This article covers the best Chengdu day trips suited to a chartered car tour, focusing on nearby scenic and cultural sites such as Dujiangyan and why private transport is often the easiest option.
Based on local expertise, this guide explains which places around Chengdu are best visited by chartered car, starting with Dujiangyan. It offers practical tips from experienced guides on distance, transport convenience, and why private touring suits first-time visitors, families, and small groups.
For most first-time visitors to China, Chengdu is the first stop in Sichuan. The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli Ancient Street, Wuhou Temple, and the teahouses and hot pot restaurants in People's Park are enough to give visitors a taste of Chengdu's leisurely lifestyle.
However, if your trip only focuses on Chengdu city proper, you might miss the most spectacular parts of Sichuan. Surrounding Chengdu are World Heritage sites, famous Taoist mountains, ancient water conservancy projects, Buddhist holy sites, snow-capped mountains and forests, ancient towns, and the stunning scenery of the western Sichuan plateau. For tourists, these destinations not only greatly enrich their Chengdu itinerary but also help them understand the true meaning of "Sichuan"—it's much more than just one city.
Compared to public transportation, most destinations around Chengdu are better suited for chartered car tours. The reasons are simple: attractions are far apart, transfers in some mountainous areas are complicated, and foreign tourists may also face difficulties with language, ticketing, taxis, and time coordination. Chartering a car makes the itinerary more flexible, especially suitable for families, small groups, photography enthusiasts, tourists with elderly people or children, and overseas tourists visiting China for the first time.
Recommended destinations around Chengdu suitable for chartered car tours
1. Dujiangyan – A perfect day trip to a World Heritage site for first-time visitors to Chengdu.
Why recommend
Dujiangyan, conveniently located near Chengdu, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient water conservancy project still in use today. Visitors can witness the engineering wisdom of over 2,000 years ago.
Key Highlights
World Cultural Heritage Sites
Ancient Water Conservancy Projects (Fish Mouth Diversion Dam, Feisha Weir, Baopingkou)
Anlan Suspension Bridge
Erwang Temple (Ancient Site Commemorating Li Bing and His Son)
Night View of Nanqiao Bridge ("Blue Tears" Light and Shadow)
Recommended visit duration: Half a day to one day
From Chengdu: Approximately 1-1.5 hours drive, suitable for a day trip.
Suitable for: Foreign tourists visiting Chengdu for the first time, families, history and culture enthusiasts, and tourists who do not want to travel long distances
Charter car suggestion: It is recommended to combine it with Qingcheng Mountain, visiting Dujiangyan in the morning and Qingcheng Mountain in the afternoon; if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can stay in Dujiangyan in the evening to see the night view of Nanqiao Bridge.
Recommended Itinerary:Chengdu Panda Dujiangyan Tour - Private Full Day
2. Qingcheng Mountain – A classic mountain retreat and Taoist cultural destination near Chengdu
Mount Qingcheng, located near Chengdu, boasts lush vegetation and fresh air, making it an ideal natural and cultural destination near Chengdu for those seeking a private car. It is also one of China's famous Taoist mountains, renowned as "Qingcheng, the most secluded place under heaven."
Qingcheng Mountain is divided into the front mountain and the back mountain: the front mountain is mainly characterized by Taoist culture and ancient architecture, suitable for first-time visitors; the back mountain is characterized by natural scenery, with streams, valleys and waterfalls, and is more suitable for those who enjoy light hiking.
Key Highlights
Taoist Culture (One of the birthplaces of Taoism in China)
Mountain trails and ancient architecture
Palaces, temples, and monasteries
Summer resorts
Recommended visit duration: Half a day to one day
Distance from Chengdu: Approximately 1.5-2 hours by car
Suitable for: Tourists who enjoy the combination of nature and culture, families, light hikers, and overseas tourists visiting Sichuan for the first time.
Charter car recommendation: Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan are the most well-established one-day charter car routes around Chengdu. Public transportation is also available, but chartering a car is more suitable for tourists who want to save time, are traveling with elderly people or children, or want a relaxed trip.
Recommended Itinerary:Dujiangyan Qingcheng Mountain Tour from Chengdu
3. Leshan Giant Buddha – One of the most popular cultural attractions for foreign tourists departing from Chengdu.
The Leshan Giant Buddha, a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site and one of China's most representative Buddhist cultural landscapes, is a 71-meter-tall stone-carved Maitreya Buddha statue that took 90 years to complete. Visitors can choose to walk along the boardwalk for a closer look at the Buddha or take a boat trip on the river to enjoy a panoramic view.
From Chengdu, the Leshan Giant Buddha is suitable for a day trip, or it can be combined with Mount Emei for a 2-day, 1-night itinerary.
Main Highlights
World Heritage Site
Giant Stone Buddha Statue (71 meters high)
Confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu, and Qingyi Rivers
Walking tour or boat tour for panoramic views of the Buddha
Can be combined with Mount Emei
Recommended visit duration: Half a day to one day
Distance from Chengdu: Approximately 2-2.5 hours by car
Suitable for: First-time foreign tourists visiting China, World Heritage enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and photographers.
Charter Recommendation: For a day trip, chartering a car is more convenient than public transportation, especially suitable for departing early to avoid crowds. If time permits, a two-day itinerary of "Leshan Giant Buddha + Mount Emei" is highly recommended.
Recommended Itinerary: Leshan Giant Buddha Tour from Chengdu with Suji Town
4. Mount Emei – A famous Buddhist mountain and scenic mountain route suitable for a two-day trip.
Mount Emei is one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (both cultural and natural). It boasts a rich Buddhist culture, as well as stunning forests, mountain trails, seas of clouds, and high-altitude landscapes.
If you only want to see the core attractions, you can take a bus or cable car to the Golden Summit (3077 meters above sea level). If you enjoy hiking, you can choose to walk some of the mountain trails, but it's not recommended for first-time visitors to plan overly strenuous routes. The Golden Summit is centered around a 48-meter-high bronze statue of Samantabhadra, along with the Golden Hall, Bronze Hall, Silver Hall, and the Pilgrimage Avenue, creating a magnificent sight.
Key Highlights
World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site
Golden Summit (3077 meters above sea level)
Buddhist Temples (Wannian Temple, etc.)
Sea of Clouds and Mountain Views
Can be combined with Leshan Giant Buddha
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 days
Distance from Chengdu: Approximately 2-2.5 hours by car
Suitable for: Cultural tourists, photography tourists, foreign tourists who want to see mountain views, and tourists from Chengdu with 2 days to spare.
Recommended car hire: The best combination is "Chengdu → Leshan Giant Buddha → Emei Mountain → Chengdu", with a 2-day, 1-night itinerary for greater comfort. Hiring a car reduces the pressure of connecting with high-speed rail, taxis, and other transportation within the scenic area. Temperatures can vary greatly on the mountain, so be sure to check the weather forecast before you depart and pack a jacket.
Recommended Itinerary: Emei Mountain Tour from Chengdu - Private Car Day Trip
5. Huanglongxi Ancient Town – A relaxing half-day trip to an ancient town near Chengdu.
If you don't want to travel too far but still want to experience the atmosphere of an ancient town near Chengdu, Huanglongxi is an easy option. It's relatively close to Chengdu, making it suitable for combining with the Panda Base, city attractions, or airport transfers.
Huanglongxi Ancient Town features old streets, waterways, teahouses, snacks, and traditional western Sichuan architecture.
Key Highlights
Ancient streets and alleys of western Sichuan
Riverside teahouses
Local snacks
Suitable for a leisurely stroll
Recommended visit time: 2-4 hours
From Chengdu: Approximately 1 hours drive
Suitable for: Tourists with limited time, families, those who don't want to hike, and tourists who enjoy ancient towns and a relaxed atmosphere.
Charter suggestion: Can be combined with a half-day tour of the Panda Base or Chengdu city center, suitable for the last day of the trip or the day of arrival in Chengdu.
Recommended Itinerary: Leshan Giant Buddha Tour from Chengdu with Huanglongxi
6. Bipenggou – If you want to experience the high mountain scenery of western Sichuan, you can start here.
Bipenggou is a high-altitude canyon destination near Chengdu that is perfect for hiring a car. It features snow-capped mountains, forests, lakes, streams, and meadows, with scenery similar to the western Sichuan plateau, but it is easier to get from Chengdu than destinations like Jiuzhaigou and Daocheng Yading.
For foreign tourists, Bipenggou is a good first experience of western Sichuan. If there isn't enough time to visit more remote plateau areas, Bipenggou is an excellent alternative for natural scenery.
Key Highlights
Alpine lakes (Longwanghai, Panyanghu)
Snow-capped mountain backdrop
Forests and canyons
Cool summers, colorful autumn foliage
Can be combined with Gulgou Hot Springs
Recommended Trip Duration: 2 days 1 night
Driving Time from Chengdu: Approximately 3-3.5 hours drive
Suitable for: Photographers, nature lovers, tourists wanting to experience Western Sichuan but with limited time, and small group tours with chartered vehicles
Charter Recommendation: Chartering a vehicle is highly recommended, as the journey is long and allows for flexible rest stops. Foreign tourists should be aware of altitude changes and are not advised to travel back and forth in a single day. The first day can be spent in Lixian County or Gulgou, including a visit to the hot springs. The second day can be spent exploring the core scenic area of Bipenggou before returning. It is recommended to book 2-3 days in advance.
Recommended Itinerary: Bipenggou Tour from Chengdu by Private Car
7. Mount Siguniang – A high-altitude destination near Chengdu suitable for in-depth nature travel
Mount Siguniang is a highly representative high-altitude natural destination in Sichuan, suitable for foreign tourists who enjoy snow-capped mountains, canyons, meadows, and photography. It's best to allocate 2-3 days compared to a typical day trip.
It's ideal for tourists wanting to experience the natural scenery of western Sichuan from Chengdu, and is also a key destination for many overseas tourists to discover Sichuan's high-altitude landscapes. The scenic area includes Shuangqiao Valley, Changping Valley, and Haizi Valley, each with its own unique characteristics.
Main Highlights
Snow-capped mountain scenery
Shuangqiao Valley, Changping Valley, Haizi Valley
Alpine meadows
Extremely high photographic value
Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days
Distance from Chengdu: Approximately 4-5 hours by car, depending on road conditions
Suitable for: Photography enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, tourists wanting to experience the natural scenery of Western Sichuan, and overseas tourists with ample time.
Chartering a car is recommended: Mount Siguniang is ideal for chartering a car or a private tour. It's advisable not to rush the itinerary; allow yourself time to acclimatize on the first day after arrival, and then explore the core scenic areas on the second day. When walking at high altitudes, slow down and avoid running or jumping.
Recommended Itinerary: Shuangqiao Valley Tour from Chengdu by Private Car
8. Sanxingdui Museum – The most mysterious and unique historical and cultural destination around Chengdu
The allure of the Sanxingdui Museum lies in its ability to shatter the singular notion of "Chinese Bronze Age civilization." The imagination, casting techniques, and spiritual world displayed in these artifacts, while contemporaneous with the Bronze Age civilizations of ancient Egypt and Greece, present a completely different picture. With the expansion of China's visa-free policy, Sanxingdui has become one of the most popular destinations for overseas tourists.
Main highlights
Bronze Dali Ren - the tallest and most complete bronze figure statue in the world
Bronze sacred tree - 3.96 meters high, three layers and nine branches, extremely complicated craftsmanship
Bronze vertical eye mask - with protruding eyes and exaggerated shape, it is the most iconic cultural relic of Sanxingdui
Golden staff - 1.43 meters long, with a wooden core covered with gold skin and engraved with fish, bird and human faces.
The three major exhibition areas of the new museum - "Century Dreams", "Majestic Capital" and "Heaven, Earth, People and Gods" - comprehensively display the ancient Shu civilization.
Recommended visit time: 3–5 hours
From Chengdu: Approximately 1–1.5 hours drive
Suitable for: Tourists interested in history, archaeology, and ancient civilizations; families (especially those with teenagers); travelers who want to see a "different China".
Chartering a car is highly recommended: Sanxingdui is perfect for a day trip by chartered car. The reason is simple: the drive from Chengdu to Sanxingdui is about 1-1.5 hours. While public transportation is available (high-speed rail + taxi), a chartered car offers direct hotel pick-up and drop-off, saving you the hassle of transfers. Combining a day trip with the Panda Base is especially recommended – see the pandas in the morning and Sanxingdui in the afternoon. The two routes complement each other and are both located north of Chengdu, making for a smooth itinerary.
Recommended Itinerary: Chengdu Panda Base Sanxingdui Tour by Private Car
Which destinations around Chengdu are best suited for foreign tourists with different needs?
First time visiting Chengdu：
Recommended destinations: Dujiangyan, Qingcheng Mountain, Leshan Giant Buddha, and Emei Mountain. These destinations are well-known, have strong cultural value, and well-developed tourist facilities, making them easier for foreign tourists to understand and appreciate.
For families (with elderly or children):
Recommended itineraries: Dujiangyan, Qingcheng Mountain, Huanglongxi Ancient Town, Sanxingdui Museum. These routes are relatively easy and suitable for families with elderly members and children.
For photographers:
Recommended destinations: Bipenggou, Siguniang Mountain, and Emei Mountain. These places offer stunning natural scenery and are ideal for capturing mountain views, seas of clouds, forests, and plateau landscapes.
For a relaxing day trip:
Recommended: Dujiangyan + Qingcheng Mountain, Leshan Giant Buddha, Huanglongxi Ancient Town. These destinations are relatively close to Chengdu and suitable for a day trip.
For a more immersive Sichuan experience, we recommend:
Mount Emei, Bipenggou, and Mount Siguniang. These places are best suited for a 2-3 day itinerary, allowing you to see the natural and cultural aspects of Sichuan beyond its urban areas.
For a more immersive Sichuan experience, we recommend:
Mount Emei, Bipenggou, and Mount Siguniang. These places are best suited for a 2-3 day itinerary, allowing you to see the natural and cultural aspects of Sichuan beyond its urban areas.
If you've already planned your trip to the Chengdu Panda Base, Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli Ancient Street, and hot pot experiences, consider adding 1-3 days to explore the surrounding areas. We can customize a private car tour from Chengdu based on your travel time, interests, number of companions, and physical condition, making it easier for you to visit Dujiangyan, Qingcheng Mountain, Leshan Giant Buddha, Emei Mountain, Bipenggou, or Siguniang Mountain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Chengdu for first-time visitors?
Dujiangyan is one of the best first day trips from Chengdu because it is close to the city and combines history, engineering, and scenery. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can usually be visited in a full-day outing from central Chengdu.
Why is a chartered car recommended for places around Chengdu?
Many attractions around Chengdu are spread out, and some mountain-area transfers are complicated for independent travelers. A chartered car gives you flexible timing, direct hotel pickup, and fewer problems with language, tickets, taxis, and route changes.
How far is Dujiangyan from Chengdu?
Dujiangyan is near Chengdu and is generally suitable as a day trip rather than an overnight stop. By private car, the trip is typically much more convenient than piecing together multiple transfers, especially if you want to combine sightseeing stops.
Who should book a private car tour from Chengdu?
Private car tours are especially suitable for families, small groups, photographers, and travelers with elderly people or children. They are also a practical choice for first-time overseas visitors to China who want a simpler and more reliable travel experience.
What can I see at Dujiangyan on a day trip?
Main sights include the Fish Mouth Diversion Dam, Feisha Weir, Baopingkou, Anlan Suspension Bridge, and Erwang Temple. Many visitors also stay for the night view of Nanqiao Bridge, which is one of the most atmospheric scenes in the area.
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