The newly minted Chinese mountain-side resort has a contemporary design that borrows elements from the local Qiang and Tibetan cultures.
A covered walkway at Conrad Jiuzhaigou. (All images courtesy of Hilton Worldwide)
When China reopens its borders, adventure-minded travelers can check in to a brand-new luxe resort on the doorstep of Jiuzhaigou, the UNESCO-listed national park in western Sichuan province famed for its crystalline turquoise lakes and fall foliage. Accessible via an hour’s flight from Chengdu, Conrad Jiuzhaigou is located just 12 kilometers from the park entrance and 46 kilometers from the Fairy Pool Scenic Area, whose waterfalls and terraced travertine pools are well worth a visit. The property makes for a five-star introduction to Amdo, one of Tibet’s three traditional regions, while its proximity to Tibetan villages both large and small provide opportunities for guests to enjoy immersive cultural experiences.
Conrad Jiuzhaigou’s design was conceived as a modern interpretation of the local Amdo Tibetan style, with cultural elements and motifs woven throughout the interiors of the hotel. Upon arrival, guests will notice artifacts such as sword handles, and wooden furniture featuring bold, traditional patterned fabrics aimed at creating a Tibetan atmosphere with a contemporary twist.
An artist’s impression of the lobby at Conrad Jiuzhaigou.
The living room of a 110-square-meter King Deluxe suite.
The high-ceilinged public spaces are flooded in natural light, a trait shared among the 161 guest rooms, which include 26 standalone villas dotting the resort’s forested grounds. Ranging up to 460 square meters in size, each guest room features a private terrace that affords sweeping views of the mountainous landscape. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as a rain shower, espresso machine, and a 50-inch high-definition TV, and have an art piece inspired by the hada — a white silk scarf that is a sign of respect and welcome — as a nod to Tibetan family-style hospitality. Groups are well catered to as the hotel offers connecting rooms that can be instantly confirmed upon booking, themed rooms for children, and multi-bedroom villas for family and friends traveling together.
As for dining, the two on-site venues take their cues from the resort’s surroundings. At the Bas.In all-day dining restaurant, freshly made dishes and drinks are prepared with selected local ingredients from the Tibetan Plateau. To compliment the Tibetan wooden furniture, Bas.In features traditional local handicrafts displayed alongside art pieces that combine green plants and native materials. Meanwhile, M’Eat Specialty Bar and Grill serves grilled yak and other meats cooked over crackling flames in an open kitchen, and offers a variety of seasonal menus for lunch and dinner. Furnishings made of leather, wood, and aged metal add to the warm ambiance of the venue, while guests can also dine alfresco on a large terrace overlooking the Zhongcha Valley.
To celebrate the grand opening of Conrad Jiuzhaigou, members of guest loyalty program Hilton Honors who book a stay through Hilton official channels can earn an additional 5,000 points for a minimum three-night stay from January 1, 2022 to April 30, 2022.
Doubles from US$150; hilton.com
An artist’s impression of a courtyard at Conrad Jiuzhaigou.
