TORONTO, November 14, 2011 – Fairmont Hotels & Resorts (Fairmont) today announced a new property scheduled to open in 2014 in Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province and the center of technology, business, finance and communications in Western China. Chengdu’s Airport is rapidly expanding in tandem with the city’s growth, and expansion of facilities and increased global passenger traffic will propel its move into the top five airports in China.

The luxury hotel is situated within the Palm Springs International Centre in Tianfu New Town, a master planned new city center which is home to the financial services district and emerging high technology and software business parks, including a number of top Fortune 500 companies.  Recently, Chengdu’s Municipal government relocated key offices to Tianfu New Town, further accelerating its growing importance.  Palm Springs includes a grade A commercial office tower and two luxury residential towers anchored by a 42,100 square meter retail mall featuring international luxury brands.  The Fairmont Chengdu is adjacent to the retail mall and connected to the 140,000 square meter International Convention and Exhibition Centre, easily accessible via an underground passage way.

For corporate and leisure travelers, the contemporary hotel will feature 375 spacious guestrooms as well as approximately 60 Fairmont Serviced Residences.  A vibrant selection of dining options will be available, including a restaurant on the 39th floor featuring panoramic city views.   For meetings and events within the hotel, a total of 1,500 square meters of function space will be on offer, including a 900 square meter ballroom.

Amenities include an award-winning Willow Stream Spa - Fairmont’s signature spa brand - fitness and pool facilities.  All therapies at Willow Stream in Asia are “energy inspired” drawing from modern Western and traditional Chinese philosophies using prestigious international spa products.

“Chengdu is one of the fastest growing cities in China, and we are excited to expand our presence in the country to the Western region,” said Jennifer Fox, President, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.  “Its stature as an economic, transportation, and communications hub of Western China, coupled with its cosmopolitan offerings and proximity to natural attractions ensures demand from both business and leisure travelers.”

Rich in resources from agriculture to historic sites, the city was originally called "Kingdom of Heaven" (Tianfu Zhi Guo) and is attractive to leisure travelers who visit for the famous Sichuan cuisine, shopping, music scene and culture including sites such as the Gold Sand and Sanxingdui Ruins.  As the starting point for the Southern Silk Road, Chengdu is renowned for its heritage as well as home to the Giant Panda, where efforts to preserve the bears afford visitors the opportunity to visit these and other endangered animals.

The project is developed by Chengdu Palm Springs Unielite Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., which has overseen extensive real estate developments across China including residential, retail centers, office buildings as well as leisure facilities and golf courses.  The company has been recognized with numerous design and construction awards for their work.

In the region, Fairmont Chengdu joins Fairmont Beijing, China; Fairmont Jaipur, India (2012); Fairmont Jakarta, Indonesia (2014); Fairmont Makati, Philippines (2012); Fairmont Nanjing, China (2013); Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai, China; Fairmont Singapore, Fairmont Taiyuan (2014) and Fairmont Yangcheng Lake, China.