Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province in southwestern China, known for its rich culture, spicy cuisine, and as a center for arts and culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 16 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of around 50 Mbps, with fiber connections available in numerous areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CNY ≈ 0.15 USD. Common banking options include ICBC, Bank of China, and Agricultural Bank of China. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are available. Prepaid SIM cards are easy to obtain. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most international cards are accepted at major banks and ATMs, although some stores might require local cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Both short and long-term rentals are available on platforms like Airbnb and local sites like Lianjia. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments widely accepted through Alipay and WeChat Pay. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Tujia, and local rental listings offer flexible options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Chengdu Dreams Hostel and Capsule Hotel offer affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Kuan Zhai Alley & Jinli Ancient Street are popular tourist districts filled with shops and dining options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Chunxi Road area offers access to co-working spaces, cafes, and restaurants, making it ideal for digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Work in Chengdu at the Chengdu Work Club, budget-friendly with good facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Patisserie offers a quiet atmosphere with good coffee and reliable internet. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Expat Meetups and Tech events are frequently organized on meetup.com and local social apps. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Chengdu Expat Group on WeChat regularly hosts social gatherings and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | DiDi is the main ride-hailing app used in Chengdu. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Mobike and Ofo offer convenient bike-sharing services. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No coast, but nearby scenic lakes such as Qionglai Lake can be access for day trips. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sichuan Airlines and China Eastern Airlines are primary carriers operating flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air China and Emirates operate flights to various global destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to G65, G317 highways provides connectivity to regional cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Chengdu East Railway Station is the main hub for high-speed trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Transport cards can be purchased for easy access to buses and subways. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | You can easily travel to nearby cities by high-speed train or bus services. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | West China Hospital is one of the best healthcare facilities offering international services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Chengdu Yoga Club and Himalaya Yoga offer various classes for different levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness and Gold's Gym provide good facilities for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Services like 88 Laundry are easily available and affordable. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Meituan and Ele.me are popular for food deliveries across the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sichuan hotpot is a must-try, available at many restaurant locations like Haidilao. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian restaurants like Buddha's Palm offer a range of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Dessert Place offers a variety of sweet treats, popular among locals. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Chunxi Road and Jinli Ancient Street have budget-friendly food markets. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | JD.com and Taobao are the main platforms for online shopping in China. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Freshippo and Walmart's online service provide good grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Lan Kwai Fong in Chengdu is a popular nightlife destination. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Chengdu beer brands like Chengdu Beer provide local brewing experiences. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bars like The Wine Loft offer assorted selections suitable for wine enthusiasts. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Jinli Street has numerous food stalls offering authentic Sichuan snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian restaurants like Da Marco offer good international options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Giant Pandas Breeding Research Base and Wuhou Shrine are must-visit attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Sichuan Museum showcases the rich history and culture of the region. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Dujiangyan Irrigation System recognized for its historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Jinli Temple showcases the local culture and is a noted spiritual site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Chengdu International Music Festival is a highlight of the cultural calendar. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Qingyang District known for rich culture and heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teahouses like Shufengya Yun offer traditional Sichuan opera performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Wuhouci Street Market is a great place to experience local culture. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The local music scene revolves around live venues such as the Little Bar. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art installations can be spotted around the Lan Kwai Fong area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking Moon offers cooking classes focused on Sichuan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art Chengdu showcases contemporary Chinese artwork. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old city area features preserved traditional Chinese architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Sichuan Opera is a significant cultural element, known for its unique face-changing performance. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Qingcheng offers hiking opportunities and scenic nature views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Jiuzhaigou National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for stunning landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Chengdu has numerous parks, such as the People's Park, offering walking and cycling paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Jinsha Site Museum offers scenic views along with insight into the ancient Shu civilization. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuary provides opportunities for unique birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Chengdu has public parks where bonfires are allowed with prior permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | SF Express and China Post provide various parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Many shops in areas like Chunxi Road offer affordable tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ping pong can be enjoyed at public parks such as Wangjiang Park. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Mandarin language classes are offered by several local schools and online platforms. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Chengdu Library is a popular place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Chengdu Community Center offers various cultural and recreational activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges like NetEase Game Center provide a place to hang out. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not legally permitted in mainland China. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥45,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥1,800,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥30,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥1,200,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥40,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥2,400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥25,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥1,500,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥35,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥2,800,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥20,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥1,600,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% for most companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% on dividends paid to foreign shareholders. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income with progressive rates. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% on income over ¥960,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property taxes are implemented based on local regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically 3% for most property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Accounts with low to no tax depending on specific circumstances related to offshore income. |