Since ancient times, there has been a saying that “the most beautiful landscapes under heaven are in Shu (Sichuan).” In truth, vast as Sichuan is, it’s almost impossible to see it all. The province has towns with a strong Jiangnan vibe, as well as mountains and rivers as bold as the desert...
Go to the right place at the right time—each destination has its optimal visiting season. Timing is key to fully appreciating the beauty and charm of these places.
January Mount Emei
Mount Emei takes on different charms in each season, but winter is particularly beloved for its purity and tranquility. Ancient temples and mist-shrouded valleys, layer upon layer, stretch endlessly, with picturesque landscapes that are simply enchanting.
From November through January and February, the mountaintop is often clear and sunny. It's the best time to view the sea of clouds, sunrises, sunsets, the Buddha’s Halo, and snowscapes.
Reading Jin Yong’s novels, the most gentle, graceful yet fiercely proud sect in the martial world is the Emei Sect. This slender, elegant mountain range, as graceful as the shape of an eyebrow (hence the name “Emei”), is a wonderful place worth exploring.
Coordinates:Located within Emeishan City, Sichuan Province, China
Recommended Route:Take the Chengya Expressway from Chengdu. Approximately 15 km after the boundary roundabout bridge, follow the directional signs toward Mount Emei via Meishan–Leshan.
Jiuding Mountain
Its unique scenery blends grasslands, snow-capped mountains, primeval forests, and natural phenomena such as the Buddha’s Halo, mirages, and sea of clouds, along with geological and celestial wonders.
Jiuding Mountain isn’t very high—it rises abruptly from the Huang-Huai Plain, which makes it seem tall—and is named for its nine peaks.
In winter, there’s a natural ski resort here where you can fully experience the thrill of skiing and enjoy the crystal-clear, graceful dance of snowflakes.
Coordinates:Mao County, Sichuan
Route:Depart from Chengdu, take the Chengguan and Duwen expressways to Yingxiu, then get on National Highway 213. Pass through Wenchuan to Nanxin Town in Mao County, exit National Highway 213, continue through Anxiang Village in Nanxin Town to the ski resort parking lot. The trip takes about 3 hours.
February Miyi
While most parts of Sichuan are freezing cold, Miyi County in Panzhihua City welcomes the earliest spring in the province.
Soaking up some warm sunshine, admiring golden rapeseed flowers, and strolling through quaint old towns—that’s the most delightful way to enjoy February.
Secluded natural surroundings, layered green mountains, tree-lined paths, serene streams in valleys, rare karst landscapes, cascading waterfall clusters, and the stunning views atop the dramatic rift valley all contribute to its unique scenic charm.
Coordinates:Qinghai-Tibet Plateau’s southeastern edge, Panzhihua City, Sichuan Province
Recommended Route:Chengdu – Beijing-Kunming Expressway – Shanghai-Huanglong Expressway – Xichang-Panzhihua Expressway – Miyi County
Ancient City of Langzhong
Langzhong is one of China’s Four Great Ancient Cities, known as the origin of the Chinese Spring Festival and the capital of feng shui. It is an enchanting city that blends diverse cultures with both outer charm and inner wisdom.
In spring, the most memorable event in Langzhong is the grand celebration of “You Bingshen” (Walking to Ward Off Illness). A traditional custom in the ancient city, it takes place on the 16th day of the first lunar month. Legend has it that hiking on this day can keep you healthy for the entire year.
Stroll through small courtyards to admire crabapple blossoms, gaze at the rapeseed flowers along the Gouxi River, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of small boats gliding along the water.
Coordinates:Located on the northeastern edge of the Sichuan Basin, along the middle reaches of the Jialing River
Route:Chengdu — Chengde South Expressway (S2) — Guangnan Expressway (G75) — Ancient City of Langzhong
March
Jinchuan
In spring, Jinchuan becomes a hidden paradise, home to the largest pear blossom spectacle on the snowy plateau.
Known as the “Little Jiangnan of Aba Prefecture” and China’s “Hometown of Pear Blossoms.”
Against the blue sky, a painting of “thousands upon thousands of pear trees in bloom” unfolds — even the phrase “heaven on earth” falls short of describing its beauty.
Coordinates:Southwestern Sichuan Aba Prefecture
Recommended Route:Chengdu → Chengwen-Qiong Expressway → Ring Expressway → Chengdu/Dujiangyan/Xipu → Chengguan Expressway → Yingbin Road → Qingcheng Road → National Highway 213 → National Highway 317 → Binhe Road → National Highway 317/Dasa Street → Provincial Road 211 → Jinchuan
April Siguniang Mountains
Known as the “Alps of the East,” this range consists of four continuous peaks aligned from north to south.
Perennially covered in snow, the four peaks resemble four graceful maidens with white veils atop their heads — majestic and fair. The towering peaks and breathtaking scenery make it a great destination for mountaineering and tourism.
Fewer visitors come here in this season, and the views are exceptionally beautiful, allowing for a more enjoyable experience.
Coordinates:Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended Route:Chengdu — Dujiangyan — Yingxiu — Gengda — Wolong — over Balang Mountain — Rilong Town — Siguniang Mountains
Yaowang Valley
Hidden within the dense forests of Beichuan, one of the most typical high-mountain valley regions in western China, lies the world’s largest ancient magnolia medicinal forest.
Every April, vast fields of magnolia blossoms and wildflowers cascade down the mountainsides, blooming in sequence — vibrant, dreamy, and hazy like mist and rosy clouds. Amidst the pink-hued dreamscape, occasional showers of magnolia petals fall, making it feel as though you’ve wandered into a celestial garden.
Hidden along this earth’s waistline are the remnants of humanity’s oldest civilizations and numerous world natural wonders such as the Dead Sea.
Coordinates:Located in Dakang Town, Jiangyou City, 30 kilometers from the city center.
Recommended route:Chengdu – Chengbei Expressway – Chengyu Ring Expressway – Mianyang – Jiangyou
MayDaocheng Yading
Perhaps nothing pairs better with May than a touch of green. In May, the forests, rivers, and grasslands of Daocheng Yading are all green.
Its breathtaking beauty compels you to kneel, press your chest to the earth, and let your soul merge with the sky.
Rhododendrons blanket the mountains, splashing red, white, and purple across slopes ranging from 2,000 to 4,500 meters in elevation.
Coordinates:Located in Daocheng County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province
Recommended route:Chengdu – Dujiangyan – Yingxiu – Siguniang Mountain – Ya’an – Litang – Daocheng Yading
JuneTiantai Mountain
Tiantai Mountain boasts exceptional natural scenery, featuring countless strange rocks, secluded caves, waterfalls, and springs, as well as ancient trees, rare flowers, precious birds, and exotic animals. Known for its “divinely beautiful landscapes,” it is a natural botanical and zoological garden.
The area is rich in unique plants and animals, including Lindera aggregata—referred to as the elixir of immortality—and life-saving herbs. Especially notable are the mountain rhododendrons, which bloom in vibrant abundance.
Every June, the Rhododendron fortunei trees burst into bloom, their light pink and tender yellow flowers large and vivid.
Coordinates:Located in Tiantai County, Taizhou City, Sichuan Province
Recommended route:Chengdu – Jinfeng Viaduct – Chengpeng Expressway – Pengbai Road – Tiantai Mountain
JulyRuoergai
In July, Ruoergai becomes a world of flowers. The blossoms at Huahu, known as “China’s most beautiful wetland,” are in full, splendid bloom.
Ruoergai is like an exquisite green gem inlaid along the northwestern border of Sichuan.
In the central and western parts, vast grasslands with lush water and grass support herds of cattle and sheep; in the eastern part, continuous mountain ranges are suitable for both farming and grazing.
Coordinates:Ruoergai County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended Route:Chengdu–Dujiangyan, -G213–Wenchuan–Maoxian–Songpan–Chuanzhusi–Gali Tai–Ruoergai
AugustCuoka Lake
An undeveloped virgin land. Cuoka Lake, also known as Zhanduocuonama, means “black seawater among scattered rocks” in Tibetan, symbolizing “emerald,” and is hailed as “a fairyland on earth, a heavenly jade pool.”
Surrounded by green mountains on three sides, the jade-like lake water is crystal clear, resembling a canvas that paints together the blue sky, white clouds, green trees, peculiar rocks, and temples.
Coordinates:Within Mari Township, Xinlong County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province
Recommended Route:Chengdu–Dujiangyan–Wenchuan–Aba Prefecture Maerkang–Ganzi Prefecture Luhuo County–Xinlong County
September Lugu Lake
This is a mysterious piece of pristine land. In September, Lugu Lake enjoys crisp autumn air and mild breezes, exuding a serene beauty.
The Mosuo people, who live in a “matrilineal family” system, practice the “walking marriage” custom where “men do not marry and women do not wed,” adding an air of mystery.
Gesang flowers are seen everywhere, either swaying sparsely or blooming in clusters, their pink hues infused with a sense of happiness.
Coordinates:At the border between Yanyuan County, Sichuan Province, and Ninglang County, Yunnan Province
Recommended Route:Chengdu―Chengya Expressway―Ya-Xi Expressway to Xichang―Provincial Road―Lugu Lake
October Jiuzhaigou
This is a favorite spot for countless photographers, where the scenery has the feel of a grand cinematic shot.
Magical light, boundless mountains, winding streams, golden cypress trees, and undulating mountain ranges create the most stunning scenery of October.
Who wouldn’t fall in love with such a picturesque paradise?
Coordinates:Jiuzhaigou County, Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province
Recommended Route:Chengdu―Shuxi Road―Duwen Expressway―G213―S301―Jiuzhaigou
November Guangwushan
If you want to witness the breathtaking scenery depicted in Du Mu’s poem—“I stop my cab in maple woods to gaze my fill; / Frost-bitten leaves look redder than early spring flowers”—Guangwu Mountain is an excellent choice.
Guangwu Mountain is most famous for its red leaf landscapes and is known as Asia’s largest red leaf viewing area, earning the reputation of China’s No. 1 Red Leaf Mountain.
Starting from late October each year, the red leaves present a rare, unadorned, and natural beauty, bare-faced and genuinely endearing.
Coordinates:Northern part of Nanjiang County, Bazhong City, Sichuan Province, 70 kilometers from the county seat
Recommended Route:Chengdu – Mianyang – Guangyuan – Yuanba – Puji – Leba – Shahe – Nanjiang – Guangwushan Town
December Hailuogou
In December, Hailuogou offers a mystical contrast of ice and fire. As the sun rises and the snow-capped mountains gradually turn golden, the emotion in your heart becomes indescribably profound. You’ll suddenly understand why there are generations of devout pilgrims.
Walking through the silver-clad primeval forests and standing before the majestic icefalls, then soaking in a hot spring pool on the snowy plateau—every feeling turns into indescribable comfort.
Coordinates:Gonghe Village, Muxi Town, Luding County, Ganzi Prefecture
Recommended Route:From Chengdu, take the Chengya Expressway (via Shuangliu, Xinjin, Qionglai, Mingshan, Ya’an), pass through Tianquan, go through the Erlangshan Tunnel, and arrive at Hailuogou Scenic Area, with a total distance of about 280 kilometers