Meet the Pandas – The Beloved Ambassadors of Sichuan
No trip to Sichuan is complete without spending time with its most famous residents: giant pandas. These gentle giants call Sichuan's cool, humid bamboo forests home, and the province is home to over 80% of the world's wild giant pandas. Here are the best places to see them up close, along with essential tips for a memorable visit.
1. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Chengdu Panda Base)
The most popular and accessible spot to see pandas, the Chengdu Panda Base is just 18 kilometers north of downtown Chengdu. Unlike zoos, this conservation center mimics the pandas' natural habitat, with lush bamboo groves, rolling hills, and spacious enclosures where pandas eat, sleep, and play. It is also a leader in panda breeding and conservation, working tirelessly to protect this endangered species.Visitor Tips:
Arrive early (before 8:30 AM) to avoid crowds and catch the pandas when they are most active—they tend to laze around in the afternoon heat.
Note the rotational rest system: No. 6 Giant Panda Villa, a high-traffic area, is closed every Monday (excluding national holidays) for animal welfare. The Chengdu Giant Panda Museum and Panda Art Museum are also closed on Mondays, while Panda Tower closes on Tuesdays for maintenance (excluding holidays) and may shut temporarily in bad weather.
Keep a safe distance: Maintain at least three meters from free-range animals and red pandas during entry-type tours. Do not sit, stand, or climb on railings, and avoid disturbing the pandas in any way.
Wear comfortable shoes—there is a lot of walking, and some paths are hilly. Bring mosquito repellent if visiting in warmer months.
2. Dujiangyan Panda Valley
For a more intimate experience, head to Dujiangyan Panda Valley, about 60 kilometers from Chengdu. This sanctuary focuses on reintroducing pandas to the wild, so the pandas here are more independent and active. You can walk along wooden boardwalks that wind through bamboo forests, getting a closer look at the pandas without thick glass or barriers.
3. Wolong National Nature Reserve
For the most authentic panda experience, visit Wolong National Nature Reserve, located in the Qionglai Mountains. This remote reserve is home to wild pandas, as well as captive pandas in a more natural setting. It is a bit harder to reach (about a 3-hour drive from Chengdu), but the scenery is breathtaking—think snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear rivers, and dense forests. You may even spot other rare animals like red pandas and golden monkeys.
Seeing giant pandas is more than a photo stop—it is about timing, location, and understanding their natural behavior. We design panda-focused experiences that prioritize animal welfare, quieter visiting hours, and meaningful conservation context, helping you enjoy a calm and rewarding encounter with Sichuan's most beloved residents.
Chase the Mountains – Adventure in Sichuan's Scenic Landscapes
Beyond pandas, Sichuan is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Its diverse terrain includes snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient forests, offering endless opportunities for hiking, trekking, and sightseeing. From the iconic Mount Emei to the remote Daocheng Yading, here are the best mountain adventures in Sichuan.
1. Mount Emei (Emei Shan)
One of China's Four Great Buddhist Mountains, Mount Emei is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning scenery, ancient temples, and playful macaques. It is a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, with trails that wind through forests, past waterfalls, and up to panoramic viewpoints.
Adventure Highlights:
Golden Summit (Jinding): The highest point of Mount Emei (3,077 meters above sea level), offering breathtaking views of the sunrise, sea of clouds, and the 48-meter-tall Ten Directions Puxian Buddha Statue, which glows golden in the sunlight. Take the cable car up for an easy ascent, or hike the 2-day trail for a more challenging adventure.
Qingyin Pavilion & Ecological Monkey Zone: Hike through the lush Qingyin Pavilion area, where you will hear the sound of flowing water and see ancient trees. The nearby Ecological Monkey Zone is home to wild macaques—be careful, they are known to steal food, so keep snacks hidden and backpack zippers closed.
Hot Springs: After a day of hiking, relax in the hot springs at the foot of the mountain. The Lingxiu Hot Spring and Hongzhushan Hotel hot springs are popular choices, with outdoor pools offering mountain views.
Travel Tips:
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and warm clothing (the summit is cold, even in summer).
Buy a combined ticket for the scenic area, sightseeing bus, and cable car to save time.
The best time to visit is spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms or autumn (September–November) for golden leaves.
2. Leshan Giant Buddha & Surroundings
While not a mountain adventure in the traditional sense, the Leshan Giant Buddha is a must-visit attraction that combines natural scenery with human ingenuity. Carved into a cliff face overlooking the confluence of the Minjiang, Qingyi, and Dadu rivers, this 71-meter-tall Buddha is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world.
Experience Tips: Hike down the Nine-Turn Plank Road to get up close to the Buddha's feet, or take a boat tour on the river for a panoramic view of the statue—this is also the perspective featured on Chinese currency. After visiting the Buddha, explore nearby Suji Ancient Town, with its ancient iron chain bridge and local teahouses.
3. Daocheng Yading – The "Last Pure Land"
For more adventurous travelers, Daocheng Yading is a remote and pristine paradise located in the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Known as the "Last Pure Land" of Sichuan, it is surrounded by snow-capped mountains (including the iconic Chenrezig, Jambeyang, and Chanadorje peaks), crystal-clear lakes (like Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake), and vast grasslands.
Hiking in Daocheng Yading is challenging (due to high altitude, up to 4,700 meters), but the scenery is worth it. The most popular trail is the 2-day hike to Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake, which offers stunning views of the mountains and lakes. Note that you will need to acclimatize to the altitude before hiking to avoid altitude sickness.
4. Jiuzhaigou Valley (Jiuzhaigou)
While technically in neighboring Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Jiuzhaigou is often included in Sichuan travel itineraries for its unparalleled natural beauty. Famous for its turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains, Jiuzhaigou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a hiker's dream. The valley is divided into three main sections, with trails that wind through forests and past lakes like Five-Flower Lake and Long Lake.
Whether you are drawn to close-up panda encounters or epic mountain scenery, Sichuan rewards travelers who plan thoughtfully. Ume Travel's customized journeys combine wildlife, landscapes, and local insight—designed around your interests, travel style, and pace—so you can experience the province with depth, comfort, and confidence.