Kuanzhai Alleys 宽窄巷子

About Kuanzhai Alleys

The contrast between wider and narrower passages gives the area its structure, while courtyard entrances and traditional-style facades provide close architectural detail. It is a developed visitor precinct, so enjoy it as a street-and-courtyard walk with a tea or food stop. Public lanes are the main route; individual courtyards may belong to businesses.

The area was originally an Eight Banners garrison quarter during the Qing dynasty, known as Kuanzhai Hutong; Kuan Alley was then called Xingren Hutong, Zhai Alley was Taiping Hutong and Jing Alley was Ruyi Hutong, before the streets took their present names after the 1911 Xinhai Revolution. From 2007 the Chengdu municipal government redeveloped the district, relocating more than 900 resident households and restoring more than 50 courtyards and over 30,000 square metres of above-ground buildings, alongside building an underground car park of over 11,000 square metres. The redeveloped district formally reopened on 14 June 2008.

Small shops along the alleys sell Sichuan snacks, crafts and books, alongside businesses such as Starbucks and the Longtang Inn. The district has been promoted as a showcase of old Chengdu culture, winning the China Creative Industry Project Construction Achievement Award in 2008 and the title of National Characteristic Commercial Pedestrian Street in 2009.

What to look for

• The contrasting lane widths create a changing sequence of enclosed and open street views.
• Courtyard entrances and Qing-style facades provide details along the rebuilt district.

Location & getting there

Getting to Kuanzhai Alleys

Use Kuanzhaixiangzi station on Metro Line 4 and follow the signs to the alley district. Start at a public lane entrance and choose a circuit through the wider and narrower passages.