Adventure Itineraries for Sichuan

Sichuan off the beaten travel guide

Sichuan is famous for its spicy cuisine, beautiful natural scenery, and rich cultural heritage. While many travelers are drawn to popular destinations like Chengdu and the Leshan Giant Buddha, there are also many off-the-beaten-path places to explore in Sichuan. Here are some recommendations for a unique travel experience in Sichuan:

Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve: Located in the western part of Sichuan, this nature reserve is home to stunning snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and pristine forests. It's a great place to go hiking, camping, and horseback riding. One of the highlights is the three sacred peaks, which are believed to be the embodiment of three bodhisattvas in Tibetan Buddhism.

Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture: This region is located in the western part of Sichuan and is known for its Tibetan culture and stunning mountain scenery. It's a great place to visit traditional Tibetan villages, hike in the mountains, and attend local festivals.

Jiuzhaigou National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its colorful lakes, waterfalls, and forests. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including pandas, golden monkeys, and Tibetan antelopes. It's a great place to go hiking, bird watching, and photography.

Lugu Lake: This beautiful lake is located on the border between Sichuan and Yunnan provinces and is home to the Mosuo people, a matrilineal society that has a unique culture and customs. Visitors can explore the traditional villages, go boating on the lake, and learn about the Mosuo's way of life.

Xinduqiao: This small town is located on the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau and is known for its stunning scenery and vibrant Tibetan culture. Visitors can go hiking, explore the local markets, and visit the nearby Tagong Monastery.

Mount Emei: This sacred mountain is one of the four Buddhist mountains in China and is home to a number of temples and monasteries. Visitors can hike to the summit, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, or take a cable car to the top.

Hailuogou Glacier Park: This park is located in southeastern Sichuan and is home to one of the few glaciers in China that is accessible to tourists. You can take a cable car to the top of the glacier, and there are also plenty of hiking trails in the area.

Ya'an Bifengxia Panda Base: While not entirely off the beaten path, this panda base is less visited than the more famous Chengdu Panda Base. The base is home to over 80 pandas and is set in a scenic valley with plenty of hiking trails.

These are just a few of the many off-the-beaten-path destinations in Sichuan. With its stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine, Sichuan is a great destination for adventurous travelers who want to explore a less-visited part of China.

Sichuan biking itineraries

Explore the diverse and breathtaking landscapes of Sichuan province on a biking itinerary that takes you through lush valleys, traditional villages, challenging mountain passes, and stunning natural wonders such as Jiuzhaigou National Park and Mount Siguniang.

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Sichuan birding itineraries

Overall, the Sichuan birding itinerary offers an incredible opportunity for bird enthusiasts to see a diverse range of species in stunning and varied landscapes, from high-altitude grasslands and alpine forests to lush valleys and wetlands.

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Sichuan hiking itineraries

Explore the stunning natural beauty of Sichuan's rugged landscapes on a 5-day hiking itinerary that takes you through towering mountains, dense forests, and picturesque villages while experiencing the rich cultural heritage and diverse cuisine of the region.

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Sichuan photography itineraries

Embarking on a photography travel in Sichuan, a region known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, would provide an abundance of opportunities to capture stunning shots of the majestic snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, winding rivers, verdant forests, diverse wildlife, as well as the colorful traditional festivals, unique local customs, and mouth-watering cuisine, all while immersing oneself in the warm hospitality and rich history of the region.

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Jiuzhaigou travel itineraries

Embark on a breathtaking journey to Jiuzhaigou, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear lakes, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls, where you can witness the traditional Tibetan way of life, marvel at the colorful foliage in autumn, and trek through the snow-capped mountains, all while immersing yourself in the unique culture and cuisine of the local Tibetan and Qiang ethnic groups.

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Day 1: Arrive in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan. Explore the city and visit the famous Jinli Street.

Day 2: Visit the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit the nearby Mt. Qingcheng, a Taoist holy site.

Day 3: Travel to the Leshan Giant Buddha, a 71-meter-tall statue carved into a cliff face overlooking the confluence of three rivers.

Day 4: Drive to the Yading Nature Reserve, known for its stunning mountain scenery and Tibetan culture.

Day 5-6: Hike the Yading Kora, a pilgrimage route that takes you through valleys and past mountain lakes, with stunning views of the peaks.

Day 7: Visit the Tagong Grasslands, a vast area of open grassland with Tibetan nomad settlements and temples.

Day 8-9: Trek to the stunning Gongga Mountains, known for their towering peaks and glacial lakes.

Day 10: Visit the Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, famous for its crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and colorful foliage.

Day 11: Explore the Huanglong Scenic Area, known for its natural pools and waterfalls, as well as its high-altitude wetland ecosystem.

Day 12: Depart from Chengdu.