The Sichuan Province in China is replete with tourist attractions. Here are the top destinations that should tempt any traveler to explore the region.
Yading
This national level reserve is in Daocheng County in southwest Sichuan. Located in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau’s eastern part, Yading boasts of scenic beauty. Chenrezig, the highest peak in the reserve, is situated 6,032 meters above the sea level. The oldest as well as the best-preserved alpine ecosystem in China enjoys a particular geographical environment – a humid climate with rich vegetation that covers the land and alpine springs. Yading is referred to as "the Last Shangri-La" as well as "Blue Plant’s Last Pure Land" because of its amazing scenic beauty.
Four Girls Mountain
Four Girls Mountain consisting of four adjacent peaks is located within the Aba Tibetan-Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. The peaks remain covered with snow throughout the year. The legend has it that four beautiful girls turned themselves into peaks to protect the local residents from the blows of the chilling northern winds.
The snow covered and pearly colored (like jade) charming peaks which extend over an area of more than 2,000 square kilometers are often referred to as the "Eastern Alps." The fourth peak which is 6,250 meters high is not only the tallest, but also the most captivating among the peaks. The other three peaks have a height of 5355 meters, 5454 meters, and 5664 meters, respectively.
The national nature reserve is home to several species of animals, including the black bears and golden monkeys. There are also several scenic spots in this area where visitors can enjoy sightseeing and mountain climbing and several other recreational activities.
Huanglong
Huanglong, a scenic as well as historic locality, is in northwestern Sichuan. Located on the Minshan Mountain range’s southern region, Huanglong is spread over 700 square kilometers of area. This place is renowned for the colorful pools due to calcite deposits, especially the Yellow Dragon Gully, Huanglonggou, which is replete with diverse forest ecosystems, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and hot springs.
Xuebao, the highest peak, is about 5,588 meters high and remains covered with snow round the year. Additionally, Huanglong is the natural habitat of several endangered animal species such as the Giant Panda and Golden Snub-nosed Monkey. UNESCO declared Huanglong a World Heritage Site in 1992. Subsequently, in 2000, UN included the place on the list of World Human and Biosphere Reserves.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
This irrigation infrastructure was built during the Warring States Period (476 BC to 221 BC) in China. It was built in 256 BC by Governor Li Bing. Dujiangyan on the Min River is located close to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province.
The hydro-power project, the only one among the ancient ones in the world that continues to exist, diverts water without a dam and irrigates about 5300 square kilometers of area. It also serves to prevent floods and enable plain shipping. In addition, several places of historic importance can be found in Dujiangyan area.
Mount Qingcheng
Mount Qingcheng lies in the southwest region of Dujiangyan in Sichuan Province. Rooted in China's Taoism (Daoism), the historical mountain boasts of major scenic areas. The mountain that faces the plains of Chengdu and has the Minjiang River flowing behind it stretches over 200 square kilometers and has 8 large and 72 small caves and 36 peaks. Laoxiao, the main peak, is 1260 meters high. There are a number of temples in this area as well. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000.
Bamboo Forest in Southern Sichuan
The bamboo forest, located 68 kilometers away from Yibin City in the southeast, consists of 500 hills. The scenic place is located 600 meters to 1000 meters above sea level sports around 58 different types of bamboo. In addition, there are mountains, rivers, lakes, falls, karst caves, historical sites and cultural relics. The attractions include Mount Xijia’s old folk residences, Bamboo Forest Museum and fish fossils. The weather remains pleasant throughout the year.
Hailuo Valley
The Hailuo Valley at the foot of snow-capped Gongga is located on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau’s eastern edge and renowned for the low-elevation glacier. It has a huge ice cave and a bridge, resembling a crystal palace of the ancient mythology.
There is also the magnificent ice waterfall which is more than 1000 meters high as well as 1100 meters wide and is 10 times bigger compared to the Guizhou Province’s well-known Huangguoshu Waterfall. In addition, there are several cold, warm and hot springs as well as an ancient forest.