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Mytour presents a complete travel guide to Sichuan with useful information on destinations, visas, transportation, cuisine, hotels, and essential tips for your trip.
Overview | Best time to visit Sichuan | Transportation options | How to get a China visa | Tourist attractions | Cuisine | Travel tips
Sichuan Travel Overview
Sichuan is famous not only for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but also for its distinctive and diverse cuisine. Moreover, it is home to the world’s largest panda conservation center, where visitors can see this iconic species in their natural habitat. Traveling to Sichuan offers you a chance to experience the region’s natural beauty, culture, and the warm hospitality of its people.
Best time to visit Sichuan
The best time to travel to Sichuan depends on the individual preferences and experiences of each traveler.
Spring (March to May): This is the perfect time to explore the rural areas of Sichuan. It’s an ideal season to visit flower gardens and enjoy the natural beauty.
Summer (June to August): Summer in Sichuan can be hot and humid, but it is also the rainy season. If you enjoy exploring forests and waterfalls, this is the best time. Additionally, you can participate in the unique summer festivals held here.
Autumn (September to November): This is the most popular season for visitors to Sichuan. The weather is cool and comfortable, and the mountains turn golden and red, creating a stunning landscape. Autumn is also a great time to visit Jiuzhaigou, one of Sichuan’s most famous tourist spots.
Winter (December to February): Winter can be quite cold, especially in the high-altitude areas. It’s a great opportunity to experience the snow and enjoy winter activities. Additionally, if you’re looking to relax, you can visit Sichuan’s natural hot springs.
Transportation
Getting to Sichuan from Vietnam
Airplane
The most common and convenient mode of travel from Vietnam to Sichuan is by airplane. Airlines such as Shenzhen Airlines, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern, Air China Limited offer flights departing from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and arriving at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in Chengdu, Sichuan. Check the ticket prices HERE.
Train
Although not a popular option due to the long distance and travel time, if you're looking to experience the journey through multiple regions, you can combine buses and trains from Vietnam to China. Take a train from Hanoi to Nanning (China), then continue your journey to Sichuan. Be mindful of transferring between different transport modes at border cities and completing immigration procedures.
Getting around Sichuan
In Sichuan, there are plenty of transportation options for getting around the city and exploring famous attractions, such as taxis, the Didi ride-hailing app, subways, trains, buses, or even renting a car.
Travel Tips
Visa: Vietnamese travelers need a visa to enter China. It’s recommended to apply for a visa at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam before your trip.
Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of planned entry.
Health: Check your health status and get necessary vaccinations before departure. Consider purchasing travel insurance that includes medical coverage abroad.
Language: Although English is increasingly spoken in major cities in China, learning a few basic phrases in Chinese can make communication easier during your trip.
Apply for a China Visa
To apply for a China visa, you need to prepare and follow the steps as per the regulations set by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam.
Step 1: Prepare the Documents
The documents required for a China tourist visa typically include:
Original passport: It must be valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of entry and have at least two blank pages.
Passport-sized photo: The standard size is 4×6 cm, with a white background, taken within the last 6 months.
Visa application form: Complete and sign the visa application form as per the guidelines provided by the Chinese Embassy/Consulate.
A copy of your ID card or citizen identification card.
Travel itinerary: This should include information on flight bookings, hotel reservations, and sightseeing plans.
Financial proof: This can include a savings book, bank account statements, or other documents proving financial capability to support your trip.
Step 2: Submit the Documents
Where to submit: You can submit your visa application directly at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate, or use a visa processing service.
Visa fee: The visa fee depends on the type of visa and processing time. Detailed information about visa fees will be updated on the official website or directly announced at the Embassy/Consulate.
Step 3: Track and Receive Your Visa
After submitting your application, you may be asked for an interview or additional information. Track the status of your application and be ready to provide any requested documents. Processing time generally takes 4 to 5 business days, depending on the type of visa and peak travel seasons.
Important Notes
Ensure that all information you provide is accurate and complete.
Check the visa validity and the number of entries allowed to plan your trip accordingly.
During peak travel seasons or due to unforeseen circumstances (such as epidemics), the visa application process may change. Be sure to check for updated information from the Chinese Embassy/Consulate or the official website.
Where to submit your China visa application
For the visa types mentioned above, applicants must submit their documents through the China Visa Service Centers in Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City, rather than submitting directly to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam as was previously required.
China Visa Service Center in Hanoi
Address: 7th Floor, Truong Thinh Building, Trang An Complex, 1 Phung Chi Kien Street, Nghia Do Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi.
Phone: 024 3275 3888.
Fax: 024 3202 6359.
Email: [email protected].
Business hours: From 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays and Lunar New Year).
Service area: Covers 30 provinces and cities.
Chinese Visa Service Center in Da Nang
Address: 8th Floor, Indochina Riverside Towers, 74 Bach Dang Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.
Phone: 023 6382 2211.
Fax: 023 6382 2212.
Email: [email protected].
Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays and Lunar New Year).
Service area: Covers 6 provinces and cities.
Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Ho Chi Minh City
Address: P1607-1609, 16th floor, Saigon Trade Center, 37 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Phone: 0084-1900561599.
Email: [email protected].
Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays and Lunar New Year).
Service area: Covers 27 provinces and cities.
Note: VIP service reception hours are from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. By using VIP service, you will not need to make an appointment like the regular service.
Latest update:
*As of October 21, 2023, the China Visa Service Center in Hanoi has:
– Stopped accepting VIP visa applications and only accepts regular visa applications.
– The center will only accept applications from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
*Processing time for China visa applications:
– The standard visa processing time is 4 working days from the date of submission.
– Any additional document submission, information verification, or cases of force majeure will not be counted towards the standard visa processing time. If there is a valid reason, applicants can request expedited or urgent processing, but this must be accompanied by an explanation letter and relevant documents.
Note:
The mentioned processing time starts from the moment the application is submitted. To submit your application, you must schedule an online appointment beforehand. The availability of appointment slots depends on the number of applicants at the time. Therefore, it is advisable to plan to submit your application at least 18 working days before your trip.
The stated working hours are based on normal circumstances; some visa applications may require a longer processing time. As such, the processing time cannot be guaranteed. In such cases, applicants must wait for notification from the embassy.
Currently, the Chinese Embassy does not offer expedited or urgent visa services. Therefore, those needing faster processing must use the VIP service, which allows for submission without an appointment, but with a higher fee.
The processing time for visa applications may vary and is subject to the embassy's decision.
A separate visa is required if you plan to visit Macau or Hong Kong.
Top Tourist Spots in Sichuan
Chengdu Panda Base
When traveling to Sichuan, one must visit the Chengdu Panda Base. This giant panda sanctuary is the largest of its kind in China, located in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. About 10 kilometers from downtown Chengdu, the park was officially established in 1987 and has become a hub for the care and conservation of several species of pandas, including over 30% of the world's critically endangered pandas.
The Chengdu Panda Base spans an impressive area of more than 9,000 square kilometers. It includes 9 distinct scenic areas. One of the highlights is the Panda Museum, which covers 4,000 square meters. Besides pandas, the sanctuary is also home to many other endangered species, such as leopards and snow leopards.
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic Area
Khu thắng cảnh này thuộc châu tự trị dân tộc Khương, dân tộc Tạng A Bá, ở phía Bắc tỉnh Tứ Xuyên, được hình thành trên vùng núi đá vôi trầm tích. Tại đây có 9 ngôi làng của người Tạng nên được mọi người gọi là “Cửu Trại”.
Nơi đây được mệnh danh là “thiên đường hạ giới” với phong cảnh sơn thủy thiên tạc hùng vĩ, gồm 12 đỉnh núi, với hơn 100 hồ nhỏ, cùng 17 thác nước và muôn vàn loại động thực vật phong phú giữa vùng núi đá vôi ở cao độ trung bình từ 2.000m đến 4.000m.
Hồ Điệp Khê
Hồ Điệp Khê là điểm đến hấp dẫn khi du lịch Tứ Xuyên. Đây thực chất là một phần của dòng chính sông Mân Giang. Một hồ nước được hình thành bởi trận động đất xảy ra năm 1933. Bề mặt của hồ chỉ rộng khoảng 1 km, nhưng nó dài tới 10 km. Hồ được bao quanh bởi những ngọn đồi, bờ hồ tràn ngập cỏ xanh, mặt hồ gợn sóng tạo nên một khung cảnh nên thơ, đẹp mê lòng người.
Thành cổ Tùng Phan
Là một trong những thành cổ ở tỉnh Tứ Xuyên, Tùng Phan còn được biết đến nhiều hơn với cái tên “thành cổ trên cao nguyên”. Và là một trong những di sản lịch sử cấp quốc gia của Trung Quốc. Thành cổ Tùng Phan được xây dựng từ thời Minh Hồng Vũ, là một điểm quan trọng trên tuyến đường “Trà Mã Cổ Đạo” kết nối giao thương giữa dân tộc Tạng, Hán, Hồi, Khương với nhau.
Xuan Hy Street
Unlike the ancient town of Cam Ly, Xuan Hy Street offers a more modern and vibrant atmosphere. Covering around 200,000 square meters, the street was originally constructed in 1924 to connect two commercial centers, East Street and Mercantile Corporation. Nearly a century later, it has transformed into a bustling area filled with a wide variety of food stalls and attractions.
Zha Cai Mineral Waterfall
Here, visitors can admire the grandeur of one of China's largest waterfalls, cascading from a height of 104 meters, with water flowing 35 meters wide across a stretch of 5 kilometers. Tourists can take photos from the top of the tower, capturing the stunning scenery from above.
Ancient Town of Cam Ly
Spanning about 550 meters, Cam Ly Ancient Town is part of the Wu Hou Temple, with architecture dating back to the Qing Dynasty. This area is considered a sacred site in the famous novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Strolling through the ancient streets, you can immerse yourself in the cultural atmosphere and taste the region's famous spicy local dishes from Sichuan.
The street is paved with green stones, and along both sides, you'll find charming tea houses, traditional Chinese medicine shops, and restaurants designed with an old-world elegance. The architecture features traditional styles, with red and yellow lanterns hanging from restaurant facades and willow trees gracefully drooping along the roadside, making it feel like you've stepped into a classic martial arts film from the past.
Tung Bing Lake
Tung Bing Lake is located in Mao County, home to the largest population of the Khương ethnic group in Sichuan Province. This site preserves remnants of the world-shattering earthquake and is also famous for its spectacular red foliage, which is considered the most beautiful in China. In 2013, this scenic area was officially recognized as a National AAAA-level Tourist Area by the China National Tourism Administration.
The Tung Bing Valley features three valleys, nine lakes, and fourteen distinct scenic spots. This tourist area is distinguished by its high-altitude lakes, ancient forests, hill landscapes, bizarre rock formations, and the rich traditions of the Khương people. Many refer to the Tung Bing Valley as the 'gem along the Chengdu road'.
Leshan Giant Buddha
Located in Mount Lingyun in Sichuan Province, China, the Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world. It is not only a famous tourist attraction but also a deeply spiritual place for the Chinese people, having served as a site of devotion for generations. Construction of the statue began in 713, with the goal of bringing peace and prosperity to the region. Visitors can hear fascinating stories about the construction and enduring presence of this colossal statue.
Huanglongxi Ancient Town
Located near Chengdu, Sichuan, Huanglongxi is a historic town with clear, serene streams and moss-covered houses that exude a sense of ancient charm. Established over 1,700 years ago, most of its buildings feature the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty. Since its founding, Huanglongxi has gained fame for its numerous temples and pagodas. The entire town has been carefully preserved by its inhabitants, maintaining its deep-rooted cultural traditions over the centuries.
Kuanzhai Alley, Chengdu
Kuanzhai Alley is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the bustling street food scene, artisan shops, and local eateries, offering a wide variety of unique items exclusive to this region. In 2010, Chengdu was recognized by UNESCO as one of the cities with the best food in the world.
The Kuanzhai Xiangzi area offers some must-try dishes such as passion fruit and fragrant spicy beef. Additionally, there’s a signature dish that’s sure to awaken your taste buds: Chengdu-style hot pot, which has gained worldwide fame for its intense spiciness. The traditional hot pot features a fiery flavor, but you can choose from two or four separate broth sections, each with varying levels of heat, to suit your preference.
Sichuan Cuisine
Sichuan cuisine is renowned for its bold and spicy flavors. Dishes from this region are particularly known for their unique heat, with the flavors often derived from Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers, garlic, and fermented bean paste—these ingredients are the soul of the cuisine. Additionally, chili peppers help neutralize the strong odors of certain foods like fish and meat, making Sichuan food not only fiery but also incredibly appetizing.
Sichuan Tofu
Sichuan Tofu is a famous and delicious Chinese dish known for its vibrant red color, thanks to the chilies. The tofu is soft and fragrant, topped with finely minced meat that’s infused with the perfect balance of seasonings. The dish offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, especially when paired with a bowl of white rice, making it an even more satisfying meal.
Sichuan Hot Pot
Sichuan Hot Pot is characterized by its bold, spicy taste, made with a combination of chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and an array of unique spices. This dish is particularly popular in the winter months, as the heat from the spices provides a comforting warmth.
Spicy Eggplant and Tofu
Another must-try dish in Sichuan cuisine is the spicy eggplant and tofu with sauce. The eggplant is tender and aromatic, paired with creamy tofu, all covered in a rich and spicy sauce that packs a punch.
Sichuan Spicy Duck Feet
Sichuan Spicy Duck Feet is a dish that captures the attention of diners with its intense flavor, spicy kick, and crunchy yet chewy texture. The golden, natural color of the dish is visually appealing, making it a perfect choice for sharing and enjoying with friends during casual gatherings.
Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is made by stir-frying diced chicken with dried red chilies and peanuts. The dish is named after Ding Baozhen, a governor of Sichuan during the Qing Dynasty. Kung Pao Chicken is more popular in the West than Mapo Tofu due to its milder spice level, and it is often served less spicy outside of Sichuan or in international markets.
Dan Dan Noodles
Dan Dan noodles is a popular dish in Sichuan. It features wheat noodles topped with a savory, spicy sauce. The dish is finished with minced pork, and all the ingredients blend together to create a remarkable flavor.
Fuqi Fei Pian (Sliced Beef Offal in Chili Sauce)
This dish was created by a Sichuan couple. It consists of thinly sliced beef, beef tongue, and beef tripe, all marinated in chili oil. The dish is known for its bold, spicy, and pungent flavor. The rich red sauce is mainly made from chili oil, Sichuan pepper oil, and spices such as Chinese cinnamon and star anise.
Sichuan Stir-fried Squid
Sichuan stir-fried squid is made by stir-frying squid with Sichuan peppercorns and dried chili peppers. It is a staple in family meals, often served with rice. The squid is tender and chewy, offering the fresh, sweet taste of seafood, complemented by a bold, spicy sauce.
Tips for Traveling in Sichuan
Preparing Required Documents
Visa and Passport: Ensure you have a valid Chinese visa and that your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your departure. Be sure to thoroughly check the visa requirements and procedures based on your nationality.
Travel Insurance: It is extremely important to purchase travel insurance to ensure your safety and financial protection in case of health issues or accidents during your trip.
Currency and Payments
Currency: The official currency of the People's Republic of China is the Renminbi (CNY). Exchange some cash before your trip and consider using popular payment apps in China such as WeChat Pay or Alipay if possible.
Cuisine
Sichuan cuisine is renowned for its bold and spicy flavors. If you're not accustomed to spicy food, be cautious when selecting dishes here!
Weather and Clothing
Weather: Sichuan's weather varies depending on the season and geography. High-altitude areas like Jiuzhaigou can be quite cold, while places like Chengdu are more humid. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and pack accordingly.
Clothing: Bring light clothes for the summer and warm layers for the winter. Also, carry rain gear such as an umbrella or raincoat.
According to Mytour.vn
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Source: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnNovember 4, 2024
