Home to the finest delicacies of Mandarin cuisine, a fascinating tea culture, and (of course) the cutest animals in all of China, Chengdu is a travel destination like no other. It is the first city in the world to be designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, so you can expect to sample nothing but the best dishes and drinks. Chengdu also has a deep link with its culture; its opera house, museums, and Buddhist temples are famous worldwide.
Before you leave for Chengdu, be sure to purchase travel medical insurance as protection against unexpected health emergencies or travel mishaps.
Chengdu Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
What happens if you or your fellow travelers meet with an accident or fall ill during your vacation? How extravagant will the hospital bills be? You can hopefully avoid the worst of it by purchasing travel health insurance for Chengdu.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Chengdu?
When you apply for your Chinese tourist visa, you will be asked to provide proof of valid health insurance coverage for the period of your stay. In any case, getting travel medical insurance is one of the first things you should plan on our trip. Purchasing proper health insurance is never a bad decision before taking an international trip.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Chengdu?
Wondering if you should buy travel medical insurance for Chengdu? These are some of the benefits you can get with a good policy:
- Coverage for emergency medical expenses
- Coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
- Coverage for accidental death or dismemberment (AD&D)
- Return of minor children
A travel health insurance plan could help you avoid massive medical expenses on your vacation.
Things to Do for Travelers in Chengdu
Whether you are on a solo trip, holidaying with friends, or on vacation with the family, these five places are must-visits for your time in Chengdu.
Say hello to the pandas
No trip to Chengdu is complete without stopping by the Panda Research Base, which houses the biggest population of Giant Pandas in China. Watch these adorable creatures go about their business from eating and sleeping to playing with each other and falling out of trees. You can even volunteer to spend a whole day at the center to assist the researchers.
Marvel at the Giant Buddha
Take this opportunity to visit the Giant Buddha at Leshan. Carved into the mountain face, this is one of the world's most massive Buddha statues. The ideal plan is to stay overnight at Leshan and head to the statue early in the morning.
Hike down Jiuzhai Valley
Leave the city behind, and step into the fairytale world of Jiuzhaigou National Park. Wade through crystal blue lakes, climb bright green hills, and marvel at the breathtaking beauty of nature. The serenity of the valley will surely make you forget all your worries and refresh your senses.
Scale the heights of Qingcheng Mountain
If you are an adventure enthusiast, then hike up to Emei or Qingcheng Mountain; we assure you it is worth the trek. Located on Chengdu's outskirts, the peak offers a spellbinding view of the hundreds of miles of uninhabited terrain to the west. It is the perfect location for a day trip.
Try all the food
Of course, you cannot leave Chengdu without tasting the various delicacies it has to offer. From centuries-old teahouses to luxurious fine dining restaurants and roadside snack stalls, the choice is endless. Try the hot pots, the rabbit heard, grilled fish, and the special Sichuan beef pastry.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Chengdu
Weather conditions
The best time to visit Chengdu is during the spring or fall. The temperature is just perfect then. Summers tend to be quite hot at 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), and the temperature drops to around 35 degrees Fahrenheit (about 1.6 degrees Celsius) in the winter. Keep in mind that you can catch sight of newborn baby pandas if you visit between October and December.
Food & Water Sanitation
The quality of tap water in the city might not always be good. You are much better off sticking to bottled water throughout your trip. Make sure that you check the sanitary conditions of the food before eating from kiosks and street stalls.
Basic precautions
Don't exchange money at unauthorized centers. The airport has a currency exchange office, and it is a good idea to stick to it. Chengdu is infamous for its unruly traffic, so be careful while crossing roads and walking around the city. Have a printout of the location of your hotel, since most taxi drivers do not speak English.
Getting around the city
The metro network in Chengdu is well-developed and economical. You can get a single ticket for 6 yuan and travel to any station within the city. It is also convenient to travel to and from the airport by metro. If you use a taxi, make sure that the fare is calculated on the meter; otherwise, the driver might try to overcharge you.
Petty thievery risk
Most visitors to Chengdu assert that the city is safe and comfortable for tourists. However, there is always the risk of pickpockets and petty thieves at crowded tourist spots. Watch out for your belongings, and keep your wits about you.
Before You Travel to Chengdu - Do This
Pack according to the weather. If you visit Chengdu any time in the winter and plan to go hiking or trekking, don't forget to carry heavy winter clothing.
Always have accessible soft copies of important documents like your passport, identification card, visa, etc., in case of an emergency.
Do your research well, and get a smart travel medical insurance policy for a stress-free vacation in Chengdu. Enter some basic information about your trip and travelers, compare your options, and select the plan that best meets the needs of your travel itinerary, destination, and budget.