Sichuan has been the heart of China's southwest for more than two thousand years, a fertile basin ringed by mountains where the Dujiangyan irrigation system has tamed the Min River since 256 BC. Its capital, Chengdu, grew rich on rice, silk, and salt, and today it is the unhurried, teahouse-loving counterweight to China's frantic eastern megacities, famous worldwide as the home of the giant panda.
This three-week loop pairs the city's pleasures (numbing-spicy hotpot, lazy afternoons with a bottomless cup of tea, fire-breathing opera) with the wild scenery that surrounds it: the otherworldly blue-green lakes of Jiuzhaigou in the high north, and the cloud-wrapped Buddhist summit of Mount Emei in the south, near the colossal Leshan Giant Buddha carved into a river cliff. It is a trip of big contrasts, easily handled at a moderate budget thanks to cheap, excellent street food and an efficient high-speed rail network.
Getting around is straightforward: Chengdu has a deep metro system and two airports, high-speed trains zip south to Emei and Leshan in well under two hours, and a short flight or long scenic drive reaches Jiuzhaigou. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with a foreign card before arrival, since cash is rarely used; pack layers for genuine cold and altitude at Jiuzhaigou and Emei's summit; and come hungry, because Sichuan's mala (numbing-spicy) flavors are the real reason many travelers return.
At a Glance
1
Days 1-9 (9 nights)Chengdu
2
Days 10-14 (5 nights)Jiuzhaigou Valley
3
Days 15-21 (7 nights)Mount Emei & Leshan
Chengdu
Chengdu is a city that refuses to rush. Locals fill century-old teahouses to play mahjong and have their ears cleaned, the streets smell of chili oil and Sichuan peppercorn, and the giant panda has its global headquarters just north of downtown. Beneath the easygoing surface sits 2,300 years of continuous history, from the Three Kingdoms-era Wuhou Shrine to the restored lanes of Kuanzhai Alley. As your base for nine nights, it puts world-class day trips (pandas, the Leshan Buddha, the Dujiangyan waterworks, and the bronze masks of Sanxingdui) within easy reach.
Getting there by planeFly into Chengdu Tianfu (TFU) or Shuangliu (CTU) International Airport; both link to downtown by metro and airport bus in 45-75 minutes, or about 100-150 RMB by taxi.View on Trip.com
Day 1-3
Teahouses, Old Lanes & the Three Kingdoms
Breakfast
Ease into Chengdu's rhythm with a local breakfast before the heat of the day.
Long Chao Shou (Chunxi Road)
Chunxi Road
A century-old Chengdu institution famous for its silky wontons in chili-oil broth and a sampler tray of small Sichuan snacks. A cheap, filling, very local start within walking distance of central hotels.
Hong Qi He Bao / a neighborhood baozi stall
Steamed buns, soy milk, and youtiao from a busy morning stall are how most Chengdu locals begin the day, for a few RMB. Look for the queue of office workers and point at what looks good.
Morning
Spend your first morning in People's Park, the city's living room, where the famous Heming Teahouse defines Chengdu's slow-life culture.
People's Park & Heming Teahouse Google
4.5 · 1,010 reviews · Qingyang
Wander past lake boats and the Monument to the Martyrs, then claim a bamboo chair at Heming Teahouse for a refillable cup of jasmine tea and the local ritual of an ear cleaning. This is the best place to feel Chengdu's unhurried spirit, and it costs almost nothing.
Sample Sichuan classics in the Kuanzhai Alley area.
Kuanzhai Xiangzi (Wide and Narrow Alleys) Google
4.3 · 2,041 reviews · Qingyang
These restored Qing-dynasty lanes are touristy but genuinely handsome, lined with courtyard restaurants and snack stalls serving dan dan noodles, mapo tofu, and sweet water noodles. Graze your way through several small bites rather than committing to one big meal.
Dive into Three Kingdoms history at the adjacent Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Street.
Wuhou Shrine & Jinli Ancient Street Google
4.5 · 17 reviews · Wuhou
Wuhou Shrine honors the brilliant strategist Zhuge Liang amid red walls and bamboo gardens, and spills straight into Jinli, a lantern-strung lane of snacks, crafts, and tea. Together they make an easy, photogenic half-day; entry to the shrine is modest.
Your first proper Chengdu hotpot, the city's signature ritual of mala broth and endless dipping.
Shu Jiu Xiang Hotpot Google
5.0 · 1 reviews · Chunxi Road
A dependable, popular chain where you can order a yuanyang (split) pot to balance fiery mala broth with a mild side, and dip thin beef, lotus root, and quail eggs. Friendly to first-timers and easy on the wallet for what you get.
Beloved by locals for its rich, aromatic broth and brisk service; expect a wait at peak hours. Order the signature beef and a plate of crispy duck intestine if you're feeling adventurous.
Cap the night with Sichuan's most theatrical art form, complete with the secret art of bian lian (face-changing).
Sichuan Opera at Shufeng Yayun Teahouse
A 90-minute variety show of face-changing masks, fire-spitting, hand-shadow puppetry, and comic opera in a traditional teahouse setting. The most accessible way to experience Sichuan's signature performance, with tea served at your seat.
Good to know · Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to a foreign card before you arrive; most shops, taxis, and even street stalls in Chengdu are effectively cashless. (before departure) · Sichuan opera shows at Shufeng Yayun can fill up on weekends and holidays; book a day or two ahead to guarantee a good seat. (1-2 days ahead)
Get to the panda base at opening time, when the bears are most active and feeding before the midday crowds and heat send them to nap.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Google
4.6 · 3,080 reviews · Chenghua
The world's premier panda conservation center, 10 km north of downtown, where dozens of giant and red pandas roam bamboo-filled enclosures. Arrive by 8 am for the liveliest viewing, especially the nursery if cubs are present. A private morning tour smooths the early start and transport.
Prefer to go independently by metro and taxi? Secure your timed entry in advance so you're not caught by sold-out slots in high season. The base is huge, so allow a full morning.
Roll up your sleeves and learn the building blocks of Sichuan flavor in a hands-on cooking class.
Chengdu Cooking Class with Local Market Visit
Start in a spice market learning to identify Sichuan peppercorn, doubanjiang, and dried chilies, then cook classics like mapo tofu and kung pao chicken under a local chef. Consistently one of Chengdu's top-rated experiences and a genuinely useful skill to take home.
Steamed Buns (Bao) Cooking Class with Market Visit
A more specialized workshop focused on folding and steaming fluffy baozi with savory and sweet fillings, again starting with a market walk. A fun, slightly cheaper alternative if dumplings and buns are your thing.
Visit Chengdu's most active Buddhist monastery as the light softens, then wander its restored lanes.
Wenshu Monastery Google
4.6 · 735 reviews · Qingyang
The city's best-preserved Buddhist temple, with incense-clouded halls, a tranquil tea garden, and a famous vegetarian restaurant. Entry is cheap (or free) and the surrounding Wenshu Fang lanes are lovely at dusk.
Eat your way through the backstreets on a guided evening food crawl.
Chengdu Evening Food Tour by Tuktuk
A small-group tuktuk tour that zips you between hole-in-the-wall spots for skewers, dumplings, and Sichuan snacks, with unlimited beer and soda along the way. A relaxed, very fun way to taste places you'd never find alone.
If you'd rather DIY, head to a chuan'r (skewer) alley near Jianshe Road and grill-grab your way through lamb skewers, grilled fish, and cold noodles for very little money. Casual, smoky, and gloriously local.
Good to know · Giant Panda Base tickets are timed and sell out in summer and on holidays; reserve in advance and arrive at the 7:30-8:00 am opening for the most active pandas. (a few days ahead)
Day 7-9
Day Trips: Leshan Buddha, Dujiangyan & Ancient Bronzes
Day 7 is a classic Sichuan day trip to the largest stone Buddha on earth, paired with a canal-laced old town.
Leshan Giant Buddha & Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip
The 71-meter Tang-dynasty Buddha is carved into a red cliff at the meeting of three rivers; you can view it from a boat or descend the cliff stairs at its feet. This private day trip pairs it with the canal town of Huanglongxi, handling the driving so you maximize a long day.
Day 8 heads west to the 2,200-year-old Dujiangyan irrigation system, a UNESCO marvel, often combined with Taoism's birthplace at Mount Qingcheng.
Dujiangyan Irrigation & Mount Qingcheng Day Tour
Dujiangyan still channels the Min River today, a feat of ancient engineering best appreciated from its suspension bridge and viewing pavilions. Pair it with the misty Taoist temples and forest paths of Mount Qingcheng for a nature-and-history day.
Dujiangyan Panda Base (red panda interactive option)
If you can't get enough of pandas, the Dujiangyan sanctuary is quieter than the city base and offers closer, calmer encounters, including red pandas. A good alternative to a second irrigation-and-temple day.
On Day 9, slow down with one of China's most astonishing museums before your night train or flight north.
Sanxingdui Museum Google
4.7 · 395 reviews · Guanghan
About 90 minutes from the city in Guanghan, this striking museum displays 3,000-year-old bronze masks with bulging eyes and a 4-meter bronze tree from a lost civilization that has no written record. The newly expanded galleries are world-class and far less crowded than the panda base.
If you'd rather stay in town, Jinsha sits on an ancient settlement within Chengdu and showcases the delicate gold Sun and Immortal Birds emblem, now a symbol of the city. A calm, beautifully designed half-day.
Wind down central Chengdu with relaxed shopping, tea, and people-watching.
Taikoo Li & Daci Temple Google
4.9 · 18 reviews · Jinjiang
A handsome low-rise shopping district woven around the restored Daci Temple, good for a coffee, browsing, and a final stroll. Easy to reach by metro and a nice contrast to the ancient bronzes of the morning.
A final Chengdu dinner before you head for the mountains.
Chen Mapo Tofu (original) Google
3.8 · 24 reviews · Qingyang
The dish that conquered the world was supposedly born here in the 1860s, and the original restaurant still serves a deeply numbing, silky mapo tofu. A fitting, affordable farewell to Chengdu's flavors.
Base yourself in the central districts inside the First Ring Road. Around Wenshu Monastery you get atmospheric old lanes and easy metro access; the Chunxi Road / IFS area is best for shopping, dining, and nightlife; and Tianfu Square sits at the geographic center with metro lines fanning out in every direction. All three keep you within 15-30 minutes of the major sights and a short ride from the panda base.
Buddha Zen Hotel
boutique Google
4.7 · 80 reviews
A serene courtyard hotel in Wenshu-style architecture right beside Wenshu Monastery, with a vegetarian-leaning teahouse and one of the most atmospheric locations in the city. Great mid-range value and walkable to metro Line 1.
A reliable, comfortable mid-range pick near Tianfu Square with consistent rooms and breakfast, walking distance to the metro and central sights. Ideal if you want predictability over character.
A long-running, foreigner-friendly hostel with private rooms and dorms, English-speaking staff, and great trip advice near the center. The best value for budget travelers who still want a social, helpful base.
Apartment-style rentals near Chunxi Road or Tianfu Square give families and longer-stay travelers a kitchen, laundry, and extra space at a reasonable nightly rate. Handy for resetting between day trips.
A sleek skyscraper hotel atop the IFS mall with floor-to-ceiling city views and arguably Chengdu's best service. The one splurge worth it if you want a top-floor pool and a central perch above Chunxi Road.
High in the forested mountains of northern Sichuan, Jiuzhaigou (Valley of Nine Villages) is one of the most photographed places in China for good reason: its lakes glow turquoise, cobalt, and emerald, fed by mineral springs and ringed by waterfalls, terraced travertine pools, and snow-dusted peaks. It is a sacred landscape to the Tibetan and Qiang communities who live here, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that runs on a strict shuttle-bus and boardwalk system. Pair it with nearby Huanglong's golden travertine terraces for a few days of pure alpine wonder, a cool, high-altitude antidote to Chengdu's humid heat.
Getting there by planeFly Chengdu to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (about 1 hour), then transfer roughly 90 minutes to the valley; the airport sits above 3,400 m, so take altitude gently. A long, scenic 8-10 hour drive is the budget alternative.View on Trip.com
Travel day north from Chengdu. Take the morning flight or set off early for the long mountain drive, gaining altitude as forests and prayer flags replace the basin.
Chengdu to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport
The quickest route is the roughly one-hour flight, but the airport's 3,400 m elevation can cause headaches, so move slowly, hydrate, and avoid alcohol on arrival. Pre-arrange a hotel transfer for the 90-minute descent to the valley.
Arrive, acclimatize, and ease into the local Tibetan and Qiang culture without overexerting yourself on day one.
Pengfeng Tibetan Village Google
Stroll the village near the park gate, where whitewashed houses fly prayer flags and small shops sell yak jerky, barley wine, and crafts. A gentle, low-effort introduction while your body adjusts to the altitude.
Try yak meat hotpot, barley tsampa, and butter tea at one of the family restaurants lining the main road in Zhangzha. Hearty, warming, and good value before an early start tomorrow.
Good to know · Jiuzhaigou enforces a daily visitor cap and sells timed entry online in advance; book your park tickets and shuttle as early as you can, especially in summer and the autumn-color season. (1-2 weeks ahead in peak season) · Jiuzhaigou and especially Huanglong (up to ~3,900 m) sit at real altitude; ascend gradually, consider carrying portable oxygen sold locally, and skip Huanglong if you feel unwell. (on arrival) · Mountain weather is cold even in summer and the high season runs roughly April to November; check current park status, as heavy snow or maintenance can close sections in winter. (before booking)
Devote a full day to the heart of Jiuzhaigou, using the eco-buses to reach the top of the valley and working downhill along the boardwalks.
Jiuzhaigou National Park (Rize & Shuzheng valleys) Google
4.7 · 1,132 reviews
Ride the shuttle to the upper reaches, then walk down past the unreal blues of Five Flower Lake, the cascades of Pearl Shoal and Nuorilang Waterfall, and the strung lakes of Shuzheng. Pack layers, water, and snacks; you can easily spend 7-8 hours on the trails and boardwalks.
On a second park day, explore the side valleys and viewpoints you skipped, at a slower pace now that you're acclimatized.
Long Lake & Five-Color Pond Google
4.8 · 61 reviews
The Zechawa valley climbs to Long Lake, the park's largest and highest, and the jewel-bright Five-Color Pond. Quieter in late afternoon once tour groups thin out, and a fine place to simply sit and absorb the scenery.
Day-trip to Huanglong, whose travertine pools tumble down the mountainside like a golden dragon, if altitude allows.
Huanglong Scenic Area Google
4.6 · 500 reviews
A separate UNESCO site about two hours away, Huanglong's terraced calcite pools and the Five-Color Pond at the top reach nearly 3,900 m. A cable car cuts much of the climb, but go gently and turn back if you feel altitude sickness. An unforgettable, otherworldly walk on a clear day.
Warm up with a numbing hotpot or grilled skewers back in town; portions are generous and prices reasonable. A good place to compare the day's photos over a beer.
Stay in Zhangzha town just outside the park entrance, where most hotels and restaurants cluster within a few minutes of the gate, or in the quieter Pengfeng Tibetan Village nearby for more local character. Being close to the entrance matters because you'll want to be first through the gate each morning.
Holiday Inn Express Jiuzhaigou
midrange Google
4.1 · 37 reviews
A modern, comfortable mid-range hotel a short drive from the park gate with reliable heating, oxygen support, and breakfast, useful at this altitude. A dependable base after long days on the boardwalks.
Family-run guesthouses in the Tibetan village near the entrance offer warm hospitality, home-cooked meals, and great value. The most atmospheric budget choice for soaking up local culture.
A vast resort set in a glass-roofed valley en route to the park, famous for its dramatic indoor garden atrium. The splurge option if you want comfort and spectacle at altitude.
Apartment rentals in Zhangzha give families space and a kitchen close to the gate and restaurants. Convenient for early starts and self-catering between park days.
One of the four sacred Buddhist mountains of China, Mount Emei rises from the Sichuan basin to a 3,099 m Golden Summit, where a vast gilded statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva stands above a sea of clouds. The mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of misty monasteries, ancient pilgrim paths, and mischievous Tibetan macaques, and its foothills hold the colossal Leshan Giant Buddha just a short hop away. After the wide-open alpine drama of Jiuzhaigou, Emei offers green forests, temple bells, and the quieter rituals of Chinese Buddhism, an ideal final chapter before flying home from Chengdu.
Getting there by trainFly back from Jiuzhaigou to Chengdu, then take a high-speed train from Chengdu East to Emeishan Station (about 1.5 hours, roughly 65-90 RMB); a taxi covers the last few minutes to Baoguo.View on Trip.com
Travel day: fly Jiuzhaigou to Chengdu, then catch a high-speed train south to Emeishan and settle in at Baoguo.
High-speed train to Emeishan
From Chengdu East, frequent bullet trains reach Emeishan Station in about 90 minutes; book a seat in advance during weekends and holidays. A taxi or local bus covers the short final stretch to the Baoguo hotels.
Visit the gateway temples at the mountain's base to get your bearings and your pilgrim's mood.
Baoguo Temple & Fuhu Temple Google
4.3 · 224 reviews · Baoguo
Baoguo is the mountain's largest temple and traditional starting point, with tiered halls rising up the slope; nearby Fuhu Temple sits in a quiet forest and houses a notable bronze pagoda. An easy, flat introduction before the climbing begins.
Spend a full day on a classic day trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha, only about 30-40 minutes from Emei.
Leshan Giant Buddha Google
4.6 · 2,543 reviews · Leshan
The 71-meter Tang-dynasty Buddha gazes over the confluence of three rivers; walk the cliffside staircase past his ear and toes, or view him from a tour boat for the full scale. Carved over 90 years starting in 713 AD, it is the largest stone Buddha in the world and an easy add-on from Emei.
A relaxed dinner back at the foot of the mountain.
Teddy Bear Hotel cafe or a Baoguo noodle house Google
4.3 · 3,510 reviews · Baoguo
After a big day, the Teddy Bear cafe does comforting Western and Chinese dishes with English menus, while nearby noodle houses serve cheap, satisfying Sichuan bowls. Carb up for tomorrow's ascent.
Make your assault on the Golden Summit, combining bus, cable car, and walking to reach the sea of clouds at 3,099 m.
Mount Emei Golden Summit (Jinding) Google
3.9 · 10 reviews · Mount Emei
Take the sightseeing bus up to Leidongping, then the cable car to the summit, where the 48-meter gilded Samantabhadra statue and the Huazang Temple float above the clouds. Bring warm layers (it can be near freezing and windy) and aim for clear morning skies for the famous cloud sea and sunrise.
Descend partway to walk the mid-mountain temples and meet the mountain's resident macaques.
Qingyin Pavilion & the Monkey Zone (Ecological Monkey Area) Google
5.0 · 2 reviews
The streams and twin bridges around Qingyin Pavilion are some of Emei's prettiest scenery, leading toward the area where bold Tibetan macaques roam. Keep food hidden and bags zipped, as the monkeys are notorious thieves; a guide or stick helps keep them at bay.
On your final mountain morning, choose a gentle forest walk or a slow temple visit before heading back toward Chengdu.
Wannian Temple Google
4.6 · 17 reviews · Mount Emei
Reached by its own short cable car, Wannian is Emei's oldest surviving temple and home to a 1,000-year-old bronze statue of Samantabhadra on a white elephant inside a beamless brick hall. A serene, low-effort finale to the pilgrimage.
Return to Chengdu by high-speed train for your departure, with time for any last-minute souvenirs or a final bowl of noodles.
Emeishan to Chengdu, then airport
The bullet train delivers you back to Chengdu in about 90 minutes, connecting to both airports for evening flights. If you have a buffer day, an extra night in Chengdu lets you revisit a favorite teahouse before flying out.
Bookend the journey with one last numbing-spicy hotpot or a spread of Sichuan classics back in the city. A fitting goodbye to three weeks of bold flavor and big landscapes.
Good to know · The Golden Summit is cold and often fogged in; check the weather forecast and aim for a clear morning, and rent or bring warm layers even in summer. (the day before) · Mount Emei's macaques can be aggressive around food; carry a walking stick, keep snacks out of sight, and never feed or tease them. (on the mountain) · High-speed trains between Chengdu and Emeishan/Leshan book up on weekends and holidays; reserve seats a few days ahead and bring your passport, which is required to collect tickets. (a few days ahead)
Where to Stay
Base yourself in the Baoguo Temple area at the mountain's foot, where most hotels, restaurants, and the bus terminal cluster, making it easy to start the ascent each day. For a single dramatic night, the summit area has basic hotels for catching sunrise above the clouds, though comforts are limited and it's cold. Leshan town is an option for a night if you want to linger at the Buddha.
Teddy Bear Hotel (Emeishan)
midrange Google
4.1 · 8 reviews
A long-running, foreigner-friendly hotel near Baoguo Temple with English-speaking staff, climbing advice, luggage storage, and a cozy cafe. The most useful mid-range base for tackling the mountain.
A historic garden hotel set in forested grounds near Baoguo, once used to host visiting dignitaries, with leafy walks and old-world character. A comfortable, atmospheric step up at the mountain's foot.
Simple, clean guesthouses cluster around the Baoguo bus terminal, offering low rates and quick access to the mountain shuttles. Fine for budget travelers who plan to spend their days on the trails.
Apartment rentals near Baoguo give families room to spread out and a kitchen for simple meals between mountain days. Practical for a multi-night stay at the base.
From the chili-scented teahouses of Chengdu to the glacial blue lakes of Jiuzhaigou and the cloud-wrapped summit of Mount Emei, this 21-day loop captures the full range of Sichuan: its food, its pandas, its ancient engineering, and its sacred mountains. Take it at the province's own unhurried pace, eat boldly, and leave room in your schedule for the long, scenic journeys that are half the reward. You'll come home with a new tolerance for Sichuan peppercorn and a soft spot for the bears that started it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Chengdu and Sichuan?
Chengdu itself rewards 3-4 days for pandas, teahouses, and central sights, but Sichuan as a whole deserves much more. With 21 days you can comfortably combine Chengdu with classic day trips, the lakes of Jiuzhaigou in the north, and Mount Emei and the Leshan Buddha in the south without rushing.
What is the best area to stay in Chengdu for first-time visitors?
Base yourself inside the First Ring Road near Tianfu Square, Chunxi Road/IFS, or Wenshu Monastery. These central areas put you within 15-30 minutes of the major sights by metro, close to restaurants and nightlife, and a short ride from the panda breeding base.
When is the best time to visit Jiuzhaigou and Mount Emei?
Late spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) are ideal, with autumn bringing Jiuzhaigou's famous fall colors and clearer skies. Summer is green but humid and busy in Chengdu, while winter brings snow and possible closures at high-altitude Jiuzhaigou, so always check current park status before booking.
How do you get from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou and Mount Emei?
Jiuzhaigou is reached by a roughly one-hour flight to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport followed by a 90-minute transfer, or a long 8-10 hour scenic drive. Mount Emei and Leshan are easy high-speed train trips of around 90 minutes from Chengdu East Station.
Is Sichuan expensive to travel in?
Sichuan is one of China's better-value regions, with cheap, excellent street food, affordable high-speed trains, and a wide range of hotels. The main costs are domestic flights to Jiuzhaigou and park entry fees, but a moderate mid-range budget goes a long way across the province.
Do I need to book panda base and Jiuzhaigou tickets in advance?
Yes. The Chengdu panda base uses timed tickets that sell out in summer and on holidays, and Jiuzhaigou enforces a daily visitor cap with advance online sales. Reserve both ahead of time, and arrive at opening for the best panda viewing and the shortest lines.
