My Unforgettable Journey Through China: Chengdu, Litang, and Chongqing
Hello everyone! I've just returned from an incredible trip covering Á Đinh, Chengdu, and Chongqing. Having gleaned so much valuable information from online communities, I'm excited to share my own experiences, especially for those of you planning your first adventure in China.
Week 1: Chengdu to Á Đinh
For my first week, I joined a tour organized by a well-known travel vlogger. Our group of six, including a lead who doubled as our photographer, felt like a close-knit group of friends, making the journey wonderfully relaxed. The package, priced at 25 million Vietnamese Dong, covered all transportation for the seven days, accommodation, entrance fees to attractions, and round-trip flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Chengdu, with a domestic flight from Daocheng to Chengdu. It excluded visa fees and personal expenses like food.
Week 2: Exploring Chengdu and Chongqing Independently
In my second week, I ventured out on my own with a friend.
Visa Application
I opted for a visa service. The process required my passport, passport-sized photos, proof of a bank account with 50 million Vietnamese Dong, and some basic personal information. I received my visa within seven days.
Border Control
As an unmarried woman just past 30, I had prepared myself for potential questioning at customs. To my surprise, the experience was remarkably smooth. I approached the youngest immigration officer, hoping for a more relaxed interaction, and my wish was granted. He simply compared my appearance to my passport photo and stamped my passport with a quick seal.
Connectivity: SIM Card vs. Roaming
Since my phone doesn't support eSIM, I used a physical SIM card, and the network stability was quite good. I could use VPN to browse TikTok without any issues. My friend, who used an eSIM, didn't have as smooth an experience. As for Wi-Fi, it was practically non-existent, so don't count on it.
Getting Around
The MRT is your absolute best friend for getting around – it's incredibly affordable. The only drawback is the amount of walking involved. I tried DiDi twice, but the traffic jams meant the cars were crawling along, inch by inch.
Accommodation Experiences
Chengdu - Orange Fruit Hotel (Kuanzhai Alley, Tonghuimen Metro Station)
This hotel was a mere 200 meters from the MRT exit, directly opposite the famous Wide and Narrow Alleys. It was clean, stylish, conveniently located next to convenience stores, and offered complimentary laundry and drying facilities.
Chengdu - Ibis Hotel (Taikoo Li Chunxi Road)
This hotel was also clean and stylish, but a bit further from the MRT at around 700 meters. It was surrounded by plenty of eateries and close to a plaza and Parkson, though about a kilometer from the IFS and the main Chunxi road.
Chongqing - Xiangning Hotel (Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street Hongyadong Branch)
This was one of the rare hotels in Chongqing that received good reviews for cleanliness. Housekeeping ensured it was spotless daily. The hotel was less than 200 meters from the MRT. The only minor inconvenience was sharing the building with other hotels, leading to occasional elevator congestion during peak hours.
Money Matters: WeChat is Key
WeChat Pay is the ultimate convenience in China, even in the remote mountain areas. Most shops and vendors exclusively use WeChat for transactions. Alipay is also accepted but less common. While cash is still usable, many establishments lack change, making it rather inconvenient.
Highlights of the Trip
- The scenery became increasingly breathtaking the higher we went, resembling living paintings. Verdant grasslands, crystal-clear streams, vibrant wildflowers, majestic snow-capped mountains, and adorable cows, monkeys, sheep, and squirrels made the journey truly magical.
- The MRT system and hotel prices were quite reasonable in my opinion.
- Chongqing offered a fascinating blend of old-world charm and modern innovation. Jiefangbei had a more traditional feel compared to the area across the river.
- Chengdu exuded modernity and vibrancy, with pandas appearing everywhere you looked.
- The peaches were delicious – sweet, fragrant, and juicy.
- Bubble tea was a delight, perfectly balanced in flavor, and the pastries were equally enjoyable.
Points to Consider
- Smoking is prevalent, even indoors at restaurants. Littering and people pushing to get onto the MRT before others exit were noticeable. Some individuals had strong body odor.
- I personally found the local cuisine challenging. It was heavy on carbohydrates and oil, with a distinct seasoning style that I found difficult to adapt to.
Advice for Your Upcoming Trip
- Download and verify WeChat and Alipay at least two weeks before your trip, and load money onto them. Be cautious about loading too much at once, as it might lead to account restrictions.
- Use Amap for navigation and public transport directions.
- If you plan to visit Á Đinh via Western Sichuan, consider including Litang and Shangri-La in your itinerary. Á Đinh itself encompasses the beauty of Four Sisters Mountain and the surrounding scenic routes, so dedicating ample time there is highly recommended.
- The Western Sichuan route can be challenging for those prone to motion sickness. If you're also susceptible to altitude sickness, this route might be overwhelming.
- When booking your hotel in Chongqing, make sure to confirm its building number to avoid getting lost. The city's layout can be quite confusing. Staying near an MRT station is a reliable landmark.
- Consider activating your mobile carrier's international roaming package. It's often not much more expensive than buying a physical SIM card and provides excellent network speed. Navigating China, especially independently, without reliable mobile data can be quite difficult.
This is a personal account of my travel experiences. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments, and I'll do my best to answer. If you have a different perspective, please share it respectfully without personal attacks.
