Hotel Snapshot
You’ll visit Chengdu for many reasons: to laugh at the antics of silly Giant Pandas, to meet up with tech colleagues from around the world or to sweat while you nosh on the city’s famed, UNESCO-listed Sichuan (hot as hell) cuisine. But, it’s worth the trip to China’s fourth largest city simply to stay at The Temple House, a cleverly stylish hotel built into the bones of a Qing Dynasty building, adjacent to a centuries-old Daci Temple. Arriving amid the city’s inevitable fog, you’ll find the miasma clears as you enter the bamboo-lined and lantern-hung courtyard, where the sun miraculously dapples the ground—as if its shining simply at the behest of the hotel. In a city where you can see old school businesses offering clients services such as ear cleaning or fortune telling and where one gossipy street fills with parents acting as matchmakers for their children, The Temple House offers a vision of cool-kid, contemporary chic that shows off this eclectic city’s modern side. Think a Qing Dynasty take on modern elegance with a Michelin tasting menu and a world class spa, yoga classes and stellar romantic amenities—among other desirable attributes.
Design and Character
Tranquil, sleek, a marriage of old architecture and new ways of living, The Temple House, like China itself, reflects long held traditions reborn in an avant-garde way. New-built, glass-walled buildings enliven the restored temple’s historic bones, A park-like courtyard, as social as a living room, acts as the hotel’s nucleus. Look for trendy, young-ish fellow guests: tech executives, fashion designers, rock stars.
The Rooms
The urbane rooms, suites and residences take their cues from penthouse design. They’re glamorous and understated, with pops of color and texture among earth tones. Floor-to-ceiling windows and curated details—books, decorative mirrors, Chinese screens—add warmth. Suites begin at some 1,000-square-feet, replete with hedonistic bathrooms, sheathed in black stone. We love the dreamy two-tiered Loft Suite, among others. With full kitchens and laundry facilities, four residences accommodate longer stays.
Food and Drink
Taste farm-to-table Sichuan fare at Michelin-starred Mi Xun Teahouse, which celebrates vegetarian regional cuisine, paired with an array of tea or first class wines. Popular Tivano serves up fancy Italian food, as well as pizza. Even the cocktails at speakeasy-like Jing represent the region: don’t miss a spicy Sichuan Negroni. The Temple Cafe for breakfast—get the congee.
Spa and Wellness Scoop
Yoga classes, a well-equipped gym and a heated, adults-only swimming pool keep guests fit. A resident barber clips and shaves away in a dedicated nook, and the Mi Xun spa delivers results-driven spa treatments powered by brands such as Biologique Recherche and Bridestow.
The Amenities
Bowers & Wilkins sounds systems and free mini-bars enhance in-room lounging. All guests have access to complimentary cruiser bikes, the spa’s steam room and hammam, as well as the gym and gardens.
Location and Neighborhood Recs
In the city center, the hotel sits amongst the buzzy Taikoo Li mixed-use retail hub.
Fast Facts
Location: In the city’s heart, anchoring the trendy Chengdu Daci Temple Cultural and Commercial Complex and Taikoo Li retail complex.
Rating: 5-Star
Room Count: 142 rooms, suites and residences
Pricing: Starts at $300
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The fusion architecture and the menu at Mi Xun Teahouse. Order the spinach noodles with Dan Dan sauce.
Dining: Michelin-starred Mi Xun Teahouse, Tivano, Jing and The Temple Cafe.
Amenities: Classic five star amenities, plus bikes and upscale sound systems.
Airport: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
