A Diamond guide to Chengdu with Christian Kronast of The Temple House

Soaking up the charms of Chengdu is better when you’re a Cathay Diamond member. As one of our most valued members, you can unlock exclusive benefits with our partner brands around the world. 

At The Temple House in Chengdu, for example, Diamond members are privy to a host of exclusive benefits, including a complimentary room upgrade, early check-in and late check-out, daily breakfast for two, an extra 30 minutes on top of purchased treatments at Mi Xun Spa, and a complimentary bottle of wine or Champagne served to your room. You can also enjoy exclusive discounts on dining and airport transfers, as well as copmplimentary suit pressing.  

If all that isn’t enough to convince you to hop on the next Cathay flight to Chengdu, Christian Kronast, General Manager of The Temple House, shares his insider knowledge of this enticing destination – and how The Temple House can make your trip even more memorable. 

Tell us something about Chengdu that most people don’t know. 

Chengdu is an ancient city, and the only one in China whose name has never changed since its establishment more than 2,300 years ago. It is of course home to the world-famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can get up close to these adorable creatures. Chengdu also holds a special place in history as the place where paper money – then known as jiaozi – was first invented.

Why should people visit Chengdu? 

It’s such a cool city. Chengdu offers a perfect blend of rich cultural heritage and modern energy. You can explore ancient temples, visit traditional tea houses and enjoy world-renowned Sichuan cuisine, all while having access to vibrant nightlife and incredible shopping venues. Chengdu also serves as a gateway to Sichuan’s spectacular natural landscapes, including Mount Emei and Jiuzhaigou Valley. Don’t miss the Leshan Giant Buddha, a 71-metre statue carved into a cliff face. This Unesco heritage site dates back to the Tang Dynasty, and is over 1,200 years old. 

Can you share some great hotspots for nightlife? 

Chengdu's nightlife is vibrant and diverse. Areas like Lan Kwai Fong and Taikoo Li Chengdu are famous for their bustling bars and clubs, as well as great shopping. For a more authentic, local experience, there are plenty of hidden bars in the city's old alleys. Junky’s Garage in particular is very cool and eclectic. 

What’s your favourite high-end restaurant in Chengdu to impress a client? 

I would definitely recommend The Bridge and Silver Pot. The Bridge is located near to The Temple House and is indeed housed within an old bridge. The chef blends traditional Chinese food with modern plating and techniques. The Silver Pot is known for its high quality, innovative dishes, showcasing both local and international flavours. If Michelin dining is what you’re after, make your way to the Huashang Financial Centre, which is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants. They’re all excellent but a standout for me is Co-, which has a young and very creative chef. Its unique dining experience makes it perfect for impressing clients. 

Favourite restaurant in Chengdu to take out-of-town guests?

I always plan a visit to Ma's Kitchen, which is renowned for its authentic Sichuan flavours, to give guests a genuine taste of Chengdu's culinary heritage. It’s incredibly popular and always packed. In fact, it typically doesn’t accept reservations, but the Temple House can help you organise a table. 

Where’s a great place to get an authentic taste of Chengdu cuisine?  

Street food markets like Kuixinglou Street and Jinli Street are must-visits. These areas are filled with food stalls serving traditional Sichuan dishes such as hot pot, dan dan noodles and mapo tofu. Your senses will certainly go on a journey with all the spices in the air.  

What are some fun things to do in Chengdu that are within walking distance from The Temple House? 

Definitely pay a visit to the historic Daci Temple, a serene Buddhist temple with a history dating back over 1,000 years. It’s now situated within Taikoo Li; the complex was built around the temple, and designed to complement its traditional Sichuan style. In the evening, a must-do is the beautiful Jinjiang Night Cruise. The river is illuminated, offering a magical view of Chengdu's night scenery.

Where do you recommend Temple House guests go for a dose of art and culture in Chengdu? 

The Chengdu Museum and Sichuan Provincial Museum are excellent places to immerse oneself in art and culture. They showcase a wide range of historical artifacts and artworks. For modern art, head to the Tianfu Art Center and the small art galleries within the Dongjiao Memory Cultural and Creative Park. These venues host regular contemporary art and cultural exhibitions, offering a deep immersion into Chengdu's artistic scene. 

What’s an unmissable experience at the Temple House?

Guests should definitely experience our award-winning Mi Xun spa. It champions a holistic approach to wellness with natural, locally sourced products and traditional therapies such as bamboo massages. The spa’s open courtyard really transports you out of the day-to-day of a busy city; I often go out there to enjoy a moment of calm. A Sichuan vegetarian meal at our Michelin-starred and Green Star restaurant, Mi Xun Teahouse, is another must-try experience. It is one of just four Green Star restaurants – awarded for sustainability – on the Chinese Mainland. 

What do you do to relax in Chengdu when you’re not at the hotel?  

You might be surprised to learn that Chengdu is an excellent place for cycling, thanks to the Tianfu City Ring Ecological Greenway. The city introduced several greenways to improve urban greening and provide outdoor recreation areas, but the City Ring Ecological Greenway is the most popular. At around 100 kilometres long, it is the longest urban greenway in China. I often take my bike out there on the weekends and cycle its length. If you’re a cycling enthusiast, I recommend you bring your bike to Chengdu, as you can tackle both the greenways and Jiuzhaigou Valley.  

What kind of exclusive tours, experiences or activities can our Diamond members access through The Temple House? 

Diamond members can access exclusive experiences such as Shu Feng Ya Yun, a traditional Sichuan opera performance and cultural show; and Shu Fu Banquet, a curated immersive dining experience with authentic Sichuan cuisine. We also have a close relationship with Panda Valley, and can help to arrange meaningful volunteer activities with the pandas.

Do you have a message for our Diamond members planning to book a stay at the Temple House? 

I would like to extend a warm welcome to Cathay’s Diamond members and assure them of our commitment to providing an exceptional, personalised service. The Temple House is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences that reflect Chengdu's unique culture. We look forward to making your stay truly memorable.

Video credit: Mumemories/Getty Images