China Highlights: Chongqing, Yichang & Nanjing – 9‑Day Itinerary

Day 1: Chongqing – Arrival & Riverside Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Chongqing and settle into your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely brunch by the Jialing River while soaking in the city’s skyline.

Afternoon: Stroll along the historic Hongya Cave, exploring its traditional shops, tea houses, and riverfront views.

Evening: Dine on hot pot at a local restaurant and wander the illuminated streets of Jiefangbei pedestrian square.

Day 2: Chongqing – Cultural Heritage

Morning: Take a short drive to the UNESCO‑listed Dazu Rock Carvings, marveling at the intricate Buddhist sculptures carved into cliffs.

Afternoon: Return to the city and explore the charming lanes of Ciqikou Ancient Town, sampling street snacks and browsing hand‑crafted goods.

Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife at Hongya Cave again, this time enjoying river lanterns and a performance of Sichuan opera.

Day 3: Chongqing – Wulong Karst Adventure

Morning: Depart early for the Wulong Karst landscape; the drive offers scenic mountain vistas.

Afternoon: Explore the famous Three Natural Bridges, the Fairy Mountain, and the stunning Houping Waterfall, perfect for photos and short hikes.

Evening: Return to Chongqing, relax with a soothing foot massage, and enjoy a quiet dinner near your hotel.

Day 4: Chongqing – Yangtze River Cruise

Morning: Board a short Yangtze River cruise from the Chaotianmen dock, watching the city’s skyline recede along the water.

Afternoon: Disembark at the bustling riverfront and visit the Chaotianmen Square museum to learn about the Yangtze’s history.

Evening: Conclude the day with a riverside dinner in the Jiefangbei district, sampling local dishes like spicy noodles.

Day 5: Yichang – Arrival & Three Gorges Dam

Morning: Travel by high‑speed train to Yichang; check in and freshen up.

Afternoon: Visit the monumental Three Gorges Dam, taking the observation deck for sweeping views of the reservoir.

Evening: Stroll along the Yangtze River promenade, enjoying night lights and a riverside snack market.

Day 6: Yichang – Fengdu Ghost City & River Cruise

Morning: Journey to the eerie Fengdu Ghost City, exploring its ghostly statues, temples, and the “Gate of the Underworld.”

Afternoon: Return to Yichang for a scenic Yangtze River cruise, admiring the cliffs and watching local fishermen at work.

Evening: Dine on fresh fish at a riverside restaurant and wander the bustling night market for souvenirs.

Day 7: Nanjing – Arrival & Confucius Temple District

Morning: Take a high‑speed train to Nanjing; settle into your accommodation.

Afternoon: Explore the lively Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) area, with its historic architecture, boutique shops, and riverside cafes.

Evening: Relax by Xuanwu Lake, enjoying paddle‑boat rides and illuminated pavilions.

Day 8: Nanjing – Purple Mountain & City Wall

Morning: Climb Purple Mountain to visit the impressive Sun Yat‑sen Mausoleum and enjoy panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Descend to explore the majestic Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, wandering its Sacred Way of stone statues.

Evening: Walk along the illuminated Nanjing City Wall, especially the Zhonghua Gate segment, for a historic night‑time experience.

Day 9: Nanjing – Museum & Departure

Morning: Visit the expansive Nanjing Museum, showcasing ancient bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy.

Afternoon: Spend your final hours shopping for local delicacies and crafts on Dehua Road before heading to the airport.

Evening: Depart Nanjing with memories of three diverse Chinese cities.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Hongya Cave – 2 hrs – ¥120
• Dazu Rock Carvings – 3 hrs – ¥150
• Ciqikou Ancient Town – 2 hrs – ¥80
• Wulong Karst (full day) – 8 hrs – ¥300
• Yangtze River Cruise (Chongqing) – 2 hrs – ¥200
• Three Gorges Dam – 3 hrs – ¥180
• Fengdu Ghost City – 4 hrs – ¥220
• Yangtze River Cruise (Yichang) – 2 hrs – ¥180
• Sun Yat‑sen Mausoleum – 2 hrs – ¥100
• Purple Mountain (general) – 3 hrs – ¥0
• Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum – 2 hrs – ¥70
• Nanjing City Wall (Zhonghua Gate) – 2 hrs – ¥90
• Nanjing Museum – 2 hrs – ¥60
• Jiefangbei – 1.5 hrs – ¥0
• Total Estimated Cost – ¥1,750

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding a day in Chongqing for a visit to the Chaotianmen Night Cruise or a day in Nanjing to explore the Qinhuai River waterway. If you need to shorten the itinerary, you can combine the Yichang river cruise with the Three Gorges Dam visit on the same half‑day and skip the evening market, freeing up a half‑day for travel to Nanjing.