Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province in southwestern China, a city of over 20 million people famous as the global home of giant panda conservation, the birthplace of fiery Sichuanese cuisine and mala hotpot, and a relaxed teahouse culture that stands in contrast to China's faster-paced coastal metropolises. Landmarks range from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to the historic Kuanzhai Alleys and Jinli Ancient Street beside the Wuhou Shrine.
Top spas
Curated picks for treatments and day spas.
He Ming Teahouse (People's Park)
Xiangyuan Teahouse at Wenshu Monastery
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Chengdu
Mi Xun Spa at The Temple House
EasyFun Massage & Spa (Chunxi)
Lao Chengdu Herbal Spa
Yixiantang Acupuncture & Tuina Center
Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain Spa
Qingcheng Tao Hot Spring
Huashuiwan Hot Springs, Xiling Snow Mountain
Wellness retreats
Multi-day immersive experiences.
Signature treatments
Local specialties worth seeking out.
Yoga & meditation
Studios, classes, and meditation centres.
Wellness travel tips
Get the most from your wellness experience.
Chengdu is widely nicknamed China's most laid-back or 'leisure' city, and its wellness culture centers as much on unhurried teahouse time as on spa treatments
A teahouse seat is one of the cheapest and most authentic wellness experiences in the city; a bowl of tea at He Ming Teahouse or the Wenshu Monastery teahouse costs ¥20-50 ($3-7) and includes an unlimited stay
Foot massage and tuina parlors are widespread and inexpensive compared to Western spa prices; a standard 60-minute foot massage runs roughly ¥98-200 ($14-28)
Hotel spas at properties such as The Ritz-Carlton and The Temple House offer the most polished, English-friendly treatments but at several times the price of independent parlors
Hot springs at Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan are a common day-trip wellness outing from Chengdu, combining mineral bathing with mountain scenery
Book treatments at well-reviewed independent parlors in advance during peak travel periods, since the best therapists can be fully booked