Hailed as the “Land of Abundance” in southwest China, Sichuan is a treasure trove of unique experiences that blend cuddly wildlife, fiery cuisine, stunning mountains, and profound culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, these top things to do in Sichuan will help you uncover the province’s most iconic and unforgettable highlights. To make your trip planning easier, we’ve categorized the 10 must-do experiences into three core themes: Pandas & Natural Wonders, Food Adventures, and Culture & Slow Living. Let’s dive into the best of Sichuan!
Table of Contents
1. Pandas & Natural Wonders
2. Food Adventures
3. Culture & Slow Living
Giant Pandas & Stunning Natural Landscapes
1. Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (See Pandas Up Close)
Sichuan's natural scenery is unparalleled, from fluffy giant pandas in bamboo forests to snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes. Don’t miss these iconic natural experiences:
No trip to Sichuan is complete without meeting its most famous residents: giant pandas. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the best place to observe these fluffy creatures in a habitat that mimics their natural bamboo forests. Unlike zoos, this conservation center focuses on protecting and breeding pandas, giving you a chance to watch them munch on bamboo, roll around, and play with their companions.
Core Experience: Watch pandas in a semi-wild bamboo habitat, see playful cubs and adult pandas eating bamboo, explore panda villas, and learn about panda breeding and conservation.
Address: No. 1375, Panda Avenue, Chenghua District, Chengdu
Opening Hours: 06:00 AM – 17:00 PM
Admission Ticket: $7.6 per adult
Suitable for: Families with children, cute animal lovers, first-time visitors to Sichuan, and leisure sightseers.
Pro Tip: Arrive before 8:30 AM to catch pandas at their most active (they laze around in the afternoon heat) and avoid crowds. Don’t forget to check the weekly rest schedule—some panda villas and museums close briefly for animal welfare.
2. Hike Mount Emei & Witness the Golden Summit
As one of China’s Four Great Buddhist Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Emei offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Hike through lush forests, past ancient temples, and playful macaques to reach the Golden Summit (Jinding), where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the sunrise, sea of clouds, and the glowing Ten Directions Puxian Buddha Statue.
Core Experience:Reach the Golden Summit to admire the three spectacular wonders: sunrise, sea of clouds, and Buddha’s light, and pay homage to the golden statue of Ten-directional Samantabhadra Bodhisattva.
Address: No. 301, Section 3, Scenic Area Road, Huangwan Town,Leshan City
Opening Hours: 06:00 AM–17:00 PM
Admission Ticket: $22.2 (peak season: Jan 16 – Dec 14); $15.3 (off-season: Dec 15 – Jan 15 next year)
Pro Tip: Take the scenic bus and cable car for an easy ascent, or challenge yourself with a 2-day hike. Wear warm clothing—even in summer, the summit is cool. Don’t feed the macaques (they’re known to steal food!)[superscript:4].
3. Marvel at Leshan Giant Buddha
Carved into a cliff face overlooking the confluence of three rivers, the Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world—standing 71 meters tall (about 233 feet). This ancient masterpiece took 90 years to build during the Tang Dynasty and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hike down the Nine-Turn Plank Road to get up close to the Buddha’s feet, or take a boat tour for a panoramic view of the entire statue.
Core Experience: Descend the winding plank path to get up close to the Buddha’s feet for an immersive view, or take a river boat to admire its full panoramic beauty, and feel the awe-inspiring charm of this ancient stone carving wonder.
Address: No. 2435, Middle Section of Lingyun Road, Shizhong District, Leshan City Opening Hours: 07:30 AM–18:30 PM (Summer); 08:00 AM–17:30 PM (Winter)
Admission Ticket: $12.5 per adult
Pro Tip: Combine your visit with a stop in Leshan City to try local snacks like Bobo Chicken and Footbath Beef—two iconic Sichuan treats that pair perfectly with the scenic adventure.
4. Wander Through Jiuzhaigou Valley’s Fairy-Tale Lakes
Known as the “Fairyland on Earth,” Jiuzhaigou Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its turquoise alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and colorful forests. The valley’s lakes—called “hai zi” (sea sons)—change color with the seasons, from deep blue in summer to golden and red in autumn. Hike through the valley to visit iconic spots like Five-Flower Lake, Long Lake, and Nuorilang Waterfall.
Core Experience: Hike along the scenic trails, visit iconic spots such as Five-Flower Lake, Long Lake, and Nuorilang Waterfall, and immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of nature.
Address: No. 301 Provincial Highway, Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
Opening Hours: Subject to the official announcement of the scenic spot on the day
Admission Ticket: $26.4 + $12.5 sightseeing bus (peak season: Apr 1 – Nov 15); $11.1 + $11.1 sightseeing bus (off-season: Nov 16 – Mar 31 next year)
Suitable for: Landscape photography lovers, nature lovers, family travelers, and leisure sightseers.
Pro Tip: The best time to visit is autumn (September–November) when the leaves turn golden and the lakes are at their clearest. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a camera—every corner is picture-perfect.
5. Trek Daocheng Yading’s Pristine Landscapes
For adventurous travelers, Daocheng Yading is a remote paradise known as the “Last Pure Land” of Sichuan. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains (including the iconic Chenrezig, Jambeyang, and Chanadorje peaks), crystal-clear lakes (Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake), and vast grasslands, this area offers some of the most stunning hiking trails in China.
Core Experience: Trek in the sacred mountain area, get close to the three sacred mountains, admire the clear alpine lakes, and feel the pure and magnificent natural scenery of the plateau.
Address: Shangri-La Town, Daocheng County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
Opening Hours: 07:00 AM–17:30 PM
Admission Ticket: $20.3 (peak season: Apr 1 – Nov 30); $16.7 (off-season)
Suitable for: Hiking enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, plateau scenery lovers, and photographers.
Pro Tip: Acclimatize to the high altitude (up to 4,700 meters) before hiking to avoid altitude sickness. Bring warm clothing and plenty of water—this remote area has limited facilities, but the scenery is worth every effort.
6. Discover Qingcheng Mountain’s Taoist Serenity
Known as the “Most Quiet Mountain Under Heaven,” Qingcheng Mountain is one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China. This lush, misty mountain is dotted with ancient Taoist temples, stone steps, and flowing streams, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Hike through the forest, visit the Tianshi Cave, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of Taoist culture.
Core Experience: Hike along the forest trails, visit Heavenly Master Cave, and immerse yourself in the tranquility and profoundness of Taoist culture.
Address: Qingchengshan Road, Qingchengshan Town, Dujiangyan City, Chengdu
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM–17:00 PM
Admission Ticket: $11.1 (Front Mountain); $2.8 (Back Mountain) (no combined ticket)
Suitable for: Taoism culture seekers, leisure hikers, nature lovers, and travelers who want to escape the city hustle.
Pro Tip: Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the mountain’s misty beauty. Wear comfortable shoes—most of the attractions are accessible via hiking trails.
Whether you’re chasing natural wonders, cute wildlife, peaceful mountains, or world-famous heritage sites, Sichuan delivers it all. Take the first step of your dream journey today — explore, plan, and book your perfect Sichuan experience before the best spots fill up!
Authentic Sichuan Cuisine & Food Experiences
7. Spicy Sichuan Flavors: Must-Try Dishes
The magic of Sichuan food comes from ma la (numbing + spicy), created by authentic Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil. Unlike simple spicy food, Sichuan flavors balance spicy, savory, sweet, sour, and umami in every bite. Even if you don’t love heavy heat, you can still enjoy mild, fragrant, and smoky versions loved by locals.
Must‑Try Dishes for First‑Time Visitors:
Sichuan Hot Pot:The most iconic dining experience in Sichuan. Choose a yuanyang pot (half spicy, half mild) for easy first tries. Cook fresh meat, vegetables, and mushrooms in boiling broth, then dip in sesame sauce—warm, social, and unforgettable.
Kung Pao Chicken: A global favorite that tastes completely different in its hometown. Tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and mild dried chili create a perfect sweet‑savory‑spicy balance.
Mapo Tofu: Silky soft tofu in a rich, aromatic sauce. It’s creamy, savory, and gently numbing—one of the most classic Sichuan comfort foods.
Fuqi Feipian (Beef & Offal Slices): A flavorful cold dish with thin, chewy beef slices tossed in fragrant chili oil. Bold, satisfying, and full of local character.
Bobo Chicken & Chuanchuan Xiang: Popular street food: meat and veggies on bamboo sticks, soaked in spicy sauce or cooked in small hot pots. Casual, cheap, and delicious.
Pro Tips:
Ask for “shao la” (less spicy) or “bu yao la” (no spicy)—chefs happily adjust heat.
Eat like a local: visit small busy restaurants (“fly restaurants”) for the most authentic flavors.
Pair spicy food with rice, sour plum juice, or local tea to cool your palate.
Try night markets for snacks: spicy noodles, sweet glutinous rice cakes, and crispy fried treats.
8. English-Taught Sichuan Cuisine Cooking Class: Learn to Cook Classic Sichuan Dishes
The course is led by professional chefs who can speak English, from selecting fresh ingredients in the local vegetable market to the whole process of cooking and plating, to teach you to make world-famous classic Sichuan dishes. This is the only experience that can bring "Sichuan flavor" home, so it has become a favorite of international tourists.
Core Experience: Visit the local fresh food market, learn about the unique spices and ingredients of Sichuan; the professional English chef explains the core seasoning logic of Sichuan cuisine; make 3-4 classic dishes by yourself, including Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, Kung Pao Shrimp Balls, Twice-Cooked Pork, etc.; taste the dishes you cooked, with local rice and side dishes; take home the printed English recipe, and you can recreate the authentic Sichuan flavor at home.
Address: Many high-quality teaching venues in downtown Chengdu (most popular with European and American tourists: Chengdu Cooking Class, Sichuan Cuisine Museum Cooking Class, Chengdu Cooking Girl)
Opening Hours: Daily morning session 09:00-13:00, afternoon session 15:00-19:00
Ticket Price: $27.8-$62.5 per person, which varies according to the course package and whether it includes a visit to the vegetable market
Suitable For: Gourmet lovers, cooking enthusiasts, family travelers, couples, group travelers, and all people who want to have an in-depth understanding of Sichuan cuisine culture.
Pro Tip: Priority is given to booking courses that include a visit to the local vegetable market, which is the highest-rated option and allows you to experience the authentic local life that most tourists cannot see. To ensure a hands-on experience, the number of participants in each course is limited to 8-12 people, so it is recommended to book 3-7 days in advance, and lock in your spot as early as possible during the peak tourist season.
Traditional Culture & Slow Living Lifestyle
9. Sichuan Opera & Face-Changing & Slow Life in Chengdu's Old Teahouses
Sichuan Opera is a treasure of Sichuan culture, with face-changing as its iconic stunt. Combined with other unique skills like fire-spitting and lamp-rolling, it delivers a stunning visual experience that requires no language comprehension, perfectly breaking cultural and linguistic barriers. It is the top choice for foreign visitors to experience Bashu intangible cultural heritage and one of the most representative cultural symbols of Sichuan.
Hanging out in an old teahouse is the most iconic lifestyle in Chengdu. Order a cup of covered-bowl tea, chat or play mahjong with locals, and fully immerse yourself in the unique laid-back "Bashi" life of Bashu. It’s an easy way to integrate into local daily life and the best choice to experience the authentic bustling vibe of Chengdu.
Pro Tip Choose teahouses in Kuanzhai Alleys or Jinli Ancient Street in Chengdu for an immersive experience—some offer English commentary. Arrive early to get front-row seats for a clear view of the performance details.
10. Explore Dujiangyan Irrigation System
A world cultural heritage with a 2,000-year history, it is a marvel of ancient water conservancy projects still in use worldwide. Famous for its ecological water control wisdom of "following the natural terrain and working in harmony with nature", it has nourished the Chengdu Plain to this day. It offers a direct experience of the profoundness of ancient Chinese engineering and the wisdom of ancient people.
Pro Tip :Rent an English audio guide at the scenic spot and follow it to visit core areas like the Fish Mouth Diversion Dike and Bottle Neck Channel. For a richer experience, combine the visit with a one-day tour to Mount Qingcheng to immerse yourself in both ancient engineering wisdom and Taoist culture.
You’ve got your guide to theTop 10 Things to Do in Sichuan
—so let’s cut the fluff and turn those daydreams into real memories. We’re talking about cuddling fluffy giant pandas (yes, the ones that look like teddy bears come to life!) at the Chengdu Research Base, shoveling down numbing-spicy hot pot that makes your taste buds dance, hiking through Jiuzhaigou’s turquoise lakes that look photoshopped (but trust us, they’re real), and getting lost in Kuanzhai Alleys’ cozy lanes where you’ll find the best street snacks. Sichuan isn’t just a destination—it’s the kind of trip you’ll text your friends about nonstop. Here’s the best part: You don’t have to stress about planning a single thing. Head to UME Travel—we’ve got all the inside scoop to make your Sichuan trip smooth, fun, and totally authentic.