Depart Edinburgh (EDI) on an international itinerary to Chongqing Jiangbei (CKG) with one connection (typical routing via London/Doha/Beijing); expect long-haul + connection time. Book an overnight or same-day connection depending on schedules.
Use the long flight to rest; bring noise-cancelling headphones and a travel pillow for arrival ready to explore. Flights cross time zones so plan light activities the first full day in China.
Arrive at Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) and transfer ~40–60 minutes to central Jiefangbei or Nan'an riverside hotel. Check-in and rest after the long flight.
Try a popular local shop (e.g., Chen Mapo Xiao Mian) for Chongqing xiao mian — light, spicy noodles and an ideal first taste of the region. Many shops open from 7:00–21:00.
Explore Jiefangbei pedestrian zone—the city’s commercial heart—great for orientation and window-shopping; it's lively throughout the day and excellent for people-watching.
Walk down to the riverside Hongya Cave complex for layered architecture, views of the Yangtze confluence and evening lights; shops and restaurants operate until late (most 10:00–22:00).
Savor Chongqing-style hotpot at a reputable chain such as Xiaolongkan or Haidilao; hotpot is open late and perfect for a first night — reserve if possible.
Grab a local breakfast (jianbing crepe or soy milk with youtiao) from a neighborhood stall to fuel a full sightseeing day; many stalls open from 6:30–9:30.
Visit the Three Gorges Museum (approx. 9:00–17:00), a modern museum covering the region’s history, archaeology and the Three Gorges Dam impact; allow time for the permanent galleries.
Head to Ciqikou Ancient Town (open roughly 8:00–20:00) and try local snacks like stinky tofu, sesame candy and river shrimp in a historic riverside setting.
Explore the Dazu grottoes (open approx. 8:00–18:00) with intricate Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian sculptures dating back to the 9th–13th centuries; allow 2–3 hours for principal sites.
Hike and take the shuttle/cable options inside the park; the scenic area is typically open 8:00–17:00 and features dramatic karst bridges and limestone gorges.
Board a short 2-night Yangtze cruise at Chaotianmen/nearby terminal; these cruises typically include cabins, meals and guided shore excursions and depart in the early afternoon. (Typical cruise hours vary by operator.)
Disembark for guided shore excursions (typical stops include Fengdu Ghost City or Shibaozhai Pagoda depending on route); excursion timings vary by cruise operator—shore visits usually occur morning to early afternoon.
Disembark and transfer back to central Chongqing; exact disembark port and timing depends on your cruise operator—confirm meeting points the night before.
Board an evening high-speed train from Chongqing North/West to Chengdu East (approx 2–3 hours); trains run frequently and are convenient—book advance seats.
Visit Wuhou Shrine (historical museum for the Three Kingdoms era) and stroll Jinli Ancient Street for handicrafts, tea houses and snacks (most open 9:00–21:00).
Travel by bullet train or private car to Leshan (~1.5–2 hours); arrive early to avoid crowds at the giant Buddha complex, which typically opens around 7:30–18:00.
Return to Chengdu in the late afternoon and enjoy a quieter evening—perhaps a Sichuan opera face-changing show if you’re interested (evening performances around 19:30–21:00).
Take an afternoon high-speed train back to Chongqing (approx 2–3 hours). Arrive and check into a riverside or central hotel near the airport/train station depending on your outbound flight time next day.
Fly Chongqing back to Edinburgh with one connection; most itineraries include an overnight segment and arrive back in the UK same day or next depending on layovers and time zones. Confirm visas/entry requirements for any transfer airports.