What are the must-visit places around Chengdu? How many days do you need, and what can you do at each stop? This guide gives you a clear set of classic routes ⬇️

One Map to Locate Classic Attractions Around Chengdu

1. Mount Qingcheng + Dujiangyan (24 Hours)

Route 1: Chengdu → Dujiangyan Scenic Area → Mount Qingcheng
Route 2: Chengdu → Chengdu Sunac Land (year-round indoor skiing + amusement park)

Dujiangyan

The Dujiangyan Scenic Area centers on the hydraulic engineering project attributed to Li Bing and his son, often praised as the “ancestor of world hydraulic engineering.” It is historically significant, elegantly designed, and scenic in every season.

Mount Qingcheng

Mount Qingcheng is one of the birthplaces of Taoist culture and a renowned Taoist mountain in China. With lush vegetation and misty, layered scenery, it’s often called “the most serene place under heaven.” A slow walk here feels genuinely calming.

From Chengdu’s Xipu Station, you can take an intercity train to Qingchengshan Station or Dujiangyan Station. After arriving, transfer by bus or taxi to the attractions.

If public transport feels cumbersome, a one-day tour can be a convenient alternative.

Chengdu Sunac Cultural Tourism City

Chengdu Sunac Cultural Tourism City combines multiple zones, including Sunac Land, Snow World, Water World, a cluster of hotels, and a lakeside bar street.
It has become a popular stop for travelers and a practical choice for families and couples. The branding line sums it up well: “Seek Taoism at Mount Qingcheng, pay homage to the waters of Dujiangyan, and gather for fun at the tourism city.”

For a more detailed guide to Chengdu Rongchuang / Sunac Resort, click here: 《Chengdu Rongchuang Amusement Park Travel Guide》

2. Mount Emei + Leshan (2 Days)

Day 1: Depart from Chengdu – Leshan Giant Buddha – Emeishan City/Foot of the Mountain/Mid-Mountain
Day 2: Full-day tour of Mount Emei – Return to Chengdu

Leshan Giant Buddha

The Leshan Giant Buddha is located on the western cliff of Qiluan Peak on Mount Lingyun, facing west. It is a cliff-carved seated statue of Maitreya Buddha and also the tallest stone-carved seated Buddha statue in the world.

Two days is an ideal pace for visiting both the Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei. A one-day tour is possible but usually rushed, and it often limits you to lower temples rather than the Golden Summit.

Mount Emei Scenic Area

Mount Emei is one of China’s great Buddhist mountains and the sacred site of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. Its many temples create a strong spiritual atmosphere, and the scenery changes beautifully across the seasons.

The mountain is often divided into lower, middle, and upper zones by altitude. Reaching the Golden Summit rewards you with sweeping views and the classic “sea of clouds” experience, especially around sunrise.

Leshan Cuisine

Leshan is also a culinary kingdom. Local specialties include Qiaojiao beef, bobo chicken, spicy hot pot, sweet-skin duck, grilled fish, tofu pudding, stir-fries, barbecue, rib noodles, and Muchuan cured meats. Foodies will be very happy here.

Doing Leshan + Mount Emei back-to-back typically takes about two days. There are many two-day tours available, and they can be more comfortable than piecing together public transport.

3. Mosi (Moishi) Park (2 Days)

Mosi (Moishi) Park Scenic Area is near Tagong Grassland in Ganzi Prefecture, between Tagong and Daofu. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Tagong, not far from Xinduqiao, and sits on a route many people take toward Daocheng Yading—so driving is the most practical approach.

A common route is Chengdu → Xinduqiao, visit Mosi Park the next day, then return.

Public transport to Mosi Park is extremely inconvenient. Plan to drive or join a tour.

For more information about Mo Shi Park, click here: 【Classic Travel Guide to Western Sichuan】

4. Mount Siguniang (3–4 Days)

Mount Siguniang Scenic Area has three main valleys, each with a different style:

1. Shuangqiao Valley: The most developed and easiest to explore—ideal for first-timers and the default choice for most visitors.
2. Changping Valley: Better for trekkers and those interested in longer routes (including connections toward Bipenggou).
3. Haizi Valley: Less developed and more demanding, often involving horseback riding and hiking. It offers strong views of the main peaks and is a good fit for campers.

Day 1 Chengdu - Rilong Town/Shuangqiao Valley/Changping Village in Siguniang Mountain
Day 2 Full-day exploration of Shuangqiao Valley/Changping Valley in Siguniang Mountain
Day 3 Siguniang Mountain - Dujiangyan - Chengdu

Tickets
Shuangqiao Valley Peak Season (April 1 - November 30) Ticket: 80 RMB/person
Off-Season (December 1 - March 31) Ticket: 50 RMB/person
Changping Valley Ticket Sales Hours: 7:00-16:00

For a more comprehensive guide to exploring Mount Siguniang, check out: 《In-depth Travel Guide to Mount Siguniang》

5. Jiuzhaigou (3 Days)

Route Recommendation: Day 1: Chengdu - Songpan - Huanglong - Jiuzhaigou Entrance
Day 2: Jiuzhaigou 1-Day Tour - Maoxian
Day 3: Maoxian - Dagu Glacier - Chengdu

A 3-day small group tour can reduce transit stress and make the pacing more manageable.

If you want to learn more detailed travel tips for Jiuzhaigou, you can check out the Comprehensive Jiuzhaigou Travel Guide.

6. Bipenggou (3 Days)

In spring, Bipenggou is about mountain flowers; in summer, it’s a cool-weather escape; in autumn, it’s red leaves; and in winter, it’s snow play and skiing. Located roughly 200 kilometers from Chengdu, it’s a true four-season destination.
Winter is especially photogenic: blue skies, snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and red rocks dusted in snow create a fairy-tale feel. A classic plan is to ski by day and stay in a hot spring hotel at night. Driving is usually the easiest option.

Recommended Itinerary
Day 1: Chengdu—Mengtun Valley—Gulergou
Day 2: Full-day exploration of Bipenggou
Day 3: Bipenggou—Taoping Qiang Village—Chengdu

A detailed travel guide to Bipenggou can be found in the Classic Western Sichuan Travel Guide, which includes a comprehensive article on the destination.

7. Daocheng Yading (5 Days)

Route Recommendation: Day 1: Chengdu - Ya'an - Luding - Xinduqiao
Day 2: Xinduqiao - Yajiang - Litang - Shangri-La Town
Day 3: Shangri-La Town - Daocheng Yading Scenic Area
Day 4: Return to Shangri-La Town - Xinduqiao
Day 5: Xinduqiao - Chengdu

Daocheng Yading is best done in 5 to 7 days. A loop-route tour can help you acclimatize gradually to western Sichuan’s altitude and reduce the risk of sudden altitude sickness.

If you want to learn detailed methods for visiting Daocheng Yading, you can check out the Complete Guide to Daocheng Yading.