A mild, humid, often overcast climate

Chengdu has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and warm, humid summers. It is famous for being overcast and grey much of the year — sunshine is genuinely limited — and for high humidity, which makes both summer heat and winter damp feel stronger. Winter is mild, usually above freezing, but damp and without much heating; summer reaches the low-to-mid 30s °C with frequent rain. Fog and haze occur, especially in winter.

Sort the paperwork first, then start exploring

1. Confirm where and when to register, as stated in your admission notice
2. Check into your dormitory or complete accommodation registration
3. Complete the document checks, medical examination and insurance your university requires
4. Set up your campus card, SIM card, bank card and everyday payment apps
5. Locate the campus clinic, the international student office and emergency contacts

Cheap, convenient and easy to get around

Chengdu has a modern, growing metro network and a very large shared-bike system — the flat terrain makes cycling genuinely practical. Food is one of the city's great advantages: street food, noodle shops and small restaurants are inexpensive and everywhere, and campus canteens are famously good value. The local rhythm is unhurried; expect people to linger over tea and meals, which many students find a pleasant contrast to faster coastal cities.

Confirm your housing first, then work out monthly costs

On-campus places, room types and opening dates are arranged by the university. Chengdu's living costs are among the lowest of China's major cities, which makes it a comfortable choice for students on a budget. Once you are admitted, apply for a dormitory early if you want one, and check the distance if you consider living off campus.

Sichuan culture: tea, opera and a world-famous kitchen

Chengdu is the heart of Sichuan (巴蜀) culture. Its teahouses (茶馆) are social institutions — bamboo chairs, refilled cups, endless conversation — and the long-spout pour is a local performance art. Sichuan opera (川剧) is known for face-changing (变脸), and the city is dotted with temples, parks and old lanes such as Kuanzhai Xiangzi (宽窄巷子) and Jinli (锦里). The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a short trip from the centre. Because the climate is mild and the culture convivial, Chengdu is often described as one of the easiest Chinese cities for newcomers to feel at home in.

Numbing and spicy — but also gentle and cheap

Sichuan cooking is one of China's great cuisines, built on 花椒 (huājiāo, Sichuan peppercorn — the "numbing" spice, 麻) and chilli. Expect 火锅 (huǒguō, hotpot) as a social ritual, 麻婆豆腐 (mapo tofu), 担担面 (dan dan noodles), 夫妻肺片 (fuqi feipian) and 串串 (chuanchuan, skewers). If you find it too hot, ask for 微辣 (mild) or 不辣 (not spicy) — most kitchens accommodate. Halal (清真) restaurants are available; Buddhist-vegetarian food exists near temples. Campus canteens are cheap and varied, and delivery is easy.

Festivals shape the academic year: 春节 (Spring Festival, usually late January–February) shuts campuses for weeks, so book travel home early; 国庆 (National Day, 1 October) brings a week-long holiday and crowded transport; 中秋 (Mid-Autumn) and 端午 (Dragon Boat) are quieter. Chengdu's 灯会 (Lantern Festival) and temple fairs are lively. Freedom of belief is protected; temples such as Wenshu Monastery (文殊院) welcome respectful visitors. For any prayer or worship space, confirm arrangements with your international student office rather than assuming.

Set up the everyday toolkit in your first days

• WeChat (微信) — chat and group notices, plus WeChat Pay; universities push announcements here and you scan to pay in canteens and taxis.
• Alipay (支付宝) — Alipay Pay and transit codes for metro/bus; both apps accept major international cards for visitors, but keep some cash as backup.
• 高德地图 / 百度地图 (maps), 滴滴出行 (ride-hailing), 12306 (train tickets), 美团 / 饿了么 (food delivery).