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Travel & Hotels

6 best hotels in Chengdu, from the Upper House and Shangri-La, to Crowne Plaza by IHG

STORYCarla Thomas
The Shangri-La Chengdu stands by the city’s river. Photo: Handout
The Shangri-La Chengdu stands by the city’s river. Photo: Handout
Asia travel

Whether you’re going there for the pandas and city vibes, or the mountains and teahouses, these are the best places to check into in Chengdu

Chengdu is a bucket-list destination for anyone exploring China. It’s often said that it’s a city of contrasts: where famously fiery Sichuan cuisine coexists with the placid rituals of teahouse culture; where thousand-year-old temples, alleyways and city walls sit steps away from glassy skyscrapers; and where the hum of traffic and packed shopping streets give way to one of the world’s leading panda conservation bases.
A restaurant corridor at a Chengdu hotel. Photo: Handout
A restaurant corridor at a Chengdu hotel. Photo: Handout

It’s a city that truly has it all – and the same can be said for its hotels. Chengdu’s luxury accommodation scene is among the strongest in the country, spanning sleek five-star business hotels, contemporary, design-forward stays, and award-winning mountain resorts.

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For first-time visitors wondering where to stay in Chengdu, some of the best areas include Jinjiang, the city’s modern commercial heart; Wuhou, known for culture, shopping and food; and Qingyang, home to heritage sites and leafy neighbourhoods.

Wherever you land, Chengdu has a way of pulling you in. Here’s your guide to the best hotels across the city.

Upper House Chengdu

The entrance of Upper House Chengdu. Photo: Handout
The entrance of Upper House Chengdu. Photo: Handout
Fans of Hong Kong’s Upper House will feel right at home in its Chengdu counterpart. Formerly The Temple House, the five-star property has recently adopted a new name, though its spirit remains the same. You’ll still find all the Chengdu-infused charm that defined the original concept: an exquisitely preserved Qing-era courtyard with landscaped terraces; a century-old main building framed by glass towers housing the modern suites; and a serene library stocked with art books that honour the site’s roots as a retreat for scholars.
A guest room at Upper House Chengdu. Photo: Handout
A guest room at Upper House Chengdu. Photo: Handout

The hotel is steps from top Chengdu attractions like Daci Temple and the Taikoo Li shopping area, though you may be tempted to linger within its elegant walled confines. The hotel’s Jing Bar is a chic, open-air hideaway overlooking a lush terrace, slinging mules spiked with mala-infused vodka. Below ground, the award-winning spa offers treatments inspired by local traditions, from heated bamboo-cane massages to antioxidant-rich tea-based facials.

When it comes to dining, you’re spoiled for choice – think Michelin-starred vegetarian cuisine at Mi Xun Teahouse or hearty, handcrafted Italian at the Black Pearl-certified Tivano.

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