3 must visit Sichuan attractions - Jiuzhaigou National Parkand more . . .

Sichuan is often referred to as a "heavenly kingdom" by Chinese people because it is abundant in natural resources and cultural heritage. It is also known as the home of giant panda bears, a beloved, yet endangered species. Additionally, Sichuan is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites; yes indeed, Sichuan has much to offer travelers and tourists. But there is a downside: If you are planning a trip to Sichuan, you probably feel overwhelmed by its large selection of destinations. Well, don't worry. Here are 2 of the Top 10 Sichuan tourist attractions to help you plan your travel itinerary. . .

First Up is Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong National Park - Jiuzhaigou National Park has been called "a masterpiece of nature" by many people who have traveled there. This is because Jiuzhaigou has been bestowed with some of the most stunning scenery in all of China: emerald green lakes, layer upon layer of waterfalls, colorful forests and rolling snow-covered mountains, just to name a few. It is also home to many endangered species. Giant panda, golden monkeys, white-lipped deers and many other rare and wonderful animals dwell in this primitive forest of conifer and other broadleaf trees. Here, visitors also have the opportunity to get close to local Tibetans and learn about their culture. Visitors can catch a glimpse of their unique lifestyle and folk culture in the many small Tibetan communities nestled in the Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong National Parks. The parks are also good places to escape the hustle and bustle of China's rapid modernization in its big cities. Huanglong National Park, the twin sister of Jiuzhaigou, literally means "the golden dragon" in Chinese. With the FuYuan Bridge serving as the golden dragons’ tail and the Five Colored Ponds as its head, the whole park is naturally and beautifully connected together. It is an amazing sight to behold: over 3,000 colored ponds; their waters tumbling down though terraces and into groups of reflecting ponds.

All of which is why Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong National Parks are considered sparkling jewels among treasure chests of Sichuan attractions. Each season paints Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong National Park in different colors. You will be awestruck at the variety of beauty these parks display during different seasons. In the winter, Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong National Parks are wonderlands of snowcapped mountains, icy ponds and lakes. In spring, the parks spring to life: buds appear on trees and flowers shoot up from the earth. But it is in the fall that Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong National Parks are at perhaps their most beautiful; when the leaves on the trees rapidly change color, becoming either golden or fiery red - colors which enhance the natural beauty of the multicolored ponds, where they are reflected in the crystal blue and green waters.

Next on the list is  Daocheng and Yading Nature Reserve -- For many years, travelers have been making pilgrimages to Daocheng’s Three Sacred Mountains because these mountains are considered to be blessed. It is believed that if a person can successfully complete all three pilgrimages, he or she will one day realize their deepest wishes. Such colorful and mysterious legends about Daocheng have lured many visitors to this scenic destination in hopes of making their wishes come true. Speaking of legends: The natural beauty of Daocheng's Three Sacred Mountains and of the Yading Natural Reserve is just about as legendary as Jiuzhaigou’s in Sichuan tradition. Yet they are, to date, far less publicized, making both popular destinations among explorers seeking “the last Shangri-la” of China. If enlightenment or inner peace is what you are after, or if you are in the mood for a quest, you might want to take a detour from the beaten path and give the Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve a try.

Related Tours:

• Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong 3-day Private Tour (By Air )
• Jiuzhaigou National Park and Huanglong 4 Day Bus Tour
• Daocheng, Yading Nature Reserve, Danba 8 Day Tour