Overview
This 7 days Chongqing Chengdu tour takes you through some of Southwest China’s most iconic highlights.
Explore Chongqing’s mountain city scenery, Hongyadong night views, Liziba monorail, and Yangtze riverside atmosphere. Discover the spectacular karst landscapes of Wulong, including Xiannvshan, Three Natural Bridges, and Longshuixia Gorge. Visit the UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings before continuing to Chengdu to see giant pandas, peaceful temples, and traditional Sichuan tea culture.
A perfect journey for travelers who want nature, culture, local food, and authentic city experiences in one trip.
Highlights
- Experience Chongqing’s spectacular mountain city skyline and nightlife
- Ride the famous Yangtze River Cableway across the river
- Visit the iconic Liziba monorail station
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Wulong Karst landscapes
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Dazu Rock Carvings
- See giant pandas at Chengdu Panda Base
- Experience traditional tea culture in Chengdu
- Enjoy the contrast between Chongqing’s energy and Chengdu’s relaxed lifestyle
Itinerary
Day 1: Chongqing Airport / Railway Station Arrival→ Hotel
The Experience:
Welcome to Chongqing, China’s famous mountain city built among steep hills, rivers, bridges, and layered skylines.
Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, we’ll transfer you to your hotel in the city center.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin exploring nearby neighborhoods at your own pace.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy local hotpot, riverside walks, or Chongqing’s lively night atmosphere around Jiefangbei and the Yangtze River area.
Highlights
- Experience Chongqing’s unique urban atmosphere
- Optional riverside night walk and local food exploration
Tips
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended throughout the trip
- Night views in Chongqing are especially beautiful
- Overnight: Chongqing
- Meals: No
Day 2: Yangtze River Cableway → Liziba Station → Hongya Cave → Nanbin Road
The Experience:
After breakfast, we’ll begin exploring Chongqing’s most iconic urban landscapes.
First, visit the Yangtze River Cableway and ride across the river for panoramic views of Chongqing’s skyline, bridges, and steep mountain terrain.
Next, we’ll head to Liziba Station, where the monorail famously passes directly through a residential building. It’s one of Chongqing’s most unique city scenes.
In the late afternoon, continue to Hongya Cave, a dramatic riverside complex filled with traditional-style architecture, local shops, restaurants, and spectacular cliffside scenery.
As evening arrives, we’ll head to Nanbin Road, one of the best places to enjoy Chongqing’s famous skyline and riverside nightlife atmosphere.
Highlights
- Ride the historic Yangtze River Cableway
- Visit Chongqing’s famous Liziba monorail
- Explore Hongya Cave’s night scenery
- Enjoy panoramic river skyline views at Nanbin Road
Tips
- Hongya Cave is most beautiful after sunset
- Expect stairs and uphill walking throughout the day
- Nanbin Road is perfect for night photography
- Overnight: Chongqing
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Chongqing →Wulong Xiannvshan National Park
The Experience:
After breakfast, we’ll travel from Chongqing to Xiannvshan National Forest Park in the Wulong area, a journey of around 3 hours by private vehicle.
Known as the “Eastern Switzerland,” Xiannvshan is famous for its rolling grasslands, forests, cool mountain air, and peaceful scenery. Compared with Chongqing’s busy urban atmosphere, Wulong offers a refreshing natural escape surrounded by mountains and karst landscapes.
You’ll have time to enjoy scenic walks, mountain views, and the relaxed atmosphere of this highland area.
After visiting, your driver will transfer you to the hotel in Wulong for the night.
Highlights
- Explore Xiannvshan’s grasslands and forests
Tips
- Temperatures in Wulong are cooler than in Chongqing; bring a light jacket even during warmer seasons
- Overnight: Wulong
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Wulong Three Natural Bridges → Longshuixia Gorge → Chongqing
The Experience:
Today, we’ll explore two of Wulong’s most spectacular natural wonders.
First, visit Three Natural Bridges, one of China’s most impressive karst landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Massive stone bridges, deep valleys, waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs create an unforgettable natural setting.
The area also became internationally famous as a filming location for the movie Transformers: Age of Extinction, attracting visitors from around the world.
Next, continue to Longshuixia Gap, a narrow limestone gorge filled with waterfalls, cliffs, streams, and scenic walking paths deep between towering canyon walls.
After sightseeing, we’ll return to Chongqing by private vehicle in the afternoon.
Highlights
- Explore UNESCO-listed karst landscapes
- Visit the spectacular Three Natural Bridges
- Walk through the dramatic Longshuixia Gorge
Tips
- Wear comfortable non-slip walking shoes
- Some areas include stairs and wet pathways
- Wulong scenery is excellent for photography
- Overnight: Chongqing
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Chongqing → Dazu Rock Carvings → Chengdu
The Experience:
After breakfast, we’ll travel toward Chengdu by private car. On the route, we will visit Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient Buddhist stone carvings dating back over 1,000 years.
The carvings are known for their incredible artistic detail, religious significance, and realistic depictions of daily life, Buddhist teachings, and traditional Chinese culture. Walking through the peaceful grottoes offers a fascinating contrast to Chongqing’s modern city atmosphere.
After the visit, continue to Chengdu and check into the hotel in the city center.
Highlights
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings
- Discover ancient Buddhist art and history
Tips
- Dazu involves moderate walking around the grotto area
- Photography without flash is recommended inside cultural areas
- Overnight: Chengdu
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Chengdu Panda Base → Wenshu Monastery → Teahouse
The Experience:
After breakfast, we’ll visit the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
We will arrive there around 08:00 -08:00 AM because morning is the best time to see the pandas eating and playing actively among the bamboo gardens.
In the afternoon, we will continue to Wenshu Monastery in the center of the city. It is Chengdu’s best-preserved Buddhist monastery. The peaceful temple courtyards, incense, gardens, and traditional architecture create a calm atmosphere in the middle of the city.
After visiting, you can slow down with a traditional Chengdu tea house experience, just near the monastery. Sitting in a local tea house with jasmine tea while watching daily local life is one of the best ways to understand Chengdu’s famous relaxed lifestyle.
Highlights
- Visit Chengdu’s giant pandas
- Explore the peaceful Wenshu Monastery
- Experience authentic Sichuan tea culture
- Enjoy Chengdu’s relaxed local lifestyle
Tips
- Pandas are most active in the morning
- Wenshu Monastery is a good place for vegetarian local snacks
- Overnight: Chengdu
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Hotel → Airport / Railway Station → Departure
The Experience:
After breakfast, free time depending on your departure schedule. We’ll then transfer you to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Your Southwest China adventure ends with unforgettable memories of Chongqing’s mountain city landscapes, Wulong’s karst wonders, ancient Buddhist heritage, giant pandas, and Chengdu’s peaceful tea culture.
- Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
- Chongqing: 3 Nights
- Wulong: 1 Night
- Chengdu: 2 Nights
Hotels in this itinerary are carefully selected in convenient central areas for comfortable travel and easy sightseeing access.
In Chongqing, accommodations are usually arranged near Jiefangbei or Nanbin Road for convenient access to night views and local food areas.
In Wulong, hotels are selected close to the scenic area for a relaxing mountain stay.
In Chengdu, accommodations are typically located around Chunxi Road, Taikoo Li, or Tianfu Square.
All hotels can be fully customized according to travel style, budget, and preferences.
Cost
Included
- Private airport and railway station transfers.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle transfers throughout the itinerary.
- Expert English-speaking local guide.
- Entrance tickets to listed attractions.
- Wulong scenic area shuttle transportation.
- 6 nights of hand-picked accommodation with breakfast.
Excluded
- International or domestic flights / train to Chongqing.
- Lunches and dinners (freedom to explore local tastes).
- China visa fees.
- Optional activities and performances.
- Single room supplement.
- Personal expenses.
- Travel insurance.
- Gratuities for guide and driver.
Transportation
This is a private tour with a dedicated private vehicle and driver throughout the entire itinerary.
We provide flexible itineraries, comfortable transfers, and convenient access between cities, scenic areas, and attractions across Chongqing, Wulong, Dazu, and Chengdu.
Essential Tips
- Expect plenty of stairs and uphill walking in Chongqing and Wulong
- Bring a light jacket for Wulong, especially in spring and autumn
- Comfortable walking shoes will make the trip much easier
- If you don’t eat spicy food, simply ask for mild spice when ordering
- Chongqing’s skyline looks especially stunning after dark, so keep your camera ready
- Slow down and spend some quiet time in a Chengdu tea house like the locals do
Gallery
FAQ
Is Wulong worth visiting from Chongqing?
Yes. Wulong is one of China’s most spectacular karst landscape areas and offers a completely different experience from Chongqing’s urban scenery.
How far is Wulong from Chongqing?
Wulong is approximately 3 hours from Chongqing by private vehicle or train.
What is special about the Dazu Rock Carvings?
The Dazu Rock Carvings are famous for their detailed Buddhist stone sculptures, religious art, and UNESCO World Heritage status.
Is this itinerary suitable for first-time visitors to China?
Yes. This route combines major highlights of Southwest China while balancing culture, nature, history, and local experiences.
When is the best time to visit Chongqing and Chengdu?
Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Can the hotels and itinerary be customized?
Absolutely. The itinerary can be fully adjusted according to travel pace, accommodation preferences, and personal interests.
