Shichuanxiang

Day Trips

Begin your journey with a visit to People’s Park where locals practice tai chi and sip jasmine tea at historic teahouses. Watch as antique kettles whistle and elders exchange stories under ancient bamboo groves. The aromatic scent of flower-scented tea and the tranquil pond set a serene tone for the day.

Wander through Jinli Ancient Street, sampling spicy tingle-pepper snacks and admiring wooden architecture decorated with red lanterns. Pause at artisan stalls to see traditional paper-cutting and Shu embroidery demonstrations. The lively crowd, folk music, and souvenir shops create a feast for the senses.

Attend a performance of Sichuan opera featuring face-changing and fire-spitting acts in a classic teahouse theater. Let the dramatic masks and vibrant costumes transport you into local legend. End the night with a bubbling hotpot dinner, savoring tender beef slices and mala broth under warm lantern light.

Depart Chengdu early and travel south to the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world’s largest stone-carved seated Buddha. Board a river cruise to view the 71-meter statue from the water’s edge, feeling dwarfed by its grandeur. The mist rising from the confluence of three rivers lends a mystical atmosphere as sunlight filters through.

Disembark and hike the winding staircases around the cliffside to inspect the Buddha’s intricate features up close. Explore hidden grottoes and small shrines carved into the rock face. The panoramic vistas of the surrounding red sandstone cliffs and emerald river below create picture-perfect moments.

Return to Chengdu and unwind at a quaint Sichuan family-run restaurant. Savor signature dishes like twisty dandan noodles and spicy wontons in chili oil. Stroll through the evening street market, sampling sweet potato tanghulu and admiring local crafts under lantern glow.

Travel to Mount Emei early and board the Golden Summit cable car, ascending through misty forests to 3,077 meters. Marvel at ancient pines draped in clouds and wild monkeys foraging along the trail. The crisp mountain air and panoramic views make every moment unforgettable.

Disembark at Qingyin Pavilion and explore the numerous Buddhist temples adorning the slopes. Join chanting monks in prayer halls adorned with gilded statues and incense coils. Watch as prayer wheels spin gently and pilgrims pay homage in serene courtyards.

Check into a mountain lodge near Wannian Temple and participate in an evening bell-ringing ceremony that echoes through the valleys. Share a simple vegetarian dinner prepared by temple cooks, featuring stir-fried seasonal greens and steamed buns. Drift to sleep under the soft glow of paper lanterns and the distant tolling of temple bells.

Head northwest to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, an 2,200-year-old UNESCO marvel that still controls water flow without dams. Learn about ancient hydraulic engineering as water cascades through the fish mouth levee and bottleneck channels. The lush riverbanks and willow-lined paths inspire reflection on humankind’s ingenuity.

Continue to Mount Qingcheng, a Taoist sanctuary known for its verdant bamboo groves and cliffside shrines. Hike the shaded trails to Taoist halls, pausing at creaking pavilions overlooking mist-draped valleys. The tranquil ambiance and chirping cicadas evoke timeless pursuit of inner harmony.

Dine at a riverside tea house in Dujiangyan, sampling handmade tofu delicacies fresh from local ponds. Sip fragrant green tea plucked from terraced hillsides as lanterns flicker on wooden decks. Enjoy an intimate evening stroll along the weir under starlit skies.

Depart early for Jiuzhaigou National Park, driving through mountain passes and scenic Tibetan villages. Arrive at Shuzheng Valley and follow wooden boardwalks past turquoise pools that reflect snow-capped peaks. The surreal colors of five-flower lake and its lily pads enchant with every step.

Venture deeper into the park to visit the spectacular Nuorilang Waterfall and Mirror Lake. Listen to the thunderous roar of cascading water while vibrant autumn foliage paints the hillsides. A packed picnic among giant cedar trees offers a moment of peaceful immersion.

Rest at a traditional Tibetan guesthouse in Jiuzhai town, featuring low-slung beams and woolen carpets. Share a hearty yak-butter tea and barley bread with local hosts. As dusk falls, the distant aroma of wood fires fills the crisp air, setting the stage for cultural storytelling.

Wake early to explore Huanglong’s terraced travertine pools, where mineral-rich water forms rainbows in the morning light. Walk along well-maintained boardwalks through the valley, pausing at the Five-Color Pond to marvel at the kaleidoscopic reflections. Cascading waterfalls and limestone dams create a surreal, otherworldly landscape.

Hike to the Huanglong Temple perched above the pools, admiring ornate eaves and carved stone guardians. Continue to Ganhaizi Prairie for expansive views of the Minshan peaks and grazing yaks. Capture the interplay of golden grasses and sapphire water in every photograph.

Relax in a nearby mountain inn with hearty Sichuanome-style barley noodles and yak meat stews. Swap stories with fellow travelers around a low wooden table by a roaring fire. As night falls, the star-studded sky above Huanglong’s valley feels closer than ever.

Travel east to Danba, known for its watchtower villages perched along terraced ridges. Hike through conical towers built of stone, each bearing witness to generations of Tibetan culture. Mist weaves through the valley, adding a dreamlike quality to the red tile roofs and verdant fields.

Visit Jiaju and Suopo villages to meet Tibetan families and see traditional thangka painting at local studios. Wander amid blooming rapeseed terraces and listen to shepherds’ songs echoing from distant peaks. Sampling home-brewed barley wine and hand-pulled tsampa breads offers a taste of highland hospitality.

Stay in a cozy guesthouse with views of the towering Min Mountains. Share communal hotpot prepared with fresh river fish and mountain vegetables. As lanterns glow in the village square, glimpse local dancers performing folk rituals by firelight.

Drive to Rilong, the gateway to the Four Sisters Mountain range, and prepare for a day of alpine trekking. The jagged peaks soar overhead as you follow glacial streams through meadows dotted with wildflowers. Crisp air and towering firs make each breath invigorating.

Trek along the Shuangqiaogou Valley trail, passing emerald lakes carved by ancient glaciers. Pause at Haizi Reservoir to admire the reflection of the four peaks and listen to distant avalanches rumbling down the slopes. The remote wilderness offers uninterrupted communion with nature.

Camp under a canopy of stars near the valley floor or stay in a rustic lodge with yak wool blankets. Relish a nourishing stew of mountain roots and local mushrooms cooked over a wood fire. As night deepens, the silhouettes of the peaks stand guard against the Milky Way.

Return toward Chengdu and stop at Bifengxia Panda Base, a serene sanctuary nestled in a bamboo forest. Observe researchers feed giant pandas their morning ration of bamboo, apples, and sweet potatoes. The pandas’ playful antics and gentle munching create heartwarming scenes.

Join a volunteer session to prepare bamboo bundles and refill feeding stations. Stroll along shaded trails, catching glimpses of red pandas darting through the undergrowth. The reserve’s conservation efforts foster deep appreciation for China’s endangered species.

Retreat to a nearby tea village for an authentic countryside stay. Sample freshly brewed bamboo leaf tea and local mountain honey. Listen to the rustle of bamboo leaves as you savor a quiet riverside dinner of stir-fried wild greens.

Enroll in a hands-on cooking class in Chengdu to master signature Sichuan dishes like mapo tofu and kung pao chicken. Harvest fresh chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, and aromatic garlic at a local market. Under expert guidance, learn the art of balancing heat, numbing spices, and umami flavors.

Prepare your own spicy hotpot broth from scratch, layering chili oil, fermented beans, and secret spice blends. Cook bite-sized morsels of meat, vegetables, and tofu at your table while exchanging laughter with new friends. End the class by plating mouthwatering dan dan noodles topped with minced pork and scallions.

Celebrate your final night with a farewell feast at a famed Chengdu eatery specializing in maoxuewang and spicy rabbit head. Toast with local baijiu as trumpets of firecrackers echo through neon-lit streets. Cap off the trip with a leisurely walk along the riverbanks, soaking in the city’s luminous skyline and unforgettable memories.