Banks: 08:30 to 15:30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday; 08:00 to 16:00, Saturdays; 08:00 to 12:00, Sundays
Government Offices: 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday; some open on Sundays

Violent crime is of little concern to those visiting Chengdu, though petty theft is more common. Pickpockets frequent crowded areas such as on board busses, at the North Train Station and throughout the Yanshikou marketplaces.

Thieves may also use razors to stealthily steal handbags or slice into backpacks. The best way to safeguard against purse snatchers and pickpockets is to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and check any valuables with the hotel safe. Those valuables that must be carried (such as passports and necessary cash) are best secured beneath a layer of clothing with a money belt.

Tourists from Western nations may be intimidated by driving conditions in China. The government didn’t encourage car ownership until 1994, and more than a third of China’s drivers today didn’t know how to drive in 2005. As Chinese driving customs are aggressive, it is wise to hire a car with a reputable, experienced driver rather than drive yourself.

Along the same lines, pedestrians and cyclists should exercise caution on city streets. Whenever possible, try to cross streets with large groups and use pedestrian bridges when available.

Medical facilities in Chengdu are modern and widely available. There is no shortage of qualified medical professionals. Most hospital staffs include English-speaking caregivers, though this is not guaranteed. In hospitals outside of the metropolitan area, tourists may require the assistance of a translator.

Tourists who come down with a mild illness while travelling in Chengdu may wish to seek advice from a local pharmacist. In many cases, pharmacies are able to sell prescription strength medication without a prescription. Pharmacists in Chengdu are qualified to diagnose and treat non-critical illnesses.

Unlike many other countries in Asia, China’s public healthcare infrastructure is often superior to that of the private sector. While locals are shifting to private healthcare due to faster and friendlier service, tourists should be advised that the best infrastructure and expertise still resides with the public sector.

The United Nations cites a 30 per cent annual increase in (reported) HIV/AIDS infection since 1998; however, local government officials were slow to acknowledge the reality of this growing epidemic. Since 2001, the Chinese government has begun to address this reality. Visitors are advised treat this growing concern seriously.

In Chengdu, locals speak a dialect of Mandarin, China’s official language. Virtually everyone in the metropolitan area is equally comfortable with the Chengdu dialect and mainstream Mandarin. While younger Chinese and those involved with the tourism industry usually have a reasonable command of English, the population at large does not. For this reason, it’s wise to carry any important information (such as the name and address of your hotel) written on a card in Mandarin characters.

China's official currency is the renminbi (RMB). The main increment of currency is the yuan, which issued in banknote denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 yuan. The yuan breaks down further into 10 jiao (issued both in banknotes and coins) or 100 fen (issued strictly in coins.

Cash plays an important role in Chengdu commerce, especially when shopping at local marketplaces or visiting regular restaurants. Top-end establishments (both restaurants and hotels) are usually outfitted to accept internationally-branded credit cards. Discover has made the greatest headway into the Chinese marketplace and often accepted in lieu of its rivals, MasterCard, Visa and American Express.

Chinese currency can be difficult to obtain outside of the country, and it can only be exchanged for foreign currency within China’s borders. Within Chengdu, travellers’ cheques can be traded at most major Bank of China branches and at many upmarket hotels. ATMs are widely located throughout the city, and a reasonable number of these accept international debit cards. Of course, cash can also be exchanged with banks, though at less favourable rates.

Import and export of the following items is restricted: printed materials perceived to slander or misrepresent the Communist Party or Chairman Mao; perceived propaganda which acknowledges an independent Taiwan (the Lonely Planet guidebook is included in this ban); some religious materials (though a bible in the traveller’s language is permitted); firearms and ammunition; and in some cases undeveloped film. Customs officials are wary of those they believe to be journalists or professional photographers.

Per person duty free allowances are as follows: two bottles of wine for stays of less than six months or four bottles for longer stays; 400-600 cigarettes (again depending on duration of stay); enough perfume for personal use. Customs officials may ask to see proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

The concept of ‘face’ plays heavily in day-to-day interactions. Face is connected the respect afforded to an individual, and to this individual’s apparent competence and wisdom. Face is transmitted to others by demonstrating respect, drawing attention to another’s wisdom and paying compliments (particularly in front of others). It is essential never to cause another to lose face — especially in public.

Chinese may perceive direct eye contact as a challenge or sign of aggression. For this reason, locals may avoid prolonged or direct eye contact in the course of introductions. Avoiding eye contact is also a means of constructing a felt sense of privacy in China’s burgeoning provincial capitals which continue to grow in population.

Chinese generally prefer to shake hands when introduced to Westerners, though the practice is less common between locals. Respect and honorific titles play an important role in social hierarchy so it is best to avoid using first names unless formally invited to do so. In China, the family name precedes the given name.

When entering a private home, temple or other religious site, guests are expected to remove their shoes. An arrangement of shoes outside of any door or gateway is a good indication that you are entering a shoes-off area.

Dining Etiquette
Sichuan cuisine (easily the most internationally-known form of Chinese food) is widely available in Chengdu. Westerners not accustomed to spicy food may wish to order their dishes bú yào là (not spicy). Chopsticks are the standard utensil, and many smaller restaurants are unlikely to have forks, though most carry soup spoons.

Belching and slurping are acceptable at the Chinese dinner table. While it is not recommended that tourists overly embrace this fact (and risk overstepping the acceptable boundary), they should not be alarmed if locals loudly slurp their soups or offer a polite belch.

On the whole, tipping is uncommon and may even be construed as an insult (insinuating that the restaurant employee is low class). However, international dining habits are catching up with metropolitan restaurants, and employees in some top end hotel restaurants may expect a modest tip. Rounding up rarely hurts.

The majority of Chinese prefer to entertain guests in restaurants rather than privately. If you have the fortune of receiving an invitation to dinner in a local home, it is polite to bring a modest gift. In the event that you legitimately cannot attend, you may help your host save face by explaining your scheduling conflict.

With the approach of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, China’s visa requirements have been in a state of constant flux. Generally, restrictions on travel are easing, though it is advised that all visitors check in with their local Chinese embassy for up-to-date regulations.

Tourist visas must be arranged in advance. These are available from Chinese embassies and consulates for periods of 30 days. Once a visa has been issued, it remains valid for entry for a period of 90 days. It is worth noting that Hong Kong and Macau issues visas on arrival for citizens of some nations; however, these visas do not cover onward travel into the Chinese mainland.

Visitors are required to have a minimum of six months’ validity remaining on their passport from their date of entry. Tourists who overstay their visas are issued heavy fines upon departure. In some cases, visa extensions are awarded tourists. These can be sought from Chengdu’s Public Security Bureau. Phone: +86 28 8662 6577.

The Chengdu tourist information office is located at 65 Renmin Nan Lu (room 320) south of Tian Fu Square. Phone: +86 28 8665 9708

There is also a tourist information desk operated in the airport, and most hotels are more than happy to assist by providing information and recommending itineraries.