Chengdu Plain

The Chengdu Plain is centered on Chengdu and includes Mianyang, Deyang, Leshan, Meishan and Ya'an, with the panda base, Dujiangyan, Mount Emei and the Leshan Giant Buddha, and ancient Shu civilization.

The Chengdu Plain is defined here by the Chengdu Plain Economic Zone in Sichuan's official "Five-Zone Co-prosperity" economic planning, covering eight cities: Chengdu, Deyang, Mianyang, Suining, Leshan, Ya'an, Meishan and Ziyang. Ya'an is often seen as the gateway to western Sichuan for travelers, but this plan follows the official definition and places it in the Chengdu Plain without exception; Ganzi and Aba belong to northwestern Sichuan and are treated separately as "Western Sichuan." Highlights: Chengdu has the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli and the Wuhou Shrine, Du Fu Thatched Cottage, and Sichuan cuisine and hotpot. Nearby, Dujiangyan and Mount Qingcheng are World Heritage sites, and the Sanxingdui site in Guanghan, Deyang reveals ancient Shu civilization. Leshan's Mount Emei and the Leshan Giant Buddha form a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site. Jiangyou in Mianyang is Li Bai's hometown, Beichuan preserves Qiang culture and earthquake ruins, and Baima Wanglang in Pingwu offers Baima Tibetan culture and primeval forest. The Anyue cliff carvings in Ziyang are known for their many Tang and Song dynasty figures. Ya'an has the Bifengxia Panda Base, Shangli Ancient Town and Mengding Mountain tea. Classic itineraries: Chengdu city 2–3 days, plus one day for Dujiangyan and Mount Qingcheng and two days for Emei and Leshan, 5–6 days in total; fans of stone carvings and museums can add 1–2 days for Sanxingdui and Anyue. Getting around: Chengdu's two international airports, Tianfu and Shuangliu, are the largest air hub in the southwest, and Mianyang also has an airport. The Chengdu–Mianyang–Leshan intercity railway links Deyang, Mianyang, Meishan, Leshan and Mount Emei, and the Chengdu–Ya'an railway reaches Ya'an, so travel between cities is easy. Practical notes: Ya'an is nicknamed the "Rain City," so bring rain gear; temperature swings are large on Mount Emei's summit, so pack warm clothes; on holidays, get to the panda base as early as possible.

Destinations

Itineraries