OUT WITH THE ANCIENT

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province and China’s fourth-largest city, has a constellation of five-star hotels. But lovers of history will surely be awed by the Temple House, an uber-modern retreat hidden inside a restored, 100-year-old Qing Dynasty courtyard.

From the street, it’s ancient China, with traditional brickwork, wood carvings, stone steps and flying eaves, but once you’re inside you’ll find yourself in an urban-chic hideaway that includes an Italian restaurant and a speakeasy-style bar, plus nods to its noble past with a tea house and calligraphy lessons.

● Doubles from RMB1 699 (R3 350). See thetemplehousehotel.com