GLOSSARY

Room & full board provided by the host family. Confirm bathroom access, Wi-Fi, laundry and curfew in writing.

Top mobile wallet with WeChat Pay. Verify identity; link a card to pay by QR (metro, groceries, delivery).

Legalization of official documents (birth certificate, background check) sometimes requested for visas or school files.

Live with a Chinese host family, help with childcare/light tasks, learn Mandarin and experience daily culture.

Common word for domestic helper. Some families have an “ayi” who handles cleaning/cooking alongside the au pair.

Popular local map app. Combine with Apple/Google Maps for English search; use DiDi for taxis.

Green trails near Chengdu—great for half-day hikes and photos. Pair with Mount Qingcheng or Dujiangyan.

Local friend for Mandarin–English exchange. Universities & expat groups organize regular matchups.

Traditional brush writing. Parks & cultural centers in Chengdu offer friendly beginner classes.

Top attraction to see giant & red pandas. Go early morning and pre-book during holidays.

Fragrant oil used on dumplings, noodles and hotpot dips. Delivers warm, deep heat.

12-animal cycle in decor & gifts. Asking someone’s zodiac is a fun cultural icebreaker.

Book at the Chinese VAC/embassy to submit documents & biometrics for your visa.

Chengdu classic with nutty, spicy sauce, minced pork and chili oil. Add peppercorn for the “má-là”.

Early-summer holiday with boat races and zòngzi (sticky-rice dumplings).

2,000-year-old water project still used today. Pair with Mount Qingcheng for a day trip.

Quirky, gentle service offered by pros in tea houses & parks—very local and relaxing.

Handles residence permits, visa changes & extensions. Appointments recommended.

Theatre art with instant mask switches—night shows in heritage venues are a must-see.

Endless options delivered fast. Use in-app translation; pay with Alipay/WeChat QR.

Chengdu’s symbol. Best time is early morning when pandas are active and feeding.

Late-autumn streets turn gold—campuses & parks are perfect for photo walks.

Massive holiday crowds & sold-out trains. Avoid long trips if possible.

Bring international coverage. Private clinics offer English service; keep receipts for claims.

Fast trains from Chengdu to Chongqing, Xi’an, Guilin and more. Book with passport number.

Screened family offering room, board & cultural immersion. Align expectations and schedule.

Iconic spicy communal meal. Try “yuan-yang” broth (half spicy/half clear) if you’re new to heat.

Official Mandarin test from HSK1 to HSK6. A great benchmark for schools and visas.

China’s household registry. Influences schooling/services—useful context in policy talk.

Rechargeable metro/bus card. Tap to ride; some cities allow linking to phone for QR entry.

Issued by school/company/organizer—details must match your passport exactly.

Hydrate, adjust sleep before flying, and get sunlight on arrival to reset faster.

Restored street near Wuhou Shrine with snacks, souvenirs & colorful night lights.

Private rooms with snacks—great for bonding with colleagues and friends.

Historic lanes with tea houses and courtyards—classic Chengdu stroll.

Diced chicken, peanuts & chilies in a sweet-savory glaze—bolder than western versions.

Ends Lunar New Year with lanterns & sweet rice balls (tāngyuán)—great night photos.

71-m Buddha carved into a cliff. Boat views avoid long stair queues.

Register address within 24h (hotels do it). Keep the slip for bank/SIM/permit.

Beloved pastime in tea houses & parks—great way to practise numbers and small talk.

Silky tofu in a spicy, numbing sauce with chili bean paste—pure Chengdu comfort.

Sometimes required for residence permits. Bring passport, photos & vaccination records.

Clean, cheap, efficient. Enter with QR or IC card; English signage is common.

Starts Golden Week. Expect packed transports & sights—book early or explore locally.

Signature Sichuan flavour: peppercorn brings “má” (numbing) + chilies the “là” heat.

First days to settle: paperwork, metro card, SIM, neighbourhood tour and safety brief.

Traditional show with face-changing, fire spitting and live music—an evening favorite.

Volunteer-style day at certain bases including feeding/cleaning tasks—pre-book only.

Tea houses, ear-cleaners, park calligraphy & match-making corner—pure Chengdu vibes.

Romanization of Mandarin sounds; essential for pronunciation & typing.

Scan to pay via WeChat Pay/Alipay—used everywhere. Keep some cash for small towns.

Birthplace of Taoism with misty paths & temples. Easy day trip; pair with Dujiangyan.

Cash gift in red packets for holidays and celebrations—symbol of luck & good wishes.

Multi-entry permit inside your passport allowing legal stay for months/years.

Generally very safe. Use common sense at night and watch belongings in crowds.

Bold flavors (chilies, peppercorn, garlic & fermented pastes)—from mild to má-là.

China’s biggest holiday—book trains & flights far in advance.

E-commerce giants for everything from bedding to snacks. Use parcel lockers & QR payments.

Relaxed tea culture in parks & tea houses; long-spout kettles are a local showpiece.

Short-term sightseeing visa. Requires hotel/itinerary & financial proof; extensions are limited.

Mount Qingcheng, Dujiangyan & Leshan Giant Buddha—easy day trips from Chengdu.

Third-party center which handles intake & biometrics for many Chinese visas.

China’s super-app for messaging & payments—essential to communicate with the host family.

Payment feature inside WeChat. Verify identity to unlock transfers, bills and QR purchases.

For programs > 6 months. Convert to a residence permit after arrival.

For study up to 6 months. Popular for Mandarin courses & short au pair stays.

Asia’s longest river. Scenic sections & cruises are accessible from Sichuan & nearby provinces.

Refreshing fermented milk sold cold in glass bottles—a popular companion to spicy snacks.

Animal cycle shaping decorations, gifts & customs. Asking someone’s sign is a fun intro.

Sticky-rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves for Dragon Boat Festival—sweet or savoury.