Start with soy milk, youtiao and a bowl of Sichuan-style congee at a teahouse in People's Park to see locals doing tai chi and drinking tea; it's a gentle introduction to Chengdu life. Check teahouse opening times (typically 8:00am–6:00pm).
Visit this shrine dedicated to Zhuge Liang to learn Three Kingdoms history and see classical gardens; it's peaceful in the morning. Open roughly 8:00am–6:00pm — check seasonal hours and book tickets ahead if needed.
Stroll the restored lanes of Kuanzhai for architecture, local crafts and snack vendors; late morning is less crowded than evening. Open all day; some shops open 9:00am onwards.
Try authentic mapo tofu and other classic Sichuan dishes — a great introduction to the region's flavours. Most reputable restaurants open 11:00am–2:30pm for lunch.
Relax in a traditional teahouse, watch mahjong and chat with locals; this is an iconic Chengdu experience and a good low-energy afternoon activity. Teahouses typically operate 8:00am–6:00pm.
Explore Jinli for handicrafts, Sichuan snacks and atmospheric lantern-lit streets; the street becomes most atmospheric from dusk onwards. Shops typically open until 9:00pm–10:00pm; some attractions are later.
Sample Chengdu hotpot at a well-known local chain for a reliable, authentic meal; a great way to experience local spice and communal dining. Most hotpot restaurants open from late afternoon into the night (around 5:00pm–2:00am), but peak times are evening.
Visit early when pandas (especially cubs) are most active — see feeding and playtime in the enclosures and learn about conservation. Open around 7:30am–6:00pm; book tickets online and aim for arrival before 9:00am for best viewing.
Choose a quieter cultural stop such as the Sichuan Museum to see regional artefacts, or enjoy a local park walk to digest the morning. Museum hours typically 9:00am–5:00pm — confirm ahead.
Try dan dan noodles or local cold dishes at a neighbourhood restaurant to vary the morning's heavy flavours and recharge. Many lunch spots operate 11:00am–2:30pm.
Return to Kuanzhai/Xi'an-style lanes for souvenir shopping, tea and street snacks; afternoons are good for browsing galleries and boutiques. Shops usually open 9:00am–9:00pm.
Have a lighter dinner near the theatre district so you're ready for the evening performance; choose stir-fry or dumplings if you want to avoid heavy spice before the show. Restaurants typically open through the evening.
See the famous mask-changing performance and short folk operas in a classic teahouse setting — a must-see cultural experience. Performances generally run 7:30pm–9:00pm; book a ticket in advance.
Have a quick breakfast at the hotel or a bakery and head to Chengdu East/West Station for the high-speed train to Leshan; trains take about 50–90 minutes. Verify train times and arrive at the station 30 minutes before departure.
View the world's largest stone Buddha carved into a cliff; you can walk the park paths and take a short boat ride for a riverside view. Park opening is typically 8:00am–6:00pm; the cliff path and boat have separate ticketing and seasonal hours.
Take the short sightseeing boat to view the Buddha from the river for a classic perspective; boats often operate 8:00am–5:30pm depending on water level and season. Buy tickets at the pier.
Try local freshwater fish and Sichuan sides at a restaurant near the scenic area before returning to Chengdu. Restaurants close to attractions usually serve until mid-afternoon.
Board a fast intercity train to Chongqing (about 2–2.5 hours) — trains run frequently but book in advance for evening seats. Check departure station (Chengdu East or South) and arrival (Chongqing North or West).
Arrive in Chongqing and head straight to enjoy spicy Chongqing hotpot at a recommended local restaurant or a reliable chain like Haidilao if you prefer English service. Most hotpot restaurants are open late into the night.
Start the day with a bowl of Chongqing xiao mian at a local noodle shop; it's quick, cheap and a local staple. Many noodle shops open from early morning.
Explore this well-preserved riverside old town with teahouses, snack stalls and old architecture; mornings are pleasant before the main crowds arrive. Open generally 8:30am–6:00pm.
Try local snacks in Ciqikou or a riverside restaurant with freshwater dishes and small plates. Lunch venues near attractions typically serve until mid-afternoon.
Visit the free Three Gorges Museum to learn about the Yangtze, the dam project and local history, then walk Jiefangbei commercial district for modern Chongqing contrast. Museum hours usually 9:00am–5:00pm; confirm special closure days.
See the famous stilted buildings on the riverside; the area is atmospheric at dusk with lights and food stalls. Shops and restaurants are typically open until late evening.
Take an evening river cruise for illuminated skyline views — schedules vary by season so check departure time and book in advance. Cruises commonly run 7:00pm–9:30pm; price depends on vessel and duration.
Have a quick breakfast and join a guided transfer or take the bus/train to Dazu; the site is UNESCO-listed and best seen with context from a guide. Buses and tours often depart early; check schedules and book a tour if preferred.
Explore the intricate Buddhist, Taoist and folk carvings that date from the 9th–13th centuries; it's a unique cultural highlight outside central Chongqing. Opening hours are typically 8:00am–5:30pm; reserve at least 2–3 hours to see the main groups.
Enjoy a relaxing lunch of local Chongqing/Sichuan dishes near the site before returning to the city. Local restaurants generally serve until mid-afternoon.
Head back to the city, spend late afternoon visiting a local market or do any final souvenir shopping around Jiefangbei. Markets usually trade until early evening; confirm closing times for particular stalls.
Have a final Chongqing feast — revisit hotpot or try another regional speciality along the riverside to round off the trip. Most good restaurants open through the evening; reserve a table if required.
Use this time to get to the airport, train station or your next destination — allow 90–120 minutes for transit to Chongqing Jiangbei Airport or major train stations depending on traffic. Plan travel time according to your departure schedule.