Overview
Discover the dual hearts of Southwest China.
This 9-day curated route balances the “slow life” of Chengdu’s teahouses with the vertical energy of Chongqing. You will stand face-to-face with giant pandas, ascend the golden summit of Mount Emei, and explore the subterranean magic of Wulong’s karst caves.
By blending private transfers for comfort with the efficiency of China’s high-speed rail, we ensure you spend less time in transit and more time immersed in the spicy flavors, deep history, and breathtaking landscapes of Sichuan and Chongqing.
Highlights
- Meet giant pandas at Chengdu Panda Base
- Walk through history at Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Old Street
- Experience Chengdu’s slow lifestyle in a traditional teahouse
- Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha and hike Mount Emei
- Ride the high-speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing
- Discover Chongqing’s iconic Liziba monorail and Hongyadon
- Explore Wulong’s UNESCO karst landscapes and Furong Cave
Itinerary
Day 1: Chengdu Airport → Hotel
The Experience:
Your journey begins with a warm welcome at the airport or train station, where your private driver will be waiting to whisk you away to your hotel in the heart of the city.
Once you’ve checked in and refreshed, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
You might choose to take a gentle stroll through the Kuanzhai Alleys, or enjoy a quiet first dinner near the hotel and rest.
Highlights:
- Hassle-free private airport transfer.
- First taste of authentic Sichuanese cuisine.
- Overnight: Chengdu
Day 2: Chengdu Panda Base → Wuhou Shrine → Jinli Old Street
The Experience:
In the early morning, we will drive you to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. You will watch the pandas during their breakfast. This is their most active and playful time.
Then, we’ll have a simple lunch and transfer to the historical Wuhou Shrine. It’s a serene temple complex dedicated to the heroes of the Three Kingdoms.
Later in the afternoon, we step right next door into the lively atmosphere of Jinli Ancient Street, where traditional architecture meets vibrant folk art.
Highlights:
- Giant Panda and Red Panda sightings.
- Three Kingdoms history.
- Jinli’s red-lantern charm.
Tips:
- Arrive at the Panda Base by 7:30 AM to beat the large tour groups and see the pandas eating.
- Overnight: Chengdu
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Shu Embroidery Museum → Wenshu Monastery → Teahouse
The Experience:
The morning begins with a visit to the Shu Embroidery Museum, where you can witness masters creating “living” silk art with stitches so fine they seem like paintings.
From there, we head to the peaceful Wenshu Monastery to explore its intricate wooden carvings and tranquil gardens.
To truly embrace the Chengdu lifestyle, we end the afternoon at a traditional teahouse near Wenshu Monastery, sitting on bamboo chairs and sipping jasmine tea, just as the locals have for centuries.
Highlights:
- Master-level silk embroidery demonstrations.
- Monastery architecture in the city
- Authentic teahouse culture.
Tips:
- Try the famous vegetarian lunch at Wenshu Monastery for a light and healthy meal.
- Overnight: Chengdu
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Chengdu → Leshan → Mount Emei
The Experience:
We leave the city behind and drive south to Leshan, home to the largest stone Buddha in the world.
In the morning, we explore the Leshan Giant Buddha. We will climb the cliffside paths to stand level with the Buddha’s massive head before descending the “Nine Turns Plank Road” to his feet.
If you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to see the full panoramic scale of the statue, we can arrange a boat view. From the water, you can see the “sleeping Buddha” silhouette of the entire mountain range.
After the sightseeing, we dive into a local food crawl. There is a famous saying in Sichuan: “Chengdu is the capital of food, but Leshan is the source of the flavor.” We will spend our lunch hour tasting the city’s legendary street snacks, from sweet “Crispy Duck” to savory “Beef Qiaojia” soup.
After lunch, we continue our private drive to the foot of Mt. Emei to check into our mountain resort.
Highlights:
- Standing at the toes of the 71-meter Buddha.
- A culinary deep-dive into Leshan’s famous street food.
Tips:
- If you choose the walking option, wear shoes with excellent grip.
- Leshan’s snack culture is the best in the province!
- Overnight: Emei
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Mount Emei → Chengdu
The Experience:
Today, we ascend the sacred Mt. Emei.
In the morning, we take a sightseeing bus and cable car to reach the Golden Summit. Standing at over 3,000 meters, you will marvel at the shimmering multi-faced bronze statue of Samantabhadra and, if the weather is clear, look out over a spectacular “Sea of Clouds.”
After lunch, we descend the mountain and make our way back to the familiar comfort of Chengdu for the evening.
Highlights:
- High-altitude views from the Golden Summit.
- Wild macaque sightings.
- 48-meter golden statue.
Tips:
- It is much colder at the summit than at the base, so remember to bring a warm jacket!
- Overnight: Chengdu
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Chengdu → Chongqing (HSR) → Liziba → Hongyadong → Nanbin Road
The Experience:
After a final Chengdu breakfast, we take the high-speed train to Chongqing, arriving in just 1.5 hours.
Your Chongqing journey begins with a visit to the surreal Liziba Station, where the monorail famously passes through a residential building.
As evening falls, we explore the glittering stilt-houses of Hongyadong.Â
Then, we take a walk along the Nanbin Road, seeing the skyline across the Yangtze River.Â
Highlights:
- High-speed rail experience.
- Liziba “train through building”.
- Hongyadong night lights.
Tips:
- Nanbin Road offers the absolute best vantage point for photos of the city’s neon skyline.
- Overnight: Chongqing
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Chongqing → Wulong
The Experience:
In the morning, we set out on a private drive into the rugged heart of the Wulong Karst National Park and arrive about noon. We will have lunch outside the park.
This afternoon is spent descending into the Three Natural Bridges, walking along the floor of a massive limestone canyon beneath arches that feel like nature’s own cathedrals. The dramatic scenery here is so otherworldly that it served as a filming location for Transformers.
We stay overnight in Wulong to enjoy the serenity of the mountains.
Highlights:
- Three Natural Bridges.
- UNESCO World Heritage karst landscapes.
Tips:
- Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the canyon floor paths can sometimes be damp.
- Overnight: Wulong
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Furong Cave → Chongqing
The Experience:
Our exploration continues at Furong Cave, a subterranean wonderland filled with colorful stalactites and “crystal palaces” reflected in underground pools.
Then, we drive back to Chongqing.
For your final evening, we suggest a celebratory Chongqing Hot Pot dinner at a restaurant with a view, marking the perfect spicy end to your Southwest China adventure.
Highlights:
- Furong Cave’s intricate formations
Tips:
- The cave maintains a constant cool temperature, making it a perfect escape from the humidity.
- Overnight: Chongqing
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Hotel → Chongqing Airport/Station → Departure
The Experience:
Enjoy one last relaxed morning in the “Mountain City” before your private driver arrives to take you to the airport or train station.
As you head toward your next destination, you’ll carry with you the memories of misty mountains, spicy flavors, and the friendly faces of Sichuan and Chongqing.
Tips:
- Make sure you take everything, especially the passport, with you.
- Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
- Chengdu: 4 Nights
- Emei: 1 Night
- Wulong: 1 Night
- Chongqing: 2 Nights
We hand-pick boutique hotels and international 4-5 star properties that prioritize local character and tranquility.
We also provide 100% tailor-made adjustments to match your pace, hotel preferences, and specific interests.
Cost
Included
- High-speed train tickets: Chengdu – Chongqing.
- Private air-conditioned vehicles: Chengdu - Leshan, Leshan Emei, Emei - Chengdu.
- Private air-conditioned vehicles for all local transfers.
- Expert English-speaking local guide.
- All entrance fees (Panda Base, Leshan, Mt. Emei, Wulong).
- Main cable car/shuttle bus tickets (Mt. Emei, Wulong).
- 8 nights of hand-picked accommodation with breakfast.
Excluded
- International or domestic flights/trains to Chengdu.
- Lunches and dinners (freedom to explore local tastes).
- Personal expenses.
- Travel insurance.
- Gratuities for guide and driver.
- Chinese visa fees.
- Optional activities.
Transportation
- Chengdu → Chongqing: High-speed train
- Chengdu → Leshan → Emei → Chengdu: Private vehicles
- Chongqing → Wulong → Chongqing: Private vehicles
- City touring: Private car + walking
Essential Tips
- Chengdu and Chongqing local food is famously spicy; we can always request "mild" or non-spicy versions for you.
- Mountain temperatures fluctuate quickly; always carry a light layer.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes throughout the trip.
- Keep some cash for small vendors, like in Wulong.
Gallery
FAQ
How do we get from Chengdu to Chongqing?
We use the high-speed rail, which is a comfortable and scenic 1.5-hour journey between the two cities.
Can we see the filming site from the Transformers movie?
Yes! We visit the Three Natural Bridges in Wulong on Day 7, where the iconic “Outpost” scene was filmed.
Is this route suitable for people who don't like spicy food?
Absolutely. While the region is known for spice, there are many delicious mild options, and your guide will help you order exactly to your taste.
Is 9 days enough for Chengdu and Chongqing?
Yes, 9 days is ideal to cover both cities plus Mount Emei, Leshan, and Wulong without rushing.
Is Mount Emei difficult to hike?
Not necessarily. You can combine hiking with buses and cable cars depending on your preference.
When is the best time for this itinerary?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the best weather.
Can this itinerary be customized?
Yes. This route is fully flexible. We can adjust pace, hotels, or experiences to match your travel style.
