Chengdu, China 🇨🇳
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province and a major city known for its rich culture, cuisine, and relaxed lifestyle. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 16 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CNY ≈ 0.14 USD, major credit cards accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/C sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom; prepaid SIMs available at airports and stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common options include HSBC and Bank of China; international banking services available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and local rentals on platforms like Tujia. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Tujia for vacation rentals |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Chengdu Flipflop Lounge and Lazybones. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Panda Expat Coworking is popular among digital nomads. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Waves Cafe is a favored spot for remote work with good coffee and plug points. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Frequent meetups and events organized through Internations and local expat groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community gatherings often organized via Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Didi is the main app for ride-hailing in Chengdu. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Mobike and Ofo bike-sharing services are readily available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Chengdu is inland; nearest significant water body is Qing Lake, 1.5 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sichuan Airlines offers regional connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and several others connect Chengdu internationally. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | G4201 and G5 highways provide excellent access to surrounding regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Chengdu East Railway Station is the main hub, providing high-speed rail services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Chengdu Metro card and bus pass available for convenient local transportation. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | High-speed trains and long-distance buses connect Chengdu to nearby cities like Leshan and Deyang. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | West China Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House and The Lotus Yoga offer various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Anytime Fitness have multiple locations in Chengdu. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry service options like Easy Wash and local laundromats are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Ele.me and Meituan are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sichuan Hotpot is a must-try culinary experience. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Zen Vegetarian Restaurant offers a wide menu of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chengdu has many dessert spots; Tofu Pudding dessert is highly recommended. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as Jinli Ancient Street for budget-friendly shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | JD.com and Taobao are reliable for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Freshippo and Ele.me provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Lan Kwai Fong area is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Chengdu Beer Factory is famous for its craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Maison and other wine bars provide good selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Wangfujing Street offers a variety of street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many restaurants serving Western cuisine can be found in the city center. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is a popular attraction. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Chengdu Museum and Sichuan Art Museum are worth a visit. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street reflect Chengdu's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Daci Temple is a significant Buddhist temple to visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Chengdu International Panda Festival occurs annually in July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Kuanzhai Alley area showcases traditional Sichuan architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Chengdu Theatre presents local performances and shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Wuhou Temple market for local crafts and products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live house venues like the Doodle Bar host local music performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore street art in the city’s historical districts. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Sichuan Cooking School offers hands-on cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Dujiangyan Art District features numerous contemporary art galleries. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Chengdu People's Park is a notable historical site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Chengdu is famous for its traditional tea culture and Sichuan opera. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Qingcheng, around 1 hour away, offers scenic hikes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site accessible from Chengdu. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Explore the scenic Huashuihe River pathway for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Jianchuan Tower provides a beautiful vista of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding offers nature trails and birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Parks like the Chengdu People's Park allow picnicking and small bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | SF Express and ZTO Express are reliable delivery services for parcels. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech repair shops like Apple Service Center and Huaqiangbei Electronics Market offer device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks often have tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Mandarin tutoring services are widely available; check local language schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Chengdu University Library is a popular study location. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Chengdu Culture Center holds various cultural events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes and gaming lounges scattered around the city offer gaming experiences. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Chengdu does not have casinos, but entertainment options exist in hotel resorts. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥30,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥1,200,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥20,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥28,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥1,680,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥18,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥1,080,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥26,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥2,080,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥16,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥1,280,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% is the standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% is the withholding tax rate for dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% is the maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% is the standard Value Added Tax rate in China. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | There are property taxes based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The standard rate is 3%-5% for property purchases. |