Taking the He Guang Alien eSports Hotel as the axis, wander through Jinli and Yulin.
When the neon lights of cyberpunk meet the red lanterns of ancient streets in western Sichuan, and when the passion of e-sports collides with the vibrant atmosphere of old Chengdu, Wuhou District in Chengdu becomes a magical setting perfect for travel photography. Using the ALIENSPACE e-sports hotel (Wuhouci Jinli branch) as my base, I spent two days and one night connecting the ancient charm of Jinli, the cultural heritage of Wuhouci, and the artistic vibe of Yulin Street, capturing the city's two most vibrant sides through my lens.
The hotel's location is perfect. Situated on the South Third Section of the First Ring Road in Wuhou District, it's a 3-minute walk to Exit B of Yiguanmiao Metro Station, served by Metro Lines 3 and 5. Getting to Jinli, Wuhouci, and Yulin Road requires no transfers. From the hotel, an 8-minute walk leads to Jinli Ancient Street, 10 minutes to Wuhouci, and 20 minutes to Yulin West Road, truly achieving seamless integration of "stay, play, shoot, and eat," saving you the fatigue of traveling and making your travel photography relaxed yet efficient.
Pushing open the hotel doors, you're instantly transported from the real world into a cyberpunk "space adventure." The space-themed design, centered around ALIENWARE, features minimalist lines paired with RGB ambient lighting. While lacking ostentatious decorations, it exudes a futuristic technological feel. The public areas are clean and tidy, with metallic walls and lighting creating stunning, high-tech photo opportunities. Esports enthusiasts and photography alike will find perfect locations.
I stayed in a four-person gaming room. The spacious room felt comfortable, with two symmetrically placed gaming desks. The room was equipped with an ALIENWARE R12 desktop PC, an RTX 3060 Ti or higher graphics card, a 240Hz high refresh rate screen, a 510K mechanical keyboard, a professional gaming mouse, and noise-canceling headphones. RGB lighting surrounded the desktops, and the crisp sound and smooth feel of the keyboard made for a truly immersive gaming experience. What's even more remarkable is that the hotel avoided the pitfall of prioritizing features over comfort. The double-layered soundproofing isolated it from outside noise, and the zero-pressure memory foam mattress offered a perfect balance of firmness and softness, complemented by high and low pillows for instant relaxation after a long day of gaming. The clean and tidy bathroom with its separate wet and dry areas, along with sterilized and sealed towels, 24-hour hot water, and complimentary bottled water, demonstrated thoughtful attention to detail, gently soothing the fatigue after travel photography and gaming sessions.
Waking up to the hotel's tranquility in the morning, after a quick wash, I walked to Jinli Ancient Street for my first travel photography session. Jinli had shed its daytime hustle and bustle; the cobblestone streets were damp with dew, and the upturned eaves of the traditional Sichuan houses were outlined with gentle curves in the morning light. Starting from the main entrance, strolling along the ancient street, the black-faced Zhang Fei sculpture at the Zhang Fei Beef Shop, the carved eaves of the ancient stage, and the reliefs on the Three Kingdoms cultural wall all provided excellent photographic material. The red-walled alleyways are the most photogenic spots in Jinli. The vermilion walls and emerald green bamboo shadows complement each other beautifully, with sunlight filtering through the bamboo leaves and casting dappled shadows. Whether dressed in Hanfu or simple attire, you can capture stunning photos full of ancient charm.
Wandering deeper into Jinli, the aroma of the snack street gradually fills the air. The glutinous rice balls from "Three Cannons" bounce on the cutting board, the cream and pork floss from Heji Egg Pancakes are irresistibly fragrant, and the savory aroma of Zhang Fei Beef Jerky is irresistible. Don't rush; buy a snack and stroll along, taking photos as you go. The lanterns of the ancient street, the wooden signs, and the vendors in traditional costumes all become the finishing touches in your pictures. Jinli is perfect for capturing a fresh, ancient feel during the day. As evening falls, the red lanterns light up one by one, bathing the ancient street in warm yellow light, instantly creating a captivating atmosphere. At this time, shooting night scenes, the glow of the lanterns intertwines with the outlines of the ancient buildings, making you feel as if you've traveled back to a market in western Sichuan a thousand years ago.
A 10-minute walk from Jinli will take you to Wuhou Temple, a core landmark of the Three Kingdoms culture and a treasure trove of travel photography spots. The Han Zhaolie Temple, the Civil and Military Officials Corridor, and the Zhuge Liang Hall—each building carries a rich history. The red walls and bamboo shadows are classic photo spots at Wuhou Temple; the vermilion walls, lush bamboo groves, and dappled light create picturesque scenes perfect for capturing the essence of traditional Chinese style. The red walls at the entrance to Huiling Mausoleum are a particularly ideal spot. After 5:30 PM, the softer light is perfect for Hanfu (traditional Han clothing) portraits, where the blue bricks and gray tiles contrast beautifully with the red walls and bamboo shadows, showcasing the ancient charm of western Sichuan.
In the afternoon, from Wuhou Temple, take Metro Line 1 to Yulin Road. This street, popularized by Zhao Lei's song, hides Chengdu's most artistic and vibrant atmosphere. The "Chengdu Yulin" graffiti wall on Yulin West Road, the pink photo spot at Ai Zhuanjiao (Love Corner), and the cat mural in the fourth alley are all excellent locations for artistic travel photography. Strolling through the streets and alleys of Yulin, you'll find none of the crowds of Jinli, only the leisurely pace of old Chengdu. The cafes, pubs, and creative shops lining the streets are all brimming with stories.
At the Yulin Comprehensive Market, experience the purest Chengdu vibe. Fresh ingredients, a dazzling array of snacks, and the daily bargaining of locals provide vivid photographic material. The red checkered tablecloths of the old-fashioned braised pig's trotters, the cold pot skewers of Yulin skewers, and the double-flavored egg pancakes of Grandpa Chen—these are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a vibrant scene captured in photos. As evening falls, the pubs on Yulin West Road glow with warm yellow lights, their wooden signs reflecting the red lettering on the glass—perfect for taking a set of photos inspired by the movie "Chengdu," instantly evoking the perfect atmosphere.
Back at the Alienware Gaming Hotel at night, shed the fatigue of a day of travel photography and start your gaming session. Top-of-the-line equipment ensures smooth, lag-free team battles and ranked matches, with clear, noise-free voice chat. Engage with friends in a cyberpunk space and release the stress of your trip. The hotel's 24-hour front desk is always available, offering free luggage storage, affordable snack lockers, and thoughtful local food recommendations, making the travel photography and e-sports experience impeccable.
A two-day, one-night travel photography trip, centered around the He Guang AlienSPACE E-sports Hotel, connects the ancient charm of Jinli, the cultural heritage of Wuhou Temple, and the artistic atmosphere of Yulin. Cyberpunk meets everyday life, technology blends with ancient charm, and every photo captures the unique allure of Chengdu. Here you'll find the passion of e-sports, the relaxation of travel, the poetry of ancient streets, and the vibrant life of the city – a treasure trove of Chengdu routes for in-depth exploration. He Guang AlienSPACE E-sports Hotel (Chengdu Wuhou Temple Jinli Branch)
和光·Alienspace外星人電競酒店(錦里武侯祠店)