Sichuan, located in the southwestern part of China, is a province known for its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. A self-drive tour in Sichuan allows you to explore the region at your own pace, taking in its natural beauty, historical sites, and unique experiences. Here’s a detailed 10-day itinerary for a self-drive tour in Sichuan:
Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu
- Your adventure begins at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, where you’ll land and start your journey.
- After clearing customs, pick up your rental car at the airport. Ensure you have all necessary documents, including your driver’s license, international driving permit, and car rental details.
- Check into your hotel in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, and get some rest.
- In the evening, head to Jinli Ancient Street, a vibrant area filled with traditional Sichuan architecture, local snacks, and souvenir shops. It’s an excellent place to experience the local culture and enjoy your first taste of Sichuanese cuisine.
Day 2: Exploring Chengdu
- Start your day early by visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Here, you can see giant pandas up close and learn about conservation efforts.
- Afterward, explore Wuhou Shrine, a historical site dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a famous figure in Chinese history, and Jinsha Site Museum, which showcases archaeological discoveries from ancient Chengdu.
- In the evening, savor a traditional Sichuan hotpot dinner, known for its spicy and flavorful broth.
Day 3: Leshan Giant Buddha
- Depart from Chengdu and drive to Leshan (approximately 2.5 hours), home to the famous Leshan Giant Buddha.
- Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone Buddha statue in the world, and marvel at its grandeur. You can even take a boat ride to get a different perspective of the statue.
- Explore Lingyun Temple and its surrounding area.
- Spend the night in Leshan.
Day 4: Mount Emei
- Drive to Mount Emei (approximately 2 hours). Mount Emei is one of China’s sacred Buddhist mountains and offers beautiful hiking trails.
- Spend the day hiking on the mountain, visiting temples like Baoguo Temple and Fuhu Temple.
- Stay overnight on Mount Emei to fully immerse yourself in its tranquil atmosphere.
Day 5: Kangding
- Continue exploring Mount Emei in the morning.
- After lunch, drive to Kangding (approximately 4-5 hours), a picturesque Tibetan town nestled in the mountains.
- Explore Kangding’s streets, Tibetan culture, and visit some local attractions.
Day 6: Tagong
- Depart from Kangding and drive to Tagong (approximately 2.5 hours).
- Visit Tagong Monastery, a charming Tibetan monastery, and take in the peaceful surroundings.
- Go for a hike to the Tagong Grassland for breathtaking views of the Tibetan plateau.
- Spend the night in Tagong.
Day 7: Xinduqiao
- Drive to Xinduqiao (approximately 2 hours), known as the “Photographer’s Paradise” due to its stunning landscapes.
- Spend the day exploring the beautiful Xinduqiao Grassland, with its snow-capped peaks, grazing yaks, and vibrant wildflowers.
- Capture the picturesque scenery through your camera lens.
Day 8: Danba and Tibetan Villages
- Drive to Danba (approximately 3 hours), known for its Tibetan villages and ancient watchtowers.
- Explore the charming Tibetan villages of Danba, such as Jiaju Tibetan Village and Suopo Stone Towers. These villages are known for their unique architecture and cultural heritage.
- Immerse yourself in the local Tibetan culture and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Day 9: Return to Chengdu
- Begin your journey back to Chengdu (approximately 6-7 hours). Ensure you have enough time to return your rental car, depending on your rental agreement.
- Relax in Chengdu or use this time for some last-minute shopping and dining.
Day 10: Departure
- Depending on your departure time, you may have some free time for souvenir shopping or a final Sichuan meal.
- Head to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport for your departure, concluding your memorable self-drive tour in Sichuan.
During your self-drive adventure in Sichuan, keep safety in mind, follow road regulations, and be prepared for varying road conditions, especially when driving in mountainous areas. Enjoy the stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and delicious cuisine that Sichuan has to offer on this 10-day journey through one of China’s most captivating provinces.