Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is a city that needs no introduction to seasoned travelers. Famous for its spicy hotpot, adorable giant pandas, and a laid-back lifestyle that feels almost rebellious in modern China, Chengdu is a destination where ancient tea houses coexist with neon-lit skyscrapers. But here’s the thing—Chengdu’s magic doesn’t stop at the city limits. Within a two-hour drive, train ride, or even a short bus trip, you can find yourself in landscapes that range from misty mountain temples to prehistoric dinosaur museums, from ancient irrigation systems to sleepy river towns that feel frozen in time.
If you’re based in Chengdu and craving a break from the urban hum, you’re in luck. The surrounding region is a treasure chest of day-trip possibilities. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, a foodie, or someone who just wants to see something different, these 12 day trips will give you a quick escape without the hassle of long-distance planning. Let’s dive in.
Just 140 kilometers south of Chengdu lies Leshan, home to the world’s largest stone-carved Buddha. This isn’t just a statue; it’s a 71-meter-tall monument carved into a cliff face at the confluence of three rivers. Construction began in 713 AD during the Tang Dynasty and took 90 years to complete. The Buddha was designed to calm the turbulent waters that had capsized countless boats, and while we can’t confirm if it worked, the sheer scale of the project is mind-blowing.
Start early. Take a bullet train from Chengdu East Railway Station—it’s less than an hour. Once you arrive, head straight to the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area. You have two options: walk down the steep staircase to the Buddha’s feet (be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends) or take a boat cruise on the river for a panoramic view. The boat option is actually better for photos because you can see the entire Buddha in one frame.
Afterward, explore the nearby Lingyun Temple, a Buddhist complex that predates the Buddha itself. If you’re hungry, try the local specialty: Leshan tofu pudding (douhua), which is silky, spicy, and addictive. Don’t miss the Leshan Night Market if you stay late—it’s a sensory overload of street food, from grilled skewers to sugar-dusted pastries.
Go on a weekday. The crowd levels drop significantly, and you’ll have a more meditative experience standing at the Buddha’s feet, looking up at his serene expression.
Mount Qingcheng, located about 68 kilometers northwest of Chengdu, is one of the most sacred mountains in Taoism. It’s not just a hike; it’s a pilgrimage. The mountain is divided into two sections: the Front Mountain (Qian Shan) and the Back Mountain (Hou Shan). The Front Mountain is more tourist-friendly, with well-marked paths, ancient temples, and cable cars. The Back Mountain is wilder, less crowded, and more challenging.
Take the high-speed train to Qingchengshan Station (about 30 minutes). From there, a short bus ride gets you to the base. Start with the Jianfu Temple, built in the 8th century, and then ascend to Shangqing Temple, which offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The Chaoyang Cave is another highlight—a natural cave that Taoist monks used for meditation.
If you’re up for a real workout, tackle the Back Mountain. The trails are steeper, the bamboo forests are denser, and the waterfalls are more dramatic. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a wuxia novel. Bring water and snacks because facilities are limited.
At the base of the mountain, try Qingcheng Lao Jiu, a local brand of cured pork. It’s salty, smoky, and perfect with a bowl of rice. Also, don’t leave without tasting the Qingcheng tea—the mountain’s high altitude produces some of the best green tea in Sichuan.
Dujiangyan is a 2,300-year-old irrigation system that still channels water to the Chengdu Plain today. Built by Li Bing and his son during the Qin Dynasty, it’s a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering. Unlike modern dams, it works with nature, not against it. The system uses a fish-shaped levee to split the Min River into two channels, preventing floods and ensuring a steady water supply for agriculture.
The Dujiangyan Scenic Area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk across the Anlan Suspension Bridge, which sways gently over the river. Visit the Erwang Temple, dedicated to Li Bing and his son, and climb the Fulong Temple for a bird’s-eye view. The Qingchengshan-Dujiangyan combo ticket is a great deal if you plan to visit both.
Dujiangyan is also home to the Dujiangyan Panda Base, a research center that focuses on panda conservation and reintroduction. It’s less crowded than the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, and you can see pandas in a more natural, forested environment.
Dujiangyan is famous for its fish hotpot. The fish is caught fresh from the Min River, and the broth is loaded with Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers. It’s a fiery, unforgettable meal.
Huanglongxi, about 40 kilometers south of Chengdu, is one of the best-preserved ancient towns in Sichuan. It dates back over 1,700 years, and walking through its cobblestone streets feels like stepping into a Ming Dynasty painting. The town is built along a river, with wooden houses, stone bridges, and ancient banyan trees that provide shade.
Spend your morning wandering through the Old Street, where you’ll find shops selling hand-painted masks, bamboo crafts, and local snacks. Visit the Sanxian Temple, a Taoist temple with intricate carvings. Don’t miss the Dragon Boat Race if you’re here during the Dragon Boat Festival in June—it’s a chaotic, joyful event.
Huanglongxi is famous for its fermented tofu (furu) and sesame candy. The town also has a thriving street food scene: try the spicy rabbit head (a Sichuan delicacy that’s not for the faint of heart) and the sweet rice wine (lao zao).
The best time for photos is early morning, before the tour buses arrive. The mist rising from the river and the empty streets create a dreamlike atmosphere.
In 1929, a farmer in Guanghan, about 40 kilometers north of Chengdu, stumbled upon a cache of jade artifacts. This led to the discovery of the Sanxingdui ruins, an ancient Bronze Age civilization that flourished between 1600 and 1046 BC. What makes Sanxingdui so fascinating is its uniqueness: the bronze masks, gold foil, and ivory artifacts are unlike anything found in other Chinese archaeological sites.
The Sanxingdui Museum is a modern, beautifully designed building that houses over 1,000 artifacts. The highlights are the bronze masks with protruding eyes (thought to represent deities or shamans) and the bronze tree, a 4-meter-tall sculpture that may have been a symbol of the axis mundi. The museum also has a section dedicated to the mysterious disappearance of the Shu civilization—no one knows why it vanished.
Take a bus from Chengdu’s Chadianzi Bus Station to Guanghan (about 1.5 hours). The museum is a short taxi ride from the bus station.
The museum shop sells replica bronze masks. They make great conversation pieces for your living room.
Bifeng Gorge, located in Ya’an about 150 kilometers southwest of Chengdu, is a nature reserve that doubles as a panda breeding and research center. Unlike the crowded panda bases in Chengdu, Bifeng Gorge offers a more intimate experience. The pandas here are housed in large, forested enclosures that mimic their natural habitat.
You can take a guided tour through the panda enclosures. The guides are knowledgeable and will tell you about each panda’s personality and history. There’s also a Panda Volunteer Program where you can help prepare food and clean enclosures. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for animal lovers.
Bifeng Gorge is also a scenic area with waterfalls, hiking trails, and suspension bridges. The Bifeng Gorge Grand Canyon is a 12-kilometer-long gorge with vertical cliffs and lush vegetation.
Take a bus from Chengdu’s Xinnanmen Bus Station to Ya’an (about 2 hours). From Ya’an, take a local bus to Bifeng Gorge.
Luodai, about 30 kilometers east of Chengdu, is a Hakka town that preserves the culture of the Hakka people who migrated from Guangdong province centuries ago. The architecture is a mix of Sichuan and Hakka styles, with white-walled houses, black-tiled roofs, and carved wooden windows.
The Hakka Museum is a must-visit. It explains the history of the Hakka migration and their unique customs. The Wan’an Street is the main tourist drag, lined with shops selling Hakka pastries, pickled vegetables, and embroidered textiles. Don’t miss the Luodai Opera, a local form of Sichuan opera performed in a traditional teahouse.
Luodai is famous for its Hakka stuffed tofu (yong tau foo) and sweet potato noodles. The town also has a thriving tea culture—try the Luodai green tea, which has a subtle floral aroma.
Visit during the Luodai Water Festival in July, when the town erupts in water fights and street performances.
Mount Emei, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China, is about 160 kilometers southwest of Chengdu. It’s a massive, multi-peaked mountain that rises to 3,099 meters at its highest point, the Golden Summit. The mountain is covered in ancient temples, misty forests, and—if you’re unlucky—thieving monkeys.
Take a bus from Chengdu to the base of Mount Emei (about 2.5 hours). From there, you can either hike (5-7 hours to the summit) or take the cable car. The Golden Summit is the main attraction, with a massive bronze statue of Samantabhadra (a Buddhist bodhisattva) and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. On clear days, you can see the snow-capped mountains of Tibet.
Along the way, stop at Baoguo Temple (the first temple at the base), Fuhu Temple (a quiet, forested temple), and Wannian Temple (the oldest temple on the mountain, dating back to the 4th century).
The monkeys on Mount Emei are notorious for stealing food and bags. Keep your belongings zipped and don’t make eye contact. They’re cute, but they’re also aggressive.
Pixian, now a district of Chengdu, is the birthplace of Pixian Doubanjiang, a fermented chili bean paste that is the backbone of Sichuan cooking. This isn’t just a condiment; it’s a cultural icon. The paste is aged for months (sometimes years) in clay pots, developing a deep, umami-rich flavor.
The Pixian Doubanjiang Museum is a small but fascinating museum dedicated to the history and production of this sauce. You can see the traditional fermentation process, smell the pungent aroma of aging beans, and even taste different varieties. The museum shop sells high-quality doubanjiang that you can take home.
Pixian is also known for its mian (noodles). Try the Pixian spicy noodles, which are tossed in doubanjiang, ground pork, and Sichuan peppercorns. It’s a simple dish that packs a punch.
Take a bus from Chengdu’s Chadianzi Bus Station to Pixian (about 1 hour). The museum is a short walk from the bus station.
Xiling Snow Mountain, about 95 kilometers west of Chengdu, is the closest ski resort to the city. It’s not a world-class ski destination, but it’s perfect for a day trip if you want to escape the city’s smog and play in the snow.
The resort has several ski runs for beginners and intermediate skiers. You can rent equipment on-site. If skiing isn’t your thing, take the cable car to the top of the mountain for stunning views of the Sichuan Alps. The Sunrise Viewing Platform is a popular spot for photographers.
In summer, Xiling Snow Mountain transforms into a hiking and camping destination. The Yingxue Waterfall is a 100-meter-tall waterfall that’s particularly impressive after rain.
Take a bus from Chengdu’s Chadianzi Bus Station to Dayi County (about 1.5 hours). From Dayi, take a local bus to the mountain.
Anren, about 50 kilometers west of Chengdu, is a town that has turned itself into a museum. It’s home to the Jianchuan Museum Cluster, a collection of 30+ museums dedicated to modern Chinese history, including the War of Resistance against Japan, the Cultural Revolution, and the Red Army.
The Jianchuan Museum is the centerpiece, with exhibits on the Second Sino-Japanese War. The Red Age Museum focuses on the Cultural Revolution, with Mao memorabilia and propaganda posters. The Sichuan Opera Museum is a smaller but charming museum dedicated to the art of Sichuan opera.
Anren’s old town is beautifully preserved, with cobblestone streets, Qing Dynasty mansions, and ancient theaters. The Anren Old Street is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Try the Anren braised pork, which is slow-cooked in soy sauce and rock sugar. It’s tender, sweet, and savory.
Zhaojue Temple, located in the northern suburbs of Chengdu, is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples in the region. It was built in the 9th century and has been a center for Buddhist learning ever since.
The temple is a sprawling complex of halls, pagodas, and gardens. The Mahavira Hall houses a 10-meter-tall statue of Sakyamuni. The Sutra Library contains thousands of Buddhist scriptures, some of which are handwritten in gold ink.
Zhaojue Temple has a peaceful, meditative atmosphere. Monks in maroon robes walk through the courtyards, and the air is thick with incense. It’s a great place to escape the chaos of the city.
Visit during the Laba Festival in January, when the temple distributes free porridge to visitors.
Chengdu is a city that rewards exploration. Its surrounding region is a patchwork of ancient history, natural beauty, and culinary treasures. Whether you’re standing at the feet of the Leshan Giant Buddha, hiking through the misty forests of Mount Qingcheng, or tasting fresh doubanjiang in Pixian, each day trip offers a unique window into Sichuan’s soul. So pack a bag, grab your camera, and hit the road. Your next adventure is just a short ride away.
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Author: Chengdu Travel
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