Solo Trip to Chengdu and Chongqing in December 2024

Traveling solo abroad again, this time choosing China (Mainland) — a country I dreamed of visiting as a child. This marks my first trip to China, and the cities I chose to visit are not the typical destinations for most Thai travelers (many opt for Shanghai as their first stop in China). Instead, I picked CHENGDU to meet Hua Hua, the giant panda and China's iconic ambassador, and CHONGQING, the city famous for its spicy hotpot and unique urban landscape. Day 1 - Flew with Sichuan Airlines from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. Took Bus No. 1 from Tianfu Airport to IFS Building (the one with the climbing panda). Tickets for the airport bus can be purchased at the counter; follow the signs for Airport Bus. - Stayed at 瓦当瓦舍旅行酒店 (Chengdu Chunxi Road IFS Guojin Center). - Visited SKP Chengdu. - Saw the Twin Towers, a symbol of Chengdu (visit before 10 PM as the lights turn off). - Enjoyed tea at the popular 李山山 tea shop. Day 2 - Explored Mount Siguniang (Four Sisters Mountain), booked through a 100% Chinese tour company via WeChat. Many Thai travelers recommend taking Chinese medicine for altitude sickness, as some experience severe symptoms like dizziness and shortness of breath, requiring immediate descent. After reading extensively, I started to panic and messaged the admin on WeChat. They reassured me, explaining that the mountain is 3,840 meters above sea level, and even they felt dizzy on their first visit. They advised me to bring motion sickness pills, pain relievers, and a small portable oxygen tank. - Visited Anshun Bridge (安顺桥). - Stopped by CHAGEE. Day 3 - Went to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (tickets can be purchased in advance). Accessible via metro and then Bus 108. - Returned to IFS Building to take photos with the climbing panda. - Visited Liduigongyuan to see the giant panda selfie spot (Dujiangyan), not the Dujiangyan station. - Admired Nanqiao Bridge, which lights up at dusk, turning the flowing water blue — incredibly romantic. - Strolled through Kuanxiangzi Alley (Wide and Narrow Alley), a pedestrian street filled with shops. Day 4 - Traveled from Chengdu to Chongqing via Chengdu East Railway Station (tickets booked on Trip.com; there are three classes, and I chose First Class, though Business Class is the most expensive). The journey to Chongqing North Railway Station (重庆北站) took approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes. - Stayed at The Move江景酒店 (Chongqing Jiefangbei Hongyadong Branch) for two nights. The lobby is on the 20th floor, located in the heart of Jiefangbei, making it easy to access other attractions. - Stopped by CHAGEE. - Explored Baixiangju (白象居), an apartment complex with many photo spots. - Visited Hong Ya Dong (洪崖洞). - Took Hanfu photos (makeup + outfit + photographer; 6 edited photos and 30 unedited photos for 399 yuan). Day 5 - Ate at a food court. - Checked out Kuixinglou (奎星楼). - Saw Liziba Station (李子坝站), where the train passes through a building. - Walked along Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street. - Enjoyed tea at “Cha Yan Yue Se” (茶颜悦色). - Had spicy hotpot near the hotel. Day 6 - Took photos at the Chopsticks Building, also known as Chongqing Guotai Arts Center. - Wore Hanfu with a large floral crown (makeup + outfit + photographer; 6 edited photos and 30 unedited photos for 199 yuan). ** Used Baidu Map for navigation. ** Metro (地铁). ** Booked flights, hotels, high-speed train tickets, panda base tickets, and ESIM via Trip.com. ** Some hotels in China require a deposit; read the terms before booking. Additionally, some hotels do not accept foreigners, so check reviews to ensure other foreigners, especially Thais, have stayed there. ** Alipay is essential in China for payments, including metro and bus fares, eliminating the need for physical tickets. ** English proficiency is not necessary in China, as locals rarely use English, even in major stores, hotels, or malls. Having a translation app on your phone is highly recommended.