The province of Sichuan is also known as the "Land of Abundance." The province is located east of the Tibetan Plateau along the upper reaches of the Yangtze River.
The core of Sichuan is the Red Basin, a fertile plain surrounded by mountains. The plain slopes from 700 meters in the north to 300 meters in the south. The west is dominated by high mountain ranges like the Daxue Shan. The highest peak in the province, Gongga Shan (Minya Konka in Tibetan), rises to 7,556 meters.
The Yangtze is the largest and most water-rich river flowing through Sichuan. Its course forms most of the province's western and southern borders, and it is known as the Jinsha River up to Yibin. In Sichuan, the Yangtze absorbs four tributaries that give the province its name.
The diverse geomorphology and varying climate have created favorable conditions for a rich plant life. The province has 7.46 million hectares of forest. One-fifth of China's so-called "living fossils," such as the dawn redwood and the dove tree, are native to Sichuan. The panda, one of China's national symbols, is native to four mountain ranges in Sichuan and is specially protected in reserves.
Sichuan was integrated into the PRC's railway network in the 1950s, making Chengdu the most important hub in China's western region. Several developed roads lead west towards Tibet, such as through Kangding, and since August 2006, the new Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which is the highest railway in the world.
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province and is situated on a plain in the western part of the Sichuan Basin. The city has a cultural history spanning over 3,000 years. Chengdu serves as a starting point for everything Sichuan has to offer, yet tourists should also spend a few days exploring the city itself. Chengdu has its own traditions and cultural roots, one of the most pleasant being its tea culture, which offers a glimpse of the exotic China that can sometimes be missed elsewhere. A visit to a tea garden is a must. Additionally, other services such as shoe shiners, masseurs, fortune tellers, and professional ear cleaners can be found.
Key highlights in Chengdu include the Wenshu Monastery, the community of Huanglongxi, the Shufeng Yayun Theatre with a performance of the famous Sichuan Opera, and the old town with its Kuan Zhai Xiangzi streets. Naturally, a visit to the Panda Breeding and Research Center is unforgettable and should be included in any Chengdu itinerary.
Tourists in Chengdu can now enjoy a 72-hour visa-free transit stay if they have an onward international flight. More information can be found here: Visa
Chengdu Shuangliu Airport is one of the two international airports serving the metropolis of Chengdu, located approximately 16 kilometers southwest of downtown in Shuangliu. It has grown to become one of the ten largest airports in China, serving more than 40 million passengers annually.
The airport is gradually being replaced by the new Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, with plans to use Shuangliu primarily for domestic flights in the future.
Excellent transportation links including Chengdu Metro Line 10, numerous bus routes, taxis, and a high-speed rail line with tickets priced at just 11 yuan connect the airport seamlessly with the city of Chengdu.
A newly opened airport in 2021, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is located approximately 51 kilometers southeast of Chengdu's city center. It is designed to handle up to 90 million passengers annually and has already become one of China's busiest airports. Offering a wide range of domestic and international flights, including destinations like Frankfurt, it serves as a major international hub for Sichuan and China.
Buses, Chengdu Metro lines 18 and 19, taxis, and the Chengdu-Yibin high-speed train provide excellent connectivity to the airport's surroundings.
Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport serves the Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong National Parks, located approximately 300 kilometers north of Chengdu, with flights taking around 40 minutes from Chengdu. The airport is notable for its elevation of 3448 meters above sea level.
Shuttle buses and taxis are available at the terminal to transport passengers to the national parks.
