What is the cost of living in Zigong?

Are you considering moving to Zigong, China? One of the most important things to consider before moving to a new place is its cost of living. Zigong is a city located in the Sichuan province of China with a population of over 1.2 million people. It is known for its famous Zigong Salt History Museum and its spicy Sichuan cuisine. In this blog post, we will discuss the cost of living in Zigong and provide you with some helpful tips and insights.

Housing costs

If you’re planning to move to Zigong, the first thing you’ll need to consider is housing costs. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Zigong city centre is around CNY 1,100 ($170) per month, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost up to CNY 3,800 ($590) per month. If you are looking for a cheaper option, you can find more affordable housing outside the city centre.

Food and drink expenses

Food and drink expenses in Zigong are generally affordable. The city is known for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, and you can find local food markets selling fresh produce, meat and seafood at reasonable prices. Eating out at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around CNY 30-40 ($5-6) per person, while a meal at a fast-food chain like McDonald’s will cost around CNY 25 ($3.9). A pint of domestic beer costs around CNY 5 ($0.7), and a bottle of water costs around CNY 2 ($0.3).

Transportation costs

Transportation in Zigong is also affordable. A one-way ticket on local transport costs around CNY 2 ($0.3), while a taxi ride will cost you around CNY 10-15 ($1.5-2.3) for a short distance. If you’re planning to take a long-distance bus, the cost varies depending on the distance. For example, a bus journey from Zigong to Chengdu (the capital of Sichuan province), which is around 300 kilometres away, will cost you around CNY 50-60 ($7.7-9.3) one way.

Utility costs

The cost of utilities in Zigong is relatively cheap. The monthly cost of basic utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage disposal for a small apartment is around CNY 250 ($39). If you want to have internet access, you can expect to pay around CNY 80 ($12) per month.

Education costs

If you’re moving to Zigong with children, you’ll need to consider the cost of education. Public schools in China offer free education, but not all classes are taught in English, which can be a challenge for expat students. If you want to enrol your child in an international school in Zigong, you can expect to pay around CNY 100,000-150,000 ($15,500-23,200) per year for tuition fees.

Conclusion

Overall, the cost of living in Zigong is relatively affordable, especially when compared to other major Chinese cities like Beijing or Shanghai. Housing and food expenses are reasonable, and transportation costs are low. However, if you require an international lifestyle, raising a family, and have a western lifestyle, it may not be ideal for you. If you are considering moving to Zigong, we suggest that you research and compare your options before making a decision.

An Insider’s Guide to Zigong

Zigong is a city located in the Sichuan province of China. It is famous for its salt mining history and dinosaur fossils. The city has a rich cultural heritage, incredible food options, and plenty of attractions that make it a perfect destination for tourists. Here is a guide to Zigong that will help you explore the city like a local.

Local Attractions

Zigong has a plethora of attractions that tourists can explore. Here are some of the must-visit spots in the city:

– Zigong Dinosaur Museum: Zigong Dinosaur Museum is a popular destination for tourists. It is one of the largest dinosaur museums in the world and is home to many dinosaur fossils, including the world’s largest stegosaurus fossil.
– Salt Industry History Museum: Zigong is known for its salt mining history, and the Salt Industry History Museum is the best place to learn about it. The museum has many exhibits that showcase the history of the salt industry in Zigong.
– Fuxi Temple: Fuxi Temple is a Taoist temple that dates back to the Tang Dynasty. It is dedicated to Fuxi, the mythical first emperor of China.
– Zigong Lantern Park: Zigong Lantern Park is a beautiful park that comes alive at night with thousands of colorful lanterns. It is a great spot to take some memorable photos.

Dining Spots

Zigong is known for its delicious food options. The city has many local food joints that you must try. Here are some of the local delicacies that you must taste:

– Spicy Frog: Spicy Frog is a popular dish in Zigong. The dish is made with frog meat and spicy Sichuan pepper sauce.
– Zigong Roast Duck: Zigong Roast Duck is a local variation of Peking duck. The duck is roasted with honey, giving it a sweet and savory flavor.
– Zhong Dumplings: Zhong Dumplings are a popular snack in Zigong. They are made with glutinous rice and meat filling and are steamed in bamboo leaves.
– Spicy Pot: Spicy Pot is a hotpot that is popular in Sichuan cuisine. It is made with a variety of meats and vegetables cooked in a spicy broth.

Cultural Experiences

Zigong has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many cultural experiences that tourists can indulge in. Here are some of the cultural experiences that you must try:

– Lantern Festival: The Lantern Festival is celebrated in Zigong every year. It is a traditional festival that is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. During the festival, Zigong Lantern Park is decorated with thousands of lanterns.
– Salt Mine Exploration: Zigong is known for its salt mining history, and tourists can explore the salt mines to see how salt was mined in ancient times.
– Taoist Temples: Zigong has many Taoist temples that date back to the Tang Dynasty. These temples are beautiful structures that showcase the rich heritage of the city.

Local History

Zigong has a fascinating history that is closely tied to its salt mining industry. Here are some of the historical spots that you must visit:

– Zigong Salt History Museum: Zigong Salt History Museum is the best place to learn about the history of the salt industry in Zigong. The museum has many exhibits that showcase the history of salt mining in the city.
– Zigong Salt Museum: Zigong Salt Museum is another museum that is dedicated to the salt industry in Zigong. The museum has many interactive exhibits and demonstrations that showcase the history of salt mining.
– Caideng Historic Street: Caideng Historic Street is a street that is lined with buildings that date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is a great spot to see the architecture of ancient China.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Zigong has many off-the-beaten-path spots that tourists can explore. Here are some of the suggestions that you must consider:

– Shengshui Temple: Shengshui Temple is a beautiful temple that is located in the mountains outside of Zigong. It is a perfect spot to experience the tranquility and natural beauty of the region.
– Zigong Science and Technology Museum: Zigong Science and Technology Museum is a fascinating museum that showcases the latest advancements in science and technology.
– Zigong Dinosaur Trace Fossil Site: If you are interested in paleontology, then you must visit the Zigong Dinosaur Trace Fossil Site. It is a site where you can see dinosaur footprints that date back millions of years.

Zigong is a beautiful city that has many attractions, delicious food options, rich cultural heritage, and off-the-beaten-path spots that make it a perfect destination for tourists. With this guide, you can explore Zigong like a local and make your trip an unforgettable one.