Overview
Discover the highlights of Southwest China on this 8-day Chengdu Chongqing Yangtze River Cruise tour.
Begin in Chengdu with giant pandas, Sichuan culture, and historic streets, then continue to the vibrant mountain city of Chongqing. Board a relaxing Yangtze River cruise and sail through the spectacular Three Gorges, enjoying breathtaking scenery and cultural excursions along the river.
This tour combines Chengdu, Chongqing, and the Yangtze River in one seamless journey. It is perfect for travelers seeking a balanced mix of culture, nature, city exploration, and classic China river cruising experiences.
Highlights
- Visit Chengdu’s famous Panda Base and experience the relaxed lifestyle and rich food culture
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Leshan Giant Buddha and Buddhist culture of Mount Emei
- Experience the vibrant mountain city of Chongqing
- Enjoy a classic Yangtze River cruise through the spectacular Three Gorges
- Visit cultural and historical attractions along the Yangtze River, such as Fengdu Ghost City or Shibaozhai
Itinerary
Day 1: Chengdu Airport → Hotel
The Experience:
Welcome to Chengdu, the relaxed and food-loving capital of Sichuan Province.
Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, your driver will meet you and transfer you comfortably to your hotel in the city center.
Depending on your arrival time and energy level, the rest of the day is free for you to recover from the journey and explore at your own pace.
Chengdu is famous for its laid-back atmosphere, lively parks, and rich culinary culture, making it a pleasant place to begin your China journey. You may take a gentle stroll through nearby local streets, visit a teahouse, or enjoy your first taste of authentic Sichuan cuisine.
After the exploration, return to your hotel and rest well for the exciting days ahead.
Day 2: Chengdu Panda Base → People's Park (Optional) → Jinli Old Street (Optional)
The Experience:
This morning, head to the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
We recommend leaving around 7:30–8:00 AM, as pandas are most active in the morning before they begin sleeping for the day. You’ll usually see them eating bamboo, climbing trees, or playing with each other.
The base is large and walking-friendly, with bamboo forests, lakes, and red pandas along the paths. A shuttle car is available inside if needed. We may stay here for around 3–4 hours.
In the afternoon, you can slow down at People’s Park, one of the best places to feel Chengdu’s relaxed lifestyle. Locals come here to drink tea, play mahjong, dance, and chat for hours. Sitting in a traditional teahouse with jasmine tea is a very local Chengdu experience.
Later, continue to Jinli Ancient Street, a lively old-style street filled with Sichuan snacks, souvenir shops, and traditional architecture. It becomes especially atmospheric after sunset when the red lanterns light up. Try local snacks if you like, and enjoy an easy evening walk before returning to your hotel.
Highlights:
- Close-up panda experience
Tips:
- Arrive early at the panda base to avoid crowds.
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Day 3: Chengdu → Leshan → Mount Emei
The Experience:
After breakfast, drive about 2 hours from Chengdu to the UNESCO-listed Leshan Giant Buddha.
It is the world’s largest stone Buddha carved into a riverside cliff more than 1,200 years ago. Standing 71 meters tall, the Buddha was built to calm the dangerous river currents where three rivers meet.
You’ll explore the scenic area on foot, including the cliffside path beside the Buddha for impressive close-up views. If weather and time permit, you may also choose an optional boat ride for a full panoramic view from the river. We’ll spend around 2–3 hours on the visit.
For lunch, don’t miss the chance to try local Leshan specialties. Leshan is well known across Sichuan for its food culture, especially bowl chicken (Bo Bo Ji), sweet skin duck, and local-style tofu pudding. Compared with Chengdu flavors, the food here is often slightly sweeter and lighter.
In the late afternoon, continue driving for about 1 hour to the foot of Mount Emei.
After arriving, check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by the peaceful mountain atmosphere.
Highlights:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
71-meter cliff-carved Buddha - Scenic mountain retreat
Tips:
- Be prepared for the steps when viewing the Buddha.
- The weather can change quickly in the mountains.
Day 4: Mount Emei → Chengdu
The Experience:
This morning, begin exploring Mount Emei, one of the most important Buddhist mountains in China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its misty forests, ancient temples, and peaceful atmosphere, Mount Emei has been a pilgrimage destination for over 1,000 years.
Depending on the route and weather, you’ll take the sightseeing bus up the mountain and continue exploring the scenic area on foot. Along the way, you may visit famous temples such as Wannian Temple and enjoy beautiful mountain scenery filled with old forests, streams, and occasional monkeys near the walking paths. As there will be some walking and stairs, comfortable shoes are recommended.
After the visit, drive back to Chengdu in the late afternoon, which usually takes around 2.5–3 hours.
The evening is free for you to relax or enjoy more local food in the city.
Highlights:
- Golden Summit views (UNESCO-listed)
- Sacred Buddhist temples
- Cable car experience
Tips:
- Layered clothing is recommended due to the elevation.
- Take a cable car to reduce hiking time.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
Day 5: Chengdu → Chongqing by High-speed train → Board the Yangtze Cruise
The Experience:
After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Chengdu East Railway Station. You will take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing. The journey usually takes around 1.5–2 hours, making it one of the fastest and most comfortable ways to travel between the two cities.
As the landscape gradually changes from the plains of Sichuan to Chongqing’s mountainous terrain, you’ll begin to feel the different atmosphere of this dramatic riverside metropolis.
Upon arrival, you may have some free time to explore Chongqing, depending on the cruise boarding schedule. Known as China’s “mountain city,” Chongqing is famous for its layered urban scenery, steep streets, spicy hotpot, and riverside skyline.
In the evening, transfer to the pier and board your Yangtze River Cruise. After check-in, settle into your cabin and enjoy the first views of Chongqing’s illuminated skyline as the cruise begins its journey along the legendary Yangtze River.
Highlights:
- Mountain city scenery
Tips:
- Arrive at the pier early for smooth boarding.
Day 6: Yangtze River Cruise → Fengdu Shore Excursion
The Experience:
You will wake up to a relaxing morning on the Yangtze River Cruise.
Today is a slower-paced day, allowing you to enjoy the scenery from the deck while experiencing life along the Yangtze River.
Depending on your cruise schedule, you’ll join a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, one of the most famous cultural sites along the Yangtze. With a history of nearly 2,000 years, Fengdu is known in Chinese folklore as the “City of Ghosts,” featuring ancient temples, statues, and traditional stories about the afterlife in Chinese culture. Even for non-religious visitors, the site offers an interesting look into local beliefs, legends, and architecture.
After returning to the ship, continue cruising through the Yangtze while enjoying the changing scenery, passing small riverside towns, green hills, and dramatic cliffs along the way.
In the evening, relax on board and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of river travel.
Highlights:
- Scenic river cruising
- Mythical Fengdu Ghost City
- Optional Shibaozhai Pagoda
Tips:
- Excursions vary by cruise company. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Day 7: Three Gorges & Shennv Stream
The Experience:
Today, the ship will pass through the legendary Three Gorges, including Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge, which is one of the scenic highlights of your Yangtze River Cruise journey. Surrounded by cliffs, misty mountains, and winding river views, this section of the Yangtze is considered one of China’s most famous natural landscapes.
During the cruise, you’ll transfer to a smaller boat for an excursion into Shennv Stream.
Compared with the wide Yangtze River, the stream feels quiet and hidden, with narrow waterways, forested cliffs, and traditional villages along the banks. The smaller boat allows you to get closer to the scenery while learning more about local life and the history of the gorge region.
After returning to the cruise ship, continue sailing through the dramatic landscapes of the Three Gorges and enjoy the final evening onboard.
Highlights:
- Dramatic gorge landscapes
- Goddess Stream boat ride
- Captain’s Farewell Party
Tips:
- Bring a light jacket for deck viewing.
Day 8: Cruise Disembarkation → Yichang → Departure
The Experience:
This morning, your Yangtze River Cruise arrives in Yichang, marking the end of your unforgettable Yangtze journey.
After breakfast onboard, disembark from the cruise ship and say goodbye to the dramatic landscapes of the Three Gorges.
Depending on your departure schedule, you may have a short transfer through Yichang before heading to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Your 8-day Chengdu, Chongqing, and Yangtze River Cruise tour comes to an end here, filled with giant pandas, mountain scenery, local culture, and one of China’s most iconic river experiences.
Optional: Experience the ship lift for a closer view of the dam.
Highlights:
- Three Gorges Dam visit
- Smooth transfer service
Accommodation
- Chengdu: 3 Nights
- Emei: 1 Night
- Yangtze River Cruise :3 Nights
Our standard selection features Comfort-tier hotels: highly rated, modern escapes handpicked for their prime locations.
For this route, we’ve planned strategic stays in downtown Chengdu for seamless transit and at the foot of Mount Emei, ensuring you’re perfectly positioned for an early start toward the summit.
For the Yangtze River cruise, we arranged the Standard cabin for comfort stays.
The listed price is based on standard hotels and cruise cabins. We offer fully customizable stays, from authentic boutique hideaways to world-class luxury retreats. Simply share your travel style, and we will curate a list of properties that perfectly match your vision and budget.
Cost
Included
- Private vehicle or transportation during the trip
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Hotel accommodation (7 nights, including cruise cabin)
- Breakfast at hotels
- Entrance tickets for the listed attractions
Excluded
- Flights or train tickets to Chengdu
- Personal expenses and tips
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- China visa fees
- Optional shore excursions
Transportation
- Chengdu → Leshan: Private vehicle
- Chengdu → Chongqing: High-speed train
- Yangtze River: Cruise ship
- Yichang Departure: Private vehicle & driver
- City transport: Private vehicle & driver
Essential Tips
- Yangtze water levels vary by season
- Bring sun protection for deck viewing
- Cruise cabins can be upgraded for better views
Gallery
FAQ
Is the cruise suitable for seniors?
Yes, cruise ships are comfortable and feature elevators and organized excursions.
Can I upgrade my cabin?
Yes, higher-deck and balcony cabins are available.
Can this tour be extended to Zhangjiajie or Shanghai?
Absolutely. Extensions can be arranged based on your schedule.
