Explore Sichuan by region
From the famous lakes of northern Sichuan to Chengdu's pandas, ancient heritage sites and the high mountains of the west, discover which places fit your interests and how to plan them into a realistic route.
Explore Attractions by RegionA practical destination guide
Sichuan is a large and varied province. Its headline attractions are spread across different regions, and the best itinerary depends on how many days you have, your interests and how much time you can allow for road travel.
Lakes, waterfalls and mountain scenery
This area is known for colorful alpine lakes, waterfalls and dramatic highland scenery. Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong are often considered together, but they are separate scenic areas and each deserves its own planning time.
Known for clear blue and green lakes, waterfalls and forested valleys. A visit involves moving between scenic areas, so route order and shuttle-bus planning matter.
Famous for its terraced travertine pools and mountain setting. Visitors should consider the walking distance, cable-car options and high elevation when planning.
Combining Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong requires careful timing for flights or long bus rides. We can help you arrange transfers and ensure you don't rush these stunning parks.
Request a Custom RouteWildlife, archaeology and heritage
Chengdu is a practical starting point for many Sichuan trips. Several important attractions can be visited as day trips or short extensions from the city.
One of the best-known places to see giant pandas in Sichuan. Plan an early visit and check current opening arrangements.
Explore artifacts associated with the ancient Shu civilization, including distinctive bronze objects and masks.
This monumental cliff-carved Buddha can be experienced from different viewpoints. Decide whether a walking visit, a river boat view or a combination best suits your schedule.
Pair the historic Dujiangyan irrigation system with the forested religious and cultural landscape of Qingcheng Mountain for a varied day outside Chengdu.
A celebrated Buddhist mountain with temples, forest paths and the high-altitude Golden Summit area. Your route depends on available time, transport choices and weather.
With so many incredible sights nearby, getting the logistics right is key. Let us help you build a custom itinerary that covers pandas, history, and nature smoothly.
Plan Your Chengdu TripHigh plateaus and mountain landscapes
Western Sichuan offers some of the province's most dramatic mountain scenery. These destinations require more careful planning because of longer road journeys, changing weather and high elevations.
Known for sacred snow peaks, alpine lakes and expansive highland landscapes. Choose hiking routes according to fitness, acclimatization and the time available.
The Four Sisters Mountains region is known for its peaks and valleys. Different valleys offer different levels of walking effort, scenery and access.
Use the regional guide to understand the main routes, landscapes, travel seasons and how destinations fit together before choosing a specific mountain itinerary.
Choose what suits your trip
This overview helps you shortlist destinations by the kind of experience they offer.
| Destination | Main experience | Typical planning focus | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chengdu Panda Base | Giant pandas | Early arrival and visitor schedule | Chengdu |
| Jiuzhaigou Valley | Lakes and waterfalls | Full-day park route | Northern Sichuan |
| Huanglong | Travertine pools | Walking, cable car and altitude | Northern Sichuan |
| Sanxingdui Museum | Ancient Shu archaeology | Exhibition time and transport | Near Chengdu |
| Leshan Giant Buddha | Buddhist heritage | Boat view or walking route | South of Chengdu |
| Mount Emei | Temples and mountain scenery | Summit access and weather | South of Chengdu |
| Dujiangyan & Qingcheng | Engineering and Taoist heritage | Combining two sites in one day | Near Chengdu |
| Daocheng Yading | High mountain scenery | Altitude and hiking preparation | Western Sichuan |
| Mount Siguniang | Mountain valleys | Valley choice and road access | Western Sichuan |
Turn your shortlist into a route
Attractions that look close on a map may still involve slow mountain roads or long transfers. Start with the region you most want to visit, then build the rest of your itinerary around realistic travel days.
Before you go
Popular choices include Chengdu Panda Base, Jiuzhaigou Valley, Huanglong, Sanxingdui Museum, Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, Dujiangyan and Qingcheng Mountain, Daocheng Yading and Mount Siguniang.
Yes. They are often combined in a northern Sichuan itinerary, but they are separate scenic areas. Allow enough time for both visits and the transfer between them.
Chengdu Panda Base, Sanxingdui and Dujiangyan are practical options from Chengdu. Leshan and Mount Emei can also be planned as a southbound extension.
Some destinations, especially in Western Sichuan and around Huanglong, involve high elevations. Check the altitude and route profile of each destination.