Released in 2016 by Chinese folk singer Zhao Lei, the song Chengdu became an instant classic
. Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics paint a picture of slow-paced life in the southwestern city—strolling through Yulin Road, sitting outside a small bar, and watching the lights go out . The song resonated deeply with Chinese audiences, sparking a wave of nostalgia for the city's laid-back charm . It has been covered by numerous artists, including Han Hong and Huang Qishan, who brought their own emotional stories to the stage .
The first time I heard Zhao Lei's Chengdu, I was on a train leaving Beijing. The song came on through my headphones, and I watched the city lights blur into the distance as he sang: "Let me walk with you on the streets of Chengdu, until all the lights go out and we don't stop."
Later, I learned that Zhao Lei, a Beijing native, first visited Chengdu in 2007 and fell in love with its relaxed atmosphere
. He wrote the song as a love letter to the city—a place where life moves slowly, where friends gather in small bars, and where even strangers return lost wallets . The song's mention of "Yulin Road" and "Little Bar" turned those spots into pilgrimage sites for fans .
In 2024, singers Han Hong and Huang Qishan performed a new version of Chengdu on a television show. Han Hong, who grew up in the city, shared a personal story: "Chengdu is my eternal home. It holds my most complete, brief, and happy family reunion."
Her voice cracked as she sang, and the audience wept with her.
That's the power of Chengdu. It's not just a song about a city—it's about memory, belonging, and the places we carry in our hearts long after we've left.