Sichuan Province is a land of contrasts—where fiery hotpots meet serene mountain temples, and bustling megacities give way to untouched wilderness. This 10-day itinerary takes you through Chengdu’s urban charm, UNESCO-listed natural wonders, and hidden gems that define Sichuan’s soul. Pack your sense of adventure (and maybe some stomach medicine for the spice)!
Start slow by diving into Chengdu’s laid-back vibe. Head to People’s Park for a morning tea at Heming Teahouse, where locals gossip over endless cups of jasmine tea. Don’t miss the "ear cleaning" service—a quirky Sichuanese tradition!
For lunch, brave the Chuan Chuan Xiang hotpot—skewers of meat and veggies dunked in a bubbling, numbing málà broth. Post-meal, wander Kuanzhai Alley (Wide & Narrow Alleys), a restored Qing-dynasty district now packed with indie cafés and souvenir shops.
Rise early for the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Pro tip: Arrive by 7:30 AM to see pandas munching bamboo at their most active. Book the Panda Volunteer Program for a hands-on experience (extra fee, but worth it).
In the evening, catch a Sichuan Opera at Shufeng Yayun Theater. The face-changing (biàn liǎn) performance—where masks vanish in a blink—is pure magic.
Take a 2-hour train to Leshan to marvel at the world’s largest stone Buddha (71m tall!). Climb the cliffside stairs for a jaw-dropping view, or opt for a boat ride to see the statue from the Min River.
Back in Chengdu, refuel at Yulin Night Market—try zhà jiàng miàn (noodles with savory sauce) or dàn dàn miàn (spicy peanut noodles).
Fly to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (1.5 hrs). The Jiuzhaigou Valley (a UNESCO site) is a fairyland of turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and Tibetan villages. Spend the afternoon at Nuorilang Waterfall and Five Flower Lake, where the water shimmers like liquid gemstones.
Stay overnight in Zhangzha Town—try yak meat hotpot at a local Tibetan restaurant.
Hop on the eco-friendly shuttle to explore deeper:
- Long Lake: The valley’s highest and most secluded lake.
- Arrow Bamboo Lake: Famous for Avatar-like reflections.
- Shuzheng Village: Meet Tibetan artisans selling handmade crafts.
Drive 2 hours to Huanglong Scenic Area, nicknamed "Earth’s Palette" for its cascading calcium pools. Hike the 3.5km trail past Five-Color Pond and Golden Sand Basin. Altitude warning: Huanglong sits at 3,500m—take it slow!
Take a bullet train (1.5 hrs) to Emeishan City. At Baoguo Temple, the mountain’s base, hire a guide for the Qingyin Pavilion Trail—a moderate hike past waterfalls and teahouses. Keep an eye out for cheeky macaques!
Spend the night at Wannian Temple, where monks chant at dawn.
Wake at 4 AM for the 2-hour climb (or cable car ride) to Golden Summit (Jinding). On clear days, the sea of clouds below the 3,077m peak is ethereal. Visit the 10,000-Buddha Summit before descending.
Day trip to Dujiangyan Irrigation System (2,000-year-old UNESCO-listed canals). Nearby, the Dujiangyan Panda Base (less crowded than Chengdu’s) lets you see red pandas too!
For dinner, book Yu’s Family Kitchen—a Michelin-starred take on Sichuan classics like mapo tofu.
Stroll Tianfu Square or hunt for píxiū (mythical creature figurines) at Jinli Ancient Street. Grab a final lái bāozi (soup dumplings) snack before your flight.
Pro Tips:
- Spice tolerance? Ask for wēi là ("mild spice")—or risk regret.
- Transport: High-speed trains connect major cities; private drivers work for remote spots.
- Best time: April-May (spring blooms) or September-October (fall foliage).
Sichuan isn’t just a place—it’s a sensory explosion. From pandas to peaks, every day here promises the unexpected. Ready to book your ticket?
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Author: Chengdu Travel
Source: Chengdu Travel
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