Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Chengdu has an increasingly varied and sophisticated bar scene, with more Western-style establishments serving imported craft beer, wine, and properly mixed cocktails.
Zhai Xiangzi, or Narrow Alley, is a pedestrian street packed with restaurants, bars, and shops, all built in traditional Chinese-style architecture complete with ornate entrance gates, tiny pavilions, and narrow walkways. Flanked by the parallel Kuan Xiangzi and Jing Ziangzi (Wide Alley and Well Alley), it is popular among tourists and locals alike. Foreign-owned bars catering to the city’s expats can be found in the maze of commercial units tucked next to the Renaissance Hotel on Renmin South Road, only a minute walk directly east from the Tong Zi Lin Subway stop. For a more local experience, visit the cluster of bars running along the river on Wangjiang Lu.
South of the U.S. Consulate you'll find the Bookworm, a relaxed haven for thousands of the city's expats to drink, eat, and browse through more than 1,000 books. It doubles as a library, bar, and café. An annual literary festival (usually held in March) draws famous authors like humorist David Sedaris. The Worm is also a great place to enjoy a pint of Guinness or decent imported wine as well as decent Western and Asian dishes.
The gentrified ancient alleys of the Qing Dynasty is now a walking street packed with restaurants, bars, shops, and one of the city's many Starbucks outlets—all built in a traditional Chinese style. It is popular among tourists and locals alike. Chengdu has an increasingly chic and sophisticated bar scene, with more Western-style establishments serving high-quality beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Although the priciest drinks in the city, it is all set in a beautiful setting.
Tucked away in Jiu Yan Qiao, one of the city's biggest areas for nightclubs, this small and smoky British-owned bar draws in a good mix of young locals and expats. The beer list is constantly expanding, and offers Chengdu's largest selection of Belgian beers. The place is also gay friendly.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
Thank you for your interest!
