12 October 2026
Pick the question before you pick the city
The first note on this log is about how to use the comparisons, not a new winner.
Shanghai versus Chengdu is a real choice only after you know the length of the trip. Four days makes Shanghai the calmer landing. A week built around meals makes Chengdu the point. The same two cities are a false dilemma if what you wanted was the Great Wall.
Read the page that matches the question you actually have. If you only have time to set up one wallet, that is the Alipay page, not a city page. If you are holding two fares, that is the train page.
- Shanghai or ChengduThe city pair
- MethodWhat we will not invent