Sichuan

Sichuan, also known as Chuan or Shu, is located in Southwest China and is divided into two distinct geographical areas: the fertile Sichuan Basin in the east and the mountainous regions forming the easternmost part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in the west. The province borders Tibet to the west, Chongqing to the east, Yunnan to the south, Gansu to the north, Qinghai to the northwest, Shaanxi to the northeast, and Guizhou to the southeast. Known as the Land of Abundance, Sichuan offers breathtaking natural beauty alongside a rich cultural heritage, making it one of the most remarkable provinces in China.

Sichuan is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Jiuzhaigou Valley, Huanglong Scenic Area, Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Mount Emei Scenic Area, and Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries.

Highlights:

• Hometown of Giant Pandas: About 85% of the world's wild pandas live in Sichuan and the giant panda habitat has been successfully reproved to be a unique tourist attraction in Sichuan province.
• Breathtaking Scenery: Sichuan boasts the most attractive natural scenic place in China, such as Jiuzhaigou National Park, Mount Emei, Huanglong National Park, Yading Nature Reserve, etc.
• Sichuan Opera: Sichuan opera is a shining pearl in the treasure-house of Chinese opera. It is a long history of keeping many excellent traditional repertoire, and the wealth of superb music and the performing arts. Early in the Tang dynasty, there was a popular saying that "Sichuan Opera was the number one opera in the world".
• Ba-Shu Culture: Ba-Shu culture is one of the historic regional cultures of China, which is an important part of the splendid Chinese culture. Sanxingdui Museum, the great archeological discovery of ancient Shu, is a strong proof of glorious jade and bronze culture in Sichuan.
• Sichuan Food: Sichuan Cuisine has gained wide popularity and universal reputation due to its flavor of mouth numbing spice, as well as Hot pot and Sichuan snack.

Why Visit Sichuan?

Hometown of Giant Pandas

Sichuan is the best place to see the adorable giant pandas. Key places to visit include Chengdu, Dujiangyan, Ya'an, and Wolong, with Dujiangyan Panda Base offering a panda volunteer program where visitors can interact with pandas, take care of them, and even hold them.

Gorgeous Natural Scenery & Colors of Nature

Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong are renowned for their vibrant natural colors. These areas are stunning year-round, with wild forests, lakes, and flowers changing color with the seasons—grey in spring, green in summer, golden in autumn, and white in winter, creating a visual feast.

Ancient Shu Lost Civilization

The discovery of Sanxingdui and Jinsha Site revealed that Sichuan was home to a unique and independent ancient civilization, distinct from the more well-known dynasties in central and northern China. The cultural relics uncovered challenge previous understandings of early Chinese civilization.

Three Kingdom Culture

Sichuan, known as Yi State in ancient times, played a crucial role in the Three Kingdoms period as the stronghold of the Shu Han faction. Famous figures like Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei made their mark in Sichuan’s rich history.

Holy Land for Buddhism

Sichuan has a long history of Buddhism since the Han Dynasty. Mount Emei is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains in China, revered as the place of enlightenment of the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra.

Birthplace of Taoism

For those interested in Taoism, Mount Heming and Mount Qingcheng are key locations. These mountains are where Taoism originated, and travelers can explore ancient Taoist temples and learn about the sect’s legends, including stories of Laozi at Qingyang Palace.

Leisure Life

Sichuan is renowned for its leisure culture and relaxed way of life, especially in Chengdu. Despite the city’s rapid development, locals continue to embrace a slow-paced lifestyle, reflecting a calming influence throughout the region. Whether it’s enjoying a cup of tea in a traditional teahouse or strolling through the parks, Sichuan offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.