Must-Try Foods In Jinli Ancient Street (Chengdu) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Jinli Ancient Street, Chengdu, China

Jinli Ancient Street, located to the east of the Wuhou Memorial Temple of Chengdu, is known for its traditional Sichuan-style architectural aesthetics and its age-old culinary delights. The food culture here is deeply woven into the history of the city, dating back to the Qin Dynasty and flourishing during the Shu Kingdom. Chengdu, nicknamed the "City of Gastronomy" by UNESCO, has a rich gastronomic history with Jinli Street at its heart, serving as a hub for both locals and tourists to experience authentic Sichuan cuisine. The street showcases a mixture of snacks, teahouses, and restaurants that contribute to the diverse culinary heritage that has been passed down through generations.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Jinli Ancient Street

1. Dan Dan Noodles (Non-veg): A classic Sichuan dish comprising noodles tossed in a spicy, savory sauce with minced pork and Sichuan peppercorns.

2. Zhong Dumplings (Non-veg): Delicious pork dumplings served in a spicy and aromatic sauce.

3. Sichuan Hotpot (Option for Veg/Non-veg): A communal dining experience featuring a simmering pot of broth, into which various ingredients can be cooked to one's preference.

4. Mapo Tofu (Option for Veg/Non-veg): Tofu set in a spicy, bean-based sauce and typically mixed with minced meat; vegetarian versions are also available.

5. Chengdu Pancakes (Veg): Crisp pancakes often sold by street vendors, a tasty snack plain or stuffed with various fillings.

6. Lai Tang Yuan (Veg): Sweet glutinous rice balls, sometimes filled with black sesame or red bean paste, served in a fragrant soup.

7. Rabbit Head (Non-veg): A Sichuan delicacy where the rabbit head is marinated and spiced, enjoyed for its unique flavor and tender meat.

8. Bobo Chicken (Non-veg): A dish of skewered chicken parts cooked in a spicy broth.

9. Sticky Rice Balls in Sesame Sauce (Veg): A dessert of small rice balls served in a sweet, sesame paste.

10. Spicy Cold Noodles (Veg/Non-veg): Chilled noodles mixed with a spicy and tangy sauce, perfect for hot days, with or without added meat.

Top Famous Restaurants in Jinli Ancient Street

Zhang Liang Fen
Address: 231 Wuhouci Street, Jinli
Famous Food: Liangfen (Bean Jelly) - spicy cold dish made from bean starch (Veg)

Hong Qi Zhai
Address: No. 24 Jinli Ancient Street
Famous Food: Dumplings such as Zhong Dumplings (Non-ven) and Sweet Rice Balls (Veg)

Shu JiuXiang Hotpot Restaurant
Address: No. 36 Jinli Ancient Street
Famous Food: Sichuan Hotpot (Option for Veg/Non-veg)

Lai Tang Yuan
Address: No. 26 Jinli Ancient Street
Famous Food: Lai Tang Yuan (Sweet glutinous rice balls) (Veg)

Long Chao Shou
Address: No. 17 Jinli Ancient Street
Fahmous Food: Won ton and Chengdu Snacks (Option for Veg/Non-veg)

Please note that while some establishments offer vegetarian options, many of the traditional Sichuan dishes are characteristically rich in both flavor and meat content, so it is always best for vegetarhian visitors to confirm the ingredients before ordering.