Voltage & Frequency: Chengdu uses 220V AC with 50Hz frequency. This is standard throughout mainland China. Devices from countries using 110V may not be compatible without voltage conversion.
Plug Types: China primarily uses Type A (two flat parallel pins), Type C (two round pins in line), Type I (two flat parallel angled pins and grounding pin), and Type B (three rectangular pins) plugs. No single universal standard exists; multiple outlet types are common in the same building.
Adapters & Converters: Purchase a multi-adapter supporting types A, C, and I before arrival. These are inexpensive (¥30-100) and widely available in China. USB power adapters work with any voltage globally—highly recommended for phone and tablet charging.
Power Reliability: Electricity supply is reliable throughout Chengdu with rare outages. Hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers have consistent power. Power surges occur occasionally; surge protectors are advisable for electronics.
Charging Options: Hotels provide charging points in rooms. Coffee shops and restaurants throughout the city offer USB charging. Power banks are inexpensive (¥50-150) and convenient for sightseeing days.
Battery Considerations: If bringing specialized electronics (medical devices, specific power requirements), bring extra batteries and backup devices. Service centers may be limited for non-standard equipment.