48 Hours In Chengdu
Much more than it’s large panda population, Chengdu has serene parks, teeming nightlife spots and innovative restaurants that push fiery cuisine to its limits.
15 November, 2016
- Words by
- Clare Vooght
China
China
may be progressing at unbridled speed but the laid-back
reputation of the Sichuanese holds true: Chengdu runs at a slightly
less frenetic pace than major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai or
Guangzhou. Much more than it’s large panda population, Chengdu has
serene parks, teeming nightlife spots and innovative restaurants
that push fiery cuisine to its limits.
Visitors to Chengdu are in prime position to witness China’s
burgeoning hipster scene. Cafés, galleries and creative spaces are
finding homes in shipping containers, old warehouses and former
factories. Rubbing shoulders with temples, teahouses and alleyway
hotpot joints, they tell the story of a city at once in the throes
of evolution yet in touch with tradition.
hotel
The Temple House
The Temple House blends of traditional Chinese and modern design
with dark timber and a monochrome palette. Its restored Qing
dynasty courtyard connects an in-house gallery, a tranquil teahouse
and spa, plus a skylit pool. The hip TempleCafé and sleek rotating
Jing bar make great dining options from morning through to the
evening.
hotel
Jinling International Youth Hostel
This design-led hostel comes with exposed bricks, prayer flags,
cartoon murals on the walls and acoustic guitars lying around,
begging to be played. Bright, fresh rooms come as twins, doubles
and dorms, and there’s plenty of outdoor space with flowers and
bamboo chairs.
hotel
The St Regis Chengdu
With huge marble bathrooms, Art-Deco mirrors and chandeliers,
the St Regis is a classic hotel brought up to date with modern
technology (think: Japanese-style smart toilets and iPad room
controls). The rooftop bar, Vantage XXVII, provides has great city
views, a resident DJ and a decent cocktail list – we recommend the
fiery Sichuan-spiced bloody Mary.
restaurant
Vegetarian Lifestyle
This vegetarian restaurant serves innovative faux-meat
recreations of traditional Chinese dishes. The ‘ribs’ with lotus
root ‘bone’ and soy ‘meat’ are surprisingly convincing. MSG,
smoking and eggs are all banned here, as is alcohol, making it one
of the healthier dining options.
restaurant
A’re
Try traditional, organic Tibetan dishes such as yak in the
multi-coloured A’re restaurant in the Tibetan Quarter. Potato pie,
steamed dumplings and stuffed Tibetan bread are also worth ordering
and if you’re really brave, try the yak-butter tea.
bar
Machu Picchu Bar
This friendly, relaxed hideaway is one of the oldest bars in
town. Tucked out of sight on a quiet street in the south of the
city, it plays host to live music performances and has an extensive
beer list. It’s small enough to create a cosy, homely vibe and is a
favourite among foreigners.
bar
Dojo
Lucky enough to be in town for one of Dojo’s monthly parties?
It’s well worth a taxi ride to the edge of the city where a group
of expats have created this rave-house party-bar titan. DJs in
three different rooms play hip-hop, techno and drum ‘n’ bass. Some
nights there’s a bouncy castle, others there’s a live graffiti
exhibition and there’s always homemade pizza.
thingstodo
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
This non-profit research and breeding facility provides a
natural habitat on the edge of the city for giant pandas and other
species of endangered animals. Visit early in the morning to see
the bears at their most energetic.
thingstodo
Wangjianglou Park
A more tranquil alternative to the bustling People’s Park,
Wangjianglou Park, adjacent to the Jin River, is devoted to bamboo.
Here you’ll find waterside pagodas and pavilions, while members of
the older generations spend afternoons playing cards in the
teahouse.
thingstodo
Daci Temple
The working Buddhist monastery, surrounded by big fashion brands
of the Taikoo Li shopping district, was once the largest temple in
Sichuan. Dating back to the 6th century, it played a key role in
the expounding of Buddhism throughout the rest of China, Japan and
Korea.
Address
23 Dacisi Road
Jinjiang District
Chengdu
shopping
That Vintage Shop, U37 Creative Warehouse
Pretty floral dresses, quality shearling and costume jewellery
aside, it’s worth visiting That Vintage Shop to meet eccentric
owner Stan, dressed in a tweed cap and jacket with the shop’s
resident cockatiel perched on his shoulder. The U37 district is
made up of old warehouses housing boutiques, artists’ studios and
coffee shops.
Address
37, Shuinianhe 3rd South Street
Chengdu
shopping
Fang Suo Commune Bookstore
This quality bookstore in the Taikoo Li shopping district, sells
Chinese and English-language titles and magazines as well as
gadgets and clothes. Spread over 5,000 square metres, the store is
designed to mimic nature, making the most of organic materials such
as wood, bamboo, copper, steel and stone.
Address
Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li
8 Middle Shamao Street, Jinjiang District
Chengdu
shopping
LiaoAo’s Ceramic Art Studio, IBOX Chengdu
Here’s the place to splurge on a beautiful teapot – or watch
ceramics being delicately handmade by LiaoAo in the studio.
Inspired by Boxpark, the complex of shipping containers that make
up iBox are home to various independent galleries and clothing
boutiques.
Address
Niuwangmiao Metro Entrance & Exit
4th Section of First Ring Road East, Jinjiang District
Chengdu