Chengdu is the capital of China's southwestern Sichuan ("Four Rivers") province. It is one of the wealthiest cities in China, and also one of the country's most important transportation and communication hubs.
Sichuan Province and the Chengdu region have long been the capital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Today, with the onset of Western medicine in the country, Chengdu is a major pharmaceutical research and development center. Similarly, Chengdu's Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone increasingly attracts a variety of multinational and domestic companies.
Plug TypeLanguageMandarin ChinesePopulation11 millionTime ZoneGMT +8 hoursMeasuresMetric SystemVoltageWashroom: 110 volts; Bedroom: 220 voltsMobile PhonesGSM 900/1800, CDMA 900/1800Visas are required for all international travellers entering mainland China. Travellers carrying passports from Brunei, Japan, or Singapore can enjoy visa-free access to China for up to 15 days.
Visas are readily available from Chinese embassies and consulates in most Western and many other countries. A standard 30-day, single-entry visa from most Chinese embassies abroad can be issued in three to five working days. You can also make visa arrangements at certain travel agencies. Visa applications generally require at least one photo.
A 30-day visa is activated on the date you enter China, and must be used within three months of the date of issue. Standard tourist visas, valid for 30-day visits, are generally easy to acquire, while visas valid for more than 30 days are often more difficult to obtain.
Please consult with your travel agent, China International Travel Service, China Travel Service, or any Chinese Embassy or Consulate for further details.
Visa Requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of ChinaThe Chinese currency is known as renminbi (RMB). The basic unit of money itself is called the yuan (CNY). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels as well as shopping malls.Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.RMB 1.00 equals:
.14
US Dollar (USD)
.18
Australian Dollar (AUD)
.10
Euro (EUR)
.08
British Pound (GBP)
1.08
Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
6.52
Indian Rupee (INR)
14.78
Japanese Yen (JPY)
.21
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
.20
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
A 15% surcharge including government tax is applicable in most hotels and some private restaurants.Many mid-range and top-end restaurants include their own service charge that varies. Officially, tipping is considered inappropriate and is discouraged.Bank Hours8.30am to 4.30 pm, Monday to FridayOffice Hours8.30am to 5pm, Monday to FridayShop HoursSummer: 9am - 9pm
Winter: 9am - 8pmVisitors entering China are required to complete a health declaration form. Check with your local doctor or health care professional about vaccination requirements before you plan your trip.
Shangri-La recommends you drink only boiled or bottled water during your stay in Chengdu. Drinking water is available in every room.
Dress is generally informal in Chengdu except on social, diplomatic or government occasions when a suit and tie is appropriate.Chengdu has a mild climate ranging from highs of 20C - 30C (71F - 86F) during the summer to winter temperatures ranging from 3C to 10C (37F - 50F) during the winter.