You may have heard of Sichuan or Szechuan cuisine, famous for its hot and bold flavors, but there is more to this Chinese province than just its food. Although you should currently avoid China due to the coronavirus outbreak, I suggest you keep it in mind for the future! From Giant Pandas to temples shrouded with mist, you will be amazed at everything there is to see.
As a frequent traveler to Sichuan, check out my favorite spots and tips to make your life easier down below!
If you would like to see Giant Pandas, this is the perfect place to see them. Located in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, it is easy to reach. If you are lucky, you may even see panda babies. These small, pink bundles look nothing like their parents but are still adorable to say the least.
This giant Buddha was carved out of a mountain. Admire this amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site at different viewpoints, as you climb down snaking stairs to the foot of the Buddha.
Climb amidst lush bamboo forests to reach a stunning golden Bodhisattva sculpture, monasteries, and a sea of clouds. Along the way, you may encounter one of the mountain's residents—Tibetan macaques. If you would like to shorten your journey up the mountain (or if you are like me), there is also the option to take the cable cars.
Jiuzhai Valley National Park is a beautiful area to see nature at its best. Walk in the valleys to see colorful lakes and snow-capped mountains. Although more touristy then when I went about 10 years ago, it is still a worthwhile place to visit.
Located near Jiuzhai Valley National Park, Huanglong National Park is another must see destination. The name means 'yellow dragon' in Chinese and well describes the centerpiece of the park— pools that almost seem to form a large dragon.
Located near Tibet, the Hongyuan Grassland is the perfect place to see scenic pastoral landscape. Ride a horse through the grasslands or sleep in a Mongolian ger to truly experience the nomadic lifestyle.
Switching things up, the Dujianyan Irrigation System has great historical significance. It was built over a thousand years ago to control the floods and is still in use to this day. The site is also pretty, and if you have time, you can also check out the nearby Mount Qingcheng!
You probably hear this all the time, but in Sichuan, this is even more applicable. The high altitude in certain areas means that even if it is cloudy, it is still possible to get a sunburn (speaking from personal experience).
Alongside the sunscreen tip, since some of these locations are high up, they can also get chilly, even in the summer. Wear layers to be prepared!
This might sound strange, but this tip is not only applicable in Sichuan but also to the rest of China. Chinese public toilets don't always have toilet paper, and if you are in a more rural area, the likelihood is even higher.
Although Sichuan may not be as famous to the rest of the world, it is quite a popular destination for Chinese people. This means that if you go during a Chinese holiday or break, such as Chinese New Year, expect lots and lots of people.
I recommend first going to Chengdu, the capital, because it has an airport and is accessible to many of the places I suggest you go to. Plus, Chengdu is a cool city with plenty of things to do as well!
***
China is a vast country filled with varying landscapes, historical sites, and attractions. One such place that can be overlooked is the province of Sichuan. Although made famous for its spicy cuisine, there is much more to explore in Sichuan than just the food.
If you would like to see more content like this, I recommend that you subscribe to our blog!