Sichuan Province, located in the southwest of China, offers an unforgettable blend of wildlife encounters, ancient culture, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Whether you’re meeting adorable giant pandas in Chengdu or exploring the natural wonders of Jiuzhaigou Valley and Mount Emei, Sichuan is a destination that satisfies every type of traveler.
1. Meet the Pandas in Chengdu
No visit to Sichuan is complete without seeing its most famous residents — the giant pandas. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the best place to observe these rare animals up close. Early morning visits offer the best chance to see pandas during their most active hours. Visitors can also learn about conservation efforts and even see tiny panda cubs if visiting in the right season.
Tip: The base opens at 7:30 AM — arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the cool morning weather.
2. Explore the Sacred Peaks of Mount Emei
Mount Emei (Emeishan) is one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The scenic area is known for its mist-covered peaks, ancient temples, and mischievous monkeys. The summit, Golden Summit (Jinding), offers dramatic views, especially at sunrise.
Access: You can hike to the summit (a multi-day adventure) or take a combination of bus and cable car for a more relaxed journey.
Mount Emei Golden Summit
3. Discover the Majesty of Jiuzhaigou Valley
Nestled in the mountains of northern Sichuan, Jiuzhaigou National Park is a dreamland of turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and snow-draped peaks. The park is stunning year-round, but autumn is especially magical when the forests turn vibrant shades of red and gold.
Don’t Miss: Five Flower Lake and Nuorilang Waterfall are among the park’s most iconic photo spots.
4. Visit the Giant Buddha in Leshan
Just a short trip from Chengdu, Leshan Giant Buddha is the world’s largest stone Buddha statue, carved into a cliff where three rivers meet. Standing 71 meters tall, this 1,200-year-old marvel is a testament to ancient Chinese engineering and devotion.
Pro Tip: Take a boat ride on the river to get the best full-body view of the Buddha.
Leshan Giant Buddha
5. Savor Sichuan Cuisine
Famous for its bold, spicy flavors, Sichuan cuisine is a highlight of any visit. Try local favorites like Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, and spicy hot pot. Don’t forget the tongue-tingling sensation of Sichuan peppercorns — a signature ingredient in many dishes.
Where to Eat: Chengdu’s Jinli Street and Kuanzhai Alley offer plenty of food stalls and restaurants with authentic flavors.
Mapo Tofu
6. Take a Scenic Drive to Daocheng Yading
For those craving adventure, the journey to Daocheng Yading — often called the “last Shangri-La” — rewards travelers with awe-inspiring alpine landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and colorful lakes. It’s one of the most beautiful but less-visited regions in Sichuan.
Tour Option: Our 5-Day Sichuan Small Group Tour covers Daocheng Yading, Kangding, and Mount Siguniang — perfect for travelers who want to go beyond the usual route.
7. Combine Culture and Nature on a Multi-Day Tour
If you want to see the highlights of Sichuan in one go, we recommend combining Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Mount Emei, and Leshan in a single itinerary. You’ll enjoy the best of Sichuan’s natural beauty and spiritual heritage.
View Our 7-Day Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou-Mount Emei Tour
Why Travel with China Dragon Travel?
At China Dragon Travel, we specialize in small group and private tours across China, with years of experience in planning seamless, unforgettable trips. Our local guides, curated routes, and responsible travel practices ensure that your journey through Sichuan is safe, enriching, and fun.
Contact us today for tailored Sichuan tour recommendations or to book your next adventure!
