Chongqing is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. This is a bustling city and an important political and economic center in China’s west. The busy metropolis with its tall skyscrapers is crisscrossed with rivers and mountains; the Daba and Wu Mountains provide a scenic backdrop to the city.
But to enjoy this city to its fullest, you must know where to go. Let us help you make the best of your time in Chongqing. But first, we need to make sure you’re prepared for your trip with travel medical insurance or travel insurance.
Chongqing Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers — FAQs
Chongqing is a magnificent city to visit. It packs the complete Oriental experience into a neat bundle, and tourists are sure to have an amazing time exploring this city. But the many risks the city poses to tourists point to the need for travel medical insurance.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Chongqing?
No, you do not need a travel medical insurance plan for Chongqing. There is no compulsion by the Chinese government to buy travel medical insurance. However, purchasing vacation insurance is highly recommended. Here’s why:
Why buy travel medical insurance for Chongqing?
You may be thinking you don’t need travel medical insurance for your trip to Chongqing. But then how would you pay your medical bills in Chongqing if a medical emergency were to take place? We all know how costly healthcare can get. Your domestic health insurance is unlikely to be accepted in Chongqing, so you would be responsible for paying all of these bills yourself.
To avoid risking financial instability, buy travel medical insurance. Secure your healthcare in Chongqing.
Chongqing Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers — FAQs
We’ve all had to cancel plans before. It can be disappointing. However, when those plans include an international flight, it can also be expensive. Trip cancellation insurance is designed to mitigate the financial risk of traveling abroad, if you get put in a situation where your trip cannot go forward as planned.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Chongqing?
The biggest chunks of international travel – airfare and accommodations – must be prepaid. And the charges are usually nonrefundable. If you suddenly are unable to take your trip, you could be out a significant amount of money, with no way to get it back. Trip cancellation insurance is designed to help avoid this situation.
If you must cancel your trip for a reason that’s covered by your travel insurance policy, it can reimburse you for your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses. Travel insurance allows you to book big travel plans with less worry about unexpected situations.
What can be covered under trip cancellation insurance for Chongqing?
For your trip to Chongqing, there are certain basic coverages which you should make sure are included in your plan. However, keep in mind that not all travel insurance plans are the same. Generally, they will offer coverage such as:
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- Travel delay
- Loss of baggage
- Ancillary benefits such as emergency cash transfer or passport replacement
Depending on the plan, you may be able to get coverage for emergency medical evacuation, and even the option to cancel for any reason.
To make sure that you don’t lose your hard-earned money, buy travel insurance.
Things To Do for Travelers in Chongqing
Chongqing Zoo
Home to many rare species of animals (such as the giant panda and the South China tiger), Chongqing Zoo is one of the top tourist attractions in Chongqing. This conservation center will appeal to animal lovers; it’s also a great place for a family outing.
Here, you’ll not only find natural landscapes and exotic animals, but also other places of enjoyment:
- An amusement park
- A skating rink
- A restaurant
Fengdu Ghost City
After visiting Chongqing Zoo, take a cable car and head over to Ming Mountain in Fengdu County. What awaits you here is a historical and cultural destination like none other. the Fengdu Ghost City is a complex filled with monasteries, shrines, and temples that have been dedicated to the dead. The buildings, structures, and statues here are testaments to Buddhist beliefs in the afterlife.
Dazu Rock Carvings
If you’re visiting Chongqing, you should definitely check out the Dazu Rock Carvings — after all, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is not something you should miss out on.
Along Mount Baoding and the Dazu hillsides, there are carvings and inscriptions written in Chinese characters. These date back to as early as the 9th century and provide an interesting insight into the history and culture of China.
Three Natural Bridges
Chongqing is a busy and bustling city — but it can get a bit tiring at times. To take a break from the hustle and bustle, head over to the Wulong Karst National Geology Park, and admire the three natural limestone bridges (Heilong, Tianlong, and Qinglong).
You’ll find peace in the serene atmosphere of the park, which is complete with lush greenery and clear streams.
Three Gorges Museum
Home to various educational exhibits featuring cultural artifacts and art pieces, Three Gorges Museum is an important part of the heritage of Chongqing and China. You can explore the antique paintings, calligraphy, and sculptures in the museum.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Chongqing
Traffic
Chongqing is a heavily populated city. As a result, the roads of Chongqing are extremely congested — traffic jams are frequent. The narrow roads only worsen the problem.
Traffic is aggressive, with drivers breaking traffic laws left and right. Foreigners used to milder traffic conditions might have some difficulty driving in Chongqing.
Heat
You know you’re walking into a tropical city when it’s called one of the four “furnaces” of China. With temperatures averaging 90–94°F in summer, Chongqing can get unbearably hot. For tourists used to a more forgiving climate, the heat and humidity in Chongqing can be a real problem.
Wear light-colored cotton clothes. Carry sunscreen to shield yourself from the sun.
Pollution
Be it because of overpopulation or the rapid industrialization of the 1980s, Chongqing air quality is not ideal. This may be a bustling megacity — but it’s a highly polluted one. The particulate matter in the air can be harmful to breathe.
A good idea is to wear an N-95 mask before stepping out onto the streets of Chongqing.
Spice
As the “Spicy Food Capital of China”, Chongqing serves food that can be a bit too hot for the tastebuds if you are a tourist. You should definitely try authentic Chongqing cuisines. But be warned: the food here is often too spicy for foreigners to handle. Eat only as much as you can bear; don’t go overboard. Eating a lot of spices can be bad for the digestive system.
Pickpockets
As with all popular destinations of travel, Chongqing has its problems with pickpockets. You should watch out for thieves while in crowds, or while touring popular tourist destinations. Carry a slash-proof bag to avoid getting your valuables (specifically your passport) stolen.
Before You Travel to Chongqing — Do This
Pack the following:
- Sunscreen (SPF 35+) to avoid tanning or sunburns
- An N-95 mask for the pollution
Buy a slash-proof bag
To keep your valuables safe from the pickpockets in Chongqing, invest in a slash-proof bag to take along with you on your trip.
Buy insurance
Without a doubt, this is the most important preparation to make for your trip to Chongqing. Don’t leave things up to chance or fate — buy travel medical insurance or travel insurance.