Latest news with #Jinjiang


The Independent
17-06-2025
- The Independent
The Temple House, Chengdu, China, hotel review
Location Backing onto one of the best luxury shopping complexes in the Jinjiang district of Chengdu, The Temple House hotel (part of The House Collective) is centrally located and a great base for exploring this vibrant city. A few hundred feet from the hotel are the boutiques that draw shoppers from across China and beyond, including the Gucci boutique which attracts the world's third-highest sales, and a traditional house transformed into a Louis Vuitton shop and café, plus mega shopping centres and social media-famous cafés. The hotel blends ancient Chinese traditionalism with ultra modernity. The vibe Through a restored siheyuan courtyard, originally built during the Qing dynasty and lit up by lanterns that hang from a towering tree, the reception area has a library on one side and exudes a peaceful atmosphere. This is carried through into the spa and Mi Xun Teahouse, the Michelin-starred and Michelin Green-starred vegetarian restaurant. There are several more buildings that make up the hotel with the guest rooms and suites in super modern tower blocks and decorated in a contemporary, minimalist style with modern art on the walls, in contrast to the old Chinese part of the hotel. The service Young, friendly, English-speaking staff greet guests at reception and cheerfully help with luggage, delivering suitcases to rooms. The food service is also friendly and casual, with a warm, familiar demeanour that feels like you are chatting with old friends. Our server at the onsite cocktail bar recalled our names and was happy to recommend cocktails. Bed and bath Rooms are luxurious with minimalist, modern decor and contrasting black, white and wooden accents. The rooms look out across the metropolis of Chengdu, with a view of tower blocks, bright lights and temples, which is dazzling especially at night through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Black-walled bathrooms are kitted out with Bamford toiletries to be enjoyed under the walk-in waterfall showers or whilst soaking in the free-standing tub. The minibar has complimentary snacks and soft drinks, plus affordable bottles of wine. The bedroom is meditatively simple in its decor – think crisp white sheets on extra-large beds – although we won't judge you for simply channel-surfing on the flat screen TV. Food and drink The Mi Xun Teahouse holds a Michelin Green Star for sustainability. The vegetarian restaurant has inventive set menus at affordable prices with dishes such as meaty kung pao mushrooms, spicy Sichuan lotus root and dishes that won't make you miss the lack of meat on the menu. Tea is a big feature too, with refreshing and uplifting teas to accompany all courses. Tivano is an Italian restaurant that holds regular guest pop-up dinners. The menu includes inventive and homely pasta, pizza and much more, along with an extensive curated wine and cocktails list. The atmosphere is convivial, with friendly wait staff, plenty of drinks and even a room for kids to play so the adults can enjoy home-cooked Italian classics. Jing bar is a Jazz-age inspired drinking den serving up a menu of classic and creative cocktails and tipples, from a Singapore sling to a Sichuan mule. DJs keep the vibe ticking over in this stylish retro speakeasy. Elsewhere, breakfast is served in the Temple Café with Chinese and Western options, all washed down with great coffee. Facilities After a workout in the modern gym on the Technogym machines, turn up the temperature in t he sauna and steam rooms. The 25-metre subterranean pool is atmospheric with amazing skylights reminiscent of ripples when a stone is dropped in water. Walk through a secretive old courtyard with welcoming alcoves to relax in after a treatment at the Mi Xun Spa. Choose from a range of massages and treatments, such as facials, plus the signature bamboo massage, which uses bamboo canes to provide a targeted and relaxing treatment. Guests can select the scent of their massage oil depending on their mood, whether seeking deep relaxation or a more invigorating experience. Finish up with a tea from the Mi Xun Teahouse. Disability access Public areas are wheelchair accessible, as are some rooms. Pet policy No pets allowed. Check in/check out Check in from 2pm; check out by 12 noon. Family-friendly? There is a sophisticated feeling to the hotel, but families are welcome. The Italian restaurant has a child-friendly play area. At a glance Best thing: The library in the old courtyard. Perfect for: City explorers looking for the perfect, serene base.


The Independent
17-06-2025
- The Independent
The Temple House, Chengdu hotel review
Location Backing onto one of the best luxury shopping complexes in the Jinjiang district of Chengdu, The Temple House hotel (part of The House Collective) is centrally located and a great base for exploring this vibrant city. A few hundred feet from the hotel are the boutiques that draw shoppers from across China and beyond, including the Gucci boutique which attracts the world's third-highest sales, and a traditional house transformed into a Louis Vuitton shop and café, plus mega shopping centres and social media-famous cafés. The hotel blends ancient Chinese traditionalism with ultra modernity. The vibe Through a restored siheyuan courtyard, originally built during the Qing dynasty and lit up by lanterns that hang from a towering tree, the reception area has a library on one side and exudes a peaceful atmosphere. This is carried through into the spa and Mi Xun Teahouse, the Michelin-starred and Michelin Green-starred vegetarian restaurant. There are several more buildings that make up the hotel with the guest rooms and suites in super modern tower blocks and decorated in a contemporary, minimalist style with modern art on the walls, in contrast to the old Chinese part of the hotel. The service Young, friendly, English-speaking staff greet guests at reception and cheerfully help with luggage, delivering suitcases to rooms. The food service is also friendly and casual, with a warm, familiar demeanour that feels like you are chatting with old friends. Our server at the onsite cocktail bar recalled our names and was happy to recommend cocktails. Bed and bath Rooms are luxurious with minimalist, modern decor and contrasting black, white and wooden accents. The rooms look out across the metropolis of Chengdu, with a view of tower blocks, bright lights and temples, which is dazzling especially at night through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Black-walled bathrooms are kitted out with Bamford toiletries to be enjoyed under the walk-in waterfall showers or whilst soaking in the free-standing tub. The minibar has complimentary snacks and soft drinks, plus affordable bottles of wine. The bedroom is meditatively simple in its decor – think crisp white sheets on extra-large beds – although we won't judge you for simply channel-surfing on the flat screen TV. Food and drink The Mi Xun Teahouse holds a Michelin Green Star for sustainability. The vegetarian restaurant has inventive set menus at affordable prices with dishes such as meaty kung pao mushrooms, spicy Sichuan lotus root and dishes that won't make you miss the lack of meat on the menu. Tea is a big feature too, with refreshing and uplifting teas to accompany all courses. Tivano is an Italian restaurant that holds regular guest pop-up dinners. The menu includes inventive and homely pasta, pizza and much more, along with an extensive curated wine and cocktails list. The atmosphere is convivial, with friendly wait staff, plenty of drinks and even a room for kids to play so the adults can enjoy home-cooked Italian classics. Jing bar is a Jazz-age inspired drinking den serving up a menu of classic and creative cocktails and tipples, from a Singapore sling to a Sichuan mule. DJs keep the vibe ticking over in this stylish retro speakeasy. Elsewhere, breakfast is served in the Temple Café with Chinese and Western options, all washed down with great coffee. Facilities After a workout in the modern gym on the Technogym machines, turn up the temperature in t he sauna and steam rooms. The 25-metre subterranean pool is atmospheric with amazing skylights reminiscent of ripples when a stone is dropped in water. Walk through a secretive old courtyard with welcoming alcoves to relax in after a treatment at the Mi Xun Spa. Choose from a range of massages and treatments, such as facials, plus the signature bamboo massage, which uses bamboo canes to provide a targeted and relaxing treatment. Guests can select the scent of their massage oil depending on their mood, whether seeking deep relaxation or a more invigorating experience. Finish up with a tea from the Mi Xun Teahouse. Disability access Public areas are wheelchair accessible, as are some rooms. Pet policy No pets allowed. Check in/check out Check in from 2pm; check out by 12 noon. Family-friendly? There is a sophisticated feeling to the hotel, but families are welcome. The Italian restaurant has a child-friendly play area. At a glance Best thing: The library in the old courtyard. Perfect for: City explorers looking for the perfect, serene base.


NDTV
30-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Brazil Sues China's BYD For ₹300 Crore Over 'Slave-Like' Conditions For Workers
Brazilian prosecutors have filed a lawsuit against Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, accusing the company of human trafficking and subjecting workers to "slavery-like conditions." The lawsuit seeks over $45.3 million (Rs 377 crore) in moral damages from BYD and its contractors, JinJiang Construction Brazil and Tecmonta, according to a statement from Brazil's Public Labour Prosecutor's Office (MPT). The legal action follows an investigation that led to the rescue of 220 Chinese workers from a BYD factory construction site in Camacari, in northeastern Brazil, in December. Investigators found that the workers were brought to Brazil under false pretences and held visas that did not match their job roles. Subhuman Living Conditions Exposed: Authorities reported that the workers lived in extremely poor conditions, lacking basic hygiene and comfort. Many were forced to sleep on bed frames without mattresses, and up to 30 people were sharing a single bathroom. The MPT described the situation as a case of international human trafficking and exploitation. Laborers had "visible signs of skin damage" from working long hours under the sun. Allegations Of Forced Labour And Slavery: The MPT said it also suspected "forced labor," with illegal clauses in workers' contracts, passports confiscated and the employer withholding as much as 70 percent of their salary. Workers were monitored by armed guards. After the allegations were made public, BYD's Brazilian subsidiary said it had broken its contract with the Jinjiang subsidiary responsible for work on the site. Jinjiang denied the slavery allegation. BYD Faces $45.3 Million Lawsuit Over Labour Abuses The MPT is now seeking $45.3 million (Rs 377 crore) for "collective moral damages," as well as individual payments for each worker. The civil suit against BYD, Jinjiang and Tonghe Intelligent Equipment (now Tecmonta) was filed after the companies refused to sign a "conduct adjustment agreement" proposed by Brazilian authorities, the MPT said. China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Thursday that Beijing "places great importance on protecting and safeguarding workers' legitimate rights and interests," and requires Chinese companies to "operate in compliance with laws and regulations."
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Brazil sues China's BYD over 'slavery' conditions on build site
Brazilian prosecutors are suing Chinese electric car giant BYD and two contracting companies for human trafficking and alleged slave labor conditions at a build site, according to legal documents seen by AFP Thursday. The case concerns 220 Chinese workers found last December in conditions "analogous to slavery" at a BYD plant under construction in Camacari, in the northeastern state of Bahia. Bahia's regional ministry for works (MPT) said in December it had found "degrading working conditions" at the site being built, expected to be BYD's largest electric car plant outside Asia. Workers slept without mattresses and, in one case, 31 people had to share a bathroom, it said. Laborers had "visible signs of skin damage" from working long hours under the sun. The MPT said it also suspected "forced labor," with illegal clauses in workers' contracts, passports confiscated and the employer withholding as much as 70 percent of their salary. Workers were monitored by armed guards. After the allegations were made public, BYD's Brazilian subsidiary said it had broken its contract with the Jinjiang contractor responsible for work on the site. Jinjiang denied the slavery allegation. The MPT is now seeking 257 million reais ($45.3 million) for "collective moral damages," as well as individual payments for each worker. The civil suit against BYD, Jinjiang and Tonghe Intelligent Equipment (now Tecmonta) was filed after the companies refused to sign a "conduct adjustment agreement" proposed by Brazilian authorities, the MPT said. On Thursday, BYD said in a statement it had collaborated with the MPT from the beginning, and "reaffirms its non-negotiable commitment to human and labor rights, guiding its activities by respecting Brazilian legislation and international labor protection standards." Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters Beijing "places great importance on protecting and safeguarding workers' legitimate rights and interests," and requires Chinese companies to "operate in compliance with laws and regulations." ll/ad/mlr/sst


France 24
30-05-2025
- Business
- France 24
Brazil sues China's BYD over 'slavery' conditions on build site
The case concerns 220 Chinese workers found last December in conditions "analogous to slavery" at a BYD plant under construction in Camacari, in the northeastern state of Bahia. Bahia's regional ministry for works (MPT) said in December it had found "degrading working conditions" at the site being built, expected to be BYD's largest electric car plant outside Asia. Workers slept without mattresses and, in one case, 31 people had to share a bathroom, it said. Laborers had "visible signs of skin damage" from working long hours under the sun. The MPT said it also suspected "forced labor," with illegal clauses in workers' contracts, passports confiscated and the employer withholding as much as 70 percent of their salary. Workers were monitored by armed guards. After the allegations were made public, BYD's Brazilian subsidiary said it had broken its contract with the Jinjiang contractor responsible for work on the site. Jinjiang denied the slavery allegation. The MPT is now seeking 257 million reais ($45.3 million) for "collective moral damages," as well as individual payments for each worker. The civil suit against BYD, Jinjiang and Tonghe Intelligent Equipment (now Tecmonta) was filed after the companies refused to sign a "conduct adjustment agreement" proposed by Brazilian authorities, the MPT said. On Thursday, BYD said in a statement it had collaborated with the MPT from the beginning, and "reaffirms its non-negotiable commitment to human and labor rights, guiding its activities by respecting Brazilian legislation and international labor protection standards." Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters Beijing "places great importance on protecting and safeguarding workers' legitimate rights and interests," and requires Chinese companies to "operate in compliance with laws and regulations."