Photo of Chengdu

About Chengdu

Sprawling on the Chengdu Plain is the laid-back city of Chengdu, a city best suited to panda-lovers and history-buffs. Dating back to the 4th century BCE, Chengdu was once the capital of the Shu Kingdom and as such boasts an incredible depth and variety of sights and smells. Chengdu is a great introduction to southwestern Chinese culture, and the best places to stay in Chengdu are right in the heart of the city!

UNESCO's first City of Gastronomy, with an inviting teahouse culture and burgeoning craft beer scene, Chengdu is full of trendy clubs, cool bars and a relaxed pace-of-life to rival a hippie commune on the Costa Rican coast. There are some excellent museums to check out, many of which display gorgeous and haunting artefacts from ancient China, a clutch of archaic temples and archaeological sites on the outskirts of the city itself. But the real highlight of Chengdu is the Giant Panda Conservation Centre, where visitors can see the endangered Giant Pandas in their natural habitat.

Endlessly vibrant and steeped in layers of history, Chengdu is a brilliant introduction to China and a great stepping stone to the wider region. Use our guide to the best places to stay in Chengdu and start to plan your trip of a lifetime!

The best places to stay in Chengdu

For Urban chic

  • The Temple House is a stylish hotel offering clever designer rooms, transforming old bones into a swish modern hotel where high end luxury comes as standard. Plus there's a choice of beautiful bars and restaurants on site.
  • Niccolo Chengdu boasts an exclusive address in Chengdu's International Finance Square. A contemporary facade gives way to chic guestrooms with minimalist design drawing attention to spectacular city views; sliding doors separate a bright bathroom with a soaking tub. An undeniably luxurious stay.
  • Rising from amidst the colourful gardens and ornate bridges of Chengdu city centre, Shangri-La Chengdu offers contemporary suites with distinct Asian details. Spacious guestrooms boast beautiful city views and refined furnishings in warm tones. Visit the hotel's Sichaun herbal spa; a chic city stay.

Pure luxury

  • Dorsett Chengdu is a luxury hotel nestling in the historic Luomashi district of Chengdu. Spacious rooms blend modern design with Asian accents seen in the lattice detail and textured wallpaper. In the suites, Shoji screen-style doors lead to a bathtub. Sample Sichuan cuisine at the restaurant; a chic stay.

  • Set in downtown Chengdu, Ritz-Carlton Chengdu is a landmark luxury bolt-hole. The grand lobby feels like a contemporary art installation while upstairs, chic guestrooms feature intricate latticework detail, floor-to-ceiling windows and contrasting textures. Dine at the rooftop restaurant; a refined city stay.

  • Luxury materials and contemporary style converge at the St Regis Chengdu, steps away from Tianfu Square. In the suites, cherry blossom carpets inject local flavour into the modern design while mini chaise lounges add a regal feel. Have afternoon tea at Decanter before visiting the spa; a refined stay.

Boutique

  • Zen Urban Resort is a boutique hotel in downtown Chengdu, with an emphasis on Zen philosophy. Elegant rooms line the modern gallery which surrounds the hotel's interior courtyard. Designed in line with Zen principles, suites feature wooden floors, low-lying beds and a seating area with traditional tea. A charming hotel.
  • Old Congde Alley Hotel is a boutique hotel with a post-industrial gleam, that has transformed the site of a former cultural hub in Chengdu's Jinjiang district. The design concept blends the property's heritage features with contemporary amenities; stylish suites use screens to divide living and sleeping areas. Dine at the Sichuan restaurant; a chic hotel.
  • Diaoyutai Boutique Hotel is a boutique hotel nestling on the historic Kuanzhai Alley in Chengdu. Inside, guestrooms have plush rugs and boutique, cotton-flax linens; the best suites boast a balcony with traditional latticework detail and a luxurious bathtub. Sample Sichuan cuisine at the restaurant; a chic heritage hotel.
  • Buddha Zen Hotel immerses guests in Buddhist culture in a traditional property neighbouring Tianfu Square. Guestrooms line an ornate wooden gallery surrounding the interior courtyard. Simplicity and elegance prevail in the suites, which feature Buddhist artwork. Unwind in the hotel spa; a city sanctuary.

For an apartment or villa

  • Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

  • Fly to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.
  • If you want to rent a car, contact our partner Rentalcars.
  • The best time to travel is during the summer, when the temperature ranges between 21 and 30 degrees celsius.

Still not sure?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Chengdu

Best Hotels in Chengdu

  • Zen Urban Resort Chengdu (Wuhou) 80 rooms from AU$50

    City Style  -  This urban resort makes a stylish city break, with a great location close to the best of Sichuan's famous restaurants
    Local exploring  -  Guests love this hotel's location, conveniently situated between the city's main attractions and the best eateries
    Romantic Break  -  Couples rate this Zen hotel highly; book a Queen Room for extra living space
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the landmark Chengdu Anshun Bridge, a covered bridge that crosses the Jin River and hosts a number of popular restaurants
    Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    Zen philosophy is the basis for this boutique hotel in downtown Chengdu. Elegant rooms line the modern gallery which surrounds the hotel's interior courtyard. Designed in line with Zen principles, suites feature wooden floors, low-lying beds and a seating area with traditional tea. A charming hotel. See More

    Check Availability
  • Dorsett Chengdu Chengdu (Qingyang) 556 rooms from AU$82

    Local exploring  -  Guests love the location of this hotel, set apart from the city centre chaos while offering great transport links
    Romantic Break  -  Book a luxury suite at this hotel for a romantic soaking tub behind modern-style Shoji screens
    City Style  -  The contemporary, Asian-inspired interior design at this hotel gives it a local Chengdu charm
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the Wenshu Monastery, a traditional Buddhist monastery with ancient architecture located close to the hotel
    Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    This luxury hotel is nestled in the historic Luomashi district of Chengdu. Spacious rooms blend modern design with Asian accents seen in the lattice detail and textured wallpaper. In the suites, Shoji screen-style doors lead to a bathtub. Sample Sichuan cuisine at the restaurant; a chic stay. See More

    Check Availability
  • Buddha Zen Hotel Chengdu (Qingyang) 35 rooms from AU$106

    Local exploring  -  Set in an unbeatable central location in Chengdu, this hotel is perfectly placed for local exploring in the city
    Total relaxation  -  Designed to immerse guests in an experience of Buddhist philosophy, this hotel offers total relaxation to guests
    Romantic Break  -  Couples love the elegant suites at this Buddhist hotel; book a couples' massage for a romantic evening in
    Great walks  -  Explore historic Chengdu on foot with a long walk; don't miss the ancient Jinli Street which hosts traditional eateries
    Air conditioningSpaNo pets

    This hotel immerses guests in Buddhist culture in a traditional property neighbouring Tianfu Square. Guestrooms line an ornate wooden gallery surrounding the interior courtyard. Simplicity and elegance prevail in the suites, which feature Buddhist artwork. Unwind in the hotel spa; a city sanctuary. See More

    Check Availability
  • Old Congde Alley Hotel Chengdu (Jinjiang) 12 rooms from AU$166

    City Style  -  This hotel merges the best of heritage Chengdu with contemporary style in the spacious suites, making it a real city gem
    Romantic Break  -  Couples love the discreet private suites at this hotel; try the tasting menu for a romantic meal at the hotel restaurant
    Local exploring  -  Set in the historic Jinjiang District, this hotel is the perfect starting point for local exploring in Chengdu
    Great walks  -  Explore historic Chengdu on foot with a long through the city; sample the traditional eateries on Kuanzhai Street
    Air conditioningRestaurantParkingNo pets

    This boutique hotel has transformed the site of a former cultural hub in Chengdu's Jinjiang district. The design concept blends the property's heritage features with contemporary amenities; stylish suites use screens to divide living and sleeping areas. Dine at the Sichuan restaurant; a chic hotel. See More

    Check Availability
  • Ritz-Carlton Chengdu Chengdu (Qingyang) 353 rooms from AU$205

    Local exploring  -  With an unbeatable central location, this hotel is within easy distance of the main attractions, perfect for local exploring
    City Style  -  Set on the site of a heritage palace overlooking Tianfu Square, this hotel has lots of contemporary Sichuan style
    Spa breaks  -  With a fully-equipped luxury spa onsite, book this hotel for your next oriental spa break
    Great walks  -  Explore Chengdu on foot; head to Kuan Alley and Zhai Alley, two ancient streets with folk art and local eateries
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    Set in downtown Chengdu, this hotel is a landmark luxury bolt-hole. The grand lobby feels like a contemporary art installation while upstairs, chic guestrooms feature intricate latticework detail, floor-to-ceiling windows and contrasting textures. Dine at the rooftop restaurant; a refined city stay. See More

    Check Availability
  • St Regis Chengdu Chengdu (Qingyang District) 279 rooms from AU$226

    Local exploring  -  Set in the heart of Chengu's centrally located business district, this hotel is perfectly placed for local exploring
    City Style  -  With stylish interiors that reflect local culture and contemporary design, this hotel has reams of chic city charm
    Romantic Break  -  Couples love the romantic atmosphere at this luxury bolt-hole; book a couples' massage at the sleek hotel spa
    Sights nearby  -  Walk to the landmark Tianfu Square, often used as a symbol of Chengdu city. The square is similar in scale to Tiananmen Square
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    Luxury materials and contemporary style converge at this elegant hotel, steps away from Tianfu Square. In the suites, cherry blossom carpets inject local flavour into the modern design while mini chaise longues add a regal feel. Have afternoon tea at Decanter before visiting the spa; a refined stay. See More

    Check Availability
  • Niccolo Chengdu Chengdu (Jinjiang) 230 rooms from AU$242

    Local exploring  -  Set close to Chengdu's main attractions, this hotel is perfectly placed for local exploring in and around the city
    Romantic Break  -  Couples love the romantic soaking tubs in the hotel suites; unwind with a swim in the hotel's huge 20-metre pool
    City Style  -  With a prime city location and contemporary interiors, this hotel has lots of modern Sichuan style
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    This hotel boasts an exclusive address in Chengdu's International Finance Square. A contemporary facade gives way to chic guestrooms with minimalist design drawing attention to spectacular city views; sliding doors separate a bright bathroom with a soaking tub. An undeniably luxurious stay. See More

    Check Availability
  • Shangri-La Chengdu Chengdu (Jinjiang) 593 rooms from AU$260

    Local exploring  -  Set on the banks of the Jinjiang River, this hotel is perfectly placed for local exploring in Chengdu
    City Style  -  With spacious and bright rooms in the heart of Chengdu, this hotel has lots of chic city style
    Spa breaks  -  With a herbal spa, sauna and swimming pool onsite, book this hotel for a Sichuan spa break
    Great walks  -  Explore the ancient streets of downtown Chengdu on a long walk; sample the traditional restaurants on Jinli Street on the way
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    Rising from amidst the colourful gardens and ornate bridges of Chengdu city centre, this luxury hotel offers contemporary suites with distinct Asian details. Spacious guestrooms boast beautiful city views and refined furnishings in warm tones. Visit the hotel's Sichaun herbal spa; a chic city stay. See More

    Check Availability
  • The Temple House Chengdu (Jinjiang) 100 rooms from AU$344

    City Style  -  A place where culture and high-end luxury meet in perfect unison. Definitely the spot to be in Chengdu.
    Local markets  -  Wander through Jinli Street market and search for locally made handicrafts.
    Sights nearby  -  Visit Tianfu Square at night time which looks spectacular all lit up.
    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor pool
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    A stylish hotel in booming Chengdu. Clever design transforms old bones into a swish modern hotel, with a choice of beautiful bars and restaurants on site. See More

    Check Availability
  • Diaoyutai Boutique Hotel Chengdu (Qingyang) 45 rooms from AU$346

    Local exploring  -  Located on the historic Kuanzhai Alley, this hotel is the perfect starting point for local exploring in the city
    Romantic Break  -  Couples love the luxurious suites at this historic hotel; book an executive suite for a romantic private hot tub
    City Style  -  Set in a heritage property with chic, modern interiors, this hotel has lots of contemporary Chengdu style
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the nearby Wenshu Monastery, an ancient Buddhist monastery featuring traditional architecture
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection

    This boutique hotel is nestled on the historic Kuanzhai Alley in Chengdu. Inside, guestrooms have plush rugs and boutique, cotton-flax linens; the best suites boast a balcony with traditional latticework detail and a luxurious bathtub. Sample Sichuan cuisine at the restaurant; a chic heritage hotel. See More

    Check Availability