The 2026 Spring Festival holiday will run from February 15 (the 28th day of the 12th lunar month) to February 23 (the seventh day of the first lunar month), spanning nine days and dubbed the "longest Spring Festival in history", prompting an early surge in the tourism market.

On December 26, data from platforms such as Trip.com and Meituan showed that hotel bookings for popular outbound destinations have doubled year-on-year. Domestic tourist sites in Sichuan are equally bustling—hotel bookings in Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong have risen by 30%, while homestay reservations in Xichang and Panzhihua have increased by over 50%. This winter, Sichuan invites travelers to embark on a relaxing journey defined by snow, sunshine, culture, and generous incentives.

Golden Mountain at Sunrise

Snow and scenic beauty intertwine, revealing natural wonders.

In winter, Jiuzhaigou dons a glittering cloak of ice and snow; the Nuorilang Waterfall transforms into cascading icicles, and the Five-Color Pond appears even clearer under a blanket of snow. Huanglong's travertine pools, blanketed in white, resemble a fairyland.

The rime ice at Wanggangping in Ya'an contrasts beautifully with the snow-capped Gongga Mountain, creating a paradise for photographers. At Hailuogou, visitors can experience the dramatic contrast of glacial views and hot springs—"fire and ice in one place."

The vast snowy forests of Mount Wawu attract outdoor enthusiasts seeking picture-perfect moments.

Qiangren Valley Ski Resort

Sichuan's snow-covered mountains offer diverse winter sports experiences. As a premier destination for winter tourism in southern China, Sichuan features 18 major ski resorts where moderate temperatures allow skiers to enjoy the slopes without heavy gear.

Xiling Snow Mountain boasts 20 ski runs catering to all skill levels; Taizi Ridge Ski Resort is favored for its soft, powdery snow; and Qiangren Valley Ski Resort has added a children's play area, making it ideal for families.

Over 100 winter sports events and carnivals will be held across the province, including the Emei Mountain Ice and Snow Hot Spring Festival and the Bipenggou Ice and Snow Hiking Festival.

Panzhihua-Xichang Sunshine

Warm sunshine and therapeutic hot springs create the perfect wellness getaway. The 20°C winter sunshine of the Panxi Plateau, combined with 16 distinctive hot springs across Sichuan, offers an ideal escape from the cold. Strolling or cycling along Qionghai Lake in Xichang, picking fresh mangoes in Panzhihua's orchards, and attending the Sunshine Music Festival during the Spring Festival are all recommended activities.

At Hailuogou, guests can soak in hot springs while gazing at glaciers; Huashuiwan Hot Springs provide deep relaxation; and Lingxiu Hot Springs offer serene tranquility.

A suggested itinerary: explore the ancient city temple fair in Xichang in the morning, unwind in a hot spring in the afternoon, and savor local barbecue in the evening—a truly "bashi" (perfectly comfortable) day.

Rediscover the roots of Spring Festival culture and immerse yourself in the unique charm of Bashu. Sichuan is one of the key birthplaces of Spring Festival traditions.

Langzhong Ancient City, honored as the "Hometown of Chinese Spring Festival Culture", will host dragon and lion dances, shadow puppetry, northern Sichuan lantern operas, and couplet-writing activities during the holiday, with night scenes evoking a journey back in time.

The Sanxingdui Museum will present special exhibitions such as "Beijing Central Axis", inviting visitors to celebrate the New Year within its halls.

Wuhou Temple will feature Hanfu parades and lantern riddle contests, while Kuanzhai Alley showcases the unhurried lifestyle of old Chengdu.

Mugecuo

Generous incentives ease travel budgets and ensure a worry-free trip across Sichuan. Attractions like Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong are offering discounted admission tickets, with some providing free entry for students.

Meituan has allocated 12 million yuan in subsidies, launching "family packages" and a "daily student freebie" promotion. Tongcheng Travel is distributing 10 million yuan in benefits, with tickets starting at 9.9 yuan and a free "Snow Enthusiast Card" redeemable for up to 1,000 yuan in perks.

Hotels and homestays province-wide are available at up to 50% off. Tour operators organizing group tours to Sichuan can receive subsidies of up to 100,000 yuan, and individual travelers booking via OTAs can earn extra loyalty points.

[Practical Tips] It is recommended to book hotels and attraction tickets one to two weeks in advance. Dress warmly and wear non-slip footwear when visiting snowy areas. UV radiation is strong in the Panxi region, so sun protection is essential. This historically longest Spring Festival holiday is the perfect time to visit Sichuan—whether you’re skiing down snowy slopes, soaking in hot springs, or exploring traditional New Year customs, you’ll find your own version of "anyi" (relaxation and comfort).

【本文部分内容由AI辅助生成，特此声明。The author(s) generated part of the content in this work with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), which is hereby declared.】