Blue, green and purple shimmering lakes, mist-shrouded mountain peaks and centuries-old temples: Sichuan brings together a range of nature and cultural experiences. When planning a trip, you can focus on landscapes and wildlife habitats, Buddhist and Daoist history, or archaeological sites. Chengdu’s cuisine also offers a distinct way to experience the region.
Lakes, forests and habitats
The Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area is home to blue, green and purple pools and lakes, waterfalls, limestone terraces and caves. Ancient natural forests provide habitats for endangered plant and animal species, including the giant panda and takin. The area also has a 70-kilometre ecological walkway. Here, bodies of water, forest and striking limestone formations sit side by side—a different landscape focus from Huanglong’s mountains and springs.
Huanglong features travertine terraces and lakes, waterfalls, forests, mountain landscapes, limestone formations and hot springs. Its natural scenery also includes China’s easternmost glaciers. The area provides a habitat for giant pandas and Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys. The Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries offer a different perspective on species conservation: they are home to more than 30 percent of the world’s giant panda population. They are also home to red pandas, snow leopards and clouded leopards; 5,000 to 6,000 plant species have been recorded in the protected areas.
Mountain temples and history
The first Buddhist temple in China was built on the summit of Mount Emei in the 1st century CE. Today, there are more than 30 temples there, including ten major, very old temples. Around 3,200 plant species have also been recorded on the mountain. Mount Emei thus combines a long religious history with diverse plant life, though these two aspects are experienced in different ways.
At Mount Qingcheng, a hike leads through quiet forests to temples amid mist-shrouded mountain peaks. The mountain is said to be the place where Zhang Ling founded the teachings of Chinese Daoism in 142 CE. Eleven important Daoist temples reflect the traditional architecture of western Sichuan. The Leshan Giant Buddha offers a different focus: in the 8th century, it was carved out of the slope of Xijuo Peak. The figure looks out over the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers.
The Sanxingdui Site, in the western suburbs of the city of Guanghan, offers a glimpse into archaeological history. From around 1800 BCE, it developed into a Bronze Age cultural centre in the Sichuan Basin. The Dujiangyan Irrigation System represents a part of history that is still functioning today: originally built around 256 BCE, it continues to operate and now irrigates 668,700 hectares of farmland. The two examples reflect different historical themes—a Bronze Age site and an irrigation system that continues to serve its purpose.
Chengdu and Sichuan cuisine
Chengdu is considered the birthplace and centre of Sichuan cuisine. Its cuisine artfully combines sweet, sour, bitter, spicy and salty flavours. If you would like to include culinary experiences in your trip planning, Chengdu offers a distinct focus alongside the natural and cultural sites. When choosing a hotel in Sichuan, you can start by considering which of these themes you want your trip to centre on.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Chengdu, Guangyuan, Ngawa, Deyang, Mianyang, Liangshan, Leshan, Meishan, Zigong, Ya'an, Panzhihua, Nanchong, Garzê, Bazhong, Ziyang, Dazhou, Yibin, Suining, Luzhou, Guang'an, Neijiang.
For the main travel overview: China.
