Chengdu, Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Dujiangyan, Sanxingdui, Kuanzhai Alley in Sichuan

Preface: In 2021, the pandemic eased, but sporadic cases still appeared in various provinces and cities. Yet during the May Day holiday, tourist spots were still packed with people, seemingly enviable. After being cooped up for two years, I began to plan a new journey. A trip to Chongqing + Sichuan. Due to limited annual leave for family members, after much deliberation, I reluctantly gave up Chongqing (Chongqing: Hongya Cave, outlying Wulong Scenic Area, and the man-made attraction Aotaoji Park) and finally chose Sichuan.

Preparation: Focused on the weather forecast. Unlucky, 15 consecutive days of rain. Looking at July, there were only a few sunny days, which was a bit frustrating, but the plane tickets were already booked, so I had to depart. Brought disposable raincoats and an umbrella (also for sun protection). High altitude sickness was not a big concern; it should be fine. It was a bit chilly on the top of Mount Emei or at the Jiuhuang Plateau in June, so I brought long-sleeved jackets. Also, ID card, phone, power bank, sun-protective clothing, sunscreen, mask, wet wipes, etc.

Hotels: Mount Emei Golden Summit Xinxin Hotel (newest and closest to the Golden Summit), Chengdu Atour Hotel Kuanzhai Alley, Jiuzhaigou Jinlong International Hotel, Chengdu Renhe Spring Hotel

Day 1: Red-eye flight, to make full use of daytime, save time and money.

Day 2: Arrived at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport a little after 2 a.m., took a high-speed train from the airport around 6 a.m. to Leshan Giant Buddha (World Cultural and Natural Heritage).

Weather: light rain. The entrance of the scenic area is far from the actual site. Walking can be tiring; if not walking, you have to pay for an electric car (a common problem nationwide). Went up to the top of the Buddha, then down to the feet to look up, then back up to the top, then down again to return. Play time: 2 hours. In the afternoon, headed to Mount Emei.

Cultural interest rating: 5 stars. Scenery rating: 2 stars.

Afternoon: Mount Emei.

It rained all the way, full of regret and disappointment. At Leidongping, it was still drizzling. Gradually the rain lessened, then stopped. A ray of white light brought hope. Took the last cable car section. As the altitude increased, white clouds appeared in the distance. Excitement beyond words, finally making up for the regret of Mount Fuji. Got off the cable car and hiked to the Golden Summit. On the road, half of Mount Emei was shrouded in mist, nothing visible, while the other half was clear and sunny. Truly amazing. It was definitely worth the trip, a fairyland on earth.

Accommodation: Mount Emei Golden Summit Xinxin Hotel (good, recommended, after all it's on the summit).

Day 3: Sunrise: Of course we didn't see it. Family said don't be too greedy; it was great to see yesterday's scenery. If it had been completely clear, there wouldn't have been so many clouds or fog. If it had rained, it would have been all water mist, and we would have seen nothing. Be content.

Cultural interest rating: 5 stars. Scenery rating: 5 stars.

To save time and energy, took the cable car down and then the electric car down, heading straight to Sanxingdui Museum, arriving at 2 p.m.

China's ancient Egyptian civilization, human civilization, ancient Shu civilization of China. 4000 years ago, metallurgy, gold masks, bronze trees, gold staffs, sun wheels.

Cultural interest rating: 6 stars. Play rating: 2 stars.

Accommodation: Chengdu Atour Hotel Kuanzhai Alley. Dinner: Kuanzhai Alley.

Day 4: Chose a local 2-day tour (3 days also possible, but I didn't have enough time). Departed at 5:30 a.m. Destination: Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area.

Unexpectedly, slight altitude sickness, but weather was fine and sunny, didn't need the jacket. The weather forecast didn't work (several days' forecasts were inaccurate).

Accommodation: Jinlong International Hotel.

Note: The journey was really far; self-guided travel is somewhat difficult, 8 hours by car. So suggestion: book space seats + 5-diamond hotel (actually less than 4-star, but already decent).

Day 5: 7 a.m. Jiuzhaigou. Play time was a bit tight (disadvantage of group tour). Should not stay too long at each stop, but basically could see everything.

Checked in at 10:30 p.m.: Chengdu Renhe Spring Hotel (recommended, good breakfast, both Chinese and Western, Japanese a bit lacking). Ate shrimp dumplings until full.

Day 6: Dujiangyan (World Cultural Heritage). Phone broke, had to repair it first, couldn't wait, bought a new phone. Wasted half a day.

Cultural interest rating: 5 stars. Play rating: 2 stars. The crystallization of human wisdom, a water conservancy project from 2000 years ago, benefiting all of Chengdu and even the people of Sichuan.

Evening: Shuangliu Airport. Had a 1.5-hour transit.

Day 7: Arrived in Shanghai in the early morning.