TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS

Chengdu has several five-star hotels, including the Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel, Holiday Inn Crown Plaza, Sofitel Wanda Chengdu, Kempinsky Hotel, Jinjiang Hotel and the Chengdu California Garden Hotel.

Fine local hotels include the Minshan Hotel, Yinhe Dynasty Hotel and the Tibetan Hotel.

Hostels offering tours in and around Chengdu include the Traffic Hotel, Dragontown Hostel, Sam's Guesthouse and Holly's Hostel.

Bars and restaurants frequented by travellers include the Oasis across from the Traffic Hotel, the Anchor bar right next to the Traffic Hotel, the Reggae Bar on Renmin Nan Lu and the Shamrock bar and restaurant on the corner of Renmin Nan Lu and Consulate Road.

Here are some important numbers and addresses:

Sheraton No 15, Section 1, Renmin Zhong Lu, (028) 8676 8999