Jinli Old Street Chengdu
Name in Chinese: 锦里 Jǐn Lǐ [dʒin li]
Duration of Tour: Two Hours
Location: No.231, Wuhou Grand Avenue, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province
Highlights: Traditional Sichuan-styled Folk Residence, Local Custom and Shopping
Reputations: the Ancient Chengdu in Miniature, One of the Top Ten Shopping Streets in China
Jinli Street lies nearby Wuhou Shrine. It is one of the must-see attractions in Chengdu. The street is 550 meters(1804 feet) in length and covers an area of 3 hectares(7.4 acres). The name of the street means brocade alley. It could be dated back to the Qin Dynasty(221-207 B.C.). According to the historical records, Jinli Street has become well-known in China since the Three Kingdoms Period(220-280). At that time, the Han Empire was carved into three kingdoms, namely the Shu Han Kingdom, the Wei Kingdom and the Wu Kingdom. Chengdu was the capital of the Shu Han Kingdom. Jinli was the busiest street in Chengdu during the Three Kingdoms Period. The street was rebuilt in 2004. It showcases what the ancient Chengdu was like. Read more about China’s History.
The street is flanked by souvenir shops, restaurants, tea houses and cafes. A variety of local products are on sale, such as Sichuan Embroidery, local snacks, tea and tea sets. Visitors can appreciate the local folk customs on the street, like the Paper-cut, the Sugar-painting, and the Shadow Play. They can also relax themselves in tea houses, cafes and bars. The traditional tea houses provide visitors some acrobatic performances, for example, the Hand-shadow Play, Spitting Fire and the world famous Face-changing. Face-changing is a national key intangible cultural heritage under protection. It refers to the painted masks changing of Sichuan Opera. Only few masters have grasped the skill to change their masks in a magically quick succession. The most stirring live performance is given by Shufeng Yayun Tea House. However, Shufeng Yayun Tea House is situated in another street, which is called Qintai Road.
Jinli Street is one of the most ideal places in Chengdu for night view. The street looks gorgeous in the evening, when it is lighted up.
Opening Hours:
Twenty-four Seven
Recommended Tour:
Three-day Panda Volunteer Program and Chengdu Highlights Tour
Related Articles:
Wuhou Shrine
Sichuan Opera
The Wide and Narrow Alley
Author: Tina Luo
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