What should I pack for a trip to Chengdu?

Here's your packing list for Chengdu:

Essential Tech
- VPN installed before arrival - absolutely essential for accessing Western websites
- Power adapter - China uses Type A, C, I plugs. Voltage is 220V.
- Portable power bank - for all-day sightseeing
- Phone with offline translation - download Chinese language pack for Google Translate

Money
- Credit/debit card from your home country
- Some cash in your local currency to exchange on arrival
- ATM card for withdrawing Chinese cash

Clothing by Season:
- Spring (Mar-May): Layers, light jacket, sweater, umbrella
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Light breathable clothes, shorts, t-shirts, rain jacket, sunscreen
- Autumn (Sep-Nov): Layers, light jacket, long pants, sweater
- Winter (Dec-Feb): Warm layers, coat, sweater - it's cold and damp

General Items:
- Comfortable walking shoes - you'll walk a lot
- Umbrella/rain jacket - it rains year-round unexpectedly
- Sunscreen - even on cloudy days
- Basic medications - bring any prescription drugs you need
- Hand sanitizer - useful when out and about
- Copies of important documents - passport, visa, hotel confirmations

Optional but Useful:
- Reusable water bottle - tap water isn't drinkable directly
- Light daypack - for daily sightseeing
- Mouthwash - after eating spicy food if you're sensitive

That's it! You don't need anything special that you wouldn't normally bring traveling.