6 Days Exploration Tour of Chengdu – Chongqing – Yangtze River

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Chengdu Arrival

   We are so glad to have you on our 6-day Chengdu Chongqing Yangtze River tour! After arriving at the airport or train stations in Chengdu, you will see the local driver at the exit who holds a welcome board with the sign of China Xian Tour and your name on it. The driver will escort you to the hotel for check-in. Then you can enjoy the rest time as you like.

   Meals: N/A

   Accommodation: Overnight in Chengdu

2. Day 2: Chengdu City Exploration
   Observe Cute Pandas, Experience Local Life

   The English-speaking tour guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby at around 08:30 and then start your amazing Chengdu city tour!

   The first stop will be the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, a paradise for panda lovers. As the world’s largest base for protection and breeding of the endangered giant pandas, there are over 240 pandas here. So tourists can observe the cute pandas eating, playing and sleeping closely. If luckily, you can also see the baby pandas in the delivery room. Your guide will introduce the information of the pandas and help you to take memorable photos of lovely pandas throughout the tour.

   

   After lunch, we will continue the trip to Wenshu Temple, a historic Buddhist temple which was built in the Sui Dynasty. Now, it has been a top place for local people to pray for blessings and relax. The quiet environment is suitable for enjoying a leisurely wandering. Also, you can take photos of the wonderful ancient architectures in Western Sichuan style there.

   Later, we will head to Renmin Park. If you want to experience the local life, it is definitely the best place. Here you can join in the local people to play cards, do tai chi, play mahjong, dance, etc. Of course, it is also a good choice to enjoy a leisure time in a nice tea house to taste a cup of tea and observe the locals.

   The final stop today is Kuanzhai Alley, which consists of three relatively large ancient streets built in the Qing Dynasty. When strolling along the streets, you can appreciate the ancient architecture on both roadsides, taste local food, and buy some characteristic souvenirs.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Chengdu

3. Day 3: Chengdu to Chongqing
   Wander along Ancient Streets, Board the Ship to Start Yangtze River Cruise

   In the morning, set out to Chongqing by high-speed train. After arrival, you will meet the local English-speaking guide and driver at the exit gate holding a welcome board with your name.

   Your Chongqing tour begins with Ciqikou Ancient Town. Used to be a prosperous wharf, it is the largest ancient town in the urban area which features the most distinctive traditional residential buildings, folk customs and folkways of Sichuan and Chongqing Region. You will be amazed by the ancient architectures and authentic local food here.

   

   Next, pay a visit to the Monument to the People's Liberation, a city landmark standing at the central zone of Jiefangbei (The Chinese name of the Monument) Commercial Circle. It is the symbol for the success of the Chinese anti-Fascist war, thus attracting people with its fame and the busy commercial circle around.

   Finally, transfer to Chaotianmen Port where you will board the ship and start your breathtaking Yangtze River cruise. During the cruise, immerse yourself in the beautiful natural scenery, long history, and rich culture.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight on 5 Star Cruise  

   

4. Day 4: Yangtze River Cruise
   Practice Tai Chi, Have an Excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda

   After wake up in the morning, start your relaxing day with a cup of coffee or go to the deck to watch the sunrise and appreciate the surrounding scenery. There are also plenty of cultural activities held on the ship. A master will teach you how to practice Tai Chi, a kind of traditional Chinese Kongfu, which is suitable for all ages and good for your health; To learn more about the history and culture of this mighty river, you can also listen to a lecture on the Yangtze River; there is also the captain’s welcome party, you can meet friends from all over the world, enjoy abundant food and drinks, and watch wonderful performances.

   Later, take a smaller boat to have an excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda. It is renowned as one of the "Eight Fantastic Architectures in the World". The 12-floor building is entirely constructed with traditional wooden techniques without using any iron nails. And it is built along the mountain and embedded into the rocks. For protection, a huge embankment is built around Shibaozhai, thus it seems to be located within a huge bonsai.

   

   Optional excursion: To enrich today’s trip, the optional shore excursion with an extra fee is Fengdu Ghost City, a human landscape famous for the story of the netherworld. It is said that the spirits of people will gather here after death, making it the Capital of the world of ghosts. Here, you will see many unique architectures, statues and rites in the features of the underworld. But its main purpose is to convey the values of "punishing evil and promoting good" through the form of folk culture.

   Friendly Tip: Remember to wear comfortable shoes as it requires much walking at Fengdu Ghost City

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Overnight on 5 Star Cruise  

   

5. Day 5: The Spectacular Three Gorges
   Scenery of gorges, Boat Excursion to Explore Primitive Canyon

   Today we will pass by the picturesque Three Gorges, the highlight of the Yangtze River. The only thing you need to do is enjoy the splendid canyon scenery of Xiling Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Qutang Gorge.

   Board on a smaller ship to have the shore excursion to Shennv Stream, also called Goddess Stream. Lying in the core of the Wu Gorge, Shennv Stream is about 30 kilometers long with towering mountains, deep valleys, and rapid waters. During the boat tour, you will feel the primitive charm of the canyon and be amazed at the abundant natural landscapes such as the five peaks of Wushan Mountain.

   (Special Note: Please expect the alternative Shennong Stream excursion, which shares a similar wonderful experience in some cruise lines).

   Moreover, a Tujia ethnic music and dance show is prepared for you. It would be another impressive experience of today’s tour.

   Optional excursion: When it cruises by Qutang Gorge in the afternoon, there is an opportunity for tourists to have the optional excursion to White Emperor City with an additional fee. It was reputed as “Poetry City”, because many famous poets apply it in their poems, such as Li Bai and Du Fu, hence becoming famous. So It will be nice choice to discover the romance of Chinese literary men and learn about the Chinese cultural history.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Overnight on 5 Star Cruise

   

6. Day 6: Yichang Departure
   Three Gorges Dam

   After breakfast, you will have a shore excursion to the marvelous Three Gorges Dam, an engineering wonder in China! With a length of 2308 meters and a height of 185 meters, it has been the largest hydroelectric project in the world. Till now, it is not only a very important dam on the Yangtze River, but also a hot tourist attraction in China. You can enjoy a stunning panoramic view from the 185 observation platform.

   At around 12:30, you will get off at the tourism center and meet your local guide and driver there who will hold a welcome board and transfer you to Yichang airport or train station for your departure. Your 6-day China Yangtze River tour ends here.

   Accommodation: N/A