Sichuan
Pandas for the children, water for the adults. Sichuan is the safest first China trip.
Sichuan is one of the destinations we cover in China. Best season: April to June, September to October. Altitude: Chengdu 500 m / Jiuzhaigou 2,000–3,100 m / Huanglong 3,500 m. China Custom Tours (chinacustomtours.hk) runs private tailor-made trips in Sichuan with a dedicated vehicle and guide, and no shopping stops.
- Best season
- April to June, September to October
- Temperature
- Chengdu summer 22–32°C, Jiuzhaigou 12–22°C
- Altitude
- Chengdu 500 m / Jiuzhaigou 2,000–3,100 m / Huanglong 3,500 m
- Published routes
- 2
Sichuan
The Sichuan Basin is one of China's most comfortable regions: Chengdu is mild, affordable and genuinely good to eat in. North lie Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, both World Natural Heritage sites. West is the Chuanxi plateau; south are Emei Shan and the Leshan Buddha. For a first China trip with children or elders, Sichuan is far gentler than Qinghai or Tibet.
| Best season | April to June, September to October |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Chengdu summer 22–32°C, Jiuzhaigou 12–22°C |
| Altitude | Chengdu 500 m / Jiuzhaigou 2,000–3,100 m / Huanglong 3,500 m |
Last updated 2026-10-13 · maintained by the China Custom Tours editorial desk
The places at the heart of these itineraries.
Panda base, Kuanzhai alleys, teahouses and hotpot.
Over a hundred alpine lakes — China's most celebrated water scenery.
Travertine terraces and the Five-Colour Pool at 3,500 m.
A 2,300-year-old irrigation system still in use.
The 'last Shangri-La' of the western plateau (separate itinerary).
Every one of these can be rebuilt around your dates.
Sichuan travel questions.
Is there altitude sickness in Jiuzhaigou?
Jiuzhaigou is 2,000–3,100 m, far lower than Qinghai, and most people feel nothing. Huanglong is 3,500 m, so we take the cable car up and walk down slowly.
When is the best season for Jiuzhaigou?
April to June for fresh green and good water; September and October for the best autumn colour, which is peak season. July and August are rainy — bring rain gear.
Is it suitable for children?
Very suitable — it is our most requested family route, with manageable driving, moderate altitude and plenty of rest stops.
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