Sichuan is a vast southwestern province of China renowned for its fiery cuisine, spectacular natural scenery, and rich cultural heritage. Home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Jiuzhaigou, Mount Emei, and the Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan captivates visitors with its dramatic landscapes ranging from lush river valleys to towering Tibetan-fringe highlands.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Sichuan.
-
1
Jiuzhaigou National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Sichuan famed for its spectacular multi-colored lakes, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. The valley stretches over 72,000 hectares and hosts over 100 lakes of vivid turquoise, emerald, and sapphire hues caused by mineral deposits and algae. Autumn (September–November) is the most spectacular season when foliage frames the iridescent waters.
Tip: Book tickets online well in advance — daily visitor caps apply · Arrive at the gate by 7 AM to avoid peak crowds · Take the shuttle buses between scenic zones to save time
-
2
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
The world's foremost giant panda conservation and research center, home to over 200 giant and red pandas. Located just 10 km from central Chengdu, visitors can observe pandas feeding, playing, and resting in naturalistic enclosures. Mornings are the best time to visit when pandas are most active before mid-morning naps.
Tip: Arrive at opening time for panda feeding sessions · Wear muted colors to avoid startling the animals · The red panda enclosure is less crowded and equally charming
-
3
Leshan Giant Buddha
The world's largest stone Buddha statue, carved into a cliff face at the confluence of three rivers in the 8th century Tang Dynasty. Standing 71 meters tall, the Maitreya Buddha took 90 years to complete and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside nearby Mount Emei. Visitors can descend stairs to the riverside for a full view or cruise past by boat.
Tip: The boat cruise gives the best full-length view of the statue · Queues for the descent stairs can reach 2 hours on weekends · Combine with a Mount Emei visit as part of a day trip from Chengdu
-
4
Mount Emei (Emeishan)
One of China's Four Great Buddhist Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Emei rises to 3,099 meters in southwestern Sichuan. The mountain hosts over 30 monasteries and temples including the magnificent Wannian Temple dating to the 4th century. The summit of Golden Summit offers breathtaking sunrise views above the clouds with a gilded Samantabhadra statue.
Tip: Take the cable car to the Golden Summit to save energy · Monkeys on the mountain are bold — secure your belongings · Stay overnight at the summit to catch the famous sunrise
-
5
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
An engineering masterpiece built in 256 BC during the Qin dynasty, the Dujiangyan system diverts the Min River to irrigate the Chengdu Plain without using a dam, and is still fully operational today after 2,000+ years. The system comprises three main components — Fish Mouth Water-Dividing Dam, Feisha Weir, and Bottle-Neck Channel — and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tip: Combine with Mount Qingcheng which is nearby · The Anlan Chain Bridge above the weir offers great photo ops · Hire a local guide to understand the engineering significance
-
6
Huanglong Scenic Area
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in northwestern Sichuan featuring a series of calcite-rimmed colorful pools, glaciers, waterfalls, and dense forests. The Main Valley Scenic Area offers a 7.5 km trail leading to the Five-Color Pond at 3,600 meters altitude, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Huanglong is one of China's highest-altitude scenic areas and requires acclimatization.
Tip: Altitude reaches 3,600m — take altitude sickness precautions · The cable car is highly recommended for the ascent · Carry warm layers even in summer
-
7
Sanxingdui Museum
One of China's most extraordinary archaeological discoveries, Sanxingdui reveals a previously unknown Bronze Age civilization that flourished in Sichuan 3,000–5,000 years ago. The museum houses massive bronze masks, golden scepters, jade ornaments, and otherworldly sculptural objects that challenge conventional understanding of early Chinese history. New excavation pits opened to visitors in 2022 offer a stunning window into ongoing discoveries.
Tip: The new pit area is the highlight — allocate extra time · English-language audio guides are available for rental · Easily combined with a day trip from Chengdu (45 min by train)
-
8
Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys)
A beautifully restored historic neighborhood in central Chengdu composed of three parallel lanes of Qing Dynasty architecture housing boutique teahouses, restaurants, galleries, and street food vendors. Wide Alley (Kuanxiang) offers traditional teahouses and antique shops, while Narrow Alley (Zhaixiang) buzzes with restaurants and bars, and Well Alley (Jingxiang) is lined with trendy cafes. An ideal introduction to old Chengdu culture.
Tip: Try a traditional Sichuan face mask (bianzuolian) performance at one of the teahouses · Street food including spicy skewers and rabbit heads are local specialties · Busiest on weekends — visit on a weekday morning for photos
-
9
Jinli Ancient Street
Adjacent to the Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Ancient Street is a lively commercial street restored in Han Dynasty architectural style and packed with Sichuan handicraft shops, street food stalls, teahouses, and folk art performances. The street is especially magical after dark when red lanterns illuminate the walkways and folk opera performances take place. A major hub for trying Sichuan street food delicacies.
Tip: Try the spicy beef jerky, dumplings, and glutinous rice snacks · The Sichuan Opera face-changing show (bianlian) happens nearby at Jinjiang Theatre · Browse the handicraft stalls for locally made embroidery and shadow puppets
-
10
Wuhou Shrine
The most famous shrine in China dedicated to the heroes of the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 AD), particularly Zhuge Liang the revered chancellor and Liu Bei the Shu Han emperor whose mausoleum sits within the complex. The shrine complex spans 15 hectares of lush gardens, ornate halls, red walls, and ancient cypress trees. Combined entry includes access to the adjacent Jinli Ancient Street.
Tip: Read up on the Three Kingdoms story beforehand for context · The lush bamboo garden behind the main halls is peaceful and photogenic · Combined Wuhou-Jinli entry is available at the gate
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Leshan Giant Buddha
World's largest stone Buddha at 71 meters
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
2,000-year-old UNESCO irrigation engineering marvel
Luding Bridge
Historic 1705 iron-chain bridge famous in Long March history
Wuhou Shrine
Most revered Three Kingdoms era memorial complex in China
Kuanzhai Alley
Restored Qing Dynasty historic lanes in central Chengdu
Museums
Sanxingdui Museum
Extraordinary Bronze Age civilization artifacts defying conventional Chinese history
Zigong Dinosaur Museum
World's largest in-situ dinosaur fossil museum
Sichuan Museum
Comprehensive Sichuan history and art from Neolithic to modern era
Jinsha Site Museum
Ancient Shu Kingdom artifacts from 3,000 years ago discovered in Chengdu
Chengdu Museum
City history museum near Tianfu Square with bronze and lacquer collections
Nature
Jiuzhaigou National Park
UNESCO-listed multi-colored lakes and waterfalls
Huanglong Scenic Area
UNESCO calcite-rimmed pools and alpine glaciers
Siguniang Mountain
Alpine peaks and valleys for hiking and trekking
Daocheng Yading
Sacred snow peaks and pristine Tibetan highland scenery
Hailuogou Glacier Park
Asia's lowest-altitude glacier with hot spring bathing
Cultural
Sichuan Opera Face-Changing
Spectacular bianlian mask-swapping performance art
Jinli Ancient Street
Han Dynasty-style street with food, crafts, and lanterns
Qingyang Palace
Chengdu's oldest Taoist temple dating to the Tang Dynasty
Langzhong Ancient City
One of China's four best-preserved ancient urban environments
Tagong Monastery
Important Sakya-school Tibetan Buddhist monastery on highland grasslands
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most attractions open 8:00–9:00 AM and close 5:00–6:00 PM; some parks close seasonally
- Fees
- National parks: $15–43; City attractions: $2–22; Panda bases: $10–14
- Best Times
- Arrive at opening time for popular sites like Jiuzhaigou and the panda base; mid-week visits reduce queues significantly
- Booking
- Book Jiuzhaigou tickets online well in advance — daily caps apply. Huanglong and Yading also benefit from advance booking during peak season
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Download the Mafengwo or Ctrip app to book tickets in advance and read Chinese traveler reviews
The Chengdu City Pass covers multiple urban attractions and includes unlimited metro rides
Many western Sichuan areas require permits — check requirements before traveling
Combine Dujiangyan + Mount Qingcheng and Leshan + Mount Emei as efficient day trip pairs
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in Sichuan?
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer the best weather; Jiuzhaigou's autumn colors peak October–November
Are guided tours available for Sichuan's attractions?
Available at major UNESCO sites; official English guides from $30–80 per half day
Can I take photos at attractions in Sichuan?
Permitted at nearly all sites; drones require advance permits at national parks
How much time do I need for Sichuan's main attractions?
Minimum 5 days to see Chengdu highlights + one major natural site; 10–14 days for a comprehensive Sichuan trip