Chengdu Sichuan, China Travel Guide
China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are the major mobile providers. Purchase SIM cards at airports or official stores with your passport.
Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) is the official language. Sichuanese dialect also spoken locally. English proficiency is limited outside major hotels and international tourist areas.
Robust communication tools are indispensable for travel. Consider securing a local SIM card, or for greater flexibility, an ESIM from Airalo offers digital connectivity activated before your arrival. Portable Wi-Fi devices, such as those from Solis Wi-Fi, deliver constant internet access. For language navigation, utilizing translation apps or learning basic phrases via Rosetta Stone enriches your experience.
Typical operating hours for different businesses and holidays.
09:00-17:00 (Monday-Friday).
09:00-17:00 (Monday-Friday), some branches open Saturdays for limited hours. ATMs widely available.
Shops: 10:00-22:00 daily. Restaurants: Lunch 11:30-14:00, Dinner 17:30-21:00. Street food and hot pot often open late.
Tourist attractions typically operate from 08:00 or 09:00 to 17:00 or 18:00. Always verify specific timings as they vary.
Be aware of major Chinese public holidays. They significantly influence travel and business operations.
Careful planning around Chinese public holidays avoids peak travel periods and higher costs. For enhanced airport comfort, Priority Pass offers lounge access. In cases of flight disruptions, Compensair processes compensation claims for delays or cancellations.
Engaging respectfully with local culture enriches your experience and shows appreciation for your hosts.
A nod or a handshake is common. Saying 'Nǐ hǎo' (hello) is appropriate. Dress is generally casual; modest dress recommended for temples.
Tipping is not customary. Expect communal dining with shared dishes. Slurping noodles indicates enjoyment.
Avoid discussions on politically sensitive topics, like Tibet, Taiwan, or Falun Gong. Do not insult Chinese culture or leaders. Do not touch people's heads. Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice.
Accessibility infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges continues to develop in Chengdu, though some hurdles remain.
A respectful approach to local customs creates enriching interactions. Remember that tipping is not customary. When photographing individuals, seeking permission is polite. While accessibility develops, especially in newer infrastructure, older areas may present challenges. For travelers with specific mobility needs, advance research on individual sites is prudent. Public displays of affection for same-sex couples are less common, and same-sex marriage is not recognized in China.
Your choices as a traveler directly influence the environment and local community. Adopt practices that protect Chengdu's natural beauty and resources.
Support organizations like the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding for their dedication to panda and habitat conservation.
Offset flight emissions through reputable carbon offset programs. These programs invest in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Your travel decisions carry an environmental influence. Supporting organizations like the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding aids conservation. Minimizing waste, bringing a Reusable water bottle from Package Free Shop, and opting for responsible disposal contribute positively. Carbon offsetting flight emissions via Terrapass and selecting eco-friendly accommodations from platforms like Ecobnb are effective measures. Choosing ethical tour operators, such as G Adventures, further promotes sustainable tourism.
