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Top Attractions to Visit in Western Sichuan

Written by Ruru Zhou Updated Aug. 11, 2021

Western Sichuan province is the best place to go to experience Tibetan culture. Although it is off the beaten track for western tourists, it deserves more attention as it boasts natural highlands scenery in the plateau.

1. Four Maiden’s Mountawin (Mt. Siguniangshan)

Located near the town of Rilong in Aba Autonomous Prefecture and about 220 kilometers away from Chengdu, the Four Maiden’s Mountain, also known as Mt Siguniangshan, offers tourists with unspoiled wilderness park. Its natural beauty never fails to captivate both locals and foreign visitors.

Dubbed as the ultimate nature lovers’ dream, it boasts spectacular sceneries that are rarely found anywhere else in the planet. These include rushing waterfalls, unusual shapes of the mountain peaks, ancient cypress forests, and alpine-lake valleys.

This attraction features four adjacent mountain peaks, which are said to be representations of four pretty girls. These mountains, which are famous for their imposing and steep ridges, are a sight to behold throughout the year. In spring, tourists can feast their eyes on thousands of wildflowers while summer brings luxuriant grass and trees. Also, due to its diversified landforms and geographical location, the mountains are home to different types of first-class protected animals and other species.

2. Xinduqiao

This is a small town in the middle of North and South Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Offering seasonal breathtaking views particularly during the autumn season, Xinduqiao is typically dubbed as photographers’ paradise. This small town, which is 83km west of Kangding, boasts enchanting plateau scenery, stunning views of the rolling chain of mountains, river valleys and grassland, and spectacular Tibetan villages where minority customs can be experienced. Xinduqiao is also the home to the mystical celestial burial spot and the ancient temple of Maya.

3. Yading Nature Reserve

Aptly described as “the last pure land on Earth” it is famous for its 3 holy peaks, which are believed to be blessed by Buddha Padmasambhava during the 8th century. Yading is now considered Tibetan’s Holy land and one of the country’s most stunning nature reserves where clear rivers and abundant wildlife can be found.

Going to Yading means going on an adventure to the most remote areas where Tibetan culture can be experienced. This small town, which can be found in Daocheng County, is where you can find breathtaking rolling landscape, ancient Tibetan houses, and barley and wheat fields. The town is reminiscent of the old Wild West but with better weather conditions. Some of the must-sees is the sacred lakes which include Pearl Lake, Milk Lake, and five-color lake.

4. Daocheng Nature Reserve

Tourists who are heading to Yading pass through Daocheng where they discover Buddhism monasteries, primitive Tibetan villages, and pastoral sceneries.

Just like Yading, Daocheng nature reserves offer stunning, breathtaking views of rolling landscapes and boast natural beauty. To say that it is blessed with a beautiful landscape is an understatement. In fact, there are no words or pictures enough to describe its natural beauty. It is home to thick virgin forests, snow-clad mountains, clear hot springs, untouched wilderness, and relaxing natural steam.

Here, you’ll also find huge bouldered tableland and stunning, multi-colored alpine meadows. Tourists who have spent at least two days here enjoyed horseback riding, fishing, hiking, cycling, spelunking, and canoeing.

5. Wolong National Nature Reserve

Wolong Panda Reserve, which is about a 3-hour drive from Chengdu, is one of China’s state natural reserves located in the east of Mt Qionglai. It covers about 495,000 acres of land and is the largest best-known panda reserve in the country.

In 1980, the reserve was placed under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve Network. This natural reserve is not only home to giant pandas but also to rare and endangered animals like golden monkeys, red panda, wildebeest, white-lipped deer, beech, and yew. Inside the natural reserve, one can find the plant and animal specimen museum.

Surrounded by 101 mountains with heights varying from 6,000 meters to 1,150 meters, Wolong National Reserve offers spectacular scenery and an amazing climate that both visitors and pandas love.

6. Luodai Ancient Town

Luodai Ancient Town, which is the largest Hakka community in China, is nestled in the north of Longquanyi District and the eastern suburb of Chengdu City. Visiting this town is like going back to ancient times as one can find ancient-style Qing Dynasty old houses, streets, and courtyards.

The ancient town features just seven alleys and one main street that stretches up to 1,000 meters long. Luodai, an ancient town boasts a profound culture and a long history. Today, several historical relics can be found that tell tourists about the town’s tales and stories of the past. Some of the must-sees are the four guildhalls. These are historical buildings that are now under national protection because of their profound historical and artistic value.

7. Chonggu Temple in Daocheng Yading

This 800-year-old small monastery sits at the base of Mt. Chenresig, which is the highest mountain in the reserve. Here one can appreciate imposing snowy mountains, relaxing streams, and golden grassland. It is one of Daocheng’s best places for both amateurs and professional photographers. At the back of the temple, one can find Xianniari's sacred snow-capped mountain. Canggu Temple is also used as a passway to appreciate the three holy mountains – Xianuoduoji, Xiannairi, and Yangmaiyong. Due to its high elevation, tourists can enjoy unobstructed views of the surrounding areas. It is reminiscent of the continental climate and features of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

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