Sichuan Province Tourism

Sichuan, a dazzling pearl in Southwest China, boasts rich natural landscapes and profound historical and cultural heritage. From the laid-back lifestyle of Chengdu to the fairy-tale world of Jiuzhaigou, from the Buddhist sacred site of Mount Emei to the giant panda reserve at Wolong, every destination showcases the unique charm and diversity of the Land of Abundance.

21
Prefecture-Level Administrative Regions
183
County-Level Administrative Regions
16
5A-Level Scenic Areas
500+
Cultural Heritage Protection Units

Explore Tourism in Sichuan Cities

Sichuan Province 5-Day-4-Night Essential Tour

Explore the natural wonders and cultural charm of the Land of Abundance, from Chengdu's laid-back lifestyle to Jiuzhaigou's fairy-tale world, experiencing the perfect fusion of Sichuan's diverse culture and natural landscapes

Duration
5 Days 4 Nights
Main Destinations
Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Dujiangyan
Suitable For
Nature lovers, cultural explorers
Per Capita Budget
¥3000-¥4000
01
Chengdu Cultural Experience
Kuanzhai Alley · Jinli · Wuhou Shrine
Itinerary Highlights

Arrive in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, check into your hotel and head to Kuanzhai Alley to experience Chengdu's laid-back lifestyle. Then visit Wuhou Shrine to learn about the history and culture of the Three Kingdoms. In the evening, head to Jinli Ancient Street to taste Sichuan specialty snacks and feel the unique charm of Bashu culture.

Attraction Arrangements
Kuanzhai Alley
One of the best-preserved Qing Dynasty street complexes in Chengdu, consisting of Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley and Jing Alley — three parallel historic streets and their surrounding courtyard ensembles.
Jinli Ancient Street
A famous commercial pedestrian street in Chengdu, featuring late Ming and early Qing Dynasty Western Sichuan residential architecture as its exterior, with Three Kingdoms culture and Chengdu folk customs as its内涵, integrating tourism shopping, leisure and entertainment.
Wuhou Shrine
The only shrine in China where a ruler and his minister are worshipped together, and the most renowned memorial site for Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei and the heroes of the Shu Han Kingdom. It is also the most influential Three Kingdoms heritage museum in China.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Chengdu St. Regis Hotel
  • Chengdu Grand Hyatt Hotel
  • Characteristic B&Bs near Kuanzhai Alley
Food Recommendations
  • Hot Pot
  • Chuan Chuan Xiang (Skewer Hot Pot)
  • Long Chao Shou (Dragon Wontons)
Travel Tips
  • Chengdu has a humid climate; bringing rain gear is recommended
  • Spice levels can be chosen according to personal taste when trying hot pot
  • Kuanzhai Alley gets very crowded; keep personal belongings secure
02
Chengdu Panda Base & Dujiangyan
Giant Panda Breeding Research Base · Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Itinerary Highlights

Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in the morning to observe the daily life of the national treasure giant pandas up close. In the afternoon, head to Dujiangyan to visit the world's oldest still-functioning non-dam diversion irrigation project and feel the crystallization of ancient Chinese wisdom.

Attraction Arrangements
Chengdu Giant Panda Base
A non-profit organization dedicated to the research, breeding and conservation of endangered wildlife and educational tourism. It is the world's largest artificial breeding base for giant pandas.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, built around 256 BC, it is the world's oldest still-functioning non-dam diversion irrigation system, constructed under the direction of Li Bing and his son.
Mount Qingcheng
A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and one of the birthplaces of Taoism, renowned for its "serene and secluded" beauty. It is divided into Front Mountain, rich in Taoist culture, and Back Mountain, featuring beautiful natural scenery.
Practical Information
Ticket Information
  • Panda Base: ¥58
  • Dujiangyan: ¥90
  • Mount Qingcheng: ¥90
Opening Hours
  • Panda Base: 7:30-18:00
  • Dujiangyan: 8:00-18:00
  • Mount Qingcheng: 8:00-17:30
Travel Tips
  • Morning is the most active time for pandas; an early visit is recommended
  • The Dujiangyan scenic area is large; comfortable shoes are recommended
  • The mountain path on Mount Qingcheng is steep; pay attention to safety
03
Jiuzhaigou Natural Wonders
Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve
Itinerary Highlights

Spend the full day exploring Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve, admiring the natural landscape hailed as a "fairy-tale world." Jiuzhaigou is famous for its "Six Wonders": emerald lakes, cascading waterfalls, colorful forests, snow-capped peaks, Tibetan charm, and blue ice. It was China's first nature reserve established primarily for the protection of natural scenery.

Attraction Arrangements
Five-Flower Lake
One of Jiuzhaigou's most beautiful lakes. Calcium deposits and vibrant algae on the lake bed create a kaleidoscope of colors, resembling a peacock's display in the sunlight.
Nuorilang Waterfall
The widest waterfall in China at 270 meters wide and an elevation of 2,365 meters. It is the most spectacular of Jiuzhaigou's many waterfalls and was one of the filming locations for the 1986 TV series "Journey to the West."
Long Lake
Jiuzhaigou's longest and largest lake, at an elevation of 3,060 meters, approximately 5 km long with depths exceeding 100 meters. The lake water is an ink-blue color, surrounded by emerald forests and snow-capped peaks year-round.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou: approximately 8 hours by car
  • Flights are available to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport
  • Eco-friendly sightseeing buses are required within the scenic area
Ticket Information
  • Peak Season (Apr 1-Nov 15): ¥220
  • Off Season (Nov 16-Mar 31): ¥80
  • Sightseeing Bus: ¥90 (peak)/¥80 (off)
Travel Tips
  • Jiuzhaigou is at high altitude; be mindful of altitude sickness
  • Smoking and littering are prohibited within the scenic area
  • Best visiting time is autumn (September-October)
04
Huanglong Scenic Area
Huanglong National Scenic Area
Itinerary Highlights

Head to Huanglong National Scenic Area to admire the "Jade Pool on Earth," renowned for its "Four Wonders": colorful ponds, snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, and primeval forests. Huanglong is China's only well-preserved highland wetland, featuring large-scale, ingeniously structured, and vividly colored surface travertine landscapes as its main attraction.

Attraction Arrangements
Five-Color Pond
The travertine pond cluster at the uppermost reaches of Huanglong, consisting of 693 travertine pools resembling a palette filled with colorful pigments — azure, turquoise, aquamarine and more — dazzling and spectacular.
Huanglong Ancient Temple
A Buddhist temple located at the top of Huanglong Valley, first built during the Ming Dynasty, also known as Snow Mountain Temple and White Deer Temple. An annual temple fair is held in the nearly 10,000-square-meter open area in front of the temple.
Golden Sand Paved Ground
A travertine flow approximately 1,500 meters long and 70-120 meters wide, it is the largest and most colorful travertine landscape of its kind discovered in the world to date.
Practical Information
Ticket Reservation
  • Peak Season (Apr 1-Nov 15): ¥170
  • Off Season (Nov 16-Mar 31): ¥60
  • Cable Car: Up ¥80, Down ¥40
Opening Hours
  • Peak Season: 8:00-18:00
  • Off Season: 9:00-17:30
  • Cable car operating hours are synchronized with the scenic area
Travel Tips
  • Huanglong is at high altitude (3,100-3,900m); be mindful of altitude sickness
  • Taking the cable car up and walking down is recommended
  • The walking paths within the scenic area are long; wear comfortable shoes
05
Leshan Giant Buddha & Mount Emei
Leshan Giant Buddha · Mount Emei Golden Summit · Return Journey
Itinerary Highlights

In the morning, head to Leshan to visit the world's largest stone-carved seated Maitreya Buddha — the Leshan Giant Buddha. In the afternoon, proceed to Mount Emei and take the cable car to the Golden Summit to admire the three great spectacles: the Sea of Clouds, the Buddha's Halo, and the Sacred Lamp. Head to the airport or train station according to your return schedule to conclude your wonderful Sichuan journey.

Attraction Arrangements
Leshan Giant Buddha
The world's largest stone-carved seated Maitreya Buddha, standing 71 meters tall. Construction began in the first year of the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty (713 AD) and was completed in the nineteenth year of the Zhenyuan era (803 AD), taking approximately 90 years.
Mount Emei Golden Summit
The symbol of Mount Emei, at an elevation of 3,077 meters. The Huazang Temple and Pilu Hall at the summit glitter with gold, hence the name "Golden Summit." It is an unparalleled location for viewing the four great spectacles: sunrise, sea of clouds, Buddha's halo, and sacred lamps.
Practical Information
Ticket Information
  • Leshan Giant Buddha: ¥90 (Mountain Tour Ticket)
  • Mount Emei: ¥160 (peak)/¥110 (off)
  • Golden Summit Cable Car: Up ¥65, Down ¥55
Shopping Recommendations
  • Sichuan Peppercorns and Chili Peppers
  • Zhuyeqing Tea
  • Shu Embroidery and Silver Filigree
Return Journey Suggestions
  • Chengdu Shuangliu Airport is approximately 16 km from the city center
  • Chengdu East Railway Station is the main high-speed rail station
  • Allow ample time for check-in procedures
Sichuan Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • April-June: Spring warmth and blooming flowers, pleasant climate
  • September-November: Crisp autumn air, most beautiful scenery
  • July-August: Great for escaping the summer heat, but be mindful of the rainy season
Must-Try Foods
  • Sichuan Hot Pot
  • Husband-and-Wife Lung Slices (Fuqi Feipian)
  • Mapo Tofu
  • Dan Dan Noodles
  • Twice-Cooked Pork (Huiguorou)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: Approximately ¥600-800
  • Accommodation: ¥200-500/night
  • Dining: ¥100-150/day
  • Transportation: ¥500-800
  • Total: ¥3000-4000