The Melody of Chengdu: Yulin Road Little Bar and the Cradle of Chinese Folk Music

The Soul of Chengdu's Nightlife

When night falls, the neon lights of Chengdu bloom like a galaxy, but in the low-rise alleyways of Yulin Road, the atmosphere is defined by the soft strumming of acoustic guitars and the clinking of beer glasses. Located in the Wuhou District, bordering the First and Second Ring Roads, the Yulin area—and specifically the Little Bar (Xiao Jiu Guan)—is the definitive "spiritual landmark" for folk music lovers and literary youth across China. This neighborhood, covering about 1.9 square kilometers, is widely regarded as the "Cradle of Chinese Independent Music" and the "most life-filled literary block in Chengdu." Unlike the noisy bar streets of Jiuyanqiao, Yulin offers a grounded, poetic experience where you can sip a beer for an entire evening, listen to original songs, and immerse yourself in the authentic "An Yi" (comfortable and leisurely) lifestyle of Chengdu,.

The Legend of the Little Bar

The core of this artistic district is the Little Bar (Yulin West Road Shop), located at No. 55 Yulin West Road. Founded in 1997 by Tang Lei, this modest 50-square-meter space has become a pilgrimage site for music fans. With its dim lighting, hand-painted posters, and intimate atmosphere, it served as the salon for contemporary artists like Zhou Chunya and Zhang Xiaogang in the 90s and nurtured countless independent bands like "Sound Toy." It gained massive national fame following the hit song "Chengdu" by Zhao Lei, whose lyrics "Walk to the end of Yulin Road, sit at the door of the Little Bar" turned it into a cultural phenomenon. Today, visitors line up to take photos with the red tables and chairs at the entrance, eager to capture a piece of this musical history,.

A Feast of Art and Fireworks

Beyond the music, Yulin Road is a vibrant tapestry of street art and culinary delights. The streets are lined with diverse venues, from the nostalgic White Night (Baiye) bar to trendy spots like Machi and Tingge, offering jazz, blues, and country folk. The alleyways, such as Fanghua Street and Fangcao Street, are decorated with graffiti and house vintage toy stores and cafes, making it perfect for a "City Walk." The area is also a culinary heavyweight in Chengdu's "Food Map." It is the home of the famous Yulin Chuanchuan (spicy skewers), Wang Ma Roasted Rabbit, and various street snacks like Sad Jelly and Egg Baked Cake. Here, the aroma of spicy oil mixes with the sound of music, creating a unique sensory experience where you can eat skewers while listening to street performances.

The Coexistence of Old and New

1.Yulin represents the harmonious blend of: Chengdu's past and present. It is described as "a place to grow old slowly," where elderly residents in the Beilei Community model team chat and play cards next to trendy art spaces like the Yuanzi Cultural and Creative Park. The neighborhood creates a space where "aunts square dancing" and "underground bands" coexist peacefully. Whether browsing the Sanhua Bookstore in Cuiyuan Square or watching an impromptu street flash mob during the music season, visitors can feel the deep cultural accumulation of the city. It is a living museum of Chengdu's lifestyle, transforming from a 1990s artistic tribe to a modern cultural tourism landmark without losing its warm, smoky, daily-life atmosphere,.