How to Conquer Chengdu in a Weekend? Two Japanese Guys Find the Secret to Hot Pot After a 100km Ride!

Traveler Profile

Mr. Yamada and Mr. Suzuki, two young cycling enthusiasts from Japan. They were drawn by the news of the "2025 China · Chengdu Tianfu Greenway International Cycling Race" and were captivated by the 100-kilometer track that winds through both city and countryside. They hoped to complete an immersive cycling journey and indulge in authentic Chengdu spicy cuisine within a limited weekend timeframe.

 

Personalized Needs

• Core Cycling Experience: To complete the 100km Tianfu Greenway ride in a single day on Saturday, requiring detailed route guidance and points of interest along the way.
• Efficient and Compact Itinerary: Arriving on Friday evening and departing on Sunday afternoon, the trip needed seamless connections to make the most of every moment.
• Culture & Cuisine Integration: Besides cycling, they wished to experience local culture like Sichuan Opera's "Face-Changing" and taste street food popular among locals.
• Convenient Accommodation: The hotel needed to be close to key attractions and food districts for easy evening activities and travel.

 

Our Planning Approach

Deconstructing the Goal:

• Precision Hotel Selection: We booked a boutique hotel for the clients near Kuanzhai Alley. This not only allowed them to explore the cultural charm of old Chengdu on foot but was also adjacent to their dinner destination on the second day—Kuixinglou Street, creating a "golden triangle" connecting culture, accommodation, and cuisine.
• Detailed, Phased Cycling Route: Instead of just providing a start and end point, we broke down the 100km greenway ride into three distinct stages: the "Urban Prelude," "Ecological Gallery," and "Pastoral Ode," complete with descriptions of the scenery. This was more than just a map; it was an exciting playbook for their journey, filling them with anticipation.
• "À La Carte" Dining Recommendations: For their post-ride state of exhaustion and excitement, we carefully selected three restaurants on Kuixinglou Street, each with a different style and excellent reputation. The clients could choose freely based on their taste preferences and energy levels, enjoying a tailor-made dining experience.
• Optimized Itinerary Flow: The three days had clear themes, balancing activity and leisure: cultural experiences on Friday, an extreme challenge on Saturday, and a modern stroll on Sunday. From the classic charm of Kuanzhai Alley to the vibrant Tianfu Greenway and the fashionable Chunxi Road, the itinerary perfectly showcased the multifaceted appeal of Chengdu.

 

Daily Itinerary Overview (This is a summary and not the complete version due to length)

Day 1 (Friday): Arrival in Chengdu, a Prelude of Culture and Flavor

• Evening: Arrive at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. We will provide clear instructions for the subway or ride-sharing services for a quick transfer to your hotel near Kuanzhai Alley.
• Night: After check-in, begin your exploration immediately. Walk into Kuanzhai Alley and experience the blend of blue-gray bricks, ancient courtyards, and modern commerce. Along the way, have your "first lesson" in Chengdu snacks: the soft and sweet San Da Pao (glutinous rice balls) and the crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside Tang You Guozi (sweet fried dumplings).
• Night Activity: Head to the Shu Yi Theatrical House within the alley to watch a spectacular Sichuan Opera performance. When the grand finale, "Bian Lian" (Face-Changing), is performed, you will witness the stunning skill of actors changing masks in an instant, feeling the震撼 power of Sichuan's cultural charm.
• Late Night: Return to the hotel satisfied, and get a good night's rest to store up energy for the 100km ride ahead.

 

Day 2 (Saturday): Cycling Paradise — A 100km Journey Through the Tianfu Greenway

• 9:00 AM: Proceed to the pre-booked bike rental point to pick up your professionally tuned road bikes and officially set off!

【Detailed Cycling Route】

• Phase 1: Urban Prelude (0-20 km): Starting from the city's built-up area, the greenway is flanked by modern architecture and meticulously designed urban landscapes. Feel the vibrant pulse of Chengdu as a park city while you warm up on the flat asphalt, gradually getting into your cycling rhythm.
• Phase 2: Ecological Gallery (20-70 km): This is the most scenic part of the greenway. You will pass through large ecological zones like Qinglong Lake Wetland Park and Jincheng Lake. As your wheels turn, you'll see shimmering lake surfaces on one side and lush greenery on the other, with egrets occasionally flying by. This section is a "natural oxygen bar" away from the city's hustle, perfect for photography and relaxation.
• Phase 3: Pastoral Ode (70-100 km): The scenery gradually transitions from lakes and wetlands to open countryside. Golden rice paddies, charming farmhouses, and quiet country roads. We recommend stopping for lunch at a unique farmhouse restaurant in this section to taste the freshest seasonal vegetables and experience authentic rural flavors.
• 5:00 PM: With a great sense of accomplishment, complete the 100km challenge and return the bikes in the city.
• Dinner (Choose one of three on Kuixinglou Street): After the ride, head to the foodie hotspot Kuixinglou Street. Our recommendations:
• Authentic Chuan Chuan Choice —【Maojiao Huola】: One of Chengdu's most popular "Chuan Chuan" (skewered food cooked in a hot pot broth) spots, with a perpetual queue. The flavors are numbing, spicy, and fragrant; rabbit kidneys and potatoes are must-try specialties. Perfect for those who want to experience the most buzzing local atmosphere.
• Creative Sichuan Cuisine Choice —【Chengdu Chike】: A representative of new-style Sichuan cuisine, with dishes that are both fun and delicious. The signature "Naked Tossing Shrimp" and "Baked Abalone on Paper" are worth a try. Ideal for those looking to taste innovative flavors.
• Hot Pot Feast Choice —【Diantai Xiang Hot Pot】: A famous old-school hot pot nearby with a rich and mellow broth base and fresh ingredients. After a grueling ride, rewarding yourself with a hot and spicy hot pot feast is the perfect choice.

   

Day 3 (Sunday): Modern Chengdu & Farewell Flavors

• Morning: Wake up at your leisure, then head to Chengdu's fashion heart—Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li. This is Chengdu's "Ginza," where modern shopping malls and high-end brands stand next to the ancient Daci Temple, creating a unique landscape. The iconic IFS "Climbing Panda" is a must-visit photo spot. Pick up some specialty souvenirs. We recommend authentic hot pot base, Pixian bean paste, and various cute panda-themed products.
• Noon: Near Taikoo Li or Chunxi Road, you can try some more refined modern Sichuan cuisine or opt for global dishes to switch up your palate.
• Afternoon: With a sense of cycling achievement, memories of amazing flavors, and carefully selected souvenirs, head to the airport to conclude this unique and vibrant trip to Chengdu.

 

Traveler Feedback

This Chengdu trip was an incredible experience!

Before we came, we were just focused on the 100km Tianfu Greenway, treating it kind of like a challenge mission (laughs). We never expected the whole itinerary to be so much fun.

The "Face-Changing" in the Sichuan Opera, wow! It was seriously amazing! The mask changed in a flash, right before our eyes. It was unbelievable.

For the ride on the second day, to be honest, when we saw the 100km sign, we thought, "Can we really do this?" But once we started riding, it was completely different! We couldn't believe such an amazing cycling route existed in such a big city; it felt so indulgent! The scenery was constantly changing, so it was never boring. The time just flew by.

And then, the most crucial part: the hot pot after the ride! Our bodies were so tired, but the moment we saw that red pot, all the fatigue just vanished. It was so numbing and spicy, and we just couldn't stop eating. It was the ultimate "reward" for our hard work.

"Cycling + Food," this combination is truly the best! We've already been telling all our friends back in Japan that they have to try this if they come to Chengdu. This is how you truly experience the city!

— Yamada & Suzuki, two young men from Japan, completely won over by Chengdu's spice and its greenway.