sichuan travel guide

Sichuan Province, situated in the southwest hinterland of China, marks the headwaters of the Yangtze River. Its western region encompasses the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, while the eastern part is dominated by the Sichuan Basin. Over millions of years, geological movements have sculpted the breathtaking landscapes of the land of abundance, known as “Bashu” in ancient times. Serving as a corridor where eastern and western cultures converge, Sichuan blends and absorbs the best of both worlds, making it a vital hub for cultural exchanges.

Sichuan, nurtured by the civilizations of the Yangtze and Yellow River basins, has fostered the rich and diverse Bashu culture. When visiting Sichuan, one indulges in sheer enjoyment. The mysterious and picturesque Jiuzhaigou Valley captivates with its pristine beauty, while the surreal landscapes of Daocheng Yading leave an indelible impression. The majestic Mount Emei, steeped in cultural significance, invites contemplation, while the imposing Mount Gongga beckons adventurers to conquer its peaks.

Sichuan is not just a land of scenic beauty but also a culinary paradise. As the birthplace of Sichuan cuisine and hotpot, indulging in authentic Sichuan dishes and experiencing the unique numbing and spicy flavors of Sichuan hotpot are must-tries. Whether it’s the irresistible sweetness and spiciness of sweet water noodles, or the delectable aroma of sticky rice cakes, Sichuan’s culinary delights leave one craving for more. In Sichuan, every aspect, from the landscapes to the cuisine, promises an unforgettable experience.

Most Popular Sichuan Attractions

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding - Ticket, Opening Hours, Highlights, and Tips
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (成都大熊猫繁育研究基地) is a non-profit organization located in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. Founded in 1987,...
leshan giant buddha
Leshan Giant Buddha - Ticket Price, Opening Hours, Location, and Highlights
The Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛) is a majestic and awe-inspiring statue located in Leshan City, Sichuan Province, China. Carved out of a cliff face during...
yading nature reserve
Yading Nature Reserve - Ticket Price, Opening Hours, Location, and Highlights
Yading Nature Reserve (亚丁自然保护区) is a breathtaking sanctuary nestled in the heart of the Sichuan Province, China. Spanning over 1,300 square kilometers,...
jiuzhai valley national park
Jiuzhai Valley National Park - Ticket Price, Opening Hours, Location, and Highlights
Jiuzhai Valley National Park (九寨沟, Jiuzhaigou) is a mesmerizing natural wonder located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province,...
dujiangyan irrigation system
Dujiangyan - Ticket, Opening Hours, Highlights, and Tips
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System (都江堰), situated in the outskirts of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, stands as a monumental engineering achievement on...
sanxingdui museum
Sanxingdui Museum - Ticket Price, Opening Hours, Location, and Highlights
The Sanxingdui Museum (三星堆博物馆) is a renowned cultural institution located in Guanghan City, Sichuan Province, China. It is dedicated to showcasing the...

Tourist Attractions in Sichuan Cities

Detailed Sichuan Itineraries

Best Time to Visit Sichuan

The best time to visit Sichuan, China, is during the spring and autumn months, from April to June and September to October. During these periods, the weather is generally mild and comfortable, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploration.

Spring, from April to June, offers beautiful blooming flowers and lush green landscapes. The temperatures are moderate, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), creating a pleasant atmosphere for sightseeing and enjoying Sichuan’s stunning natural beauty, including the famous Jiuzhaigou Valley and colorful rapeseed fields.

Autumn, from September to October, brings cool and crisp weather with temperatures between 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). This season offers clear skies and vibrant autumn foliage in Sichuan’s scenic areas like the Wolong National Nature Reserve and Mount Emei.

Sichuan Weather

Sichuan Food

ji gong bao
Ji Gong Bao (Chicken Hotpot Stew)
Ji Gong Bao (鸡公煲), also known as Chicken Hotpot Stew, is a distinctive dish originating from the Chongqing and Sichuan regions of China. This culinary...
tofu pudding fish
Dou Hua Yu (Tofu Pudding Fish)
Tofu Pudding Fish (豆花鱼), originating from Sichuan cuisine, is a delectable dish that prominently features grass carp as its main ingredient, complemented...
Shadow Play Beef
Deng Ying Niu Rou (Shadow Play Beef)
Shadow Play Beef, a renowned local delicacy in Sichuan and Chongqing, offers a unique culinary experience. Featuring paper-thin slices of beef, vibrant...
pan fried chicken juicy dumplings
Ji Zhi Guo Tie (Pan-Fried Chicken Juicy Dumplings)
Pan-Fried Chicken Juicy Dumplings, known as “鸡汁锅贴” in Chinese, stand out as a popular snack originating from Sichuan and Chongqing. The dish...
grilled sweet potato noodle
Grilled Sweet Potato Noodle (Kao Shao Pi)
Grilled sweet potato noodle, known as “Kao Shao Pi” (烤苕皮) in Chinese, is a delectable snack crafted by grilling noodles made from sweet potato...
ci ba kuai sticky rice cake
Ci Ba Kuai (Sticky Rice Cake)
Ci Ba Kuai (糍粑块) is a distinctive local snack originating from regions such as Sichuan Province, Chongqing Municipality, Hubei Province, and Anhui Province...
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Kathleen Molina
14 days ago

I really love the water at Dujiangyan. The blue tears at night are also very beautiful.

Gabrielle Madden
1 month ago

The best time to visit western Sichuan to see the snowy scenery and the sun illuminating the mountains is from January to February. The weather is very stable, and the snow views are incredibly enchanting.

Angela Thornton
2 months ago

1. During the holidays, there are many people, and you need to make an appointment in advance to see the giant pandas. Also, if you want to see the Sanxingdui site, it’s important to book ahead. 2. Sichuan is truly incredible; it feels so nurturing, and you hardly see the sun. 3. The food is decent; there’s rice, noodles, and more. The portions are quite generous too. 4. During the few days of my holiday, I stayed in the western… Read more »

Kevin Camacho
4 months ago

I originally thought that only people who had the weekend off would go out to play, but after arriving in Chengdu, I realized that the attractions here are crowded every day. Some popular spots, like the giant panda Hua Hua, even require standing in line every day. You can see tourists everywhere; is everyone so free?

Carl Kemp
5 months ago

Top Recommended Attractions for October and November Jiuzhaigou (九寨沟): In September and October, it’s unbelievably beautiful. The colorful trees reflect in the lake, making it look like a painting. Daocheng Yading (稻城亚丁): In autumn, Daocheng is filled with golden meadows and colorful forests; it’s like a fairytale world. Siguniang Mountain (四姑娘山): Visiting in autumn is especially tranquil, with mist swirling around the mountains, making time feel like it’s slowing down. Yuzixi (鱼子西): Want to see the sunset, evening glow, and… Read more »

Lisa Novak
6 months ago

The area in western Sichuan is highly mountainous, with many winding roads. Therefore, it’s essential to bring motion sickness medication.

Thomas Gray
7 months ago

The period from July to September is the most beautiful time to visit western Sichuan. During this season, the grasslands and flower seas are particularly enchanting. The scenery here truly rivals that of Xinjiang! It offers great value for the experience.

Cynthia Key
8 months ago

Attractions in Chengdu City: 1. Wuhou Shrine (武侯祠) – International level museum and cultural relic protection unit. 2. Jinli Ancient Street (锦里) – A street with traditional architecture and atmosphere. 3. Chunxi Road (春熙路) – Includes Kuanzhai Alley, IFS, and the Panda Base. 4. Du Fu Thatched Cottage (杜甫草堂) – Former home of the Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu in Chengdu. 5. Giant Panda Base (大熊猫基地) – Important conservation center for giant pandas in China. 6. Wide and Narrow Alley… Read more »

Marc Brown
8 months ago

Recommended Top 13 Attractions to Visit in Sichuan 1. Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area (Aba Prefecture) – Features: Lakes, valleys, waterfalls, Tibetan culture – Best Season: All seasons – Overview: With over 50 kilometers of valley terrain, it has nine Tibetan villages and rare natural wonders. 2. Daocheng Yading (Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture) – Features: Lakes, snow-capped mountains, grasslands – Best Season: Spring and Autumn – Overview: Known as the soul of Shangri-La, it consists of three sacred mountains, rivers, lakes, and… Read more »

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Feel free to ask any question about this place ^_^x