There are so many reasons to invite your friends to travel to Sichuan on their own. In the 4-day, 3-night Sichuan travel itinerary (Sichuan itinerary) below, the snow-covered capital Chengdu will bring you many interesting surprises.
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When mentioning Sichuan, in addition to the spicy hot pot, this capital Chengdu is also known for tourist attractions such as Jiuzhaigou, Leshan Giant Buddha or Mount Emei. However, this vast western mountainous province of China also has Bibanggou and Siguniang Mountain with very majestic scenery, making a strong impression on visitors. Let’s refer to the 4-day, 3-night Sichuan travel itinerary to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery and typical culinary flavors of this land!
Detailed 4-Day, 4-Night Sichuan Travel Itinerary
Sichuan itinerary — Day 1: Travel to Chengdu from Hanoi/Saigon
If you depart from Vietnam, the fastest way to get to Chengdu is to fly directly from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, China Southern Airlines. The flight from Hanoi usually takes about 3-4 hours, and if you choose the afternoon flight, you will arrive in Chengdu at around 6:00 p.m., just in time to check in, rest and explore a little about this city.
Chengdu is quite cold at night, with temperatures ranging from 3-4 degrees Celsius, while the daytime is more pleasant at around 6-9 degrees Celsius. Therefore, prepare suitable clothes to keep warm but still move comfortably. If you book accommodation in the center, you can easily walk to the most vibrant areas of the city, including Taikoo Li – a luxurious shopping, dining and entertainment complex in Chengdu.
Here, you will find all kinds of brands, from luxury brands such as LV, Gucci to popular brands such as Uniqlo, Nike, Adidas. But Taikoo Li is not only a place to shop, but also a destination that reflects the lifestyle of Chengdu’s youth, with cafes, restaurants and extremely impressive check-in corners.
Don’t forget to explore the street food when the night falls! Chengdu is famous for its spicy dishes, but besides that, street stalls also sell many attractive snacks such as skewers, spicy dumplings and especially local strawberries – big, red and sweet. A gentle evening with some delicious food, strolling among the sparkling streets is the perfect way to start your journey to explore Chengdu.
Day 2: Explore Bipenggou – A Breathtaking Scenery in the Mountains
Travel to Bipenggou
On Day 2, you can leave Chengdu early in the morning and start your journey to Bipenggou by bus from Chadianzi Station to Gu’ergouzhen Town, an ideal stopover before conquering the highlands. The bus departs at 6:30 am, taking you through 200km of mountain roads with majestic Sichuan scenery, through winding rivers, valleys hidden in mist and peaceful Tibetan villages.
Arrive at around 11 am, you will immediately feel the change in weather with the temperature about 10 degrees Celsius lower than Chengdu, the air is dry and crisp, making those who are not used to the altitude feel a bit tired. So, take some time to rest and get used to the climate before continuing your journey!
After checking in and packing, you can rent a 7-seater car for 200 yuan (about 680,000 VND, round trip) to travel to Tat Bang Cau tourist area. This is a famous nature reserve with a clear blue lake, snow-covered valley and beautiful primeval forest.
To enter the tourist area, you need to buy tickets at the tourist center, with a total cost of about 250 yuan/2 people (about 850,000 VND), including entrance tickets and transportation inside. The first stop is a large lake, surrounded by mountains, forests and waterfalls. In winter, the lake is partially frozen, creating a magical scene with a jade green color like Lam Nguyet Lake (Yunnan).
Sichuan Bipenggou Snow Mountain Fairy Tale World 1-Day Tou
From here, you can follow the path around the lake clockwise, passing many beautiful check-in points before entering the 4km long snow forest. If you are not strong enough to trek, you can choose the local bus, which will save time and save energy for the next journey.
At an important stop, you will come across a small ski resort – where visitors can try the feeling of gliding on white snow. However, because the sun sets quite early and tomorrow’s schedule has many more attractive snow experiences, you can spend time visiting, taking photos and enjoying the fresh natural space before returning to the tourist center.
Enjoying Cuisine in Gu’ergouzhen Town
After a day of exploring, it’s time to return to town and enjoy hot local dishes. Gu’ergouzhen Night Market has many stalls serving mountain cuisine, from boiled corn, dumplings, fried potatoes with chili to dishes with typical Sichuan flavors. The interesting thing here is that each restaurant usually has 3 different sections, one side sells hot pot, one side specializes in grilled skewers, and one side serves specialties such as rabbit meat and grilled chicken.
On the first evening here, a spicy beef hotpot combined with a few flavorful grilled skewers will definitely help you recharge your energy, ready for the next journey.
Sichuan travel itinerary — Day 3: Continue Moving to Siguniang Mountain
Early in the morning of the third day, book a private car in advance to travel to Siguniang Mountain – one of the most beautiful snow-covered destinations in the area. The car departs at 8am, taking about 2.5 hours to cross 100km of mountain road, with a price of 400 NDT (about 1,360,000 VND, round trip). This journey is not only a trip but also an opportunity to enjoy the majestic natural scenery where the blue river meanders along the mountainside, winding roads through cliffs and a giant hydroelectric dam appears in the middle of the forest.
Touch the Beautiful Winter on Siguniang Mountain
After arriving, you need to buy a ticket for 124 yuan/person (about 420,000 VND), including entrance fee and local bus. The bus will take you to the main area, about 20km from the ticket office, where the scenery changes completely.
As soon as you get off the bus, the first feeling is extremely overwhelmed by the giant mountain ranges reaching high into the clouds, the tops covered in white snow creating a magnificent natural picture. The atmosphere is cold but fresh, the space is filled with the pure white color of snow, making this place look like a miniature version of the Alps.
The experiences at Mount Jiaguo are not just about sightseeing, but also open up countless memorable moments amidst the snow-covered nature. One of the most impressive check-in spots is the fairy-tale wooden house area, where the roof is covered with 20-30cm thick snow, fluffy like giant cream cakes, creating a beautiful scene like coming out of a winter dream.
Not far away, the Tibetan wind horses flutter brilliantly on the white snow, both mysterious and bearing the mark of highland culture. If you love outdoor activities, you can visit the large ski area to have fun in the middle of the pristine natural space. Although not too modern, the wild and majestic features of this place make this experience more special than ever.
The ideal time to explore this place is from 10am to about 2pm, enough time to take hundreds of beautiful photos before returning to the ticket office and getting on the bus back to town.
Warm Dinner in Gu’ergouzhen
After a day of snow, the evening in Gu’ergouzhen is the ideal time to enjoy a meal rich in the flavors of the mountains. If you tried spicy beef hotpot yesterday, tonight, change things up with grilled chicken – a popular dish here, marinated with special spices and grilled over charcoal, fragrant to the nose. In addition, to make the meal more rich, you can order a few easy-to-eat grilled skewers, combined with warm corn wine to dispel the cold of the highlands.
Sichuan Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Dujiangyan Panda Park 3 days 2 nights
Day 4: Return to Chengdu – Explore Jinli Ancient Town & Enjoy Sichuan Hotpot
Journey from Lixian to Chengdu
In the morning, ask the hotel to help you book a car from Gu’ergouzhen town to Lixian central bus station, where there are many buses to Chengdu. Morning times are 6am, 6:50am, 8:50am, 10:10am, and afternoon trips are 1:30pm, 3pm. If you want to return to Chengdu in time for Airbnb/hotel check-in (12pm – 3pm), the 8:50am trip is the most ideal choice.
Wandering around Jinli Ancient Town
After resting and having a light lunch, the afternoon is the time to explore Jinli Ancient Town, located right next to Wuhou Temple – one of the famous attractions in Chengdu. If you don’t like going to the temple, spend about 2 hours walking through the stone-paved alleys, admiring the rows of ancient houses with a strong Chinese style. This neighborhood not only has countless shops selling souvenirs and clothes, but is also a paradise for food lovers with a series of typical snacks.
A Rich Dinner with Sichuan Hot Pot
The highlight of the day is a dinner with Sichuan hot pot – a famous dish of this land. Delicious hot pot restaurants are concentrated on Chunxi Road, where there are countless options from affordable to high-end. If you are not used to spicy food, you can choose a hot pot with a non-spicy umbrella, so you can fully enjoy the sweetness of the broth and the richness of the dipping ingredients. The price is also quite reasonable, only about 200 NDT (~680,000 VND) for two people, enough to fill up with beef, hot pot balls, vegetables and fresh mushrooms.
Shopping for Souvenirs
Before the day ends, spend the evening shopping for gifts at large supermarkets such as Walmart or Carrefour. These are ideal places to find specialties such as Sichuan snacks, flower tea, spicy spices at listed prices, no need to bargain.
Sichuan Specialties You Must Try
Spicy Sichuan Hot Pot
Sichuan hot pot is a culinary symbol of the region, with a rich broth made from red chili and Sichuan pepper, bringing a unique spicy feeling. Diners choose their own ingredients such as beef, seafood and vegetables to dip into the boiling hot pot, creating an interesting culinary experience.
- Reference price: 150 – 300 CNY/portion (about 500,000 – 1,000,000 VND).
- Famous restaurants: Shu Jiu Xiang Hot Pot Restaurant, Lao Ma Tou, Li Xuan (Chengdu, Sichuan).
Mapo Tofu
Chengdu Spice Market & Sichuan Cuisine Cooking Experience – Eatwith
Mapo Tofu combines soft tofu with minced meat and a spicy sauce made from chili and Sichuan pepper, creating a rich flavor and a tingling sensation on the tip of the tongue. This dish is often enjoyed with white rice to balance the spiciness.
- Reference price: 40 – 60 CNY/portion (about 130,000 – 200,000 VND).
- Famous restaurant: Chen Mapo Tofu, Li Xuan (Chengdu, Sichuan).
Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is a traditional dish of stir-fried chicken with dried chili, peanuts and green onions, creating a balanced flavor of spicy, salty and sweet. This dish is attractive because of the combination of the softness of the chicken and the crispiness of the peanuts.
- Reference price: 40 – 60 CNY/portion (about 130,000 – 200,000 VND).
- Famous restaurant: Chen Mapo Tofu, Li Xuan (Chengdu, Sichuan).
Dan Dan Noodles
Dan Dan Noodles is a popular street food, consisting of thin noodles mixed with a spicy sauce made from chili, pepper, minced pork and herbs. The rich flavor and tingling sensation from Sichuan pepper make the dish special.
- Reference price: 25 – 30 CNY/portion (about 85,000 – 100,000 VND).
- Famous restaurant: Xiao Ming Tang Dan Dan Tian Shui Mian (Chengdu, Sichuan).
Stir-fried Pork with Dried Chili (Hui Guo Rou)
Stir-fried pork with dried chili is a traditional dish, with pork boiled, then quickly stir-fried with dried chili, garlic and green onions. The spicy and delicious flavor of this dish captivates many diners.
- Reference price: 50 – 70 CNY/portion (about 170,000 – 230,000 VND).
- Famous restaurant: Yu’s Family Kitchen, Chen Mapo Tofu (Chengdu, Sichuan).
Spicy and Sour Noodles (Suan La Fen)
Spicy and sour noodles is a traditional dish with soft and chewy sweet potato noodles, combined with a spicy and sour broth made from black vinegar, chili and green pepper. This dish brings a warm feeling and stimulates the taste buds.
- Reference price: 10 – 15 CNY/portion (about 35,000 – 50,000 VND).
- Famous restaurant: Chongqing Xiao Mian (Chengdu, Sichuan).
Spicy Dumplings (Long Chao Shou)
Long Chao Shou dumplings have thin skin, minced pork filling, steamed and drizzled with a special spicy sauce. This dish is soft and flavorful, suitable for those who want to experience Sichuan cuisine.
- Reference price: 20 – 30 CNY/portion (about 70,000 – 100,000 VND).
- Famous restaurant: Long Chao Shou (Chengdu, Sichuan).
Stir-fried Chicken with Dry Chili (Lazi Ji)
Stir-fried chicken with dry chili is a famous dish with chicken that is fried until crispy, then stir-fried with dried chili and Sichuan pepper, creating a spicy flavor and attractive color. This dish often appears at parties and holidays.
- Reference price: 50 – 70 CNY/portion (about 170,000 – 230,000 VND).
- Famous Restaurants: Yu’s Family Kitchen, Chen Mapo Tofu (Chengdu, Sichuan)
Notes When Traveling to Chengdu & Sichuan
Prepare Appropriate Clothing
- The weather in Sichuan in winter is very cold, it can drop below 0°C, especially in mountainous areas such as Bi Bang Cau, Gia Co Mountain.
- Bring thermal clothes, thick windproof jackets, preferably ones with fur lining or good insulation.
- Non-slip leather shoes are the ideal choice for easy movement on the snow without worrying about slipping and falling.
- Sunglasses are also essential because snow reflects strong sunlight, which can cause glare.
Useful Apps When Traveling to Sichuan on Your Own
- Maps.me – Offline map application that helps you look up directions without an internet connection.
- WeChat – The main communication tool in China, useful for chatting with Airbnb owners, taxi drivers and booking services.
- Dear Translate – Translation support application when you need to communicate with local people.
- China Bus Guide – Website for reference bus routes, especially useful when traveling from Chengdu to mountain tourist destinations.
In addition, if possible, you should prepare some cash (CNY) because not all places accept payment by international cards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sichuan Travel
What is the best season to go to Sichuan? All four seasons of Sichuan have their own beauty. Autumn has brilliant yellow and red leaves; winter is covered with snow like a fairy tale; spring is full of peach blossoms; summer is cool, suitable for mountain climbing.
Do you need a visa to go to Sichuan? Yes, you need to apply for a Chinese tourist visa before going, you can do it at the visa service center in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Do you need a 4G sim to go to Sichuan? You should buy a Chinese 4G SIM card or rent a WiFi hotspot if you travel far, but in Chengdu you can use public WiFi.
Is there any convenient public transportation in Chengdu? Yes. You can travel around Chengdu by subway, bus, self-driving car or Didi ride-hailing app (It works similarly to Grab).
Is it better to travel independently or on a tour? Self-driving is suitable if you like to explore and are flexible, while taking a tour will save time but you need to choose a reputable service.
Is eating and drinking in Chengdu expensive? Not too expensive, Sichuan hotpot is about 200-300 NDT/2 people, Dan Dan noodles are only 10-20 NDT, grilled skewers are 5-10 NDT.
Where to exchange money when going to Sichuan? You should exchange it in Vietnam, if you need more you can go to a Chinese bank but the procedure is quite complicated.
Is Chengdu safe? Quite safe but still need to be careful in crowded areas, limit carrying a lot of cash and keep important documents safe.
Do you need to know Chinese when traveling to Sichuan? It is not required but it is very useful because few people speak English, so download a translation app or learn a few basic sentences.
How much does it cost to travel to Sichuan for 4 days and 4 nights? About 18,000,000 – 20,000,000 VND for a comfortable 4-day, 4-night trip to Sichuan.
With a 4-day, 3-night Sichuan travel itinerary, let’s make an appointment with your best friend and hit the road right away!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Chengdu you can refer to
- Dujiangyan Panda Base and Mount Qingcheng Tour from Chengdu
- Chengdu Gourmet Night Group Tour
- Chasing Dawa for 3 days and 2 nights (free Tibetan travel photography + Gedi Ram +
- Dawa Gengza + Shenmu Lei)
- Chengdu Radio and TV Tower Admission Ticket
- Essence of Chengdu City Private Day Tour
- Chengdu Downtown Private Car Charter
- Chengdu Panda Base Private Day Tour and Sichuan Cooking Class
- Dujiangyan Admission Ticket Chengdu
- Chengdu Food Day Tour with Chengdu Giant Panda Base Ticket
- Dufu’s Thatched Cottage Ticket Chengdu
- Classic Chengdu One Day City Tour
- Giant Buddha and Tea Terrace Town Day Tour from Chengdu
- Chengdu Private Day Tour (With Visit to Chengdu Panda Base and Hotpot Experience)
Read more top places to visit in Chengdu here. Read more China guide here.
