Best Places to Visit in Sichuan Province

As a travel enthusiast, I’m constantly seeking out new destinations to add to my growing list. Of all my travels in China, Sichuan Province stands out as one of the best places to visit. Locals would agree – it’s a city full of happiness, spicy cuisine, world-famous opera shows, and the beloved panda sanctuary. In this blog post, I’ll share my experiences and highlight the top things to do in this amazing province. If you’re planning a trip to China, Sichuan Province should be at the top of your must-visit list.

Best Places to Visit in Sichuan Province Number 1

The Panda Breeding Sanctuary

My first recommended place in Sichuan Province is of course the famous Giant Panda Breeding Sanctuary. I have had the opportunity to visit this place twice and have gathered some valuable tips on how to make the most of your visit. The sanctuary is home to many adorable Giant Pandas, surrounded by a lush green forest. In addition to that, there are many panda-themed cafes and shops where you can enjoy a coffee with a panda foam top. The picturesque scenery, playful pandas, and cute panda coffees are reasons enough to plan a trip to this sanctuary. You won’t regret adding this place to your bucket list!

Best Places to Visit in Sichuan Province Number 2

Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha

Having spent five years living in China and traveling to various places across Asia, I have encountered numerous Buddha statues. However, one statue stands out from the rest. Carved into the side of a cliff, this giant Buddha statue stands over 70 meters tall and can be seen from both land and water. I had the chance to appreciate the statue from both places, and the views were simply amazing.

If you have to choose only one way to view it, I suggest seeing the statue up close on foot. You can climb up to get a better look and explore the surrounding area. Moreover, if you’re up for a challenging climb, there is a pagoda at the top that offers great views of the region. The photos don’t do this statue justice and when you see that giant head up close, it really is breathtaking. Definitely one of the best/largest buddhas I’ve seen up close!

Best Places to Visit in Sichuan Province Number 3

Hike Mount Emei During Winter

Coming in at number three on my list of must-see places in Sichuan is Mount Emei. This sacred mountain is a nature lover’s paradise and is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, Giant Pandas, and leopards. Hiking up the mountain offers breathtaking scenery and incredible viewpoints. Once you reach the top, you’ll see golden statues and ‘The Golden Summit’ monastery. It is so high up in the mountains, you will wonder how it all got there! As you walk around the top, you will see great views of the mountains and if you go during November, you will be surrounded by a sea of clouds. This leads me to, the absolute best time to visit is in late November when snow blankets the mountain and transforms it into a magical winter wonderland. I was blown away by the beauty of it all and I cannot recommend it enough.

Best Places to Visit in Sichuan Province Number 4

Visit Jinli Street and Watch the Mask Changing Show

The first time I visited Chengdu, the friend I traveled with told me about this famous mask-changing show that she wanted to see. I am so thankful for that friend because it is one of the most entertaining, cool, and crazy shows I’ve seen in China. In Chinese, this skill is known as ‘Bian Lian’ and is a traditional Chinese performing art that came from Sichuan Province. It involves a performer rapidly changing his face mask and costume with incredibly quick hand movements. It really is something to watch! My friend and I can barely speak Chinese but heard that the place to see a show was on Jinli Street.

Jinli Street in itself is a popular place to visit in Chengdu and has a very rich history. It is in the heart of Chengdu, the capital city. The streets are filled with traditional Chinese-style buildings, shops, teahouses, and restaurants. As well as places where you can watch the famous mask-changing shows. We simply walked up to people advertising the show and in very broken Chinese managed to secure 2 front seats to the next performance. If this worries you, I’m sure your accommodation will be able to get your tickets in advance.

If I haven’t managed to convince you to watch this show, then simply walk the streets of Jinli and you will find famous temples, unique souvenirs and authentic Sichuanese food.

Best Places to Visit in Sichuan Province Number 5

Visit Jinli Street and Taste Authentic Spicy Hot Pot

When visiting Sichuan Province, you must indulge in the famous Sichuan-style Hot Pot. Most Chinese people adore Hot Pot as their favorite meal, where they cook raw ingredients themselves in a boiling pot of flavored soup. You can choose from a wide selection of meats, vegetables, and broths to cook your own meal. Sichuan Province Hot Pot stands out from the rest of the country due to its fiery and spicy flavors. The broth contains Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers, and other strong spices. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can split the pot into two halves and add ingredients to two different broth flavors.

During our visit to Chengdu to try the hot pot, we noticed that the locals had brought milk to eat with their dinner to cool their mouths down. Trust me, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss! I believe it’s one of the most iconic dishes in Chinese cuisine, and it’s worth trying at least once.

Conclusion of the Best Places to Visit in Sichuan Province

Sichuan Province in China is a traveler’s paradise. It offers breathtaking scenery, delicious cuisine, rich history, and cultural experiences. Visit the Giant Pandas at the breeding sanctuary or hike up Mount Emei. Explore the ancient streets of Jinli or indulge in the famous Sichuan-style Hot Pot. There is something for everyone in this beautiful province. Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or culture enthusiast, Sichuan Province has plenty to offer. It’s a must-visit destination that should be added to your travel bucket list.

If you would like more inspiration about where to visit in China, check out my Yunnan blog post.