The Temple House

"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? This hotel has put a ton of thought into the first impression, and it shows. The facade is a restored Qing Dynasty building, with a wide, gray-bricked entrance. And when you walk in, the space opens up into a space that's designed to look like a historic courtyard, with gardens and spaces to pop into. There are almost always greeters at the door to help with any immediate request, and you get a fantastic sense of the Temple House hospitality right away. What's the backstory? The Temple House is part of Swire's House Collective, which includes extraordinary properties in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Each property has its own personality, and the Temple House is where old-meets-new, with a historic facade and sleek buildings that house the guest rooms. This property in particular was designed by Make Architects. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? The rooms here are massive, but feel peaceful and welcoming. Many have their own living room area, with couches and a dining room table to spread out on. The beds are comfortable, and bathrooms have both a shower and a tub. Try and get a room that overlooks the courtyard and the Taikoo Li shopping district next door. Outlets were plentiful, and the tech was fantastic. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Free and fast. Just remember that since you're in China, you will need a VPN to access many of your typically trafficked websites, from Google to Instagram. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? The Temple House goes above and beyond when it comes to food. The breakfast buffet is incredible, with pastries that wouldn't be out of place in France, and Chinese options include congee and noodles. At Mi Xun Teahouse, there are vegetarian versions of famous Sichuan dishes, like ma po tofu and hotpot. There's a Italian restaurant called Tivano, plus a beautifully designed Jing Bar that is a hot spot for locals just about every night. In early 2020, the all-day Temple Cafe will turn into a French-Vietnamese concept. And the service? The service was absolutely spot-on. There are always a few extra attendants on hand in the lobby area for any guest needs. Every staffer that a typical guest might encounter, from waiter to spa specialist, can communicate comfortably in English. What type of travelers will you find here? Super-stylish visitors, mostly from China and other Asian countries. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? The hotel is located next to the Taikoo Li shopping district, which Swire has also invested heavily in. Among shops like one of the world's biggest Louis Vuittons, you'll find Asian brands like Korean sunglasses chain Gentle Monster, as well as coffee shops and art installations. This is the epicenter of shopping in Chengdu. Is there anything you'd change? Smoking is still plentiful in China—if you'd like to avoid breathing in cigarette air, you'll have to choose your spot at the bar carefully. Any other hotel features worth noting? The hotel has an incredible pool that's located underground but has a skylight, which adds to the calming feels. The gym and spa are both top-of-the-line. The activities are fun, too, from yoga on a pavilion to a salt-scrub-making session. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? There's no better place to stay in the city. Even four years after opening, it's still the top spot in Chengdu, and the place to be seen." - Stephanie Wu

"With a floor-to-ceiling wine wall as the centrepiece, the room is elegantly furnished but without feeling too formal. Diners’ eyes are also drawn to the glitzy bar by the entrance and the semi-open kitchen where pizzas are baked and food is prepared. Apart from the traditional Italian varieties, pizzas also come in Sichaunese twists and in smaller portions. House-made pasta dishes are not to be missed. Round out the meal with torrone semifreddo." - Michelin Inspector

"Nestled in a quiet hotel next to Daci Temple, this restaurant is an oasis of calm amid the bustling Taikoo-li shopping hub. The courtyard house imparts historical charm, while the open kitchen creates an airy feel. Hand-picked local ingredients are used to create light, refined and inspired vegetarian dishes, such as vegan mapo tofu with chanterelles, and spicy hot pot. For afternoon tea, pick an artisan cake and pair it with your choice of Chinese tea." - Michelin Inspector

"Stay at the Temple House, whose wooden pavilions and stone towers embody Chengdu’s ancient/modern dichotomy."