Its eastern part is the Sichuan Basin surrounded by lofty mountains, with 7% territory being plain in the bottom, and the rest hilly land and low hills. Its west area is highland of West Sichuan, and the north area, part of the main body of Qinghai and Tibet plateau, while the south area is northern section of Hengduan Mountain Ranges. Most of the rivers belong to the Yangtze River System. The Jinsha River runs across South Sichuan from southwest to northeast until Yibin and then changes into the name of the Yangtze. The Jaling River, Min River, Tuo River and Wujiang River flow into the Yangtze River from both south and north sides. The Sichuan Basin and West Sichuan have sub-tropical humid and sub-tropical highland climate respectively. Its main mineral deposits comprise iron, coal, natural gas, petroleum, well salt, asbestos, vanadium, titanium, phosphorus etc. It abounds in agricultural and water resources.

Sichuan's major industrial products are metals, coal, petroleum, machinery, electric power, chemicals, electronics, textiles, foodstuff etc. among which natural gas, salt, canned food, beverage, iron and steel, paper, fertilizer, alloyed iron, motor-cycles, power-generating equipments and others stand in the forefront either in production output or in value in China. Rice, wheat, cotton, rape seeds and raw silk are its principal farm produces. Sichuan is listed as one of China's primary producers in output of rice, wheat, oil-bearing crops,, meat, and fruit, and also hold a significant place in production of tong oil, medicinal herbs, pigs and cattle.

Railway plays major role in Sichuan's transport, while there are convenient highway and inland-water communications.

Sichuan is gifted with lush mountains and exquisite waters, and abounds in historical and cultural resources. Its main scenic spots and historical sites include Mount Emei, Huangling Temple, Jiuzhaigou and Golden Buddha Mountain. Among its chief famous traditional specialties are Sichuan brocade and embroidery, bamboo wares, wines and liquors such as Wuliangye, Jiannanchun and Luzhoulaojiao.