Sichuan's Top 10 Must-Visit Places: Pandas, UNESCO Wonders & Pristine Landscapes

1. Chengdu – The Cultural and Culinary Heart of Sichuan

Chengdu is the gateway to Sichuan and the ideal starting point for most travelers. Known for its relaxed pace of life, the city blends modern comforts with deep-rooted traditions.

Highlights include the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, traditional tea houses, lively local parks, and historic streets such as Jinli and Kuanzhai Alley. Chengdu is also the best place to experience authentic Sichuan cuisine, from hot pot to classic local dishes served in neighborhood restaurants.

Must-do Experiences:

• Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding early in the morning

• Spend an afternoon in a traditional tea house and observe local life

• Explore Jinli Street or Kuanzhai Alley for food and historic atmosphere

Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for mild weather and comfortable city exploration

Best for: First-time visitors, food lovers, panda encounters, relaxed city life

2. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Up-Close Encounter with Giant Pandas)

When you come to Sichuan, you must not miss its most famous resident — the giant panda. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the world's top giant panda conservation and scientific research institution, which can bring you an immersive experience far beyond ordinary zoos. The base replicates the native bamboo forest habitat of giant pandas, focusing on giant panda breeding, conservation and public science education. You can watch up close the lovely appearance of giant pandas eating fresh bamboo shoots, rolling in the snow, playing with their companions, or lazily basking in the sun. 

Core Experience: Watch giant pandas in the semi-wild bamboo forest habitat, see lively panda cubs and adult giant pandas feeding on bamboo shoots, visit panda villas, and learn about giant panda breeding and global conservation work.

Suitable For: Family travelers with children, cute animal lovers, first-time visitors to Sichuan, leisure sightseers

Pro Tip: Arrive at the park before 08:30 in the morning to catch the giant pandas at their most active (in summer, when the temperature rises in the afternoon, giant pandas become lazy and sleepy). Winter is an underrated excellent visiting season, as giant pandas especially like to play in the snow, and the number of tourists is greatly reduced. 

3. Leshan – Home to the Giant Buddha

Located south of Chengdu, Leshan is famous for the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone Buddha statue in the world. Carved into a cliff overlooking the confluence of three rivers, it is one of Sichuan’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors can walk down the cliffside path for a close-up view or take a boat ride for a panoramic perspective. Leshan is often combined with nearby Mount Emei for a full cultural and scenic experience.

Must-do Experiences:

• Walk the Nine-Turn Plank Road to see the Giant Buddha up close

• Take a river boat cruise for panoramic views of the statue

• Visit nearby Suji Ancient Town for a quieter local experience

Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for pleasant temperatures and clear river views

Best for: Cultural landmarks, photography, day trips from Chengdu

4. Mount Emei – Sacred Peaks and Mountain Scenery

One of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, Mount Emei is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for misty peaks, ancient temples, and forested hiking trails. Travelers can explore the mountain via cable cars, scenic buses, or hiking routes that range from gentle walks to multi-day treks. The Golden Summit offers spectacular views of clouds and surrounding mountains, especially at sunrise.

Must-do Experiences:

• Take the cable car to the Golden Summit for sunrise and cloud views

• Walk forest trails near Qingyin Pavilion

• Relax in hot springs at the foot of the mountain after hiking

Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) for greenery and flowers, or autumn (September–November) for cooler air and autumn colors

Best for: Nature lovers, hikers, spiritual sites, scenic views

5. Dujiangyan – Ancient Engineering and Natural Balance

Just outside Chengdu, Dujiangyan is home to a 2,000-year-old irrigation system that is still in use today. This UNESCO-listed site showcases ancient Chinese engineering and its harmony with nature. The area also offers scenic walks, temples, and access to nearby mountains such as Mount Qingcheng, one of the birthplaces of Taoism.

Must-do Experiences:

• Explore the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Walk scenic bridges and riverside paths

• Combine with a visit to Mount Qingcheng for Taoist culture

Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for comfortable walking conditions and greenery

Best for: History enthusiasts, easy day trips, cultural insight

6. Qingcheng Mountain – Taoist Heritage and Forest Trails

Near Dujiangyan, Mount Qingcheng is one of China’s most important Taoist sites. Known for its lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere, it offers shaded walking paths, historic temples, and a quieter alternative to larger mountain destinations. The scenic area is divided into two main parts: the Front Mountain, centered on thousand-year-old Taoist temples and profound Taoist culture, and the Back Mountain, focused on virgin forests, canyon waterfalls, and serene natural secret realms. It is a thousand-year-old famous mountain with a perfect integration of humanity and nature.

Must-do Experiences:

• Walk shaded forest paths connecting Taoist temples

• Visit historic Taoist sites nestled into the mountain

• Enjoy a peaceful contrast to busier mountain destinations

Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for cooler temperatures and lush greenery

Best for: Light hiking, cultural heritage, tranquil escapes

7. Sanxingdui Museum (Unveiling the Mystery of the 3,000-Year-Old Ancient Shu Civilization) 

Known as the "Ninth Wonder of the World", Sanxingdui Museum represents the pinnacle of ancient Shu civilization, the source of the Yangtze River civilization, and one of the world's most famous Chinese archaeological site museums. The unearthed national treasure-level cultural relics, including the Bronze Sacred Tree, Bronze Mask with Protruding Eyes, Golden Scepter, and Golden Mask, have rewritten the world's understanding of early Chinese civilization. The mysterious and unique ancient Shu civilization, is the top cultural travel destination for European and American tourists visiting Sichuan.

Core Experience: Admire the iconic national treasures in the Bronze Hall, including the 3.96-meter-high Bronze Sacred Tree and giant bronze masks; watch the entire process of cultural relic restoration by archaeologists in the open cultural relic restoration hall; gain an in-depth understanding of ancient Shu civilization with a professional English-speaking guide; immerse yourself in the 360° digital exhibition that restores the ancient Shu sacrificial scenes; and dig a replica archaeological blind box to take home an exclusive souvenir.

8. Jiuzhaigou Valley – Alpine Lakes and Waterfalls

Jiuzhaigou National Park is one of western China’s most celebrated natural landscapes. The valley is famous for its turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Each season brings a different atmosphere, but autumn is especially popular when colorful foliage reflects in crystal-clear water. Well-maintained boardwalks make the park accessible while preserving its fragile ecosystem.

Must-do Experiences:

• Walk the boardwalks around Five-Flower Lake and Long Lake

• Photograph waterfalls and turquoise lakes from scenic viewpoints

• Experience the valley’s changing colors across different seasons

Best Time to Visit: Autumn (late September–October) for peak foliage and clear reflections

Best for: Nature photography, scenic walks, autumn travel

9. Huanglong – Terraced Pools and Alpine Views

Often visited together with Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong Scenic Area is known for its terraced limestone pools that create striking patterns of blue, green, and gold. Set at a higher altitude, Huanglong combines natural beauty with historic temples and mountain scenery. Visitors should plan a slower pace due to elevation.

Must-do Experiences:

• Walk through the travertine terraces and mineral pools

• Visit mountain temples along the scenic path

• Enjoy panoramic alpine views at higher elevations

Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn (May–September), avoiding colder winter months due to altitude

Best for: Unique landscapes, high-altitude scenery, nature-focused travelers

10. Daocheng Yading – The “Last Pure Land”

Often described as one of China’s most pristine natural areas, Daocheng Yading features sacred snow peaks, alpine lakes, and hiking trails through untouched scenery. It is a destination for travelers seeking solitude and breathtaking views, but it requires good physical condition and time for acclimatization.

Must-do Experiences:

• Hike to Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake

• View sacred snow peaks such as Chenrezig Peak

• Experience highland landscapes with minimal development

Best Time to Visit: Summer and early autumn (June–September) for clearer weather and safer hiking conditions

Best for: Experienced hikers, highland scenery, remote exploration

Ready to explore the best of Sichuan? Use this guide to discover its most iconic pandas, UNESCO wonders, and pristine landscapes. Whether you’re traveling for nature, culture, or wildlife, these top 10 places will make your Sichuan trip truly memorable. Sichuan’s beauty awaits — start your journey with these unmissable top 10 places and experience the magic of pandas, heritage, and untouched nature for yourself.