Adventure ToursChengdu is a great starting point to explore the surrounding areas. There are traditional water conservancy projects, tall mountains, huge Buddha statues and quiet villages around Chengdu. These places around Chengdu can be reached from Chengdu, usually 1-3 hours by car or bus. Here are some simple and practical tourist routes to make your trip in the Chengdu surrounding free of trouble.
Route 1: Dujiangyan and Qingcheng Mountain (One-day tour)
Transportation
Take the high-speed rail from Chengdu East Station to Dujiangyan, which takes about 30 minutes. Then you can take a bus or taxi from here to these sites in the Chengdu surrounding.
Morning: Dujiangyan Irrigation Project
This ancient irrigation project, which is more than 2,000 years old, is still in use today, controlling the Min River flow and irrigating the Chengdu Plain. Cross the bridges and see how the water gets diverted to different channels. There are also English explanations on how it works. Don’t miss taking a stroll over the Anlan Cable Bridge, which is an old wooden bridge that slightly sways when you walk onto it.
Afternoon: Qingcheng Mountain
Qingcheng Mountain is a famous Taoist mountain near Chengdu. It’s possible to take the cable car up to the mountain and then hike. The mountain is forested and has clear streams. Visit Taoist temples, such as Shangqing Palace, and see ancient statues and incense burning. The air is cool here and significantly cooler than Chengdu in the summer.
Evening: Return to Chengdu
You can come back on the high-speed train, and there’s a train up to 9 pm, so you have plenty of time to return from around Chengdu.
Route 2: Leshan Giant Buddha (Day Tour)
Transportation
Take high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Leshan, one of the must-visit attractions within the surrounding area of Chengdu, 1 hour. Then take bus from Leshan Railway Station to Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, 30 minutes.
What to do
The Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world, located at the confluence of the three rivers just outside Chengdu. It stands 71 meters high, and you can see it from the riverside or walk down the walkway to the base of the statue for a closer look. Amazingly, the statue was built more than 1,200 years ago to calm the turbulent river waters.
Additional Recommendation: Wuyou Temple (optional)
If you have a little time after going to see the Buddha, you can go to Wuyou Temple, near Chengdu. It is a serene temple with old buildings and beautiful gardens.
Return to Chengdu
The train back to Chengdu is available until late, so you can enjoy it without worrying about missing the time.
Route 3: Huanglongxi Ancient Town (half-day to full-day tour)
Transportation
Bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station to the scenic town of Huanglongxi in the Chengdu suburb, about 1 hour.
What to do
This is a well-preserved old town with stone streets and wooden residences. The old town is situated by the river, and you can walk by the river bank or take a short bamboo raft tour. There are numerous small stores selling snacks like sweet water noodles and fried tofu. You can also witness people making traditional sugar paintings. This is a good place to unwind and take photos.
Best Time to Visit
There are not so many humans in the mornings here, and that is pleasant. When you go there on weekends, there will probably be local performances such as lion dances.
Route 4: Mount Emei (two-day tour)
Transportation
Take the high-speed train from Chengdu to Mount Emei Station, 1.5 hours, and take a bus to the mountain gate.
Day 1: Mount Emei Scenic Area
Take the scenic area bus up the hill and then take the cable car to the Golden Summit. There is a giant golden Buddha statue at the Golden Summit. You may watch the sunrise and light of the Buddha if the weather is fine. You may walk around the temple and enjoy the view of the hill. Stay overnight at a hotel near the Golden Summit.
Day 2: Monkey Area
On the way down from the mountain, make a stop at the monkey grounds. There are wild monkeys there, and they will jump on you to ask for food, but you must not have food in your hand. Then visit Wannian Temple, which is one of the oldest temples in this mountain. Take the bus back to the entrance of the mountain and then take the train back to Chengdu.
Tips for traveling in the Chengdu surrounding
You can buy train tickets in advance online on platforms such as Ctrip or at the train station. High-speed rail is comfortable and fast to travel in the Chengdu surrounding.
Wear comfortable shoes since most attractions need walking.
Pack a hat and sunscreen in the summer and a jacket in winter.
Try the snacks in the towns surrounding Chengdu, which are more genuine and less expensive than those in Chengdu.
Conclusion
There are plenty of places to visit in the Chengdu surrounding, from ancient engineering buildings to the natural environment. These Chengdu surrounding paths are easy to memorize, even if you travel for the first time in China. You can take a one-day tour to travel around Chengdu briefly, or take a two-day tour to travel around Chengdu extensively. In either case, you will have a different impression of Chengdu. For details of Chengdu’s routes, please refer to China Chengdu Travel Agency, we will plan your route for you, so you can travel worry-free.
