Sichuan — land of pandas, spicy food, and snow-capped mountains — is one of China’s most diverse and fascinating provinces. Whether you’re a foodie, culture lover, or adventure seeker, Sichuan offers something unforgettable. From Chengdu’s laid-back tea houses to the holy peaks of Mount Emei, here are the top 10 things you must do in Sichuan if you’re visiting for the first time.
1. Visit the Giant Pandas in Chengdu
No trip to Sichuan is complete without meeting its most famous residents — the giant pandas. Head to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can see pandas of all ages, from playful cubs to sleepy adults munching bamboo. Visit early in the morning when the pandas are most active.
Panda
2. Experience Chengdu’s Relaxed Lifestyle at a Tea House
Chengdu is often called China’s slowest city, known for its easy-going lifestyle. Spend an afternoon at a traditional teahouse, such as those in People’s Park or Wenshu Monastery, sipping jasmine tea while locals chat, play mahjong, or get ear-cleaning services — a uniquely Sichuan experience!
Heming Teahouse
3. Savor Authentic Sichuan Hotpot
Sichuan cuisine is world-famous, and Chengdu hotpot is its fiery heart. Try it at local favorites like Shu Daxia, Lao Ma Tou, or Da Miao, where bubbling chili oil and numbing peppercorns create an unforgettable flavor. If you can’t handle too much spice, order a yuanyang (half spicy, half mild) pot.
Hot pot
4. Explore the Leshan Giant Buddha
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Leshan Giant Buddha is the world’s largest stone Buddha, carved into a cliff more than 1,200 years ago. Standing 71 meters tall, it overlooks the confluence of three rivers. You can admire it up close by hiking the steps or taking a short boat ride for a panoramic view.
Leshan Giant Buddha
5. Discover the Sacred Beauty of Mount Emei
Just two hours from Chengdu, Mount Emei (Emeishan) is one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains. The hike is filled with temples, waterfalls, and curious monkeys. Sunrise from Golden Summit (Jinding) is breathtaking, with clouds rolling over endless peaks. You can hike or take a cable car for convenience.
Mount Emei
6. Wander the Ancient Streets of Jinli and Kuanzhai Alley
Back in Chengdu, stroll through Jinli Ancient Street and Kuanzhai Alley, where traditional courtyard houses meet modern boutiques and snack stalls. Try local treats like dan dan noodles, bobo chicken, and sweet rice cakes. At night, the lanterns and street performers make it even more magical.
7. Venture into Western Sichuan’s Tibetan Region (Kangding, Tagong, Yading)
For those seeking adventure, head west from Chengdu to explore the Kham Tibetan region — known for its vast grasslands, snow-capped peaks, and Tibetan monasteries. Highlights include Kangding’s Love Song Town, Tagong Monastery, and the spectacular Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve, often called “the last Shangri-La.”
Tagong
8. Visit Jiuzhaigou National Park
One of the most beautiful places in China, Jiuzhaigou Valley is famous for its turquoise lakes, multi-tiered waterfalls, and autumn colors. The scenery looks almost unreal — crystal-clear water reflecting snow mountains and forests. The best time to visit is October, when the park turns into a rainbow of colors.
Jiuzhaigou in Wintern
9. See the Colorful Danba Tibetan Villages
Nestled in Ganzi Prefecture, Danba is known as the “Valley of Beauties.” Its Tibetan stone watchtowers, flower-filled villages, and terraced fields create postcard-perfect scenery. The Jiaju Village is especially photogenic — a great place to experience local homestays and Tibetan hospitality.
Jiaju Tibetan Village
10. Watch the Sichuan Opera Face-Changing Show
End your journey with a cultural highlight — the Sichuan Opera, featuring the famous “face-changing” (Bian Lian) performance. In a blink, actors magically switch colorful masks, accompanied by traditional music, acrobatics, and humor. Catch a show at Shufeng Yayun Theatre or Jinjiang Theatre in Chengdu.
Conclusion
From spicy hotpot to snow peaks, pandas to prayer flags, Sichuan is a world within one province. Its blend of nature, culture, and flavor makes it one of China’s most rewarding destinations — whether you’re here for a few days or a few weeks. For first-time visitors, these ten experiences capture the very essence of what makes Sichuan unforgettable.
