Wonderful Chinese holidays in Sichuan.

Of course there is plenty to do in Chengdu itself.

But Chengdu is also very central to many other great places within an hour or two by bus, train or plane.

The following are some of the places I have visited from Chengdu.

I have included a couple that are outside of Sichuan in neighbouring provinces but only an hour away by air.

Dujiangyan

This is one of my favourite places in China.

There is an ancient irrigation scheme that still works today. It was built more than 2,200 years ago. Its ingenuity but simplicity is breathtaking!

This ancient irrigation system was built in 256 BC under the leadership of Governor Li Bing.

It diverts water flowing in one direction (left of picture) down another waterway (right of picture) to the Chengdu plains. When it floods, water flows down its normal course and prevents flooding in the Chengdu plains.

This irrigation system has done the job for over two thousand years and continues to do so.

You should allow at least half a day there. Besides the dam and diversion, there are beautiful gardens and water landscapes, temple, shops, displays and food stalls.

Please click here for more information about the ancient irrigation system at Dujiangyan.

It takes about 1 hour on the bus from Chengdu to get there.

Qingcheng Mountain

Qingcheng Mountain is one of China’s most holy mountains with beautiful Taoist temples and tranquil walking tracks.

Taoism (also known as Daoism) is one of the main religions in China along with Buddhism. Thus this area is revered by many Chinese.

There are two ways up - walking (as in the picture) or by cable car.

From the cable car, you can see the many mountain peaks that make up this area.

I suggest the cable car because when you get to the top, there are still many stairs to climb to the temple.

Qingcheng Mountain is in the same area as the Dujiangyan Irrigation area so it is also about 1 hour on the bus from Chengdu.

A good day trip is half a day at the ancient irrigation system at Dujiangyan and half a day at Qingcheng Mountain.

Be prepared for lots of walking though!

Leshan

See the world’s largest Buddha Statue at Leshan.

Spend a day wandering around this great national park looking at temples, statues and beautiful scenery in the Mount Emei area.

The Giant Buddha was built during the 8th century taking about 90 years to build.

It was carved out of the side of a mountain overlooking the junction of three rivers.

The black marks on it are due to pollution which is a problem all over China.

There are two ways to view it. You can walk up to the top and then down steep steps along side the statue. It is an enjoyable walk as you see many other statues, temples and beautiful country up to the top. However, you should be reasonbly fit as there is a lot of walking up and down steps.

Or you can see it on a boat from the river. This is a spectacular view as well - but not so strenuous.

Please click here for more information about the Giant Buddha at Leshan.

The Giant Buddha at Leshan is about 2 hours by bus from Chengdu.

Lijiang

Lijiang is another great place in Yunnan Province right next door to Sichuan.

A large part of Lijiang is an old city that has been extremely well restored and preserved.

It is a wonderful place for sightseeing, shopping and dining.

Also there are several fantastic scenic areas such as the Tiger Leaping Gorge and Snow Mountain within a few hours drive from Lijiang.

Please click here for more information about Lijiang.

Lijiang is about 1 hour by plane from Chengdu.

Xian

Xian is the location of the famous Terracotta Warriors and definitely not to be missed.

Naturally you will visit the Terracotta Warriors but there is much more to Xian.

You can also visit museums, famous pagodas, a drum and bell tower and a fantastic Muslim market.

Xian is also one of the few Chinese cities left that has retained its city wall. You can walk or cycle on it.

Please click here for more information about Xian.

Xian is about 1 hour by plane from Chengdu.

The Terracotta Warriors are World Heritage listed by Unesco.

There are so many great Chinese holidays to be had in and around Chengdu - the bustling capital of Sichuan.

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