MileHacker Logo
Xichang Travel Resources

Xichang Travel Resources

Xichang Sichuan, China Travel Guide

Essential Digital Tools

Connectivity & Navigation

  • WeChat (微信)

    Communication, payments, mini-programs for various services.

  • Alipay (支付宝)

    Mobile payments for transactions across China.

  • Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行)

    Ride-sharing or taxi booking for easy transport.

  • Baidu Maps / Amap

    Reliable finding your way for public transport or driving.

  • VPN

    For accessing blocked international websites. (NordVPN)

Language & Travel Booking

  • Translation App

    Google Translate (offline Mandarin pack) or Baidu Translate.

  • Ctrip / Trip.com

    For booking flights, hotels, and trains in China.

  • Weather App

    Like AccuWeather or local Chinese weather apps for forecasts.

  • Photo Backup

    A cloud service (e.g., Google Photos, Dropbox) for securing memories.

  • Note-Taking App

    To record observations, addresses, and important details.

Online & Media Insights

Websites

Explore the Sichuan Provincial Tourism Bureau and Trip.com/Ctrip.com for comprehensive travel information.

Social Media

Follow official Chinese tourism accounts on platforms like WeChat (via public accounts) or Weibo for destination updates.

Traditional Print Guides

Comprehensive Guides

  • Lonely Planet China or Fodor's China offer detailed insights.
  • A Popular series of travel guidebooks China provides broader context for the region.
  • Local maps are available at hotels or tourist information centers.
  • Carry a notebook for journaling and important notes.

Local & Cultural Reads

  • Books focusing on the heritage of the Yi ethnic group.
  • Sichuan-specific history and culture books for a dive.
  • Local newspapers or magazines (mainly in Mandarin) for current events.
  • Tourist brochures detail specific attractions and events.

Language Learning & Packing

Learn Mandarin

  • Babbel offers structured language lessons.
  • Duolingo for bite-sized lessons.
  • HelloChinese for conversational practice.
  • Memrise for vocabulary building.

Packing Solutions

  • Eagle Creek for durable travel gear and organizers.
  • Compression sacs for space saving.
  • RFID-blocking wallet for security.
  • Reusable water bottle.

Travel Gadgets

  • Power bank for phone charging.
  • Universal travel adapter.
  • Noise-canceling headphones.
  • Portable WiFi device.

Safety & Emergency Readiness

Emergency Contacts

Immediate Assistance

  • Police: 110
  • Fire Department: 119
  • Ambulance / Medical Emergency: 120
  • Traffic Accident: 122

Medical Facilities

  • Xichang People's Hospital (西昌市人民医院)
  • Liangshan Prefecture People's Hospital (凉山州第一人民医院)
  • Emergency Departments at major hospitals
  • Carry local emergency contact details

Consular Services

  • U'S Diplomatic mission in Beijing: +86-10-8531-4000
  • UK Embassy in Beijing: +86-10-8529-6600
  • Check your country's embassy/consulate website
  • Note down your consular registration details

Lost Document Procedures

Immediate Steps

  • Report lost passport/visa to local police (110).
  • Obtain an official police report.
  • Get in touch with your embassy or consulate for assistance.

Replacement Process

  • Apply for an emergency travel document or new passport.
  • Re-apply for your Chinese visa if it was lost.
  • Keep digital copies of all documents separate from originals.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Earthquake & Safety

  • "Drop, Cover, Hold On" during an earthquake.
  • Move to open areas if outdoors during a seismic event.
  • Familiarize yourself with hotel emergency exits upon check-in.

Landslides & Flooding

  • Follow local authority instructions during floods.
  • Evacuate if advised by authorities in affected areas.
  • Monitor local news and weather forecasts for updates.

Health & Safety Checklist

Prioritize Well-being

  1. Speak with a travel medicine specialist for recommended vaccinations.
  2. Pack all prescription medications with doctor's notes.
  3. Carry a basic first-aid kit.
  4. Research local pharmacies for needs.
  5. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance. (World Nomads)

Stay Secure

  1. Drink bottled or purified water exclusively.
  2. Be cautious with street food; choose busy stalls.
  3. Safeguard valuables; use hotel safes.
  4. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowds.
  5. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas at night.

Important Advisories

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is a safeguard against unforeseen circumstances and emergencies.

Medical Preparedness

Carry any essential medications and identify the location of major hospitals.

Crowd Awareness

Be mindful in crowded areas, especially during festivals or public holidays.

Emergency Alert

In any emergency, remain calm and contact the appropriate local authorities or your country's embassy immediately.

Beyond the Itinerary

Cultural Engagement

Films & Music

  • Documentaries

    On the Yi people of Liangshan, their culture, and history.

  • Space Program

    Documentaries featuring the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

  • Traditional Music

    Listen to traditional Yi folk music and songs.

Reading & Learning

  • Yi History

    Books exploring the Yi ethnic group's heritage.

  • Mandarin Basics

    Duolingo, HelloChinese, or Memrise for language learning.

  • Cultural Texts

    Readings on general Chinese cultural niceties.

Connect with Fellow Travelers

Expat Forums

Join expat forums inside China for local advice and community interactions.

Reddit Communities

Explore travel forums on Reddit, like r/China, for traveler discussions and tips.

Facebook Groups

Find specific Facebook groups dedicated to people traveling in China for insights and connections.

Extend Your Knowledge

Academic & Cultural

  • Academic papers on the anthropology of the Yi people.
  • Online courses in Chinese history and geopolitics.
  • Virtual tours of historical sites in Sichuan.
  • Articles on modern China's development.

Skill Development

  • Photography courses to capture your journey. (Skillshare)
  • Travel writing workshops to document your experiences.
  • Basic first aid and travel safety courses.
  • Meditation or mindfulness techniques for enhanced travel.

Engage & Reflect

Anticipate & Learn

  • Journal your expectations and research questions before your trip.
  • Discuss potential differences in culture with friends or fellow travelers.
  • Set personal learning objectives for your visit to Xichang.
  • Read travel memoirs about similar destinations for inspiration.

Cherish & Share

  • Organize photos and videos, and share your Xichang story.
  • Write a travel blog or journal entries about your experiences.
  • Reflect on cultural insights gained during your travels.
  • Plan your next adventure, drawing inspiration from Xichang.

Embrace Continuous Learning

Travel in Xichang goes beyond sightseeing; it involves immersing yourself in a rich heritage and past. Stay curious and open to new experiences.

Xichang Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts