Top recommendation
Stay where the street food never sleeps. Chengdu’s Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li gives you access to all kind of tasty eats right at your doorstep.
Top pick: ISEYA Serviced Apartment – 55 m² suites under US $160.
Travelling with kids? Shangri-La Chengdu offers themed rooms, swimming-pool and a little playground.
When we went to Chengdu during our first trip to China, we had no idea how to organise ourselves and we relied solely on recommendations from Lonely Planet.
And while the location was great, we ended up staying in the hostel (very nice one, but maybe not the first choice for families traveling with kids).
General tips on picking hotels when traveling
My rule of thumb when traveling, especially in China, is that you should stay relatively central, close to a metro station, walkable to some street food locations.
Trust me, being where things are happening sets your mood up right and saves you precious time you would otherwise spend trying to get places.
Guide to Chengdu's neighbourhoods
According to Trip.com more than 20% of all users choose Chunxi Road area – and for a good reason! It has delicious food and nightlife all around, with easy access to the metro to get around the city.
We stayed near Chunxi Road during our trip to Chengdu and I can confirm that the crowds are right – it is a great locations, especially for first timers.
1. Chunxi Road & Taikoo Li - Best for First-Time Visitors
This is Chengdu's beating heart - imagine busy shopping streets next to a 1,500-year-old temple surrounded by fancy stores. Even at midnight, you can find hot noodle stands and easy metro connections to get back to your hotel. It's the perfect mix of old and new Chengdu.
Why stay here:
- Shopping from budget to luxury
- Food available literally 24 hours a day
- The stunning contrast of Daci Temple next to modern glass buildings
- Super easy to get around with Lines 2 and 3 metro stations
2. Kuanzhai (Wide & Narrow) Alleys - Best for Atmosphere & Nightlife
These 300-year-old stone lanes hide peaceful courtyards that transform from daytime tea houses to evening beer gardens and Sichuan opera venues. The grey-brick buildings were built for military families hundreds of years ago but now house Chengdu's coolest hangout spots.
Why stay here:
- Most atmospheric area with beautiful old architecture
- Quiet courtyards by day, lively bars by night
- Perfect for evening strolls with great photo spots
- Family-friendly with lots to see and explore
3. Jinli Street & Wuhou Temple - Best for History Buffs
This area lets you shop for crafts along a lantern-lit street while being steps away from an ancient temple honoring Chinese history heroes. You can buy traditional snacks and silk goods, then visit 1,800-year-old Wuhou Temple all in one afternoon.
Why stay here:
- Best spot to experience both shopping and history
- Try traditional street snacks and see craftspeople at work
- More relaxed pace than downtown (except weekend evenings!)
- Great for cultural experiences and souvenir hunting
4. Gaoxin Hi-Tech Zone - Best for Longer Stays & Airport Access
Chengdu's modern business district has huge malls with cool rooftop gardens, international restaurants, and the super-fast airport train. While it doesn't have the charm of old Chengdu, its wide streets and familiar comforts make longer stays easier.
Why stay here:
- Just 35 minutes to the airport on the express train
- Modern apartments and international-brand hotels
- Western food options when you need a break from spicy Sichuan cuisine
- Less crowded and more spacious than the old city areas
Where to Stay with kids
I would still recommend staying near Chunxi Road — although many people avoid busy locations when traveling as a family, I actually think the opposite makes sense.
When you are with kids, you want to avoid long commutes, especially if you just want to take a stroll and grab a bite. Being where things are already happening, reduces the friction and allows you to explore the city even if you don‘t what to take a bigger trip.
I also recommend booking a room with a view — you will enjoy admiring the city panorama when the kids are asleep.
Read more about Chengdu:
Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
Essential Hotel Booking Tips
Before booking your Chengdu hotel:
- Passport required: All hotels require your passport for registration with local authorities
- Deposits standard: Many hotels require deposit, can be taken off the credit card
- Booking timeline: Reserve 3-4 weeks ahead for peak seasons during summer holiday and major Chinese festivals
- Language considerations: International hotels have English speaking staff ready to help with any question you might have. It is very common to communicate with hotel staff over WeChat using their autotranslate functionality
- Local apps: You can use WeChat/AliPay for smaller amounts, but international cards are widely accepted in hotels
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