Sichuan Travel Guide

Sichuan, located in southwest China, is a province renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse culinary delights. From the snow-capped mountains to the lush bamboo forests, from ancient temples to bustling cities, Sichuan offers a unique blend of experiences.

As you step into Sichuan, you'll be amazed by the province's stunning natural landscapes. It is home to snow-capped mountains, lush bamboo forests, and pristine rivers and lakes. Some of the notable natural attractions in Sichuan include Jiuzhaigou National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its multi-colored lakes, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks, and Mount Emei, one of the Four Sacred Mountains in China, famous for its ancient temples and breathtaking views from the summit.

Besides its natural beauty, Sichuan is known for its rich cultural traditions and diverse ethnic groups. One of the most significant aspects of Sichuan culture is its vibrant folk arts and performances, such as Sichuan opera, which dates back over 300 years and combines music, dance, and acrobatics.

Of course, no trip to Sichuan would be complete without sampling the local cuisine. Sichuan cuisine is renowned worldwide for its bold and spicy flavors. Dishes like mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, and Dan Dan noodles are just a few examples. Sichuan hotpot is a popular dish where diners can choose from various meats, vegetables, and tofu to cook in a spicy broth.

As you embark on your journey through Sichuan, remember to take your time and savor every moment. This province is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural riches that should be explored and appreciated. 

Our Sichuan Travel Guide can provide available information for your travel. It's time to start a wonderful trip to Sichuan!


Features

Chinese: 四川  Sichuan                                        Area: 486000 km²

Time Zone: UTC+8                                              Location: Inland in southwest China

Population: 90,714,000                             Administration Type: Provincial-level Administrative Region

Climate: Subtropical humid climate, Subtropical sub-humid climate, Plateau mountain climate

Average Annual Rainfall: 900-1200mm

Post Code: 610000-640000                                 Area Code: 028,081X,082X,083X


Top Sichuan Tourist Attractions

Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area

Jiuzhaigou Valley

Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is truly a "Fairyland on Earth," offering visitors a chance to experience the remarkable natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the Tibetan Plateau. Jiuzhai Valley is famous for its crystal clear and colorful lakes, terraced waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and lush forests. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique and dense highland lakes, vast travertine falls, and streams, creating a spectacle of "mountains and lakes." The valley boasts over 2,500 native plant species, including many rare and endangered species.


Leshan Giant Buddha

Leshan Giant Buddha

Leshan Giant Buddha is a monumental work of art and religious significance. Construction of the Leshan Giant Buddha began in 713 CE and was completed in 803 CE, spanning a total of 90 years. The Buddha statue was carved out of a red sandstone cliff face along the Minjiang River. It depicts Maitreya Buddha in a seated position, with both hands resting on his knees and a serene expression on his face. The Buddha's ears are exceptionally long, extending down to his shoulders, a symbolic feature representing his ability to hear the prayers and sufferings of all sentient beings. The statue is adorned with intricate carvings and decorations, including 1051 spiral-shaped hair tufts on the top of the head.


Mount Emei

Emei Mountain

Mount Emei boasts a diverse range of natural scenery, including its unique geological formations and lush vegetation. Its geological foundation is a north-south trending short anticline, with both erosional (mountainous) and depositional (plain) landforms. The mountain is home to over 3200 species of plants, accounting for approximately 1/10 of China's total plant diversity, as well as 2300 species of animals. Mount Emei is renowned as one of the "Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains" in China, renowned for its rich Buddhist culture and history. In 1996, a significant portion of Mount Emei's cultural relics was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.


Chengdu Panda Base

Chengdu Panda Base

Chengdu Panda Base, also known as the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, is the world's only museum entirely dedicated to the critically endangered giant panda. This is a must-visit destination for panda enthusiasts. The giant panda is one of the rarest animals in the world, known as a "living fossil". Not only is it regarded as the "national treasure" of China, but it is also beloved by people all over the world. It provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about giant panda conservation and observe the animals in their naturalistic habitats.


Mount Qingcheng

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Nestled in the lush green hills of Sichuan, Mount Qingcheng stands as a serene symbol of Taoist culture and wisdom. The natural beauty of Qingcheng Mountain is breathtaking. Dense forests cover the slopes, providing a lush green backdrop for the ancient temples and pagodas. The air is crisp and fresh, and the scenery changes with every turn of the trail. Hikers can explore the mountain's many trails, taking in the stunning views and feeling the serenity of the natural world.


Dujiangyan Irrigation System

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Nestled in the fertile Chengdu Plain of Sichuan Province, China, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System stands as a testament to the ingenuity and wisdom of ancient Chinese civilization. This remarkable feat of engineering dates back over 2,000 years and continues to irrigate vast areas of farmland, making it a crucial component of China's agricultural heritage. The system continues to operate and is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world to marvel at this ancient engineering marvel.


Wenshu Monastery

Wenshu Monastery

Nestled in the downtown area of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, Wenshu Monastery stands proud as the foremost temple among the Four Great Monasteries along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Originating from the Daye period of the Sui Dynasty (605-617), Wenshu Monastery was first built under the name Xin Xiang Monastery. Not only is it the largest and best-preserved Buddhist temple in Chengdu, but it also serves as a sacred ground that integrates Buddhism, ancient architecture, rituals, tourism, and religious studies. 


Jinli Ancient Street

Jinli Ancient Street

Jinli Ancient Street, affectionately known as Jinli Pedestrian Street Chengdu, is revered as "the first street of Shu Kingdom." It is a testament to the city's rich history and culture, often likened to the captivating scenes depicted in the renowned Chinese painting "Riverside Scenes at Qingming Festival" that captures the essence of Chengdu. You can witness performances of Sichuan Opera, learn about traditional crafts like silk weaving and paper making, and taste authentic Sichuan cuisine.


Daocheng Yading

Daocheng Yading

Located in the southern part of Sichuan Province's Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Daocheng Yading sits in the middle of the Hengduan Mountains, eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Daocheng Yading is renowned for its three sacred peaks: Chenrezig, Jambeyang, and Chanadorje, also known as the "Three Holy Mountains." These peaks, with their towering heights and majestic beauty, are considered sacred by Tibetan Buddhists and have been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. The Yading Nature Reserve, over 1,300 square kilometers, boasts breathtaking scenery, including snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, meandering rivers, and pristine forests. The reserve is home to flora and fauna, including rare species such as the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey and the snow leopard. As a national 5A-level tourist attraction, Daocheng Yading offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.


Huanglong National Park

Huanglong National Park

Huanglong National Park spans an area of 700 square kilometers and boasts an elevation range from 1,700 to 5,588 meters. The scenic area is renowned for its spectacular calcified landscapes, featuring over 3,000 colorful pools. These pools, known as "human fairy pools," are formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate and display a range of vibrant colors. Huanglong is also famous for its rare karst landforms, including deep gorges and cliffs, creating a visually stunning landscape. Huanglong National Park was inscribed as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1992 by UNESCO, recognizing its exceptional natural beauty and ecological value. The park is also a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction and a key national scenic spot in China.


Gongga Mountain National Scenic Area

Gongga Mountain National Scenic Area

Gongga Mountain National Scenic Area is located in the western part of Sichuan Province. The main peak of Gongga Mountain, known as Minya Konka, reaches a majestic height of 7,508.9 meters (2023 measurement), making it the highest peak in Sichuan Province and earning it the nickname "King of the Shu Mountains." The area is home to numerous glaciers, including the famous Hailuogou Glacier, as well as highland lakes such as Mugecuo and Wuxuhai, adding to its alpine charm. Gongga Mountain National Scenic Area is one of the 25 global biodiversity hotspots, boasting a variety of flora and fauna. The region is inhabited by the Tibetan people, whose rich culture and traditions are deeply intertwined with the landscape.


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