Often called the gateway to the country’s wild west, Chengdu is something like the San Francisco of China, a comparatively lush and relaxed city of 14 million that prides itself on its cuisine (super-spicy) and its proximity to nature (pandas are a big deal here).
Now it’s landing on more travelers’ radar.
The restaurants alone, like hot pot mecca Huang Cheng Lao Ma (106 Qintai Rd.; 86-28-8614-8510; entrées from $18) and reservations-only Yu’s Family Kitchen (43 Zhai Xiang Zi; 86-28-8669-1975; set menus from $50), are becoming destinations.
To meet the influx, there’s a new Ritz-Carlton (269 Shuncheng Ave.; 800- 542-8680;ritzcarlton.com; doubles from $260), a forthcoming St. Regis (99 Tidu St.; 877-787-3447; stregis.com; doubles from $240), and, this fall, Temple House.
Incorporating a splendid Qing dynasty building, the hotel is part of a larger effort to preserve the area around the ancient Daci Temple (Dacisi Rd. and N. Shamao St; swirehotels.com). Get there faster with United’s non-stop San Francisco–Chengdu flight, starting in June.
More from Conde Nast Traveler:
The Friendliest and Unfriendliest Cities in the World
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SEE ALSO: 10 Reasons Why Guatemala Should Be Your Next Trip
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