ASIACOVER STORY

Chengdu, Poised for 2026

Rising as a Global Destination for Lifestyle, Art, and Innovation

Set at the heart of Southwest China, Chengdu is steadily redefining itself as more than just the gateway to Sichuan’s cultural heritage and world-famous cuisine. By 2026, the city is positioning itself as a global hub where tradition meets innovation, and where lifestyle, creativity, and commerce seamlessly converge. Beyond its iconic pandas and rich history, Chengdu is now brimming with futuristic malls, high-end flagship stores, contemporary art spaces, and revitalized cultural districts that reflect its bold vision for the future. This transformation has made Chengdu not only a center of culture and design, but also an emerging stage for international brands, technology, and creative industries. all while retaining its unique rhythm of life that blends modern dynamism with warm local charm.

Enjoying the Innovation of Chengdu

Tianfu Garden City Mall

Opened in December 2024, Tianfu Garden City Mall redefines urban shopping by seamlessly blending lush greenery with striking contemporary architecture. Its airy atriums, vertical gardens, and open-plan design create a refreshing, nature-inspired atmosphere rarely found in modern malls. Inside, visitors will find high-end boutiques showcasing international fashion labels, gourmet restaurants that range from Sichuan specialties to global cuisine, and interactive family zones equipped with immersive play areas and digital entertainment. This combination of luxury and lifestyle makes the mall a destination where locals spend weekends and tourists discover Chengdu’s balance of tradition and innovation.

Address: No. 1777, Tianfu North Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu
Opening Hours: Daily 10.00 – 22.00

Fendi Casa Flagship Store

Fendi Casa’s first flagship store in Southwest China, located at the prestigious Yintai Centre. Designed as a gallery-like showroom, the space immerses visitors in the essence of Italian luxury living. Each corner highlights the brand’s craftsmanship, from sleek leather sofas to elegant dining sets, with curated displays that feel like stepping into a modern art exhibition. Beyond shopping, the store also offers bespoke consultation services, allowing design enthusiasts and homeowners to tailor furniture pieces to their personal lifestyle and aesthetics. It quickly became a destination not only for luxury buyers but also for anyone inspired by design and modern interiors.

Address: No. 1199 Tianfu Avenue North, Hi-Tech Zone, Chengdu
Opening Hours: Daily 10.00 – 20.00

Eastern Suburb Memory

Once an industrial factory complex, Eastern Suburb Memory has been revitalized into one of Chengdu’s most iconic cultural hubs. Its brick warehouses and steel structures have been preserved and transformed into art galleries, live music venues, fashion studios, and cafés, creating an atmosphere that blends nostalgia with creativity. Visitors can attend open-air concerts, seasonal art markets, or simply stroll through its graffiti-lined alleys that showcase the city’s dynamic youth culture. Popular with both locals and international travelers, this space reflects Chengdu’s ability to transform its industrial past into a vibrant canvas for contemporary cultural expression.

Address: No. 4, Middle Section of Jianshe South Road, Chenghua District, Chengdu
Opening Hours: Daily 10.00 – 22.00

Twin Towers & Jiaozi Ring

Standing proudly at the heart of Chengdu’s Financial City, the Chengdu Twin Towers have become a striking new symbol of the city’s global aspirations. Surrounding them, the Jiaozi Ring is a futuristic circular public park that weaves together green spaces, pedestrian bridges, and contemporary art installations. Beyond being a hub for banks, corporate headquarters, and international business, this district also doubles as a lifestyle landmark. By night, the illuminated towers and glowing ring create a dazzling skyline, offering both locals and visitors a modern space to stroll, relax, and take in Chengdu’s ever-evolving urban spirit.

Address: Financial City Business District, Hi-Tech Zone, Chengdu

Chengdu Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA)

Chengdu MoCA stands as a symbol of the city’s growing role in Asia’s art scene. Its striking architecture, with bold geometric lines and expansive glass façades, provides the perfect backdrop for world-class exhibitions. Inside, rotating displays highlight both international artists and local talents, while interactive installations encourage visitors to engage directly with the works. Families enjoy the kid-friendly workshops, while art connoisseurs appreciate the museum’s carefully curated seasonal exhibitions and collaborations with global institutions. More than just a museum, MoCA has become a cultural gathering space where creativity, dialogue, and education converge.

Address: Building C1, Tianfu Software Park, High-Tech Zone (Gaoxin District), Chengdu
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun 10.00 – 17.30
Admission Fee: 40 RMB/Person

Chengdu Jincheng Creative Park

What was once an aging industrial district has been reimagined as Jincheng Creative Park, a vibrant ecosystem for design, technology, and creative startups. Its old factories now host co-working spaces, boutique studios, and experimental art galleries. Trendy cafés with minimalist interiors line its walkways, offering perfect spots for digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Seasonal festivals and pop-up shops bring a constant sense of novelty, while large-scale art installations add to the visual energy of the site. This revitalized district not only reflects Chengdu’s booming creative economy but also provides a stage for young innovators and artists to showcase their visions.

Address: No. 56, West Jinyue Road, High-Tech Zone, Chengdu 

Chengdu Tianfu Software Park

Anchoring Chengdu’s reputation as a digital economy powerhouse, Tianfu Software Park is among China’s largest and most influential technology innovation zones. It is home to multinational corporations, dynamic startups, and incubators fostering AI, gaming, big data, and fintech. Its futuristic office complexes are interwoven with landscaped gardens, cafés, and community spaces, creating an environment that encourages collaboration and creativity. Regular hackathons, tech expos, and networking events attract talent from across the country, making it a hub where China’s next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs thrive. For visitors, the park offers a glimpse into Chengdu’s future-focused identity. an intersection of technology, business, and lifestyle.

Address: East Wing, Building C1, Tianfu Software Park, CDHT (Chengdu High-Tech Zone), Chengdu

Chengdu SKP

Known as one of China’s most luxurious department stores, Chengdu SKP has redefined high-end shopping in Southwest China. Beyond hosting international designer labels such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel, the mall integrates art and retail in unique ways. Its window displays are often designed in collaboration with artists, turning shopping into an immersive cultural experience. The gourmet dining options rival top restaurants, with fine-dining establishments, Michelin-recommended cafés, and concept eateries offering global flavors. More than a department store, Chengdu SKP has become a lifestyle destination where fashion, gastronomy, and art converge to cater to the city’s affluent and style-conscious crowd.

Address: No. 2001 Tianfu Avenue North, Wuhou District, Chengdu
Opening Hours: Daily 10.30 – 22.30

The Culinary Hub with Michelin Mark

Ma’s Kitchen (Jinjiang)

Michelin-recognized gem in Chengdu, renowned for its dedication to authentic Sichuan flavors presented with finesse. The restaurant’s menu highlights time-honored classics such as mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, and twice-cooked pork, each crafted with premium local ingredients and an emphasis on balance between the bold heat of Sichuan peppercorns and the layered complexity of spices. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, combining modern comfort with traditional touches, making it equally suited for intimate family gatherings or business dinners. Guests particularly appreciate its attentive service and commitment to preserving the essence of Chengdu’s culinary heritage while presenting it in an approachable, refined dining experience.

Address: 1 East Kangshi Street, Jinjiang, Chengdu
Tel: +86 28 6423 1923
Opening Hours: Daily 11.30 – 14.00 / 17.00 – 20.30

Fu Rong Huang

A refined Sichuan dining destination where privacy takes center stage, with wooden slatted partitions separating tables and private rooms available for a more intimate experience. The seasoned culinary team is renowned for its mastery of traditional recipes that demand meticulous preparation, from the perfectly sautéed pork liver with chili and balanced with just the right numbing heat to the iconic cold appetizer fu qi fei pian, a medley of sliced beef offal in chili oil that is springy, flavorful, and irresistibly moreish.

Address: 3F, 66-16 Guanghuacun Street, Qingyang, Chengdu
Tel: +86 (028) 8734 6868
Opening Hours: Daily 10.00 – 21.00

Mi Xun Teahouse

Mi Xun Teahouse offers a tranquil escape within The Temple House, blending Chengdu’s historic tea culture with contemporary elegance. Guests can savor an extensive selection of premium teas, from delicate green varieties to rich pu’er, paired with light Sichuan-inspired bites that elevate the traditional tea experience. The setting combines minimalist modern interiors with subtle Chinese heritage accents, creating a calm and intimate atmosphere ideal for slow afternoons or cultural immersion. Known for its refined service and serene environment, Mi Xun Teahouse is not just a place to drink tea but a destination where the art of tea ceremony and Chengdu’s lifestyle of leisure harmoniously converge.

Address: The Temple House, 81 Bitieshi Street, Jinjiang, Chengdu
Tel: +86 28 6297 4193
Opening Hours: Daily 12.00 – 22.00

Wu Yue Gong

The Restaurant stands out as a culinary destination where Sichuan’s rich traditions are reimagined with refined contemporary flair. Nestled within CD Courtyard, the restaurant is renowned for its artful presentation of classic flavors such spicy, aromatic, and deeply layered crafted from premium local ingredients. The interiors blend modern elegance with subtle nods to Chengdu’s heritage, creating an inviting yet sophisticated atmosphere. Popular with both discerning locals and curious travelers, Wu Yue Gong offers an experience that goes beyond dining, serving as a cultural bridge where the essence of Chengdu’s gastronomic heritage is celebrated in a modern context.

Address: Inside CD Courtyard, 28 Wuyuegong Street, Qingyang, Chengdu
Tel: +86 28 6304 8969
Opening Hours: Daily 10.30 – 21.30

Li Xuan Chinese Restaurant

An upscale dining destination where classic Sichuan techniques meet modern culinary artistry. Known for its refined menu that highlights bold flavors with contemporary flair, the restaurant offers a sophisticated experience perfect for special occasions or elegant evenings out. With thoughtfully curated dishes, meticulous presentation, and a setting that exudes understated luxury, Li Xuan captures the essence of fine dining in Chengdu while honoring the city’s celebrated gastronomic traditions.

Address: 26F, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 269 Shuncheng Avenue, Qingyang, Chengdu
Tel: +86 28 8359 9207
Opening Hours: Daily 11.30 – 14.00 / 17.30 – 21.30

Recommended Hotels in Chengdu

Suiton Plus by Paxton Chengdu

A boutique cultural hotel themed “Elegance by Nature,” located at No. 666 Dongpo Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. Situated near Du Fu Thatched Cottage, the banks of Huanhua Creek, and Qingyang Palace, a sacred site of Taoism, the hotel offers guests a blend of modern comfort and cultural heritage. It features a variety of room types, including the Golf Suite with views, Baili Double Bed Room, and Baili Twin Room, all equipped with amenities like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, private bathrooms, and complimentary tea bags. Guests can enjoy facilities such as a spa, massage rooms, fitness center, free private parking, 24-hour front desk service, luggage storage, bar, and tea room. The hotel is well-rated for its cleanliness, facilities, location, and service, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a serene and culturally rich experience in Chengdu.

Address: No. 666 Dongpo Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu
Tel: +86 (028) 6626 7777
Website: www.suitonpluschengdu.com

CD YUENCHI HOTEL

An art-inspired boutique hotel located in the heart of Chengdu, adjacent to Manjusri Courtyard, the head of the four Zen temples, and just 1.8 km from Chunxi Road, Kuanzhai Alley, and Tianfu Square. The hotel sits approximately 500 meters from Manjusri Courtyard Station on Metro Line 1, offering easy access to local attractions such as Jinli and Swire Rio. Covering 16,000 square meters and surrounded by 16 traditional West Sichuan-style courtyards, it features over 80 Chinese-style guest rooms themed around five golden flowers of Chengdu handicrafts—Shu brocade, Shu embroidery, silver flower silk, lacquerware, and bamboo weaving. Recognized with the National Tourism Administration’s “Jinding” Award for theme culture, the hotel provides butler service, multifunctional halls, Chinese and Western banquet facilities, a courtyard tea bar, coffee bar, gym, and a cultural goods collection auction, creating a unique blend of luxury, culture, and heritage.

Address: 28 Wuyuegong Street, Qingyang District, Wenshu Yuan Monastery Area, Chengdu
Tel: +86 (028) 6111 2333
Website: chengducourtyard.hotel00.com/info/

YIU TEUNG MANSION

Nestled in the heart of bustling Chengdu, YiuTeung Mansion, a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, offers a serene sanctuary where traditional Chinese architecture meets literary inspiration from the famed author Ba Jin. Guests can unwind in the tranquil inner courtyard, rejuvenate with yoga in the fitness center, and indulge in authentic flavors at the Magnolia All-Day Restaurant, making it a perfect blend of culture, comfort, and modern luxury.

Address: No, 288 Shengxing St, Chengdu
Tel: +86 (028) 6713 8888
Website: www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ctuytlx-yiuteungmansion/

From historic alleys to cutting-edge design districts, Chengdu is a city where tradition and innovation coexist in perfect harmony. Whether you’re exploring cultural hubs, indulging in world-class cuisine, or discovering the latest in luxury and creativity, every corner of the city tells a story of vision, artistry, and warmth. Let Chengdu inspire your next journey, immerse yourself in its rhythm, savor its flavors, and experience a lifestyle that is uniquely its own.