? Soaking up the night life

Chunxi Road is the main shopping strip, popular among the young as the place to meet and dine. It is no secret that Chunxi is also the best place for people-watching. Directly across the road from the Shangri-La Hotel is Bar Street, where all the watering holes are arrayed. Walk even further toward Disco Bar Street and you will find more of the same.

Along Tianxianqiao Road, just around the corner from the Shangri-La, is the brand new and more upscale Lan Kwai Fong entertainment complex, which houses several classy bars, cafes and restaurants. At night, the river alongside the complex is beautifully lit up with colored lights.

When to go

If you're an outdoors person, the spring season between March and April is the best time to visit Chengdu. July and August are the hot months, while December and January are the coldest time of the year. If you hate crowds, avoid the big Chinese holidays during the Chinese New Year and October's National Day.

Where to stay

Shangri-La Hotel, Chengdu (www.shangri-la.com) is arguably the best five-star hotel in town. Service is above average, the location is ideal and, best of all, its CHI spa takes wellness to a whole new level with Tibetan-inspired treatments. A tip: if you like a good choice of Western, Japanese and local dishes, head to Cafe Z, one of the hotel's restaurants. On weekends, even locals make a beeline for their buffet spread.

The new St Regis Chengdu (www.starwoodhotels.com) is also highly recommended for its top-notch service and downtown location.

Getting there and around

Most of the airlines in China fly directly from Shanghai to Chengdu, with the journey taking three hours and 30 minutes.

From Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, it's a 40-minute taxi ride to the city, costing around 60 yuan.

Within the city, taxis are relatively cheap but you have to fight for one. You may also try to take in the city sights on public buses. At a flat rate of 2 yuan, you simply double back if you hop onto the wrong bus.

The Chengdu Metro, opened in 2010, also makes it getting around the city easy.

Chengdu is not a very large as Chinese cities go. A good map should be enough.