Arched moon bridges span gently flowing waterways and round Chinese doorways connect the various clusters of buildings at Six Senses’ Qing Cheng Mountain, a 113-suite-and-villa resort modelled architecturally on China’s ancient villages. It’s the perfect destination for a long weekend away. Straight from the luxury of Hong Kong Airlines’ VIP Lounge for Business Class travellers, it’s a seamless transition to the majesty of Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain.

Click through the list below to get a sense of our stay

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The Resort

Set against the picturesque Qing Cheng Mountain, sustainable resort specialists Six Senses’ first property in China spans 11 hectares and features a range of suite and villa options as well as an indoor and outdoor pool area with private cabanas, main lobby complex with boutique featuring local handicrafts and antiques, library and movie screening room, luxurious spa and the signature Six Senses organic garden where chickens and ducks roam between rows of green beans, baby carrots, plump aubergines and fresh herbs, and a special hut ensures various mushrooms grow safely, all of which make their way into the output of the various restaurants and bars. For the height of luxury, indulge in one of the resorts’ exclusive top-tier two-bedroom pool villas that offer ample space to entertain, relax or go for a dip.

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Dining

Six Senses’ Executive Chef Conny Andersson spent 18 months in Sichuan province, personally seeking out the finest regional produce to amazing effect – the river trout and local sturgeon are outstanding. The resort’s kitchen also smokes its own fish, freshly bakes pastries and produces homemade yoghurt, as well as growing its own fresh produce on site.

Farm 2 Fork features much of this local organic produce, while 28 Zodiac serves up fine Sichuanese. Sala Thai is the resort’s Thai dining experience chosen for its similarities to Sichuan’s own cuisine in terms of the heavy use of spice, but also as a nod to the group’s roots – Six Senses began with its first resorts in Thailand.

At The Square market place coffee is roasted on site, home made ice cream inspired by local flavours is available, and a snack stand featuring regional favourites such as dandan noodles and local dumplings is perfect to keep hunger pangs at bay. If the excellent Sichuanese cuisine leaves you wanting more, enroll in a cooking class and take classic Sichuan dishes home with you.

For a truly fine dining experience the exclusive Secret Dining option takes diners back in time, tapping into the cuisine of local villages for a sumptuous seasonal Sichuan feast. Dine in a specially designed private room, decked out with antique furniture and unusual artworks while a personal chef guides diners through the 12- to 16-course meal.

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Qing Cheng Mountain

Personal Guest Experience Makers are on hand to organise your whole experience at Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain and guests can choose from a wide variety of activities. Start by making a pilgrimage up the 1,260-metre Qing Cheng Front Mountain, within walking distance of the resort, to discover the birthplace of Daoism – or take the short cable car ride to the top and walk down – exploring the collection of temples, pagodas and shrines that dot the hillside. Always changing, the imposing mountain looks good whatever the weather, resplendent in the blazing sunshine, atmospheric in the cloud, and majestic topped with a sprinkling of glistening snow during the winter months. The adjacent Qing Cheng Back Mountain is a paradise for hiking and treks can be arranged here.

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Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Follow in the footsteps of China’s leading figureheads, from Mao and Deng Xiaoping to Xi Jinping, by visiting the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, proposed and constructed by Li Bing in 256 BC. Survey the engineering marvel as you gaze up river, before crossing over swaying cable bridges to explore more temples on the banks of the gushing Min River. Return to ancient Dujiangyan City, more attractive after the sun goes down, and enjoy a night-time tour.

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Pandas

A visit to Sichuan would not be complete without a visit to see China’s national treasures. The relatively quiet Panda Valley is home to pandas young and old who make entertaining viewing, challenging the notion that these cuddly bears do nothing but eat and sleep. At Panda Ark work as a volunteer for a day looking after sick and elderly pandas. The province’s best-known place to see the bears is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, home to red pandas, giant pandas and a kindergarten where adorable panda babies frolic.

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Wellness

Six Senses resorts are known for their sustainability efforts and green initiatives – Qing Cheng Mountain purifies and mineralises its own water and works with local schools hosting educational visits to the organic garden and cooking classes– but also for wellness. In addition to the use of organic produce in its culinary offerings, complimentary yoga and Tai Chi classes are scheduled on weekends for guests, while private classes can also be organised. There’s a jungle gym on site and bikes are available to ride to local small towns.

Six Senses Spa offers a selection of locally-inspired speciality treatments as well as signature therapies common to Six Senses resorts around the world. The spa has ten treatment rooms as well as a sauna, steam room, ice cave and gym. 

There are plenty more activities available too – from golfing in Qing Cheng Mountain to an Art of Tea experience, local fishing excursions and calligraphy and painting classes. With a Guest Experience Maker on hand to help with all arrangements, alongside Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain’s courteous, friendly and knowledgeable staff, an enjoyable stay is guaranteed and you’ll likely leave still wanting more.

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Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain, No.2 Dong Ruan Road, Qingcheng Mountain Town, Dujiangyan, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611844, China; +86 28 8728 9871; www.sixsenses.com/resorts/qing-cheng-mountain

Rachel Duffell travelled courtesy of Hong Kong Airlines, which flies daily from Hong Kong to Chengdu. Lounge access is available for Business Class passengers and Fortune Wings Club Gold and Silver members. Passengers who travel on their birthday can access Hong Kong Airlines lounges with up to two guests.