How to Plan A Classic Sichuan Tour

How to plan a classic Sichuan tour? Firstly you got to know what places you can go in Sichuan. So what are the destinations popular among travelers? What place issuitable for visit time visiting, and what’s for the next trip or a return trip?

Here we talk about the classic destinations you can plan in your trip. I am sure you come for a certain reason or for seeking a interest or theme. It totally depends on your dates, budget and preference. Here are our suggestions.

2~ 4 Days (Chengdu, Sanxingdui, Dujiangyan)

If you have 2~4 days, you can tour only Chengdu city or its nearby. Most of people arrive at Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province, and start their trip from this relaxing and cultural city. So what does Chengdu offer? The first place for you to go definitely is the Chengdu Giant Panda Research and Breeding Base which houses more than 80 cute pandas. You have a half day to get close observation at these “living fossils” playing, climbing the tree, eating bamboo…you can even hold one panda if you like. Return back from panda base, spend the rest half day to explore several interesting landmarks in Chengdu – Jinli Ancient Street, Wuhou Temple and Renmin Park. Jinli is a great place to see the traditional architecture and streets of hundreds years ago in Chengdu. While Wuhou temple is located next to Jinli Street. It is a shrine keeping the history of ancient Shu Kimgdom. Renmin Park, in Chinese means the park of people, is the best place to experience the custom of daily life of locals in Chengdu. In the next day, you can visit some historical sites in Chengdu, such as the sacred Wenshu Temple, Dufu Cottage and Sichuan Provincial Museum.

Above places are the best highlights in Chengdu City. While if you want to explore more, you have several places to go – Sanxingdui Ruin, Huanglongxi Ancient Town. You can visit these two sites together within one day. Sanxingdui keeps many wonderful and mysterious archaeological discoveries. And Huanglongxi is a peaceful ancient town to stay a half day. Want to try something great? About 65km away from Chengdu is Dujiangyan where you can see the greatest irrigation system in China history. In Dujiangyan, there is also a giant panda reserve. Leaving Dujiangyan, go to hike the famous Taoist mountain – Qingchengshan. There are convenient high speed rail transfer between Chengdu, Dujiangyan and Qingchengshan.

5~7 Days(Jiuzhaigou, Leshan, Mount Emei)

Got more days? Don’t worry, there are several other REALLY amazing places to go. First is the Jiuzhaigou. All year around, it attracts hundreds even thousands people to visit every day. Here you can see the most stunning water, lakes and mountains. At least two days are needed to tour Jiuzhaigou. If you transfer by car, two other days have to be taken to get to and get away. But don’t worry, there are many things to do along the driving. You can also transfer by flight between Chengdu Shuangliu Airport and Huanglong Airport. There are many flight schedules every day.

Leshan – Mount Emei is another classic tourist route as a great extension for Chengdu tour. Each of these two destinations is world famous heritage site, but they are close to each other, so people usually visit both together. You can depart from Chengdu to Leshan by vehicle or high speed train. Take several hours to see the highest stone Buddha in the world, get close to touch him, take photos with him. You can also take a cruise to see the overall views of Buddha and the mountains.

You only have to drive about one hour to Mount Emei from Leshan. You will accommodate at the foot of Mount Emei. In the next day, you can take bus to Leidong Ping from which you can hike up to the top of Mount Emei. Enjoy the splendid landscape, visit the sacred Buddhist temples. Return back to the foot of mountain by bus, then get back to Chengdu. Some tourists prefer to hike up to the top from lower places, such as Qingyin Ge, Wanniansi. The hiking takes a day, but it is a wonderful experience of sightseeing. And there are many interesting temples along the road.