Generated with sparks and insights from 14 sources

Summary

Sichuan is a diverse province in southwest China, known for its spicy cuisine and giant pandas. While Chengdu is the main tourist hub, the province offers many cultural and scenic attractions outside the city, including Jiuzhaigou National Park, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and the Leshan Giant Buddha.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

A research base dedicated to giant pandas, offering up-close looks at pandas in enclosures that imitate their natural habitat.

Tips

Visit in the morning for the best chance to see pandas being active. Don't miss the nursery where newborns and little ones sleep in incubators.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (BEST DAY EVER ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF8TBBh_DRI", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jul 30, 2019", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Panda Paradise - Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLOHHViGUaY", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "May 26, 2020", "length": "" }</div>

Leshan Giant Buddha

A colossal stone statue carved out of a cliff face, near the city of Leshan.

Tips

Join a tour group or rent a car to visit this site as it is not located within Chengdu.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan, China [Amazing Places 4K]", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hxbHP2_3K8", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Nov 15, 2015", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area - UNESCO World Heritage ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJPaZDzwV6M", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Nov 3, 2019", "length": "" }</div>

Emeishan

One of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China, known for its stunning scenery and ancient temples.

Tips

Best visited with a tour group or rented car for a comprehensive experience.

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "China's Emeishan is Heaven on Earth", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRolQ9W2GOs", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jul 18, 2022", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "GOLDEN SUMMIT at EMEISHAN - China", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eV98B6Ylgx0", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jan 27, 2020", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Sichuan Vlog: Emei Shan (Mount Emei)!", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H36FeHfbJK0", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Apr 30, 2015", "length": "" }</div>

Dujiangyan Irrigation System

An ancient irrigation system still in use today, showcasing ancient Chinese engineering.

Tips

Consider joining a tour group or renting a car to visit this site.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "China's Incredible 2000 Year Old Irrigation System // This is ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEK9YMk0fH0", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "May 9, 2017", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Dujiangyan Irrigation System", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOeFPrOlYko", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jun 25, 2018", "length": "" }</div>

Jiuzhaigou National Park

Known for its colorful, translucent lakes and multi-level waterfalls, a photographer’s paradise.

Tips

Currently closed for restoration due to earthquake damage. Check for reopening dates.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "\u3010Live China\u3011The Magnificent Scenery of Jiuzhaigou Valley ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBdAk2lsbcY", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Mar 25, 2016", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Is Jiuzhaigou still beautiful? | China's most beautiful place ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFCiiczByTc", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Oct 15, 2019", "length": "" }</div>

Huanglong Scenic Area

Famous for its tiered calcite-deposit pools and hot springs, with potential sightings of giant pandas or golden snub-nosed monkeys.

Tips

A great alternative to Jiuzhaigou while it undergoes restoration.

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Insanely Beautiful Blue Pools: Huanglong National Park in ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mxRwqNxYhE", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jan 9, 2024", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area (UNESCO/NHK)", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCs51rQYTcQ", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jun 3, 2010", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "HUANGLONG National Park (China, Sichuan) at an ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YHA4NvgZCo", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Oct 2, 2020", "length": "" }</div>

Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

A remote area with a significant Tibetan population, offering a unique cultural experience.

Tips

May require a special permit to visit. Travel restrictions may apply during the Tibetan New Year.

Larung Gar

A town primarily made up of Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns, known for its red houses built into the Larung Valley.

Tips

Visitors can watch and partake in daily rituals, but must remain respectful.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Larung Gar, The World's Largest Tibetan Buddhist Institute", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk2ffb0wXeA", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Aug 11, 2017", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Larung Gar Buddhist Academy - Under Threat", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-jO6rRH8VA", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "May 4, 2017", "length": "" }</div>