup onto a board, adheres bamboo sticks, and uses a small spatula to lift the sugar painting.
3. Dough Modeling (面塑)
A traditional Chinese folk art, dough modeling involves mixing flour with colors to create various shapes and figures. Artists sculpt these colorful dough figures into different designs, showcasing their craftsmanship and creativity.
4. Gourd Painting (葫芦画)
This art form involves carving and decorating gourds. Artists create intricate patterns and designs on the surface of the gourd, turning it into a unique piece of art.
5. Eggshell Painting (蛋壳画)
Eggshell painting is an impressive craft where artists paint detailed scenes on the fragile surface of eggshells. The delicate artistry involved makes it a remarkable example of traditional skill.
6. Shadow Puppetry (皮影)
Also known as “shadow play” or “shadow puppetry,” this folk art involves using animal hides or cardboard to create silhouette figures that are manipulated behind a white screen. Performers narrate stories to the accompaniment of local music, percussion, and string instruments. In Jinli Ancient Street, artisans may also incorporate face-changing techniques into their performances, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
7. Internal Painting (内画)
Recognized as one of China’s first intangible cultural heritages, internal painting involves creating detailed artworks inside transparent vessels using specialized fine brushes. This unique technique allows for intricate designs that are visible only through the vessel’s surface.
Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
Commercial Street: Jinli is essentially a bustling commercial street offering various shops selling food and goods. However, both food and items for sale tend to be pricey. For instance, nougat might cost 65 yuan per half a kilogram, and a bowl of panda-shaped jelly might be priced at 15 yuan. While it’s picturesque for photos, the taste of the food might be average.
Transportation Tips: Driving isn’t recommended due to heavy traffic. The subway station to Jinli requires a walk of over a kilometer, but taxis or the Wuhou Special Line bus from the subway station are available, especially for elderly visitors.
Best Times to Visit: It’s suggested to visit earlier in the day for fewer crowds. In the evening, Jinli becomes scenic with red lanterns, perfect for photography. After 10 pm, the crowds thin out significantly.
Cautionary Notes: Avoid the Sichuan Opera “Face-changing” performances; they’re often low in quality and might involve unwanted sales pitches for various items during the show. Similarly, the ear-cleaning services might overcharge, claiming longer durations than actually provided for the service.
Photography and Services: Be cautious of photo shoots offering low prices; they might lead to upselling other packages, and the quality of the pictures might not meet expectations despite claims of professional editing.
