Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Visit pandas at their most active in the morning, then stroll bamboo-lined paths and see red pandas.
Suggested: 3–4 hours
Pandas, Parks & Spicy Flavors
Jewel-Like Alpine Lakes
Wander boardwalks above water that shifts from turquoise to emerald in Jiuzhaigou Valley.
Why Visit Sichuan?
Sichuan is where China’s wild heart meets its warmest hospitality. In a single trip you can visit UNESCO-listed national parks, come face-to-face with giant pandas, cruise beneath the world’s largest stone Buddha, and eat meals so flavorful they’ll reset your spice benchmark.
Best season:
Autumn (September–November) brings clear skies and fiery foliage. Spring (March–May) is mild and blooming; winter offers quiet trails and lower prices.
Recommended duration:
7–10 days covers Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Leshan, and Emei or Dujiangyan.
Currency:
Chinese Yuan (CNY). Mobile payments are common, but keep small bills for street food and rural shops.
Language:
Mandarin is official; the Sichuan dialect is widely spoken. English is limited outside major hotels, so a local guide makes travel far smoother.
Top Attractions
From pandas and peaks to ancient engineering, these are the Sichuan highlights worth building a trip around.
Jiuzhaigou Valley
A fairyland of multi-colored lakes, waterfalls, and Tibetan villages in a protected mountain valley.
Suggested: 2 daysLeshan Giant Buddha
The 71-meter Tang-dynasty Buddha is best admired from a river boat or the cliffside path.
Suggested: 3–4 hours
Huanglong National Park
Calcite terraces, glowing pools, and snow peaks make this a natural companion to Jiuzhaigou.
Suggested: 4–5 hours
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
A 2,200-year-old engineering marvel that still tames the Min River and waters the Chengdu plain.
Suggested: 2–3 hours
Mount Qingcheng
The birthplace of Taoism offers shaded hiking trails, ancient temples, and a peaceful mountain atmosphere.
Suggested: half dayJiuzhaigou Waterfalls
Wide curtain falls and rushing cascades connect the valley’s famous lakes at every turn.
Suggested: included in park visitWestern Sichuan Plateau
High-altitude grasslands, Tibetan towns, and dramatic peaks for travelers with a little extra time.
Suggested: 2–4 daysSichuan Food & Dining
Bold, numbing, fragrant, and addictive — these dishes are the soul of the province.
Sichuan Hot Pot
A bubbling cauldron of chili, Sichuan pepper, and beef tallow. Try it at Hai Di Lao or a neighborhood Chongqing-style restaurant in Chengdu.
Mapo Tofu
Silken tofu in a fiery sauce of fermented beans, minced pork, and numbing pepper. The original recipe comes from Chengdu’s Chen Mapo Doufu.
Dan Dan Noodles
Springy wheat noodles tossed with preserved vegetables, chili oil, sesame paste, and minced pork from street carts and noodle shops.
Kung Pao Chicken
Tender chicken, peanuts, dried chilies, and scallions in a tangy sauce. Order the authentic Sichuan version for extra málà heat.
Chuan Chuan Xiang
Skewers of meat and vegetables cooked in communal spicy broth — casual, social, and found all over Chengdu’s night streets.
Spicy Rabbit Heads
A Chengdu late-night specialty: braised rabbit heads coated in chili oil and peanuts. Best tackled with gloves and a cold beer.
Getting Around Sichuan
Chengdu is the gateway. From there, choose the mode that fits your itinerary and pace.
By Air
Chengdu Tianfu and Shuangliu airports serve international and domestic flights. Direct routes reach Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Lhasa, and many Asian hubs.
By High-Speed Rail
Chengdu connects by bullet train to Leshan, Emei, Dujiangyan, and Chongqing in 30 minutes to 2 hours — fast, scenic, and reliable.
By Private Car
A chartered vehicle is the most flexible way to reach Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, and the western plateau at your own pace with a local driver.
Start Planning Your Sichuan Trip
Tell us what you love — pandas, photography, hiking, food, or all of the above — and we’ll craft a custom itinerary around your dates and pace.
Our Sichuan specialists reply within one business day, usually sooner.
TEL:+86 181 4330 2335
Sichuan Travel FAQs
Practical answers to help you plan with confidence.
Do I need a visa to visit Sichuan?
Most international travelers need a Chinese tourist visa. Chengdu offers a 144-hour visa-free transit option for eligible nationalities arriving from selected countries.
When is the best time to visit Sichuan?
Autumn (September to November) is ideal for clear skies and colorful foliage. Spring is mild and green, while winter brings fewer crowds and occasional snow in the mountains.
What currency is used, and should I tip?
Sichuan uses the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Tipping is not customary in mainland China, though high-end hotels may add a service charge.
Is Sichuan safe for travelers?
Sichuan is generally safe. Take normal precautions with valuables, follow altitude-acclimatization advice in high areas, and keep emergency contacts handy.
What should I pack for a Sichuan trip?
Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, lip balm, and altitude-sickness medication if you plan to visit the western plateau.
Are there public holidays that affect travel in Sichuan?
Major holidays include Chinese New Year, May Day (May 1), and National Day Golden Week (October 1–7). Transport and attractions are busiest during these periods, so book early.
Ready to Taste, Trek & Panda-Watch in Sichuan?
Let our local experts design a trip that matches your pace, interests, and budget.
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