Wondering which attractions around Chengdu are worth visiting, how many days you should plan, and what activities to expect? This guide has you covered.
1. Qingcheng Mountain & Dujiangyan in 24 Hours
Route Option 1: Chengdu → Dujiangyan Scenic Area → Qingcheng Mountain
Route Option 2: Chengdu → Sunac Land Chengdu (all-season ski resort & theme park)
Dujiangyan (都江堰, Dūjiāngyàn)
Dujiangyan is an ancient irrigation system built by Li Bing and his son, known as the “ancestor of world irrigation projects.” It combines immense historical value, ingenious design, and beautiful scenery, making it pleasant to visit year-round.
Qingcheng Mountain (青城山, Qīngchéng Shān)
One of the birthplaces of Daoist culture, Qingcheng Mountain is lush, serene, and famously nicknamed “the most secluded under heaven.” A walk here is refreshing and meditative.
🚄 How to get there: From Chengdu Xipu Station, take the intercity train to Qingchengshan or Dujiangyan stations, then transfer by bus or taxi.
🚐 If public transport feels inconvenient, consider booking a 1-day tour.
Sunac Resort Chengdu (融创文旅城, Róngchuàng Wénlǚ Chéng)
This massive resort combines Sunac Land amusement park, Snow World (indoor skiing), Water World, hotels, and a lakeside bar street. It’s a top spot for family and couples, forming the popular travel combo: Daoism at Qingcheng, irrigation at Dujiangyan, fun at Sunac.
2. Mount Emei & Leshan Giant Buddha (2 Days)
Day 1: Chengdu → Leshan Giant Buddha → Emeishan (town/foothill/mid-mountain)
Day 2: Full day at Mount Emei → Chengdu
Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛, Lèshān Dàfó)
Carved into a cliff at Lingyun Mountain, this is the world’s largest stone Buddha (Maitreya). Facing west, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is truly awe-inspiring.
Mount Emei (峨眉山, Éméi Shān)
One of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, dedicated to Bodhisattva Samantabhadra. It’s filled with temples, misty forests, and scenic views. From the summit “Golden Summit” (金顶, Jīndǐng), you can see sunrises, seas of clouds, and vast mountain ranges.
Food in Leshan
Leshan is a foodie’s paradise! Don’t miss Qiaojiao Beef (跷脚牛肉) , Bobo Chicken (钵钵鸡) , spicy hotpot, sweet-skinned duck, grilled fish, spicy tofu pudding, barbecue, noodles, and La Rou (cured pork).
⏱ Time: 2 days is ideal. Some 1-day tours exist but won’t allow you to reach Golden Summit.
3. Moshi Park (墨石公园, Mòshí Gōngyuán) – 2 Days
Located in Garzê Prefecture near Tagong Grassland, between Tagong and Daofu. It’s also en route to Daocheng Yading, making it a good self-drive destination.
🚙 Suggested route: Chengdu → Xinduqiao (overnight) → Moshi Park → Return.
🚌 Note: Public transport is very limited; self-drive or group tours are recommended.
4. Siguniang Mountain (四姑娘山, Sìgūniáng Shān) – 3 Days
The “Four Sisters Mountains” offer three main valleys:
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Shuangqiao Valley (双桥沟, Shuāngqiáo Gōu): The most developed and easy for sightseeing.
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Changping Valley (长坪沟, Chángpíng Gōu): A trekker’s route, leading to Bipeng Valley.
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Haizi Valley (海子沟, Hǎizǐ Gōu): Less developed, requiring trekking or horseback riding, but gives the best views of the peaks.
Suggested Itinerary:
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Day 1: Chengdu → Rilong Town/Double Bridge/Changping Village
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Day 2: Explore Shuangqiao or Changping Valley
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Day 3: Siguniang → Dujiangyan → Chengdu
🎫 Tickets: Shuangqiao (80 RMB high season, 50 RMB low season); Changping (07:00–16:00).
5. Jiuzhaigou (九寨沟, Jiǔzhàigōu) – 3 Days
Route:
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Day 1: Chengdu → Songpan → Huanglong → Jiuzhaigou entrance
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Day 2: Full day at Jiuzhaigou → Stay in Maoxian
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Day 3: Maoxian → Dagu Glacier → Chengdu
6. Bipeng Valley (毕棚沟, Bìpéng Gōu) – 3 Days
A four-season destination: spring flowers, summer escape, autumn foliage, and snowy winters. In winter it’s a ski resort with stunning snowy peaks, lakes, and hot springs.
Route:
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Day 1: Chengdu → Mentougou Valley → Gurgou
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Day 2: Full day in Bipeng Valley
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Day 3: Bipeng Valley → Taoping Qiang Village → Chengdu
7. Daocheng Yading (稻城亚丁, Dàochéng Yàdīng) – 5 Days
Suggested route:
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Day 1: Chengdu → Ya’an → Luding → Xinduqiao
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Day 2: Xinduqiao → Yajiang → Litang → Shangri-La Town
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Day 3: Shangri-La Town → Daocheng Yading Scenic Area
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Day 4: Return to Shangri-La Town → Xinduqiao
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Day 5: Xinduqiao → Chengdu
🗓 Best to allow 5–7 days to adapt to altitude and avoid acute mountain sickness. Many travelers join loop tours to enjoy western Sichuan’s landscapes more comfortably.