FAQs
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Arrival
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When should I arrive? It depends on your travel plans! Close family & bridal party — We'd love to have you there 2–3 days before the wedding (by Thursday, October 15, 2026). There will be pre-wedding gatherings and we want to celebrate with you early! All other guests — We recommend arriving at least 1 day before the wedding. That said, if you'd like to come early and hang out, you are more than welcome — the more the merrier! The celebration spans multiple days so plan accordingly. Explorers — Many guests are using this as an opportunity to see more of China. Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu are all popular stops on the way. Check our Travel page for ideas!
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Dress Code
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What should I wear? We want you to feel comfortable and celebrate in whatever makes you happy! Here are some loose guidelines: Dress level — Smart casual is perfectly fine. Some guests will dress up, some will keep it relaxed — both are welcome. Avoid white and black — In traditional Chinese culture, white and black are associated with mourning and are not appropriate for weddings. Avoid red for guests — The bride will be wearing a stunning traditional red empress gown (think ancient dynasty!), so we ask guests to reserve red for the bride. Bold and festive colors are always a great choice — think pink, gold, purple, and jewel tones. Interested in wearing a Qipao or traditional Chinese attire? We love this idea and are happy to help! We can arrange a visit to a local bridal rental studio in Dazu for guests who would like to wear a Qipao, a traditional Chinese dress, or other event wear for the celebration. If you're interested, please reach out to us in advance so we can coordinate. This is a wonderful way to embrace the tradition — and makes for incredible photos!
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VPN
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Do I need a VPN in China? Many apps and websites you use daily are blocked in mainland China, including Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Gmail. Here's what to know: If you have an international roaming plan with your US carrier (for example, Verizon offers a monthly international plan), you can often access blocked apps like Instagram directly on cellular data without needing a VPN. Check with your carrier before you leave. If you plan to use local WiFi (hotels, restaurants, etc.), a VPN is recommended. Download and set it up before you leave home — VPN apps can be difficult to download once you're in China. Popular options include ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Bottom line — Sort out your phone plan or VPN before your flight and you'll be set.
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Should I set up WeChat? Yes — WeChat is essential in China and our primary way of communicating on the ground. It's used for messaging, calls, payments, and more. Download WeChat before you arrive Set up WeChat Pay by linking an international credit card (Visa and Mastercard are supported) — this makes paying for almost everything in China seamless Add us on WeChat so we can easily coordinate with you: [Your WeChat ID here]
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Currency
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What currency should I use? The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (RMB, ¥). A few tips: WeChat Pay and Alipay are by far the most common payment methods — many small vendors are nearly cash-free. Setting up WeChat Pay is highly recommended. Cash is still accepted but less common. A small amount (¥500–1000) is handy for emergencies. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants but don't rely on them everywhere. ATMs are widely available — look for ones displaying UnionPay, Visa, or Mastercard logos.
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Emergency
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What are the emergency numbers in China? Save these in your phone before you leave home — these work from any phone, including locked phones and phones without SIM cards: China Survival Kit 🚔 110 — Police (also use for theft, lost passport, traffic accidents, any crime) 🚑 120 — Ambulance / Medical emergency 🚒 119 — Fire 🚗 122 — Traffic accidents Important note: most operators speak Mandarin only. A few tips for US guests: China Survival Kit Take a photo of your hotel's Chinese address when you check in — you'll need it to tell operators where you are Use Google Translate or show your phone screen to people nearby for help For serious emergencies involving US citizens (arrest, major accident, lost passport), contact the US Embassy in Beijing: +86 10-8531-4000 (24/7) We will also be reachable on WeChat throughout the trip — don't hesitate to reach out to us directly if you need help on the ground.
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Cultural Tips | Taboos
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Any cultural tips or taboos I should know? We love that you asked! Here are a few things to keep in mind as a guest at a traditional Chinese wedding — nothing complicated, just good to know: At the wedding: No white or black attire — as mentioned in the dress code section, these are associated with mourning in Chinese culture Don't upstage the bride — avoid overly bright or bold outfits that draw attention away from the couple The fish dish is special — steamed fish is a traditional wedding banquet dish. Don't flip the fish over or break the bones; it's considered bad luck for the newlyweds Red envelopes (红包, hóngbāo) are the norm — cash gifts in a red envelope are the traditional and most appreciated wedding gift in China. Avoid amounts with the number 4 (sounds like "death" in Chinese) and favor amounts with 8s (sounds like "prosper") Don't give clocks as gifts — giving a clock is a common taboo in Chinese culture as it sounds like "attending someone's death" General China etiquette: Use both hands when giving or receiving gifts, business cards, or anything of importance — it's a sign of respect Pointing with one finger is considered rude — use your whole hand to gesture Loud toasting is encouraged! — "干杯" (gān bēi, "bottoms up!") is very much part of the celebration Take off your shoes if you're invited into someone's home — this applies to Yini's family home A few general superstitions good to know: The number 4 is considered unlucky (sounds like "death") — you'll notice it's often skipped in building floor numbers and room numbers The number 8 is very lucky — embrace it! The number 9 is especially lucky for love and marriage — it sounds like 久 (jiǔ), meaning "everlasting."
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Lucky Numbers in China
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A quick guide to lucky (and unlucky) numbers in China: 9 is especially lucky for love and marriage — it sounds like 久 (jiǔ), meaning "everlasting." That's why giving 99 roses is a classic romantic gesture meaning "I'll love you forever," and red envelopes of ¥999 or ¥9,999 are traditional wedding gifts symbolizing a long-lasting marriage Study Cli 8 is the luckiest number overall — sounds like "prosper" or "get rich." Amounts like ¥88, ¥188, or ¥888 in a red envelope are all great choices 6 is also lucky — sounds like "smooth sailing," implying a harmonious life. ¥66 or ¥666 in a red envelope works too 4 is unlucky — sounds like "death." Avoid it in red envelope amounts, and don't be surprised if buildings skip the 4th floor entirely 666 in Chinese internet slang actually means "awesome" — completely opposite to Western connotations, so don't be alarmed if you see it!
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Legal Matters
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Things that are legal in the US but restricted or illegal in China No need to stress — just a few things worth knowing before you go: 🚫 Cannabis & CBD — All cannabis products are completely illegal in China regardless of your home state's laws. This includes edibles, oils, and CBD. Do not bring any. Penalties are severe. 💊 Some US prescription medications — Certain common US prescriptions are restricted in China. Check with the Chinese Embassy or your doctor beforehand, and always carry your prescription documentation in original labeled bottles. 📸 Photography — Avoid photographing military zones, government buildings, and police. Always check for "No Photography" signs, especially at temples and official sites. 🚁 Drones — Require a permit and are restricted in many areas. Leave yours at home unless you've sorted the paperwork in advance. 🛂 Carry your passport at all times — A photo on your phone is not sufficient. Keep the physical document on you. 📋 Hotel registration — Hotels handle this automatically at check-in. If staying at a private residence, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours. 🗣️ Political discussions — Public criticism of the government can have legal consequences. Keep it to culture, food, and celebration — which is exactly what we're there for!
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Border & Customs
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Border control & customs — what to know before you land China's border control is efficient but strict. A few things to be prepared for: At the border: Have your passport and printed visa ready — border officials can deny entry without explanation, and the US government cannot intervene on your behalf. U.S. Department of State You will be fingerprinted and photographed at immigration — this is standard for all foreign visitors Register at your hotel within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels do this automatically at check-in. If staying at a private residence, register at the local police station. U.S. Department of State Do not bring: 🚫 Any cannabis or drug products — zero tolerance, severe penalties 🚫 Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, or dairy from other countries 🚫 Politically sensitive printed materials or media 🚫 More than ¥20,000 RMB in Chinese currency 🚫 More than $5,000 USD equivalent in foreign cash without declaring it Declare at customs: Foreign currency over $5,000 USD equivalent must be declared. Keep amounts manageable and rely on WeChat Pay or cards where possible Roafly Prescription medications: Bring only what you need for personal use Keep all medications in original labeled bottles with your prescription documentation
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Weather
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🌤️ What's the weather like in October in Chongqing? October is one of the best times to visit! Expect daytime temps around 23°C (73°F) and cooler evenings around 16°C (61°F) — pleasant and not too hot. Weather and Climate That said, drizzles are common in October, though usually light enough not to disrupt outdoor plans. Chongqing is nicknamed the "Fog City" — misty mornings are part of the charm! Travel China Guide What to pack: 🧥 Light layers + a jacket for evenings ☂️ Compact umbrella or packable rain jacket — don't skip this! 👟 Comfortable, water-resistant walking shoes
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Tipping
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Is tipping expected in China? No — tipping is not customary in China and in some cases can even be considered awkward or unnecessary. You do not need to tip at restaurants, hotels, or for taxi rides. The one exception is private tour guides, where a small tip is appreciated but never required.
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Time Zone
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What's the time difference between China and the US West Coast? China Standard Time (CST) is UTC+8, which is 15 hours ahead of Los Angeles (PDT) in summer and 16 hours ahead in standard time. So when it's 9am in Chongqing, it's 6pm the previous day in LA. A good tip: schedule calls with family back home in the morning China time — that's evening in California, perfect for a quick check-in.
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Dietary / Allergies
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Any tips for guests with dietary restrictions or food allergies? Chinese wedding banquets are multi-course feasts and truly one of the highlights of the celebration! Most dishes are shared family-style. A few things to note: Many dishes contain soy, shellfish, pork, or nuts — common allergens worth being aware of Vegetarian options are available but may be limited at a traditional banquet If you have a serious allergy, please let us know in advance so we can flag it with the kitchen Chongqing cuisine is famously spicy — if you have a low spice tolerance, don't worry, there will be milder dishes too!
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Dazu
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Getting around locally in Dazu Once you're in Dazu District, getting around is easy: DiDi — China's equivalent of Uber, widely used and affordable. Download the app before you arrive and set it up with an international payment method Local taxis — readily available, though drivers may not speak English. Having your hotel's address in Chinese is helpful (ask at check-in) Wedding events — we will do our best to coordinate group transportation between key event locations. Details to follow closer to the date!
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Gift 🧧
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🧧 Should I bring a gift to the wedding? In Chinese wedding tradition, cash gifts in a red envelope — called a 红包 🧧 (hóngbāo, pronounced "hong bao") — are the customary way to celebrate the couple. Rather than physical gifts, guests traditionally present a red envelope with cash as a symbol of good wishes and prosperity for the newlyweds. See our numbers guide above for lucky amounts to include! That said, we are so touched that so many of you are traveling all the way to Chongqing to celebrate with us. Your presence is truly the greatest gift — please do not feel any obligation to bring anything at all. Just come ready to eat, celebrate, and have an incredible time! 🥂
