Sichuan is a southwestern Chinese province that contains a stretch of Asia’s longest river, the Yangtze. The region is the home of giant pandas, which visitors can observe at Bifengxia Panda Base and other reserves. Chengdu, the provincial capital, is a center for traditional Sichuanese opera, which include fire-breathing and sleight-of-hand mask changes.

Top Attractions:

1. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see giant pandas in a natural habitat. Watch these adorable creatures eat bamboo, play, and nap in a conservation-friendly environment.
2. Jiuzhaigou Valley: Explore Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking landscapes and pristine natural beauty. Marvel at its crystal-clear lakes, multi-tiered waterfalls, and colorful forests, and enjoy scenic hiking trails.
3. Huanglong Scenic Area: Discover Huanglong Scenic Area, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colorful travertine terraces, alpine lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Enjoy hiking trails, scenic vistas, and pristine natural beauty in this stunning mountainous region.
4. Leshan Giant Buddha: Marvel at the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone Buddha statue in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carved out of a cliff face overlooking the confluence of three rivers, the statue stands at 71 meters (233 feet) tall.
5. Mount Emei (Emeishan): Explore Mount Emei, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy hiking trails, visit ancient temples, and marvel at the scenic landscapes of this sacred mountain.
6. Dujiangyan Irrigation System: Explore the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest and most successful water conservation projects in the world. Learn about its history, engineering techniques, and impact on agriculture and flood control.
7. Wolong National Nature Reserve: Visit Wolong National Nature Reserve, a protected area known for its giant panda conservation efforts. Learn about panda research and conservation, and observe these iconic animals in their natural habitat.

Things to Do:

1. Sichuan Cuisine: Indulge in Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold flavors, spicy dishes, and numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns. Enjoy iconic dishes such as mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, and hotpot, and explore local markets and food streets to sample authentic Sichuan flavors.
2. Teahouse Culture: Experience Sichuan's vibrant teahouse culture by visiting traditional teahouses in cities like Chengdu. Sip on a cup of fragrant tea, play mahjong or Chinese chess with locals, and immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere of Sichuan's teahouse scene.
3. Sichuan Opera: Attend a Sichuan opera performance to experience traditional Chinese opera featuring unique art forms such as face-changing, fire-spitting, and acrobatics. Enjoy colorful costumes, dramatic storytelling, and mesmerizing performances in local theaters.
4. Hot Springs: Relax and unwind in natural hot springs scattered throughout Sichuan Province. Soak in warm mineral-rich waters surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, and rejuvenate your body and mind after a day of exploration.
5. Tibetan Culture: Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture by visiting Tibetan areas in western Sichuan, such as Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Explore Tibetan monasteries, participate in religious ceremonies, and learn about Tibetan customs and traditions.
6. Panda Volunteer Programs: Participate in a panda volunteer program at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding or other panda conservation centers in Sichuan. Get up close to pandas, help with feeding and care tasks, and contribute to panda conservation efforts.
7. Trekking and Outdoor Activities: Explore the scenic landscapes of Sichuan through trekking, hiking, and outdoor adventures. Choose from a variety of trails in national parks, nature reserves, and mountainous regions, and enjoy breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and immersive nature experiences.