southwest · Sichuan (Extended) (Sìchuān)
Sichuan (Extended) Travel Guide
Sichuan is one of China's most populous and agriculturally productive provinces, home to the giant panda, Sichuan cooking (the most-copied regional cuisine), and spectacular UNESCO landscapes. The capital Chengdu is the country's most livable major city.
Last updated:
TL;DR
Southwestern province famous for panda conservation, fiery Sichuan cuisine, Jiuzhaigou's turquoise lakes, and the Leshan Giant Buddha.
Quick facts
| Capital | Chengdu |
|---|---|
| Population | 83.7 million |
| Area | 486,000 km² |
| Best season | March–May and September–November |
| Famous for | panda conservation, Sichuan cuisine (mala), Jiuzhaigou (UNESCO), Mt. Emei |
| UNESCO sites | 5 sites |
Why visit Sichuan (Extended)
For the pandas — Chengdu's Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is the best place in the world to see them. For the food — Sichuan cuisine (mala, numbing-spicy) is China's most distinctive. For the landscapes — Jiuzhaigou Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site with 100+ turquoise lakes.
Key cities
UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sichuan (Extended)
- Mt. Emei (inscribed 1996)
- Leshan Giant Buddha (inscribed 1996)
- Jiuzhaigou Valley (inscribed 1992)
- Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries (inscribed 2006)
- Dujiangyan Irrigation System (inscribed 2000)
Getting there & around
Getting there: Chengdu Tianfu (TFU) and Shuangliu (CTU) airports have international flights. HSR from Beijing: 8-9h. From Shanghai: 11-12h. From Xi'an: 3.5h.
Getting around: Chengdu has 12+ metro lines. Jiuzhaigou, Leshan, and Mt. Emei are accessible by HSR or tourist bus from Chengdu.
Suggested itineraries
3 days — Chengdu essentials
Day 1: Panda Base + Wuhou Shrine. Day 2: People's Park + Sichuan opera. Day 3: Leshan Buddha day trip.
5 days — Chengdu + Jiuzhaigou
Day 1-3 Chengdu, Day 4-5 Jiuzhaigou UNESCO.
Local cuisine
Sichuan Hotpot (Sìchuān huǒguō)
Numbing-spicy mala broth with beef, lamb, tripe, and vegetables
Mapo Tofu (Mápó dòufu)
Silken tofu in spicy bean-paste sauce with minced pork and Sichuan peppercorns
Frequently asked questions
When is best for pandas?
Morning, 7:30-10 AM. Pandas are most active in the morning (eating bamboo). They sleep through midday.
How hot is Sichuan hotpot?
Extremely. The mala broth has Sichuan peppercorns (numbing) and dried chilies (spicy). Beginners can ask for a yuanyang (half-and-half) with a milder side.
When is Jiuzhaigou best?
September-October (autumn colors, blue lakes). May-June (waterfall season). Avoid July-August (rainy, landslide risk).