Food-related

Q: Are all the foods in Chengdu spicy? I’m not great with spicy food.

A: Chengdu is known for its spicy cuisine, but there are plenty of dishes that are either mild or not spicy at all. For example, you can try the clear soup version of wontons (Long Chao Shou)—the broth is flavorful, with delicate wonton wrappers and generous fillings. Another great choice is Old Mother Pig's Trotters in Soup. It has a rich, fragrant flavor, and the soup is hearty without being greasy. You can also enjoy Sweet Noodles, which have a slight spiciness, but you can ask for less chili if you prefer. Plus, dishes like Boiled Dumplings in Chili Sauce (Zhong Shui Jiao) and Dan Dan Noodles can be made milder on request.

Transportation-related

Q: How can I get to Chengdu? What transportation options are available?

A: If you're coming from an international city, you can fly directly to Chengdu, as both Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport offer numerous international flights. Alternatively, you can fly into another major Chinese city and then take a domestic flight, high-speed train, or other transport options to Chengdu.

Airport pick-up and drop-off related

Q1: Hello! For the pick-up and drop-off service at Tianfu Airport, where will the driver meet us? Will they be inside the terminal or outside? Will the driver be holding a sign?

A1: The driver will be waiting for you at the exit with a sign that has your name on it. After meeting you, they'll take you to the parking lot where the car is located. Just make sure to provide your flight details in advance!

Q2: I’ve reserved a trip for April 5th, but I’ll be arriving a few days earlier by plane. Will airport pick-up be available for me?

A2: Hello! The trip package includes one airport pick-up and one drop-off, and you can use these services on the dates that work best for you. Just let us know when you'll be arriving, and we’ll make sure everything is arranged!

Climate-related

Q: What’s the weather like in Chengdu? What kind of clothes should I pack?

A: Chengdu has a subtropical humid climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, so lightweight clothes like long-sleeved shirts and light jackets are perfect. In summer, it can get pretty hot, so you'll want to pack summer clothes like shorts, t-shirts, and sandals, along with sunscreen. Winter can be chilly, so be sure to bring warm clothes like a thick coat, sweater, and long pants. The weather can be a bit unpredictable, so it’s also a good idea to carry an umbrella just in case it rains unexpectedly.

Ticket-related Questions for Scenic Spots:

Q: In Chengdu, which scenic spots require advance ticket reservations? Can I still purchase tickets on-site if I don't book tickets in advance?

A: In Chengdu, many popular scenic spots, especially during peak tourist seasons or holidays, require reservations through official websites or third-party platforms (such as Meituan, Ctrip, WeChat mini-programs, etc.). For example, famous attractions like the Giant Panda Base, Sanxingdui, Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Mount Emei, and the Leshan Giant Buddha often implement visitor caps during busy periods. If you book a tour through a travel agency, they will typically make the reservation for you in advance, so planning and booking your itinerary ahead of time is recommended.

If you haven't reserved tickets in advance, you can still try purchasing them at the ticket counter at the scenic spot, but this largely depends on the number of visitors that day. During peak periods (such as holidays or busy seasons), ticket sales may be temporarily suspended due to capacity limits. Therefore, to avoid any delays in your plans, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.

Communication-related

Q: How can I apply for a SIM card that can be used in China at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport?

A: You can apply for a SIM card at the "Overseas Visitors Payment Service Center" located in the international arrival hall of Terminal 1 at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. Simply bring your passport, and you can purchase a SIM card at the China Telecom counter. They offer three options: 7-day, 15-day, and 30-day cards, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Payment-related

Q: How can I exchange currency for RMB when I'm in Chengdu?

A: The most convenient place to exchange currency is at the foreign currency exchange counters at the airport. At the "Overseas Visitors Payment Service Center" in the international arrival hall of Terminal 1 at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, you'll find a Ctrip foreign currency exchange counter that offers two-way exchange services for 41 different currencies. They can also provide foreign currency wallets with small-denomination banknotes, as well as RMB wallets. Alternatively, you can visit one of the 18 demonstration bank branches or 40 commercial bank branches located in the Chunxi Road business district, where you can exchange foreign currency for RMB. For more details, see: Everything You Need to Know About Payment Services in China

Apps-related

Q: What are the best apps for booking transportation in China?

A:

• Railway12306: This is the official app for booking high-speed train and flight tickets across China.
• DiDi: This is China’s most popular ride-hailing app, like Uber, and is perfect for getting around cities.

Q: Which apps can help me with daily payments in China?

A:

• Alipay: A highly popular mobile payment app used for everything from shopping to public transportation. It also supports bill payments, restaurant orders, and more.
• WeChat: In addition to being a messaging app, WeChat also offers e-wallet services, making it easy to pay for items, transfer money, or even pay for public transportation.

Q: I need food recommendations while traveling. Which app should I use?

A: 大众点评 (Dazhong Dianping): This app is the go-to for restaurant reviews and recommendations in China. While it’s only available in Chinese, it provides insights into the best places to eat, including local favorites and international options. Alternatively, you can always ask the locals—they’re usually happy to recommend their favorite spots!

Q: What translation app should I use for communication in China?

A: Google Translate: Since English isn’t widely spoken in China, this app is essential for translating signs, menus, and conversations. It supports translation between multiple languages, making it easier to communicate.

Q: Can I find a place to stay through an app?

A: Trip.com: This app is perfect for booking hotels, including those that cater to international visitors. It offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget stays.

Q: How do I navigate around China’s public transportation system?

A: Amap: Amap is great for finding routes and checking bus schedules, making it easy to navigate the public transport system. It’s China’s version of Google Maps and includes live updates for your routes.

Q: Are there any apps I can use to order food in China?

A: Meituan: A popular app for food delivery in China. You can order meals from local restaurants and have them delivered directly to your location.

Daily life-related

Q: I'm planning to visit Chengdu in the summer. How can I wash my clothes?

A: Many hotels in Chengdu are equipped with washing machines or offer self-service laundry facilities. You can ask the front desk for directions to the laundry room and how to use it. Typically, you'll need to buy laundry tokens or use your room key card to start the machines. Most laundry rooms provide washing powder or detergent, and the washing machines usually have easy-to-follow instructions for selecting the appropriate wash cycle (like quick wash, standard wash, etc.). This makes it convenient for you to clean your clothes during your stay!