Sichuan, China

Sichuan stages Chengdu's giant panda research base and tea-house culture, the Buddhist Mount Emei pilgrimage, Leshan's 71m-tall Buddha carved into the cliff, and the Tibetan landscapes of Jiuzhaigou's coloured lakes.

Highlights

When to Visit

Apr-Jun

Spring with Sichuan basin at pleasant 22°C, Jiuzhaigou's lakes at peak meltwater colour, and the giant pandas at Chengdu Research Base most active.

Sep-Nov

Autumn with Jiuzhaigou's larches turning gold against turquoise lakes considered the country's most photogenic landscape, Mount Emei pilgrimage at peak.

Jul-Aug

Hot humid summer with Chengdu at 32°C, but Mount Emei (3,099m) stays 12°C cooler, and the Sichuan hot-pot scene runs year-round in air conditioning.

Dec-Mar

Cool damp winter with snow on Mount Emei's golden summit shrine, Jiuzhaigou often closed by snow, and Chengdu's tea-house culture indoors at peak.