Next July is a long time from now – I doubt you will find anyone wanting to commit to that. Finding an apartment or a room here is not difficult, you could find a place within a day or two without much trouble, if needed. I would just do that when you arrive in Chengdu next summer. Stay in a hostel until you find what you’re looking for. We have an article about finding apartments in Chengdu here: 5 Steps to Renting an Apartment in China