2-Week China Itinerary: Chengdu, Zhangjiajie & Chongqing

Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu

Morning: Arrive in Chengdu, check into your hotel and rest after your flight.

Afternoon: Visit the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see panda cubs and adults in a naturalistic environment.

Evening: Explore Jinli Ancient Street, enjoying local snacks and traditional shops.

Day 2: Chengdu Culture & Cuisine

Morning: Visit the Wuhou Shrine to learn about the Three Kingdoms history.

Afternoon: Explore Kuanzhai Alley, a historic area with traditional architecture and tea houses.

Evening: Attend a Sichuan Opera Face Changing Show for an unforgettable cultural experience.

Day 3: Leshan Giant Buddha Day Trip

Morning: Travel to Leshan to visit the massive Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone Buddha statue in the world.

Afternoon: Take a boat ride to view the Buddha from the river and explore nearby scenic spots.

Evening: Return to Chengdu and enjoy a hotpot dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Travel to Zhangjiajie

Morning: Fly or take a train from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie, check into your hotel.

Afternoon: Relax and explore the vicinity or visit the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge for breathtaking views.

Evening: Walk through the local night market and try regional specialties.

Day 5: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Morning: Explore Huangshi Village and admire the towering sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Afternoon: Visit Yuanjiajie, known as the inspiration for the floating mountains in "Avatar".

Evening: Return to town and rest or enjoy a quiet dinner.

Day 6: Tianzi Mountain & Golden Whip Stream

Morning: Take a cable car to Tianzi Mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the area.

Afternoon: Hike along the serene Golden Whip Stream, surrounded by lush forests and cliffs.

Evening: Experience local folk performances if available or relax at your accommodation.

Day 7: Zhangjiajie to Chongqing

Morning: Travel from Zhangjiajie to Chongqing by high-speed train or flight.

Afternoon: Visit Ci Qi Kou Ancient Town, a historic riverside village with shops and teahouses.

Evening: Stroll along the Yangtze River Cableway and enjoy night views of the city’s illuminated skyline.

Day 8: Chongqing City Exploration

Morning: Explore The Three Gorges Museum to learn about the Yangtze River and local history.

Afternoon: Visit Hongya Cave, a popular area built into cliffs with bars, restaurants, and shops.

Evening: Enjoy a hotpot dinner at one of Chongqing’s famous restaurants.

Day 9: Day Trip to Dazu Rock Carvings

Morning: Travel to Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with intricate Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian sculptures.

Afternoon: Continue exploring the carvings and surrounding scenic areas.

Evening: Return to Chongqing and rest.

Day 10: Wulong Karst National Geology Park

Morning: Take a day trip to Wulong Karst National Geology Park, famous for its natural bridges and gorges.

Afternoon: Explore the Three Natural Bridges and scenic walking trails.

Evening: Return to Chongqing and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Day 11: Relax & Shopping in Chongqing

Morning: Visit People's Liberation Monument and nearby shopping areas for souvenirs.

Afternoon: Explore local markets or take a stroll in parks such as Eling Park.

Evening: Try street food and street performances around Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street.

Day 12: Return to Chengdu

Morning: Travel back to Chengdu by train or flight.

Afternoon: Visit People’s Park and experience teahouse culture with locals.

Evening: Dining at a local Sichuan restaurant with spicy specialties.

Day 13: Dujiangyan & Qingcheng Mountain Day Trip

Morning: Visit the ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO site, and learn about its engineering marvel.

Afternoon: Explore Qingcheng Mountain, a sacred Taoist mountain with beautiful hiking trails.

Evening: Return to Chengdu and relax.

Day 14: Departure

Morning: Last minute shopping or visit a local tea house before your flight.

Afternoon: Transfer to Chengdu airport for your onward flight.

Evening: Fly home with wonderful memories of your China adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: 3-4 hours, approx. ¥60
• Jinli Ancient Street: 2-3 hours, free entry, snacks ¥30-50
• Sichuan Opera Face Changing Show: 2 hours, approx. ¥150-200
• Leshan Giant Buddha: Full day trip, ¥90 entrance + transportation ¥100-200
• Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge: 2-3 hours, ¥138
• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Huangshi Village & Yuanjiajie): Full day, ¥248 park ticket + cable car fees ¥100-150
• Tianzi Mountain & Golden Whip Stream: Full day, included in park ticket + cable car ¥100-150
• Ci Qi Kou Ancient Town: 3-4 hours, free entrance, snacks/shopping ¥50-100
• Yangtze River Cableway: 1 hour, ¥30-40
• The Three Gorges Museum: 2-3 hours, free entry
• Hongya Cave: 2-3 hours, free entry, dining ¥80-150
• Dazu Rock Carvings: Day trip, ¥90 admission + transport ¥100-150
• Wulong Karst Park: Full day, ¥135 admission + transport ¥150-200
• People's Liberation Monument & Shopping: 3-4 hours, shopping budget flexible
• Dujiangyan Irrigation System & Qingcheng Mountain: Full day, ¥90 + ¥90 admission + transport ¥100-150

Total estimated cost (entrance, transportation & meals): ¥3500 - ¥4200 (approx. $500 - $600 USD)

Tips

To extend your trip, consider adding more time in Zhangjiajie for additional hikes or exploring nearby Fenghuang Ancient Town. You could also spend an extra day in Chongqing to take a cruise on the Yangtze River.

To reduce the trip duration, focus on Chengdu and Chongqing only, skipping Zhangjiajie, which requires longer travel time. This will give more time to experience the cities’ culture and cuisine at a relaxed pace.