Are you planning a 7-day trip to Sichuan? Here’s a flexible Western Sichuan itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Chengdu and Sichuan!
Sichuan (Chinese: 四川) is a southwestern province of China and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. With a wealth of remarkable places to explore, unique traditional customs to experience, and delicious authentic cuisine to try, it can be overwhelming to decide what to include in your Sichuan itinerary.
To assist you, we’ve created a suggested 7-day Sichuan itinerary that will allow you to fully enjoy the culture, food, and natural attractions of Sichuan. Feel free to use our recommendations as a foundation for your own travel plans or customize your itinerary to fit your personal interests and schedule. let’s check it out.
Planning for Sichuan Itinerary
Thanks to its stunning beauty, we had a fantastic time in Sichuan and fell in love with its natural landscapes. We visited Mount Siguniang, Bipenggou, Dagu Glacier, Jiuzhaigou (my main focus), and Huanglong Scenic Area during our itinerary in Sichuan. It was an amazing experience, and I’m sure you’ll love it too.
Here’s our Sichuan itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrived in Chengdu. Explored nearby attractions and prepared for the Sichuan excursion.
- Day 2: Mount Siguniang
- Day 3: Bepenggou
- Day 4: Dagu Glacier
- Day 5: Jiuzhaigou
- Day 6: Huanglong Scenic Area
- Day 7: Returned to Chengdu and continued exploring the city.
This Sichuan itinerary is flexible and can be easily adjusted. Keep in mind the locations of each attraction and the travel time between them. Sichuan is quite vast, and traveling from one point to another can take a significant amount of time.
Feel free to use our suggestions to create your own Western Sichuan itinerary, or customize it based on your interests and schedule. Now, let’s dive into the details of my Western Sichuan itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu. Explored Nearby Attractions
Upon our arrival in Chengdu, we transferred to a hotel in the city center to rest. For leisure travelers, you can consider spending a few extra days exploring Chengdu if time permits. Alternatively, you could also plan your itinerary to continue the Chengdu city tour after returning from Sichuan.
For the Sichuan itinerary below, we will share the plan the following day. Feel free to add attractions and adjust the schedule as needed.
There are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy in this vibrant city, including a cultural city walk, visiting the adorable giant pandas, and tasting the delicious Sichuan spicy hotpot.
If you decide to stay in the Kuanzhai Valley area, you can spend your time visiting nearby attractions such as People’s Park, Kuanzhai Valley, Wenshu Yuan Monastery, Wuhou Memorial Temple, and exploring Jinli Street. These places are close together and easy to access.
Stay: Nostalgia Hotel Kuanzhai Alley Chengdu
Where to Stay: We recommend staying at the Nostalgia Hotel Kuanzhai Alley Chengdu, which is conveniently situated near the Kuanzhai Alley. Our experience there surpassed our expectations. The best part of this hotel? It’s within walking distance of numerous local restaurants! It was one of the best places to stay in Chengdu.
Further Read: Chengdu Hote Review – Nostalgia Hotel Kuanzhai Alley.
Day 2: Mount Siguniang
Start your Sichuan itinerary from your hotel in Chengdu. Our first destination on this 7-day trip is Mount Siguniang, also known as Mount Skubla, which is one of the most famous spots in Sichuan.
Mount Siguniang (Chinese: 四姑娘山) is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery and offers many treasures to explore. Most visitors come to admire its four sacred mountains: Dafeng, Erfeng, Sanfeng, and Yaomeifeng. The area features three natural valleys where you can plan your trip: Changping Valley (长坪沟), Haizi Valley (海子沟), and Shuangqiao Valley (双桥沟). Most travelers spend one to three days trekking here, as the trekking options are endless.
We were picked up by our driver for the journey to Mount Siguniang, which took us approximately 4 hours to travel from Chengdu to the Mount Siguniang area. We didn’t plan for a trekking option and opted for a leisurely visit to Shuangqiao Valley using the sightseeing shuttle bus. The bus travels approximately 20 kilometers deep into the valley, allowing you to hop on and off at various viewpoints.
Shuangqiao Valley
However, we didn’t plan for a trekking option and opted for a leisurely visit to Shuangqiao Valley using the sightseeing shuttle bus. The bus travels approximately 20 kilometers deep into the valley, allowing you to hop on and off at various viewpoints.
During our visit to Shuangqiao Valley, our sightseeing route included: Primitive Forest, Potala Peak, Zhugana Lake, Siguna Lake, Ginseng Fruit Flat, and finally, the Exit. A notable attraction is the large stupa on Potala Peak, which is named for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The view from here is spectacular, especially with the snow-capped stupa in the background.
Read more for our visit: Mount Siguniang Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
After our visit, we continued our journey with a 4-hour car ride to check into our Bipenngou hotel located in Li country.
Day 2 Sichuan itinerary (Mount Siguniang) – Traveling time:
- Travel time from Chengdu to Mount Siguniang’s Shuangqiao Valley is approximately 4 hours by car.
- Visit the Shungqiao Valley about 5 to 6 hours.
- From Mount Siguniang to Bipenggou hotel takes about 4 hours by car as well.
Stay: Bipenggou Guanshan Wangyue Hotel
Where To Stay: We truly enjoyed our stay at Bipenggou Guanshan Wangyue Hotel (毕棚沟观山望月酒店) located at Li Country, 30 minutes drive away from Bipenggou. The hotel is relatively new and offers excellent service. The staff were very friendly and helpful.
Our room was clean and quite comfortable, and the food was delicious. The hot springs bath is an added bonus, even though we didn’t use it. Breakfast was also very attentive. Overall, this is an excellent hotel that we will highly recommend to our friends.
Check for room availability for Bipenggou Guanshan Wangyue Hotel.
Day 3: Bipeng Valley (Bipenggou)
The next day, we planned to visit the northern side of Mount Siguniang, specifically Bipenggou (Chinese: 毕棚沟). We arrived early in the morning at the entrance, ready for a day of sightseeing.
To start our tour, we took a park bus from the entrance of the scenic area to the Shanghaizi (上海子) Tourist Center. Along the journey, there are a few stops where we could get off the bus and explore the area. Bipenggou Park is truly vast and our bus journey takes approximately 1 hour.
Once we reached the scenic area, we hopped on an electric sightseeing car. Travelers also have the option to hike 9 kilometers one way from Shanghaizi to Moon Lake, and further up to Yanziyan. We spent a leisurely time wandering around and soaking in the stunning views.
Read more for our visit: Bipenggou Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
Overall, we spent about 5 hours at Bipenggou before heading to our next destination. That evening, we stayed in a Tibetan village, Heishui. The hotel was about a 3-hour drive from Bipenggou and 30 minutes away from Dagu Glacier.
Day 3 Sichuan itinerary (Bipenggou) – Traveling time:
- Travel time from Bipenggou hotel to Bipenggou is approximately 30 minutes by car.
- Visit the Bipeng Valley scenic area about 5 hours.
- From Bipenggou to Yangrong Hade Tibetan Village hotel takes about 3 hours by car.
Stay: Shanjian Huali Inn
Where to Stay: The beautiful guesthouse, Shanjian Huali Inn (黑水山间画里客栈) is situated at the highest point in Yangrong Hade (羊茸哈德) Tibetan Village. This charming homestay offers a warm and cozy atmosphere.
The couple who operates the inn is very enthusiastic, and their two children are absolutely adorable.
Although the rooms are not large, they are very comfortable, especially with the fireplace that adds a touch of warmth. There are some local restaurants running in the village. You can also arrange for a delicious and hearty dinner during your stay. Due to limited room availability, we highly recommend reserving early.
Check for room availability for Shanjian Huali Inn.
Day 4: Dagu Glacier
Visiting Dagu Glacier was one of the highlights of our trip to Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan. This stunning glacial mountain was included in our Sichuan itinerary, and after our visit to Bipenggou National Park.
Dagu Glacier (Chinese: 达古冰川) is remarkable for being the lowest, largest, and youngest glacier in the world. Many travelers choose to visit this glacial mountain to experience its impressive peaks.
On the day of our visit, we were transported by shuttle minibus to the lower cable car station, which included a few attractions where we could get down and explore. After that, we took the Dagu Glacier cable car, which ascends approximately 1,000 meters to reach the glaciers at the summit. At the top, we were thrilled to witness the breathtaking glacier views.
Read more for our visit: Dagu Glacier Itinerary: A Travel Guide blog
The Dagu Glacier Scenic Area is absolutely stunning and definitely worth a visit. We highly recommend this day trip to Dagu Glacier.
Day 4 Sichuan itinerary (Dagu Glacier) – Traveling time:
- Travel time from Heishui hotel to Dagu Glacier is approximately 15 minutes by car.
- Visit the Dagu Glacier scenic area about 3 hours.
- From Dagu Glacier to Jiuzhaigou hotel takes about 6 hours by car.
Stay: Jiuzhaigou Orange Hotel
We began our transit journey from Dagu Glacier to the Jiuzhaigou area, preparing for our excursion the following day.
Where to Stay: Our hotel for the night was the Jiuzhaigou Orange Hotel, located within the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. The journey took about 6 hours, so tiring! The Jiuzhaigou Orange Hotel was a cozy and comfortable chain hotel where we had a great rest. The hotel is situated about 10 minutes drive from the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area which is very convenient. We also enjoyed a delicious dinner of authentic yak beef hotpot. The food was truly exceptional.
Further Read: Jiuzhaigou Orange Hotel Review (Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area)
Day 5: Jiuzhaigou
If you’re planning a Sichuan itinerary, Jiuzhaigou is a must-visit destination!
Jiuzhaigou (Chinese: 九寨沟) is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. The picturesque Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong National Park are the prime locations to experience breathtaking waterscapes, both of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These areas feature a series of terraced landscapes, spectacular waterfalls and crystal-clear blue and emerald color lakes.
Jiuzhaigou National Park is designed in a Y-shaped valley, divided into three main sections: Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley, and Zechawa Valley. All attractions within the park are connected by the Jiuzhaigou sightseeing bus, an electric shuttle bus that is the only mode of transportation allowed in the park. Visitors can purchase an unlimited bus pass, allowing them to explore various attractions at their leisure.
Here are the main attractions and highlights in each of Jiuzhaigou’s valleys:
- Rize Valley (日则沟): Arrow Bamboo Lake (箭竹海), Panda Lake (熊猫海), Five-Flowers Lake (五花海), Pearl Shoal Waterfall (珍珠滩瀑布), and Mirror Lake (镜海).
- Zechawa Valley (则查瓦沟): Long Lake (长海) and Five-Colored Lake (五彩池).
- Shuzheng Valley (树正沟): Nuorilang Waterfall (诺日朗瀑布), Rhinoceros Lake (犀牛海), and Sparkling Lake (火花海).
Read more for our visit: Jiuzhaigou Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
We spend entire day exploring Jiuzhaigou National Park. The breathtaking views make for an unforgettable experience, showcasing the awe-inspiring and diverse beauty of the Sichuan region. It was tiring, but every moment was worth it!
Where To Stay: We spent another night at the Jiuzhaigou Orange Hotel and had a good rest. The hotel also provided a self-service laundry, which was very helpful for us during our long journey.
Day 6: Huanglong Scenic Area
Huanglong (Chinese: 黄龙景区), is located in Songpan County, northwest Sichuan. It is famous for its vibrant, colorful lakes, snow-capped mountains, and charming villages. Along with Jiuzhaigou National Park, Huanglong is one of two fairy-tale destinations in northwestern Sichuan Province and is a must-visit on any Sichuan itinerary.
We thoroughly enjoyed the Huanglong Scenic Area, although it was a bit challenging and required a lot of energy due to the high altitude, which is over 3,000 meters. I recommend that visitors take the cable car to the top and then walk back down, as we did.
Once we took the cable car, we hiked a considerable distance upward to reach the famous five-colored ponds. The view was breathtaking—beyond what words can describe. The surrounding beauty is tranquil and serene, making it a great place to unwind and relax. After our visit, we descended back to the ground.
Read more for our visit: Huanglong Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
Overall, our trip to Huanglong was very pleasant, and I am glad we experienced it.
Day 6 Sichuan itinerary (Huanglong Scenic Area) – Traveling time:
- Travel time from Jiuzhaigou hotel to Huanglong Scenic Area is approximately 2 hours by car.
- Visit the Huanglong Scenic Area about 3 hours.
- From Huanglong back to Chengdu takes about 6 hours by car.
Stay: Mercure Chengdu Chunxi Taikoo Li
Where to Stay: We stayed at the Mercure Chengdu Chunxi Taikoo Li and fell in love with the convenience and all that it has to offer. Many great restaurants and interesting attractions are within walking distance. Highly recommended.
Further Read: Chengdu Hotel Review: Mercure Chengdu ChunXi Taikoo Li Hotel
Day 7: Back to Chengdu
Back to Chengdu from the Western Sichuan excursion, we stayed near the main commercial area, specifically on ChunXi Road and TaiKoo Li. Since we were exhausted from our previous tours, we didn’t plan many activities. Instead, we opted to relax by strolling around downtown and savoring some local cuisine.
This area is filled with various local and international fashion boutiques, souvenir shops, and numerous interesting cafes, restaurants, and bars. You can freely adjust your itinerary and continue exploring the Chengdu city.
Related Chengdu Travel blog post:
- Chengdu Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog for First-Timer
- Where To Stay in Chengdu: Best Areas and Hotels
Travel Tips for Sichuan itinerary
Sichuan is filled with wonderful places to discover and interesting activities to enjoy. If you’re planning a trip to Western Sichuan, it’s essential to set aside several days to make the most of your visit.
Getting Around in Sichuan:
Due to the distance between attractions, it’s advisable to create a focused itinerary. Keep in mind that public transportation options are limited and not interconnected. To make your travel easier, consider booking a private car with a driver, as I did, or joining a guided tour through platforms like Klook or Trip.com.
How Many Days for Sichuan itinerary:
We recommend spending at least 5 to 7 days on your Western Sichuan itinerary to thoroughly explore the region. If you have only 1 to 3 days available, it’s best to concentrate on Chengdu and its nearby attractions such as Leshan, Mount Emei, or Dujiangyan. You can also make a shorter loop to visit Mount Siguniang and Bipenggou. If you have more time, consider extending your trip to include even more Sichuan attractions like Kangding and Daocheng Yading.
Most importantly, avoid cramming too much into your itinerary; you should take your time to enjoy the region without feeling rushed.
Overall: Our Trave itinerary to Western Sichuan
All in all, Sichuan offers a wealth of sights and activities, making it easy to spend several days or even weeks exploring the region without running out of things to do. This 7-day Western Sichuan itinerary is designed to help you plan your holiday in places like Mount Siguniang, Bipenggou, Dagu Glacier, Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, and Chengdu. There is so much more to discover, and you’ll likely find yourself wanting to return for additional adventures.
Last but not least, we are not experts on China, but we hope you find this Western Sichuan travel guide blog helpful. I’m sharing some travel tips that we picked up during our trip. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy your trip to Sichuan!
For more detail, please feel free to continue read below Sichuan travel blog posts:
- Chengdu Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog for First-Timer
- Trip to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Xiongmao Jidi)
- Where To Stay in Chengdu: Best Areas and Hotels
- Mount Siguniang Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
- Bipenggou Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
- Dagu Glacier Itinerary: A Travel Guide blog
- Jiuzhaigou Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
- Huanglong Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
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