Upper House Chengdu

Like a prism focusing the evolving energy and newfound sophistication of modern-day China, Upper House Chengdu became Chengdu’s hottest hotel the moment it opened in 2015. Every aspect of Upper House's design blends China’s storied past and its future ambitions. Two glass skyscrapers conceived by U.K.-based firm Make contain its 142 rooms, suites and residences, and incorporate brick and bronze structures in a nod to the region’s traditional woven handicrafts. The hotel’s entrance is a restored century-old building with a tree-shaded courtyard that once housed scholars and translators, and now contains a library where you can thumb through art books. If only those scholars had enjoyed this level of luxury. Guest rooms start at an eye-popping 678 square feet. Although simplicity of design is the guiding aesthetic — think white-on-white linens, bleached-wood floors and black-stone bathrooms — all the creature comforts are accounted for, including walk-in rainfall showers, smart TVs and fully stocked “maxi-bars.” At the hotel’s Mi Xun Spa, unwind with treatments incorporating international glamor brands like Natura Bissé before blissing out in the spa’s tranquil inner courtyard. Chengdu is home to China’s famous Sichuan cuisine, but you might not venture too far afield thanks to the palate-pleasing vegetarian options at the Teahouse, continental cuisine at the Temple Café, handcrafted cocktails at Jing Bar and, for a nice change of pace, hearty Italian at Tivano.