Rental Companies
Well-known on-line travel companies such as Expedia and Travelocity will reserve a rental car in Chengdu for the traveler. The airport also has numerous car rental companies with good prices to choose from.
Prices
The average prices for car rentals in Chengdu range from $9.45 to $12.00 a day. If you are hiring a driver, there will be an additional charge.
Requirements
The tourist visiting Chengdu should be aware there are several requirements to rent a car in China:
• A valid Chinese drivers license which has been held for two years (International drivers license is not accepted)
• A Chengdu district passbook, or a local resident who will act as guarantor
• An identity card or passport
There are many driving rules to learn in order to obtain a Chinese drivers license. It may also be expensive. To rent a car in China one must be at least 23 years old and not more than 60.
Alternatives
The traveler may rent a car and driver. ComfortDelGro Rent-A-Car (Chengdu) Co Ltd., a Singapore based company, has been given excellent ratings for its clean cars and good drivers. It is important to choose a driver who speaks and understands English, and who will take you to the sites you wish to visit. The public transportation system in China is excellent as well. Travel is available by bus, tourbus, cab, and pedicab.
Warnings
Tourists should beware of the railway station area and generally of pickpockets. Pay attention to local customs, and respect the monuments. Be careful not to offend locals.
Weather may change rapidly in the area of Chengdu. There are some bad roads. Accidents may hold up traffic for hours.
Area
Chengdu is the capital of the Sichuan province. The city is a cultural and industrial center with a history of over 2,000 years. The best times to visit are between March and June, and September and November.
