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?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in China
• or contact one of our Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Chengdu