1. Overview
Jinli Ancient Street (锦里古街), adjacent to the Wuhou Shrine, is a AAAA-rated cultural and commercial district in Chengdu. Restored in 2004, it revives the 2,200-year-old "West Shu Kingdom’s busiest street" with Qing-style buildings, red lanterns, and cobblestone paths. The street spans 30,000㎡, divided into zones for shopping, dining, and folk performances.
2. Historical Significance
- Origins: Dates to the Qin Dynasty (221 BC), serving as a hub for silk trading and later as a Three Kingdoms-era marketplace.
- Restoration: Rebuilt in 2004 with 14,000㎡ of antique structures, incorporating Shu Kingdom motifs and Qing-era courtyards.
- Cultural Legacy: Named after Zhuge Liang’s quote, "The state’s wealth depends on brocade" (蜀锦), reflecting its silk-weaving heritage.
3. Key Attractions
- Night Market: Illuminated by lanterns, offering Sichuan opera, shadow puppetry, and live music at bars like Lotus Mansion.
- Food Alley: Famous for spicy rabbit heads, Zhangfei Beef, and Bobo Chicken.
- Handicrafts: Workshops showcase Shu embroidery, bamboo weaving, and sugar painting.
- Wuhou Temple Connection: Linked to the Three Kingdoms Museum, enhancing historical context.
4. Visitor Experience
- Daytime: Explore tea houses, antique shops, and street performances (e.g., face-changing shows).
- Evening: Enjoy starlit strolls and fusion bars blending traditional and modern vibes.
- Festivals: Hosts Dragon Boat races and Mid-Autumn lantern displays.
5. Practical Information
- Location: No. 231, Wuhouci Street, Chengdu.
- Transport: Metro Line 3 to Gaoshengqiao Station, or buses #1/#57/#82.
- Hours: Open 24/7 (free entry); best visited March–June or September–November.
- Nearby: Wuhou Shrine (5-min walk), People’s Park.
Awards:
- CNN’s "World’s 21 Most Beautiful Streets" (2021).
- National Top 10 Commercial Pedestrian Street (2005).
For updates, visit Official Site (Chinese) or Chengdu Tourism.
