Sichuan Tour FAQ | WindhorseTour – China Tibet Travel Tour Guide & Service

Sichuan Tour FAQ

For your convenience, we've compiled this list of commonly asked questions regarding a variety of travel topics. If you can't find the answer to your question here, contact us.

Sichuan General FAQ

What to eat in Sichuan?
Sichuan cuisine are well known for its fiercely hot and spicy flavors, the most famous dish in Sichuan is hot pot, it's very popular both for local people and travelers. Reputed in its diverse cooking styles, Sichuan has numerous dishes

You can also find a lot of street food and snack vendors on the streets, which are very good for a quick bite. As the western culture spreads, a number of Western restaurants can be found in Chengdu. Read Chengdu food, find the best places to eat in Chengdu.

Famous Sichuan dishes:
1. Hot pot
2. Kung Pao chicken
3. Twice cooked pork
4. Dan dan noodles
5. Bon bon chicken
What are the weather and climate like in Sichuan?

Sichuan Province is surrounded by the Tibetan Plateau to the west and the Three Gorges and the Yangtze River to the east. Sichuan enjoys a mild, humid climate in the winter and a hot, humid summer.

In the spring, temperatures range from 10 to 21.9 °C (50 to 71.4 °F); in summer, temperatures are usually above 22 °C (71.6 °F). Autumn temperatures range from 10 to 21.9 °C (50 to 71.4 °F). In winter, the average temperature is below 10 °C (50 to °F). There is a big difference in climate between eastern and western Sichuan. Eastern Sichuan has a subtropical and humid climate; while western Sichuan experiences low temperatures in winter, cool summers and frequent fog. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, is often referred to as the most comfortable place for sustained human habitat in China.

The best time to visit Sichuan is from April to October when the weather is mild, the trees are turning green and flowers are in full bloom. Read a recent weather report for Chengdu from the Weather Channal or BBC.
Where to visit in Chengdu?
Where are the best places to travel in Chengdu, capital city of Sichuan, China? There are some places you definitely shouldn't miss.
1. The Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center. Chengdu is the Giant Panda's home town; many people travel here to watch cute pandas play. For a fee, you can also hold baby pandas, getting close to the most adorable animal in the world.
2. Jinsha Excavation Site - one of the great finds of the 21st century. The historical implications of a flourishing, stable, and religious civilization 3,500 years ago, travelling here to explore the ancient civilizations life in that period.
3. Wu Hou Temple, built for memorializing two heros of the ancient Shu Kindom - Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei. Wu Hou Temple shrine to Sichuan's ancient past.
4. Wide and Narrow Alley and Jinli Street, they are two culture street in Chengdu that are perfect for you to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy peace and quiet off the beaten path.
5. QingYang Temple, with its distinct Taoist atmosphere, Qingyang Palace (or Temple) has become the first choice of many tourists to Sichuan for appreciating the singularities of Taoist architecture and thought.
6. Chunxi Road Shopping, if you are a fan of shopping, this is the best choice for you, Chunxi Road includes various kinds of products, from clothing to food, etc.
What are the 3 most popular places to travel in Sichuan?
Sichuan is located in southwest China. It is famous for its many fine tourist attractions. Read about the hottest travel places in Sichuan:
1. Chengdu and Around: The Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center, Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Mt. Qingcheng.
2. Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong National Park, seeing bule and green lakes, rushing waterfalls and snow-caped mountains.
3. Leshan Giant Buddha and Mt. Emei, Leshan Grand Buddha is the biggest Buddha in the world. Mt. Emei is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China

Panda Volunteering FAQ

Can I interact or pet pandas?

Yes, you can ask our experienced guide to arrange it, but cost extra from 125USD to 250USD (donation) to hold them around 3 - 5 minutes, in the meantime you take the picture with them.

Another way to interact with pands is to join in the panda volunteer work, during this program, you will have chance to interact with them, but please don't touch them without the permission.
Can we visit pandas in winter?

Yes, you can. Normal panda tours are arranged all year around.
Why to choose a panda wolunteer work at Panda Base?

In general, if working in the Panda Base, you will have more time to view the giant panda activity such as mother playing with baby, panda cub sukling, holding for play, panda sleeping in tree, hanging up in the tree, struggle each other, climbing up, eating, napping etc..
What is the volunteering time?

Normally the volunteer work starts from the 8:30 in the morning and ends around 4:30 in the afternoon.

If you have any sepcific requirements, the working hours can be slightly adjusted depend on yourself.
What kind of volunteering work can I take?

There are three kinds of volunteers work provided by Panda Reserves, the assistant of panda keeper, the clerk of Panda Club and the interpreter of Panda Garden.
Where can I take food when I do volunteer work?

At Chengdu Panda Center, tourists can take the food at the restaurant inside of the Panda base; and Bifengxia, tourists can take the food from the hostel to the Panda base. They offer local Chinese style food, costs around 4-8USD per person.
How do I confirm the panda volunteer work?

It is very easy to attend Panda volunteer work, you just need to confirm your volunteer work time, and send us your passport copy, we can arrange everything in advance. In order to volunteer, you should be in generally good health, so we advise you to bring a statement from your Doctor stating that you are in good health. Children under the age of 10 are generally not allowed to volunteer. If they want to take this volunteer work, they need have adults accompanied.

To take the Panda Volunteer work tour at Bifengxia Panda Center, a physical examination record from your docotor is required. When you confirm the panda volunteer work with us, we will send you this forml. Your physical examination record is just certify that you have not any history of infectious disease, and certify you are healthy now, the aim is to keep pandas away from any virus.

We keep the right to postpone your time to volunteer if some important projects need to be done in Reserves or too busy to arrange your volunteering.

Since you will have your own Panda keeper as your teacher, we suggest you bring some gift to your keepers.
Internet application available?

Yes, you can use the internet & computer at the noon time in the Club House for all our arranged volunteering tourists, as well as you can have a rest in the Club House for the noon time.
Do I need special clothes when I do the volunteer work at panda reserves?

Yes, you need the special clothes, which are provided by the Panda Reserves. At Chengdu Panda Reserves you don't need pay any extra for the clothes rental, but at Bifengxia you need pay 150RMB per suite for the clothes, if you take the volunteer work for over 5-6 days you may need to rent two suites.
Can children take the panda volunteer work?

Children under the age of 10 are generally not allowed to volunteering alone. If they want to take this volunteer work, they need have adults accompanied, and the cost is the same as adult for children.
Do I have language problem to communicate with my keeper or other staff in the reserve?

If you do the Panda volunteer in Chengdu Panda Center, normally we will arrange one guide with you as a translator, but actually most of your Panda keepers can speak some English, and also use the posture language, usually you will not have problem.
Can I take volunteer work if I get sick?

No, you can not take the volunteer work when you are sick. But you can visit Pandas and hike around the base.
Will I get a voluntary certificate?

Yes, it is included in our quotation. You will get your voluntary certificate when you finish the volunteering.
How long can I take the panda volunteer work for?

We provide the Panda volunteer work at Panda Reserves from 1 day to up 1 month. Normally tourists take the Panda volunteer work for one day to one week. If you only take one day Panda volunteer work, we suggest you take the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research One. For a longer trip, you may consider the Panda Reserve at Bifengxia.
What will we do for the panda voluntering work?

All the volunteers will have a short trainning before they start to work. And there is one panda keeper would become your teacher, and please do the work follows by the teacher.

The assistant of panda keeper.
a). Clean the bedroom and the garden for the giant panda.
c). Prepare food, such as carrot, apples, panda bread and biscuit. Also carry the bamboo.
d). Sometimes you should help the scientists to collect the behavior data.
e). Sometimes, you should help the veterinary to do the medicine care for the panda.

The clerk of Panda Club
a). The typist, help the staff type the documents.
b). The translator, translate the web pages, and some daily documents.
c). The web designer, help the staff design and develop the website.

The interpreter of panda garden
a). Introduce the giant panda research, such as: the breeding, hand-rearing, Husbandry, enrichment and so on.
b). Introduce the giant panda research cooperation, such as: with The States, Japan, Austria, Thailand and so on, also the development of all of these co-operations.
c). Introduce all the giant pandas, the different habit, behavior, experience of each giant panda.
d). Introduce all the buildings and their function.
e). Tell the stories of the giant panda for the visitors.

Panda Base FAQ

Can I interact or pet pandas?

Yes, you can ask our experienced guide to arrange it, but cost extra from 125USD to 250USD (donation) to hold them around 3 - 5 minutes, in the meantime you take the picture with them.

Another way to interact with pands is to join in the panda volunteer work, during this program, you will have chance to interact with them, but please don't touch them without the permission.
Can we visit pandas in winter?

Yes, you can. Normal panda tours are arranged all year around.
Why to choose a panda wolunteer work at Panda Base?

In general, if working in the Panda Base, you will have more time to view the giant panda activity such as mother playing with baby, panda cub sukling, holding for play, panda sleeping in tree, hanging up in the tree, struggle each other, climbing up, eating, napping etc..
What is the volunteering time?

Normally the volunteer work starts from the 8:30 in the morning and ends around 4:30 in the afternoon.

If you have any sepcific requirements, the working hours can be slightly adjusted depend on yourself.
What kind of volunteering work can I take?

There are three kinds of volunteers work provided by Panda Reserves, the assistant of panda keeper, the clerk of Panda Club and the interpreter of Panda Garden.
Where can I take food when I do volunteer work?

At Chengdu Panda Center, tourists can take the food at the restaurant inside of the Panda base; and Bifengxia, tourists can take the food from the hostel to the Panda base. They offer local Chinese style food, costs around 4-8USD per person.
How do I confirm the panda volunteer work?

It is very easy to attend Panda volunteer work, you just need to confirm your volunteer work time, and send us your passport copy, we can arrange everything in advance. In order to volunteer, you should be in generally good health, so we advise you to bring a statement from your Doctor stating that you are in good health. Children under the age of 10 are generally not allowed to volunteer. If they want to take this volunteer work, they need have adults accompanied.

To take the Panda Volunteer work tour at Bifengxia Panda Center, a physical examination record from your docotor is required. When you confirm the panda volunteer work with us, we will send you this forml. Your physical examination record is just certify that you have not any history of infectious disease, and certify you are healthy now, the aim is to keep pandas away from any virus.

We keep the right to postpone your time to volunteer if some important projects need to be done in Reserves or too busy to arrange your volunteering.

Since you will have your own Panda keeper as your teacher, we suggest you bring some gift to your keepers.
Internet application available?

Yes, you can use the internet & computer at the noon time in the Club House for all our arranged volunteering tourists, as well as you can have a rest in the Club House for the noon time.
Do I need special clothes when I do the volunteer work at panda reserves?

Yes, you need the special clothes, which are provided by the Panda Reserves. At Chengdu Panda Reserves you don't need pay any extra for the clothes rental, but at Bifengxia you need pay 150RMB per suite for the clothes, if you take the volunteer work for over 5-6 days you may need to rent two suites.
Can children take the panda volunteer work?

Children under the age of 10 are generally not allowed to volunteering alone. If they want to take this volunteer work, they need have adults accompanied, and the cost is the same as adult for children.

Jiuzhaigou FAQ

When is the best time to visit Jiuzhaigou National Park

Autumn is the best time to visit Jiuzhaigou, especially in September and October. Different kinds of multi colored trees and plants reflect in the blue and green lakes, offering impressive scenery to make for a fantastic trip.

The other seasons offer different scenery at Jiuzhaigou. In spring, trees turn different hues of green and shine in the sun. Summer is the most picturesque season in Jiuzhaigou when there are many green trees and beautiful flowers. In winter snow covered trees reflect in brightly colored frozen lakes.

Read more Jiuzhaigou travel tips.
What to eat in Jiuzhaigou?

Eating delicious food while enjoying wonderful landscapes is one of the pleasantest things about travel. Travelers to Jiuzhaigou can enjoy a variety of local foods including Tibetan food, Sichuan food and traditional snacks. Because of the high attitude, food and daily necessities in Jiuzhaigou are supplied from nearby towns and villages, making the prices high compared to Chengdu.

There are many restaurants near the park gate and throughout Jiuzhaigou Valley offering local Tibetan food, such as butter tea, highland wine, qingke barley cake and yak meat. If you aren't accustomed to the flavor of Tibetan food, you might prefer traditional Sichuan food. Sichuan restaurants are usually located near most star-rated hotels, including the Sheraton Jiuzhaigou Resort and Gesang Hotel. Read more Jiuzhaigou travel tips.
How to travel to Jiuzhaigou?
There are three (3) main ways to get to Jiuzhaigou.
1. The most convenient way to travel to Jiuzhaigou is by air. The flight from Chengdu to Jiuhuang airport only takes 45 minutes.
  
  You can either fly from Chonqing, Beijing or Shanghai.
2. Driving a car is also a good choice, because you can enjoy beautiful landscape during the 8 hour drive. Read more car rental information here.
3. A 10 hour bus ride is another option. Buses leave from Chengdu Xinnanmen and Chadianzi Bus Station every morning from 7-8 o'clock.
If you would like a relaxing tour to Jiuzhaigou, we would be glad to make a tailor-made itinerary for you. Click to know more travel information about Jiuzhaigou.
Should I worry about the high altitude sickness in Jiuzhaigou?

No. With an average altitude of 2,500 m. (8,202 ft.), Jiuzhaigou National Park does not belong to alpine areas. Most of travelers will not feel any uncomfortable symptoms of high altitude sickness.

If you are not sure about your physical condition, please ask your doctor for professional advices before coming to Jiuzhaigou.
What should I pack when traveling to Jiuzhaigou in different seasons?

Spring: The average temperature of Jiuzhaigou in Spring ranges from 6 to 12 degrees. Usually it is warm during the daytime but quite cold at night. You can dress a T -shirt or thin coat during the daytime and plus an overcoat in the earning morning and evening. Sunscreen and moisturizer products are also should be on your packing list.

Summer: The average temperature of Jiuzhaigou in Summer varies from 13 to 21 degrees. Summer is also the rainy season of Jiuzhaigou. The wearing tips are T-shirts, dusts coat and jeans. It is nice and cool during early morning and evening, so a dust coat is a wise decision too. At last, you should not miss your sunglasses, sunbonnet, sun lotion and umbrella.

Fall: Jiuzhaigou enjoys its most beautiful appearance in fall. The difference in temperature between day and night is bigger than in Summer. In fall, you should bring with thin sweater and thick coat to Jiuzhaigou.

Winter: The Jiuzhaigou in Winter is dry and cold, with an average temperature ranging from 0 to 3 degrees. You should wear down coat or thick coat, trousers to keep warm. Do not forget to wear a hat and a sunglass.
Do I need to pay more money for double entry in Jiuzhaigou?

Yes. During the peak season (from April. 1st to Nov. 15th), you have to pay the entrance ticket and sightseeing bus fee once again if you want to double enter Jiuzhaigou in 2 days, which is 310 Yuan in total.

While in the off season (from Nov. 16th to Mar. 31th), you only need to add 20 Yuan plus the sightseeing bus fee, which is 80 Yuan, to get the access for the double entry in Jiuzhaigou.