Things To Do
in Gaoping

A quick, spicy noodle dish served with chili oil, minced pickles and scallions — widely available at local noodle shops and breakfast stalls.

Must-Try!

A communal simmering pot of meats, offal and vegetables in a numbing-spicy broth; best enjoyed at local hotpot restaurants with friends in the evening.

Locally caught fish braised with chilies, garlic and fermented bean paste, available in family-style restaurants near waterways.

Home-style tofu dishes often cooked with preserved vegetables and chili — a good option for lighter or vegetarian meals.

Local produce, live fish and meat stalls where you can sample warm dumplings, steamed buns and freshly made soy milk; excellent for candid photography and casual tastings.

Cluster of street vendors selling skewers, rice pancakes, stinky tofu, and sweet fried dough — go hungry and try a few small plates to experience local flavors.

A polite nod or brief handshake is sufficient for many encounters. Address elders first and show respect to older community members.

Remove shoes when entering private homes; hosts will often provide slippers — check first to avoid causing offense.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially inside temples or during religious rituals. Many locals appreciate a brief greeting before taking photos.

Meals are communal; try a little of each dish, leave some food on your plate rather than finishing everything (which can be seen as overeager), and use serving chopsticks when provided.

Tipping is not generally expected in small towns; polite refusal is common if offered. In higher-end hotels or tourist services, small tips may be welcome but are not obligatory.

Mobile payments via Alipay and WeChat Pay are ubiquitous and often preferred; cash (Chinese yuan, CNY) is still widely accepted in markets and rural vendors. Ensure you have some cash for small purchases and places that don’t accept foreign cards.

Mild temperatures and blossoming vegetation make spring pleasant for walks and flower photography; occasional rain showers so bring a light rain jacket.

Hot, humid and often rainy with the monsoon season peaking mid-year; expect high humidity, frequent afternoon storms and plenty of insects — hydrate and avoid midday exertion.

Clearer skies, cooler days and comfortable evenings make autumn the most pleasant season for hiking and outdoor photography; bring a light jacket for mornings and nights.

Cool and damp rather than cold and dry; temperatures can be chilly, especially at night, with occasional fog and less appeal for swimming or extended outdoor activities — pack layers and a warm coat.

The main international airport serving the region; reachable by road and rail links — expect a 2–3 hour drive depending on traffic. Offers domestic and some international flights, plus frequent connections to major Chinese cities.

Larger airports in neighboring Sichuan province (longer drive, 3–4+ hours) with extensive domestic and international routes; can be useful if combining a Chengdu–Chongqing itinerary.