Sichuan itinerary
A realistic Sichuan itinerary for 7 or 10 days
Compare realistic 7-day and 10-day Sichuan itineraries covering Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Leshan and Mount Emei without overloading transfer days.
At a glance
| Day | 7-day route | 10-day route |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Chengdu | Arrive Chengdu |
| 2 | Chengdu city and food | Panda Base and Chengdu |
| 3 | Pandas or Dujiangyan | Travel to Jiuzhaigou area |
| 4 | Travel to chosen extension | Full Jiuzhaigou day |
| 5 | Full scenic day | Second scenic day or buffer |
| 6 | Return to Chengdu | Return to Chengdu |
| 7 | Depart | Leshan and continue to Emei |
| 8 | — | Mount Emei |
| 9 | — | Return to Chengdu; flexible evening |
| 10 | — | Depart |
Which version should you choose?
Choose the seven-day Jiuzhaigou version if vivid lakes and mountain scenery are the priority. Choose the Leshan–Emei version if heritage, temples and a shorter regional loop matter more. The ten-day route is the better first visit when your flight schedule allows it.
Route logic
Chengdu works as the central hub. Place the longest or most weather-sensitive extension in the middle of the journey, not immediately before departure. If you arrive after a long international flight, keep the first evening light.
For alternatives inside the city, use our Chengdu itinerary guide. For the northern extension, read the Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou transport guide.
What not to compress
- Do not treat arrival day as a full city day.
- Do not combine a full Jiuzhaigou visit and the return to Chengdu in one sightseeing block.
- Do not schedule the Panda Base, Leshan and Mount Emei on the same day.
- Do not remove every buffer just to add another attraction.
Bookings and practical checks
Check rail availability, attraction reservations and local transfer time before paying for a fixed chain of hotels. Public timetables and entry policies can change, particularly around national holidays. Verify each transport segment through its official operator and keep passport details consistent across bookings.
Frequently asked questions
Is seven days enough for Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou?
Yes, if you keep Chengdu focused and allow a full Jiuzhaigou sightseeing day plus realistic transfers.
Can I add Chongqing to the same week?
It is physically possible, but it weakens a seven-day Sichuan itinerary. Add Chongqing only with extra days or by removing a major Sichuan extension.
Where should I spend the extra day?
Use it in Chengdu for recovery and food, or near Jiuzhaigou for weather resilience. Avoid assigning every spare hour in advance.
Official and authoritative sources
Operational details were last reviewed on 6 August 2026. Re-check official notices for your travel date.