Jiuzhai Valley is nestled amongst a dozen high mountain peaks which can remain snow covered throughout the year. Meanwhile far below the white capped peaks the river valley glistens and reflects amazing landscapes in crystal clear waters.

Scattered in trapezoid fashion between these heavenly lakes, ponds and pools are one hundred & fourteen large & small waterfalls, seventeen waterfall gathering areas, five travertine banks, forty seven fountains, and eleven turbulences. All of which span, in the form of a Y shaped necklace, over an area of some 60km. Majestically sitting amongst the twelve, mostly snow covered peaks, at an elevation of 1870m, Jiuzhai Valley is the only scenic spot boasting alpine lakes, waterfalls, and travertine banks in China, and numbered amongst only a few such landscapes in the world.

The smallest water pool of the valley is only several square meters in size, while the largest, Changhai Lake, stretches on for 7 eye-pleasing kilometers. Clear all year round, the lakes simmer with gorgeous blues, yellows, oranges, greens that literally glow in the sunlight. On such bright clear days, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, snow peaks and the surrounding forests, the lakes present a most picturesque scene throughout all four seasons. Thus it is said “no water is as good as that at the Jiuzhai Valley”.

Jiuzhai also boasts abundant flora and fauna species. The 300km2 primeval forest is home to 3,553 indigenous species including Kingdonia Uniflora, Circaeaster Agrestis, Fargesia and several other plants from the late Cretaceous to early Tertiary periods. The forest also provides a very favorable habitat for a wide variety of animals. Preliminary surveys indicate there are 693 invertebrates and 313 vertebrates in the valley. Rare species such as giant panda, snub-nosed monkey, red panda and antelope also constitute another unique attraction.

Certainly not the only reason to visit Leshan but most certanly a massive reason to do so. At over 70 meters tall Leshan's iconic 1200 year old giant seated Buddha (the worlds tallest) draws world wide visitors to this laid-back river town.

Overlooking the confluence of the rivers Dadu and Min whilst resting on feet with big toes each longer than 8 meters. Leshan's giant Buddha has shoulders spanning a whopping 28 meters, sitting below ears that dangle for 7 meters, this beautiful giant statue carved into a pink rock-face can bring visiting crowds to a near stand-still.

After getting up-close and personal with the Buddha's enormous stone head, and taking in the panoramic cliff views, descending a rather steep set of stairways allows visitors to linger at the Buddha's feet for a neck-craning view of this wonderfully incredible sight. Even the return climb to the cliff's top via hidden stone steps recessed into the right side of the cliff continues to inspire admiration for this magnificent man-made wonder. 

By adding a quick boat trip , visitors will be afforded about 10 minutes to snap the perfect selfie, and or full length picture from the river to include the two river-side guards also carved into the cliff but not visible from land. The boat trips, costing 70CNY per person, leave at very regular intervals from Leshan dock are fun, and safe with each passenger being required to wear a life vest upon boardin

A word of caution, where possible try to avoid visiting this grand old Buddha during a Chinese national holiday, or on weekends when crowds are typically at their largest.

Xiling Snow Mountain, with base snow often accumulating up to 60cm, winter recreational activities including skiing, snowmobiling, snake-shaped skibob, snow tubing, snow pulley, snow saucer, snow speed-boat and dog & horse pulled sleighs are all readily for visitors enjoyment.

The Xiling Mountain area observes four distinctive seasons. An abundance of floral beauty encapsulates the mountain during spring, when Azalea and the dove-like Davidia Involucrata are in full bloom. More than 30 species of Azalea stretch for miles across the landscape with each variety blossoming in turn between April & August to present visitors with a most wonderful vista, a virtual sea of flowers. As the mountain takes on a grassland appearance during the mild summer months (max.temp 25℃) it becomes first choice for many summer holiday makers and convention organizers seeking an idyllic location in the suburbs of Chengdu.

The autumn colours of the mountain are almost indescribable in dazzling beauty, a vivid canopy of oranges, reds, yellows, browns and golds conspire to bring an unforgettable vision to all setting eyes upon this annual wonder of nature. As the birds begin their migration to warmer climates, some favorite Snow Mountain attractions include the Panda Woods, Cloud Observation Deck, Yin-Yang Boundary, and the Sun-Moon Platform.

Sichuan's Xiling Snow Mountain is located in Dayi County, approximately 95km from downtown Chengdu. Covering an area of 375km2, the mountain is a world natural heritage location, a habitat for giant pandas, an AAAA tourist attraction and a very important national scenic spot. The name, Xiling (western mountain) is taken from the very well-known Chinese Tang Dynasty poet "Du Fu's" poem My window frames the snow-crowned western mountain scene; my door oft bids farewell to eastward-going ships. At 5,353-meter the mountain peaks of Xiling, the highest in Chengdu, can be covered with snow throughout the year.

You have probably heard people say that visiting a historic Chinese park is one of the best ways to experience authentic Chinese culture. Fortunately, one of the oldest, and most famous parks is conveniently located in the heart of Chengdu. Renmin Park, also known as People's Park, is a recognzied historical site that amongst other things happens to host the oldest teahouse in Chengdu, the Remin Park Teahouse. Like a great many visiters, you may want to mix it up with the locals, get involed, experience Chengdu with a native eye, well Renmin Park will have your wishes come true. Park activites begin at the crack of dawn (6am) when the park opens, and continue until its close at 2am. An entrance fee of 2 CNY is unbelievably cheap, consideraing the clolourful, and free enteratianment to be seen at nearly every turn. Entertainment in which you may readily participate, or simply enjoy, and savor the moment.

• Tai Chi and Dancing - Early mornings and late nights, you'll see large crowds gather together to peform traditional Tai Chi, and various styles of Chinese dance. These activities are guided by leaders who provide music and instruction to the masses. Locals are more than willing to be joined by newbies and foreigners alike, so if you are not feeling shy, join the party!
• Pedal Boat - Hire a pedal boat to take you around the small lake and get different vantage points of the many activies that take place during all hours of the day. This is one of the most relaxing things you can do, and also a great way to get some really good pictures.
• Fortune Tellers - You'll likely come across a number of fortune tellers that will  be more than happy to tell you absolutely anything you want to know about your future! While we can't vouch for their accuracy, it is an interesting experience for 80-100 CNY, but for peace of mind, perhaps it might be better to have a good translator present.
• Children's Park - Children gather and play near the bonsai garden all day long, chasing eachother in an out of the small trees and jungle gyms that are found close to this area. 

If that all sounds a little too much like hard work, then find a quite space, sit, relax, read your mails, or go retro and take time to turn a few pages of the book brought along for places just like this. 

And of course, you will always find a seat on which to sit, and savour an authentic "Chinese tea" at an authentic Chinese Teahouse. The pavilion area is constructed in old-style architechture that makes for a unqiue, memorable, and usually photographic experience.

English Address:  No.12 Shaocheng Road

Buses to Main Park Entrance: No. 4-5-13-14-29-47-53-64-78-98
Buses to West Park Entrance: No. 29-53-93-94-340
Buses to East Park  Entrance: No.  4-30-43-57-81
Buses; Hours of Operation: 6am to 10:30pm
Buses ticket price; 2 CNY/person

Subway: Line 2 to Peoples Park Station
Subway Hours of Operation: 6am to 10:30pm
Subway Tcket Price: 2 to 5 CNY