Jinli Ancient Street锦里古街
Jinli Ancient Street sits on Wuhouci Dajie and is Chengdu's most famous antique-style commercial pedestrian street, about 550 m long and themed on Three Kingdoms culture and Sichuan folk customs. Snack stalls, handicraft shops and teahouses line the lane, making it the first stop for experiencing old-Chengdu life.
Chengdu · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Jinli Ancient Street worth visiting?
Chengdu's most famous old street, about 550 m of Three Kingdoms culture and Sichuan folk charm beside Wuhou Shrine; free entry, shops 09:00-23:00, red lanterns glow best at night.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Free entry; food and shopping at your own cost |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open all day (shops roughly 09:00-23:00) |
| Recommended duration | 1-3 hours |
| Best time to visit | Late afternoon into the evening — the atmosphere peaks when the red lanterns come on |
| How to get there | Metro Line 3 to Gaoshengqiao Station, Exit C, then about 10 minutes on foot; buses 1/57/77/334 to the Wuhouci stop |
| English signage | Partial |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Location | 231 Wuhouci Dajie |
| Length | About 550 m |
| Style | Ming-Qing style antique street |
| Theme | Three Kingdoms culture + western Sichuan folk customs |
| Opened | 2004 |
| Next door | Wuhou Shrine (ticketed) |
What to expect
Jinli Ancient Street borders Wuhou Shrine and runs about 550 m, making it Chengdu's most representative antique-style commercial street. 'Jinli' was one of the historic names of Chengdu itself; the lane wears Ming-Qing architecture on its face while weaving together Three Kingdoms culture and western Sichuan folk elements.
Jinli is at its most charming after dark, when red lanterns and the antique facades light each other up — a prime photo spot. Come at dusk, tour Wuhou Shrine first (separate ticket), then stroll Jinli in the evening for street food and night views.
How to get there
Take Metro Line 3 to Gaoshengqiao Station, Exit C, then walk east along Wuhouci Dajie for about 10 minutes. Buses 1, 57, 77 and 334 stop at Wuhouci.
Best photo spots
- The entrance archway of Jinli (the classic angle)
- Red lanterns at night
- The old street framed against the IFS tower (modern vs classical)
- Traditional snacks being made
Tips
- Go in the evening for the lantern-lit night views
- Snack in small, varied portions — taste a little of everything
- Weekends are packed; steer clear of peak hours
- Remember to bargain when shopping
Scams to avoid
- Skip the pre-cut fruit — the deals can be traps
- Souvenir opening prices are inflated; bargain down by at least half
Frequently asked questions
Jinli or Kuanzhai Alleys — which is better?
They are different styles: Jinli centers on Three Kingdoms culture and its red lanterns are lovelier at night, while Kuanzhai Alleys showcases late-Qing and Republican-era architecture with a trendier vibe. Both are worth a visit.
Do I need a ticket?
No ticket is needed to walk Jinli Ancient Street itself, but Wuhou Shrine next door requires a separate ticket.
Is the food at Jinli authentic?
Most stalls serve tourist versions — the taste is fine but prices run a bit higher than in the rest of the city.
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