Overview
This Chengdu Chongqing Zhangjiajie tour is designed for travelers who want maximum contrast with minimal stress. In one week, you move from Chengdu’s slow-paced food culture to Chongqing’s vertical urban energy, then into the surreal natural world of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
The route uses high-speed trains for long distances and private transfers where terrain is complex, ensuring comfort and efficiency. Each destination has a clear role: Chengdu for culture and pandas, Chongqing for unforgettable city visuals, and Zhangjiajie for China’s most iconic mountain scenery.
Highlights
- Meet giant pandas in their most famous conservation base.
- Explore traditional alleyways and teahouses in Chengdu.
- Experience Chongqing’s cyberpunk night views and layered city design.
- Watch a train pass through a residential building at Liziba.
- Ride the world’s highest outdoor elevator in Zhangjiajie.
- Walk among the “Avatar Mountains” of Yuanjiajie.
- Cross the glass bridge above Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.
- Take one of the world’s longest cable cars up Tianmen Mountain.
- Stay in Furong Ancient Town beside a cascading waterfall.
Itinerary
Day 1: Chengdu Arrival
The Experience:
Arrive in Chengdu and transfer to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is free to relax or take a gentle walk nearby. Chengdu’s atmosphere is calm and welcoming, ideal for recovering from long flights.
Highlights:
- First impressions of Sichuan’s relaxed lifestyle
Tips:
- Light evening walks and simple local food are ideal
- Overnight: Chengdu
Day 2: Chengdu Panda Base + Kuanzhai Alleys
The Experience:
Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the morning, when pandas are most active. Walk through bamboo-lined paths and observe pandas eating, playing, and resting.
In the evening, explore Kuanzhai Alley, a preserved historic district combining old courtyard houses, teahouses, and small local shops. This is a great place to experience everyday Chengdu life.
Highlights:
- Giant pandas up close
- Traditional Sichuan street culture
Tips:
- Go early to the panda base to avoid crowds
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Overnight: Chengdu
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Chengdu → Chongqing (High-Speed Train) → Ciqikou → Hongyadong
The Experience:
Take a high-speed train to Chongqing (around 1.5–2 hours).
After arrival, explore Ciqikou Ancient Town, once an important river port with stone streets and traditional houses.
In the evening, visit Hongyadong, Chongqing’s most iconic night spot. The illuminated stilted buildings rising above the river create one of China’s most dramatic city views.
Highlights:
- Smooth high-speed rail journey
- Chongqing’s famous neon nightscape
Tips:
- Night views are best after full dark
- Expect stairs and elevation changes
- Overnight: Chongqing
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Chongqing Liziba → Zhangjiajie (High-Speed Train) → 72 Qilou
The Experience:
Start at Liziba Station, where the monorail passes directly through a residential building. It’s a perfect example of Chongqing’s mountain-city design.
Later, take a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie. In the evening, visit 72 Qilou, a visually striking complex inspired by traditional architecture, beautifully lit at night.
Highlights:
- Chongqing’s most photographed urban scene
Tips:
- Keep cameras ready at Liziba
- Overnight: Zhangjiajie
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
The Experience:
Today, we’ll spend a full day in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
In the early morning, enter the park and ride the Bailong Elevator, ascending a sheer cliff face. Explore Yuanjiajie, famous for towering sandstone pillars (Avatar Mountains) rising from the forest.
Continue to Tianzi Mountain for wide panoramic viewpoints.
Highlights:
- Avatar-inspired landscapes
- The world’s longest elevator
Tips:
- Start early to avoid peak crowds
- The weather can change quickly in the mountains
- Overnight: Zhangjiajie
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Tianmen Mountain → Furong Town
The Experience:
Ascend Tianmen Mountain by one of the world’s longest cable cars. Walk along cliffside glass skywalks and visit Tianmen Cave, a massive natural arch high above the city.
In the afternoon, travel by private car to Furong Ancient Town, a historic village built beside a waterfall. Enjoy the peaceful evening atmosphere as lanterns light up the wooden houses.
Highlights:
- Dramatic mountain views
- Waterfall-side ancient town
Tips:
- Not ideal for travelers with a severe fear of heights
- Evening is the best time for Furong
- Overnight: Furong Town
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Furong Town → Zhangjiajie → Departure
The Experience:
After breakfast, transfer to Zhangjiajie airport or train station, concluding this Chengdu Chongqing Zhangjiajie tour.
- Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
- Chengdu: 2 Nights
- Chongqing: 1 Night
- Zhangjiajie: 2 Nights
- Furong Town: 1 Night
The accommodation listed in the itinerary and pricing is based on our basic comfort level, selected for good location, cleanliness, and reliable service.
Every trip we design is 100% tailor-made. Your final hotel choices are never fixed. Our travel consultants will work with you to adjust accommodation according to your preferences, whether you prefer comfort, boutique, or luxury hotels.
Cost
Included
- High-speed train tickets (Chengdu–Chongqing, Chongqing–Zhangjiajie)
- Private transfers in cities
- Accommodation with daily breakfast
- Entrance tickets to major attractions
- Local guides in key destinations
Excluded
- International flights
- Lunches and dinners
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities inside scenic areas
- Travel insurance
Transportation
- Chengdu → Chongqing → Zhangjiajie: High-speed train
- Chengdu/Chongqing City Transport: Metro and short private transfers
- Zhangjiajie Scenic Areas: Park shuttle buses, cable cars, and Bailong Elevator
- Zhangjiajie → Furong Town: Private car, approx. 1.5–2 hours
Essential Tips
- Plan early for trains: High-speed trains between Chengdu, Chongqing, and Zhangjiajie are very popular. Booking in advance ensures better departure times and seat availability.
- Expect contrast in climate: Chengdu and Chongqing can feel humid, while Zhangjiajie’s mountains are cooler and misty. Light layers work better than heavy clothing.
- Wear proper walking shoes: This route includes mountain paths, stairs, and uneven stone roads, especially in Zhangjiajie and Furong Town.
- Pack light for train days: Easy-to-carry luggage makes high-speed train transfers and station navigation much smoother.
- Be flexible with weather: Mountain scenery changes with mist and clouds. Even cloudy days create dramatic views, so don’t rush or feel disappointed.
- Mind height exposure: Glass bridges and cliffside walkways are optional. If you’re uncomfortable with heights, alternative paths are always available.
- Allow recovery time: The route is visually rich. Evenings in Chengdu and Furong Town are intentionally relaxed — enjoy them slowly.
Gallery
FAQ
Is this route suitable for first-time visitors to China?
Yes. It combines iconic sights with efficient transport and clear pacing.
Are the high-speed trains comfortable?
Very comfortable. Seats are spacious, clean, and reliable.
Is Zhangjiajie physically demanding?
Moderate. There is walking and stairs, but elevators and cable cars reduce effort.
Can this route be extended?
Yes. Jiuzhaigou, the Leshan Giant Buddha, Fenghuang Ancient Town, Wulong Karst, or extra Zhangjiajie days can be easily added.
Reviews
Arthur, UK
Jul.18, 2025
We spent an excellent 7 days in chengdu, chongqing and Zhangjiajie park. The arrangements from Quietroutes were smooth and perfectedly paced. The local guide Liu in chengdu is very nice and patient. Zhangjiajie is a little physical demanding but we made it finally and is very unforgettable. People we met in China were friendly. Well, this China journey is great.
