6 Days Classic Chengdu and Chongqing Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Chengdu Arrival

   When you arrive at Chengdu airport/train station, your local driver will greet you at the exit, holding a welcome sign with your name written on it. Enjoy private, comfortable transfer to your downtown hotel for check-in procedures.

   The remaining time is for you to relax or explore in your leisure. You will be immediately overwhelmed by the slow-paced life here. You can go to local parks where you can witness local people playing mahjong, enjoy tea drinking, do ear cleaning... For the dinner, you can try Chengdu's iconic hotpot​​! Some popular chains like ​​Haidilao​​ (known for exceptional service) or local favorites such as ​​Shu Daxia Hotpot​​ are easily accessible downtown.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: Overnight in Chengdu

2. Day 2: Highlights in Chengdu City
   Watch pandas playing at their most active, enjoy slow-paced Chengdu life

   Your English-speaking Chengdu tour guide and driver will meet you ​​around 8:30 am in the hotel lobby​. We will head straight to the ​​Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding​, arriving during the ​​prime morning viewing hours​​ (approx. 9:00-10:30 AM). Why early? This is when the giant pandas are most awake, active, and busy enjoying their favorite breakfast, fresh bamboo! You will watch them munch, tumble, and interact, which is sure to be an unforgettable moment​​ unique to Chengdu. Your knowledgeable guide will show you efficiently through the park-like base. Get some fascinating facts about pandas and the conservation efforts​. Observe these endangered giants up close and capture amazing photos​​ of you and the pandas! After the visit, go to have lunch.

   In the afternoon, travel ​​3,000 years back in time​​ at the ​​Jinsha Site Museum​. This UNESCO-listed place is one of China's most significant Bronze Age discoveries. It is a window into Chengdu's mysterious ancient Shu Kingdom​. Get exclusive insight into world-renowned relics like the ​​Golden Sun Bird Disc​​ (now Chengdu's official emblem!), the enigmatic ​​Golden Mask​, the majestic ​​Bronze Standing Figure...

   After that, take a break and relax at Renmin Park. It's a great spot to watch local life. You can sit in a cozy tea house, drink some tea, and see people spending their time in different ways - like playing cards, doing Tai Chi, playing Mahjong, dancing, or even taking naps.

   Last, take a stroll around the Kuanzhai Alley. You’ll see many Qing Dynasty buildings that are still in good shape. In addition, you can try delicious local snacks. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Chengdu is sure to impress you with its amazing foods.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Overnight in Chengdu

   

3. Day 3: Chengdu to Leshan
   Ascend 333 steps up close to the 71-meter-high Buddha

   After breakfast, we will depart from Chengdu for a 2-hour drive​​ through the Sichuan countryside. Watch cityscapes transform into rolling hills and river valleys.

   At about 10:30, we arrived at the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area. The 71-meter (233-feet) tall Buddha was built under the Tang Dynasty (713 AD) and carved into a cliff by the river. For 1300 years, it has been unaffected by erosion and earthquakes, making it an amazing ancient engineering project. Gazing upwards from the feet of the Buddha, you will be impressed by its scale. The guide will lead you up 333 steps to the Buddha, and on the rest platforms along the way, you can see a panoramic view of the river. Also, learn about some interesting facts: 90 years of carving and drainage systems hidden in Buddha’s hair and ears.

   Optional activity: If you want to enjoy an enhanced view, you can choose to experience a 30-minute boat ride (extra charge). Slide along the Minjiang River and capture a panoramic view of the Buddha statue against the backdrop of lush cliffs.

   After the tour, we drive back to Chengdu. Face Changing of Sichuan Opera is a major feature of Chengdu culture. If you are interested (optional), you can watch this wonderful performance at a local theater such as Pear Garden Academy (you can ask your guide for help).

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Overnight in Chengdu

   

4. Day 4: Chengdu to Chongqing by High-speed Train
   Discover Chongqing's culture in an ancient town

   After breakfast, your driver will drop you off at Chengdu railway station for a high-speed train to Chongqing. After around 1.5 hours, arrive at Chongqing Train Station and meet your local English-speaking guide and driver who will be waiting for you at the exit gate.

   Start your Chongqing exploration at the Ciqikou Ancient Town, a popular place that many people visit every day. It was once an important port on the Jialing River and has been a lively area since the Song Dynasty. It played a key role in the growth of Chongqing's culture. Today, as you walk along the stone streets, you’ll be amazed by the many cultural activities, such as Sichuan Opera, oil making, and dough figurine art.

   After that, go to visit the Monument to the People’s Liberation, located in the center of the Jiefangbei shopping area. It was built in 1946 and completed in 1947 to honor the victory in China’s fight against fascism. Nowadays, it’s a famous landmark in Chongqing. After nightfall, this place becomes particularly lively, providing a great opportunity to experience Chongqing's nightlife.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Overnight in Chongqing

   

5. Day 5: Chongqing to Dazu Rock Carvings
   Admire bright colors, different shapes, and expressive faces of statues

   In the morning, we will drive for 2 hours to reach Dazu Rock Carvings, which is one of the “Eight Great Stone Grottoes in the World”, listed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1999. The carving started from the Tang Dynasty, reached its climax Song Dynasty, and kept going on in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, representing the world’s highest level in grotto art during the 9th to 13th centuries.

   Not limited to a single theme of Buddhism like other Chinese grotto, a perfect coexistence of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism is readable from the sculptures here. Grotto art is cherished by humans and luckily accessible across the world; however, a single grotto group like Dazu Rock Carvings, satisfying grand scale, deliberate carvings, various themes and styles, as well as rich content, is hard to find.

   Words can hardly capture how amazing this place is. On today’s Chongqing tour, visiting the Dazu Rock Carvings will definitely surprise and impress you. We’ll focus on the most important part of the carvings at Baodingshan Hill, known for its large size, greatest statues, and excellent preservation. You'll be amazed by the bright colors, different shapes, and expressive faces. Even more touching are the life stories carved into the rocks - many of them connect to form full scenes. Follow your guide closely to learn the deeper meanings.

   After finishing the visit, drive around 2.5 hours back to your hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Overnight in Chongqing

   

6. Day 6: Chongqing City Sightseeing & Departure
   Explore city’s highlights – museum, park, Liziba light rail, Hongya Cave

   Today, you’ll continue to discover the highlights of Chongqing City! Your first stop is the Museum of General Joseph Stilwell. It is located in the house where General Stilwell lived while serving as Chief of Staff in the China Theater during the anti-Fascist war from 1942 to 1944. Inside, you’ll see his personal items, handwritten notes, and military uniform. Later, head to E’ling Park for a great view of Chongqing, along with the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. The park sits on a hill between the two rivers and is the highest point in the city. While the park itself is peaceful and beautiful, where you can see the Artistic Flower Garden, Stone Rope Bridge, Flying Pavilion, and so on.

   Next, take a distant look at Liziba Station on the Chongqing Light Rail. This light rail is one of the city’s unique sights. Here, the train amazingly passes right through the residential building. Your guide will show you the best spot to take photos, but for this incredible moment, recording a video might capture it even better than a picture.

   The last stop is Hongya Cave, a place that feels like a scene from a Miyazaki Hayao anime. The traditional stilted buildings are built along the cliffs, with a drop of about 75 meters, and they sit gently beside the river. It’s a beautiful mix of mountain-style architecture, Chongqing’s local traditions, and port culture. At night, when the lights come on and shine through the windows, the place looks alive.

   Your 6 days Chengdu Chongqing tour package ends here. You will be dropped off at Chongqing airport / train station / cruise port for departure. Hope you had a great time with us!

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A