Chengdu Travel Tips-2026｜Western Sichuan Weather, Seasonal Wear and Must-See Attractions

Chengdu is a city that will "slow you down".
Some people come for a steaming bowl of risotto or hot pot, others for a glimpse of a cute panda.
Others just want to sit in an old teahouse and laze around, feeling the city's "chic" rhythm.

This city in the Sichuan Basin is not only the heart of the Kingdom of Heaven.
It's even the way toWestern Sichuan plateau.Jiuzhai ParadiseThe starting point. If you're planning to visit Chengdu or Western Sichuan in 2026, this Chengdu travel guide includesClimate, Recommended Attractions and Dressing Guide for the whole year
We'll show you how to prepare, how to play, and how to walk through the four seasons of Chengdu and the most fascinating landscapes around Western Sichuan.

Chengdu Travel Tips:Climatological Features at a Glance

Chengdu has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons and few extremes. There is a lot of rain, fog and cloudy days, but the sunlight is not harsh and the temperature is mild.
The average temperature throughout the year is about 16℃, not too cold in winter and not too hot in summer.One of the most livable cities in China.

Spring (March-May)Chengdu and Western Sichuan

Chengdu is a city that blooms in spring.
Peach Blossom in People's Park.Oil Paper Umbrella at Kinkiri.Weeping Willow at Raccoon RiverThe scenes are all like movie scenes.
The city is slowly waking up in the spring breeze, the teahouses on the corners of the streets are bustling with people, and the flower market and cafes are intertwined to create the most flavorful spring scenery in Chengdu.

It's time.Listening to Poetry in Du Fu's Cao TangSmelling flowers is one of the best ways to experience "Poetic Chengdu".
If you want to go farther, you might want to follow the road to the western Sichuan plateau--Springtime in the Grasslands of RuoergaiIt's the softest green.
The First Bay of the Nine Curves of the Yellow RiverAfter the snow line melts, you will be greeted by the most magnificent sunset, where the sky and the earth are all in one color, like a pastoral song in motion.

In Chengdu in spring, there is no rush, just the right amount of light and time.

Summer (June-August)Chengdu and Western Sichuan

Chengdu in the summer isTea aroma intertwined with the sound of rainThe season of Chengdu. After an afternoon thunderstorm, the air smells of grass and humidity, and the aroma of tea bowls and the clash of bamboo chairs wafts out from the teahouses in the old city - this is Chengdu's most enjoyable rhythm.

If you want to escape from the heat and humidity, the best choice is to go to the countryside.
Mount QingchengIt is a natural oxygen bar surrounded by lush forests and clouds;Dujiangyan in Sichuan, a famous water engineering project and World Heritage SiteWith the mountains and the cool streams, it is a sacred place for Chengdu people to escape from the summer heat.

If you want to go farther, follow the Western Sichuan Plateau Route.Summer in the Grasslands of RuoergaiIt's green as a picture.Flower LakeThe water reflects the light of the sky and the shadow of the clouds.Zagana, a place in Hong KongThe clouds and rocky peaks give you the impression that you have entered a fairyland.
At night, when the city sleeps, the stars of the highlands are twinkling--It was the most romantic light of the summer night.

Chengdu and Western Sichuan in Autumn (September-November)

Autumn in Chengdu is the time when the whole city is colored in gold.
The streets are full of fallen leaves, and even a casual walk down an alley is like walking into a postcard.Gingko in ChengduIt's especially famous, and it's available around November every year fromManjushri, the Bodhisattva of keen awareness.Sichuan University Old Campusuntil (a time)Ginkgo Avenue, South Renmin RoadThe city turns into a golden tunnel. Pedestrians step on the fallen leaves and the air is filled with soft light.

In addition to the Gingko BoulevardWuhou Ancestral Temple, Red Star Road, Wangjianglou ParkThe white walls and green tiles against the golden leaves make it especially suitable for portraits and travel photography.

.Going to Jiuzhaigou in this seasonIt is even more dreamlike - the five flower sea of color intertwined, mirror sea reflection, the colorful pools of the fairy pools like a painting; from the high altitude overlooking, theYellow Dragon and Immortal PondIt glistens in the autumn sun.
If time permits, why not take a tour?Mao County Ancient Qiang CityThe Qiang stone watchtowers and mountain songs there have a special flavor in the autumn colors, extending the journey from natural beauty to human stories.

Autumn in Chengdu is not only about ginkgoes and poetry, it's also about gentle sunshine and just the right amount of cool.
This is the perfect season to slow down and take pictures as you go.

Chengdu and Western Sichuan in Winter (December-February)

Chengdu has less snow but more hot pots in winter. When red lanterns light up on street corners and hot air wafts out of hot pot restaurants, it's a winter ritual in Chengdu.
If the selection is made in theChristmas or Chinese New Year periodThe city was filled with a festive atmosphere as we visited:
Wide Narrow AlleyNeon signs are flashing and the streets are filled with festive decorations.Taikoo Li and Chunxi RoadThe window lightings are also a nice touch;
.Anren Ancient TownThe flavor of the end of the year is retained, and the aroma of candied fruits spreads out in the winter night.

A little further.Winter Blue Ice in JiuzhaigouTranquility is like a dream, the sea is frozen with a blue luster.
It's like stepping into a winter fairy tale.
In Chengdu this season, there is not only the heat of the hot pot and the cold of the snow-covered mountains, but also a kind of slowness and quietness that puts one's mind at ease.

Chengdu/Western Sichuan Seasonal Dressing List

The weather in Chengdu is very comfortable, but if you go to highland areas such as western Sichuan, you will need to prepare warm and windproof clothing, as the temperature in highland areas is relatively low.

Must-see Attractions in Chengdu and Western Sichuan Seasons

Chengdu has four distinct seasons, but no matter what time of year you set out, you'll always be able to find the scenery that belongs to that season. If you're in Chengdu, how can you not take a trip to Western Sichuan? Starting from Chengdu, you can travel along Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Ruoergai, and Zagana, which is a "dream heavenly road" with different scenery throughout the year.

Chengdu Travel Tips:Follow this road, different scenery throughout the year

Chengdu → Ruoergai Grassland → Flower Lake → Langmusi → Zagana → Shenshi Pond → Jiuzhaigou → Huanglong → Mao County Ancient Qiang City → Dujiangyan Panda Paradise → Chengdu

Spring to see the grassland sea of flowers, summer stargazing lake, autumn colorful forest intoxicating, winter snow mountain quiet. This is not only a scenic route, but also a spiritual journey. Jiuzhaigou's blue sea and blue pool, Huanglong's colorful pool stairs, Qiangzhai's ancient songs, every step is a poem.

Whether you want to come to Chengdu for a stroll or go to Jiuzhaigou + Western Sichuan, Four Seasons highly recommends you to come!

Chengdu is a place where travelers adjust their rhythms. From spring flowers to winter snows, from teahouses to Tibetan villages, the beauty of Sichuan lies in its abundance - an abundance of climates, cultures and stories. The next time someone asks you, "When is the best time to visit Chengdu? You can answer: "Anytime of the year, if you're ready".

Would you like to see the changing seasons of Jiuzhai with your own eyes?