Sichuan is a province located in southwestern China, known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and spicy cuisine. In this post, we will be highlighting the top 10 tourist attractions in Sichuan that should not be missed during a visit to this fascinating province.
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Sichuan
Mount Emei is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the Emei Shan Scenic Area in the western part of Sichuan. The mountain is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including waterfalls, hot springs, and ancient temples.
The mountain has a long history of over 1,500 years and is home to many ancient temples, including the Baoguo Temple, which is the oldest temple on the mountain. Visitors can take a cable car to the summit or hike to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area. The mountain is also home to the Golden Summit, which offers the best views of the mountain and the surrounding area.
- Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park
Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the northern part of Sichuan. The park is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including colorful lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains.
The park is home to over 100 lakes and waterfalls, including the famous Five-Color Pond and the Pearl Shoal Waterfall. Visitors can take a bus or hike through the park to see the beautiful scenery. The park also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, and rafting.
The Chengdu Panda Base is a research and breeding center for giant pandas located in the city of Chengdu. The base is home to over 80 giant pandas, including both adults and cubs. Visitors can see the pandas up close and learn about their biology, behavior, and conservation.
The base also offers a variety of educational programs, including panda keeper experiences, volunteer opportunities, and research internships. Visitors can also purchase bamboo to feed the pandas and take a guided tour of the base.
The Leshan Giant Buddha is a 71-meter-tall stone statue of the Buddha located in the city of Leshan. It is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The statue was carved out of a cliff face during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and took over 90 years to complete. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the statue from the river or hike to the top of the mountain for a closer view. The statue’s feet can also be seen up close and visitors can explore the nearby temples and monasteries.
- Dujiangyan Irrigation System
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System is an ancient irrigation system located in the city of Dujiangyan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest and most effective irrigation systems in the world.
The system was built during the 3rd century BC and is still in use today. Visitors can take a tour of the system and learn about its history and engineering. The system includes dams, levees, and canals, and is known for its ability to control floods and provide irrigation to the surrounding farmland.
The Huanglong Scenic Area is a beautiful natural reserve located in the northern part of Sichuan. It is known for its colorful ponds and pools, as well as its snow-capped peaks and diverse wildlife. The area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Park.
The scenic area is known for its Huanglong Temple, which is built around a natural hot spring. Visitors can also explore the many hiking trails in the area and take in the beautiful natural scenery. The area is also home to many endangered species, including the giant panda and the Sichuan takin.
Mount Siguniang, also known as Four Girls Mountain, is a mountain range located in the western part of Sichuan. It is a popular destination for trekking and hiking, known for its beautiful natural scenery and diverse wildlife.
The mountain range is also home to several traditional Tibetan villages, where visitors can learn about the local culture and customs. Visitors can also take a cable car to the top of the mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The Wenshu Monastery is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Chengdu. It is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Sichuan, dating back to the 7th century.
The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and gardens, and it houses many ancient Buddhist statues and artifacts. Visitors can explore the temple’s many halls and buildings, and take in the peaceful atmosphere. The temple also has a vegetarian restaurant where visitors can try the local vegetarian cuisine.
Sichuan Opera is a traditional Chinese opera that is known for its unique style and use of local dialect. It is one of the most popular forms of entertainment in Sichuan, and it is also known for its use of face-changing techniques and acrobatics.
Visitors can attend a Sichuan Opera performance to see the unique style of this local art form. Many theaters in Chengdu and other cities in Sichuan offer regular performances, and visitors can also take workshops to learn more about this traditional art form.
Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of spicy peppers. It is one of the most famous and popular cuisines in China, and it is also known for its complex use of flavors and aromas.
Visitors can try a variety of Sichuan dishes, including hot pot, kung pao chicken, mapo tofu, and many others. Many restaurants in Chengdu and other cities in Sichuan offer traditional Sichuan cuisine, and visitors can also take cooking classes to learn how to prepare these dishes themselves. Some must-try dishes include Sichuan hotpot, Kung Pao chicken and Mapo Tofu. Be sure to try some of the local snacks such as spicy hot pot and hot and sour rice noodles.
Conclusion
Sichuan province offers a wide range of tourist attractions for visitors to enjoy, from beautiful natural scenery to rich culture and history. From the sacred Mount Emei and the colorful Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, to the Chengdu Panda Base and the Leshan Giant Buddha, there is something for everyone to experience in Sichuan. Be sure to add these top 10 tourist attractions to your itinerary when planning a trip to Sichuan and discover the best that this province has to offer.