Arrive in Chongqing and settle into your Yuzhong District hotel near Jiefangbei, then take a relaxed walk to the nearby Liberation Monument (Jiefangbei) to get your first feel for the city’s skyline and bustling pedestrian streets. Pop into a local café or bakery for tea and a light breakfast, and if time permits visit a small neighborhood market to watch vendors sell fresh produce and local snacks.
Head down to the riverside at Chaotianmen Dock for sweeping views where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet, and stroll along the scenic promenade toward Hongya Cave’s cliffside shops to sample street bites like spicy skewers and sweet sesame cakes. If you prefer a museum stop, the Three Gorges Museum (a short taxi away) offers an excellent introduction to the region’s history and the Yangtze before you continue exploring the winding alleys around Hongya Cave.
As dusk falls, cross the river on one of Chongqing’s famous cable cars (Qiansimen or Liziba line) for dramatic illuminated cityscapes, then enjoy your first Chongqing hotpot in a well-known Jiefangbei restaurant — order a mild-and-spicy dual broth to ease into the heat. Finish the night with a riverside walk or an evening cruise from Chaotianmen to admire the layered neon architecture and bridges that make Chongqing’s night skyline unforgettable.
Start the day with a short taxi or metro ride to Ci Qi Kou Old Town, where narrow stone streets, teahouses and artisan shops give a tangible sense of old Chongqing; sip jasmine tea at a riverside teahouse (try Longyin or a small family-run place) while watching traditional pottery demonstrations and sampling local snacks like glutinous rice cakes and spicy bean curd. Wander the lanes to the Erlang Temple and small galleries, and pick up handcrafted souvenirs from woodcarvers and ceramic stalls that reflect the city’s craft heritage.
Return toward the city center and stop at the Three Gorges Museum if you missed it yesterday or want a deeper look at the Yangtze’s history, then stroll through the bustling streets around Jiefangbei to observe local life and window-shop for Chongqing specialties such as preserved chilies and Sichuan pepper. For a lighter midday meal, try a bowl of Chongqing xiaomian (spicy noodles) at a popular stall like Xiaomian Mian Guan before heading to Chaotianmen to enjoy riverbank views where the Jialing meets the Yangtze.
For your hotpot initiation, choose a well-regarded restaurant near Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave—options include the acclaimed Lao Ma Tou or a recommended neighborhood favorite—and order a divided pot so you can balance the numbing mala broth with a milder bone or mushroom stock while trying sliced beef, lotus root, and house-made beef tendon. After dinner, walk down to Chaotianmen Dock for illuminated riverside views or hop on a short evening cruise to see Chongqing’s layered skyline one more time before turning in.
Begin the day at the Three Gorges Museum in the Shapingba area to deepen your understanding of the Yangtze’s history, the Three Gorges project and local Chongqing culture — allow time for the permanent exhibits and the large river model. After the museum, stroll across to the nearby People’s Assembly Hall and its gardens for classic municipal architecture and a few calm photo stops before returning toward the city center.
Head to Hongya Cave for lunch amid its cliffside shops and food stalls, sampling skewered mala (spicy) treats, fried rice cakes and sweet sesame balls as you explore multiple levels of traditional-style shops and craft stalls. Walk along the riverside promenade toward Chaotianmen Dock to watch river traffic where the Jialing and Yangtze meet, and consider a short boat ride or a cable car crossing for fresh vantage points of the layered city.
Return to the Jiefangbei area for dinner — try a highly rated hotpot spot or a local Sichuan restaurant serving mapo tofu and twice-cooked pork to build on yesterday’s flavors — then wander Hongya Cave once more as its lanterns and neon lights illuminate the cliff-face shops. Finish with a relaxed riverside walk or an optional evening cruise from Chaotianmen to admire Chongqing’s dramatic, lit-up skyline before heading back to your hotel.
Set out early from Chongqing and take the roughly 2-hour drive or high-speed train plus short taxi to Dazu to arrive before the crowds; begin at the Baodingshan (Baoding Mountain) complex to marvel at its exquisitely preserved Tang- and Song-dynasty stone carvings and the dramatic Avalokitesvara and arhats panels, following the paved paths while your guide points out iconography and inscriptions. Pause at the hilltop viewing platforms for sweeping views of the valley and to appreciate the scale and serene craftsmanship before descending to the visitors’ area for a light snack or tea.
After a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant near the site (try regional riverfish or Chongqing-style small dishes), visit the Dazu Nanshan or Beiwei rock carvings to compare different styles — the sleeping Buddha, intricate Buddhist scenes and Daoist motifs offer contrasting moods and photo opportunities. Wander the surrounding village lanes to see local life, pick up hand-carved souvenirs, and if time allows, stop at the Dazu Rock Carvings Museum for contextual exhibits that explain the sites’ history and conservation.
Return to Chongqing in the late afternoon with enough time to freshen up at your Yuzhong hotel, then enjoy a relaxed dinner back in Jiefangbei or along the river — opt for a lighter Sichuan meal after a full day of walking, such as a cold platter (liangcai) and a gentle soup. Finish the night with a quiet riverside stroll at Chaotianmen or revisit Hongya Cave’s illuminated terraces for a final look at the cliffside shops and nightscape before turning in.
If you choose a Yangtze River cruise segment, rise early to board at Chaotianmen Dock and enjoy the shifting riverlight as the ship threads past Chongqing’s layered skyline; have breakfast on deck while scanning for riverside villages and passing barges and listen to onboard commentary about the river’s ecology and the Three Gorges. If instead you’re taking high-speed rail to Chengdu, check out of your Yuzhong hotel after a quick Jiefangbei coffee and catch a taxi to Chongqing North or West Railway Station for the ~2-3 hour journey, using the ride to rest and skim a guidebook on Sichuan highlights awaiting you.
On a cruise, spend the afternoon on excursions or river-view decks — join a shore walk to a nearby riverside town or attend a short lecture about the Three Gorges project before enjoying a leisurely lunch of river fish and regional specialties on board. If traveling by train or private transfer, arrive in Chengdu mid-to-late afternoon, settle into your hotel near People’s Park or Kuanzhai Alleys, then take a gentle orientation stroll through the Wide and Narrow Alleys to reacquaint your senses with Sichuan teas and local snacks.
Whether arriving by boat or rail, aim for a relaxed evening to transition from travel: cruise passengers can savor an onboard Sichuan-style dinner as the city lights recede, while rail travelers should head to a nearby teahouse in People’s Park for a calming cup of jasmine or puerh tea and watch locals play mahjong. Finish the night with a short walk in Tiandi or along Jinjiang Riverbank to stretch your legs and prepare for tomorrow’s panda visit and deeper Chengdu explorations.
Arrive in Chengdu and check into your hotel near People’s Park or the Wide & Narrow Alleys; leave your bags and take a slow walk into People’s Park to watch locals practice tai chi, sing in the morning square, and join a line of elders playing mahjong — grab a light breakfast of danbing (egg crepe) or zajiang noodles at a nearby stall. Pop into the park’s Heming Teahouse to witness the traditional tea-pouring ceremony and sip a calming cup of jasmine or puerh as you acclimatize to Sichuan’s laid-back rhythm.
Stroll from People’s Park into the nearby Wide & Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Xiangzi) for a relaxed afternoon of browsing boutique shops, snack stalls and craft stores; sample local treats like cold noodles, rabbit head (if adventurous) or sweet sesame balls and stop at a courtyard teahouse for another round of tea and people-watching. Wander the alleys’ narrow courtyards and take in restored Qing-era architecture, stopping at small galleries and Sichuan opera mask shops to pick up unique souvenirs that build on your Chongqing cultural discoveries.
For a gentle first evening in Chengdu, return to People’s Park or head to Jinli/Kuanzhai’s atmospheric restaurants for a mellow Sichuan meal — try mapo tofu or kung pao chicken with a side of liangfen (chilled mung-bean jelly) to ease into the cuisine. Finish with a relaxed visit to a teahouse with live folk music or an early Sichuan opera performance (face-changing shows are available at nearby theaters) to round out the day before turning in and preparing for tomorrow’s panda base visit.
Rise early and take a short taxi or the metro to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to catch peak panda activity — watch playful cubs tumbling near the indoor enclosures, see adults munch on bamboo, and visit the nursery and research exhibits to learn about conservation efforts. Spend time on the shaded walkways photographing the pandas and pause at the onsite café for a light bamboo-themed snack before returning to the city feeling delighted and informed.
After returning to central Chengdu, linger over a relaxed lunch in Kuanzhai Alley at a courtyard teahouse—try mapo tofu or a mellow dan dan noodle—and then browse the nearby shops for Sichuan opera masks, lacquerware, and local teas. If you have energy, visit Wuhou Shrine or stroll Jinli Ancient Street’s restored lanes for atmospheric architecture, snack stalls (try sweet sticky rice cakes) and street performances that deepen your appreciation of Sichuan culture.
As dusk falls, enjoy an early dinner at a classic Sichuan restaurant near Jinli, sampling a sampler platter of cold dishes (liangcai) and a gentle fish or mushroom soup to balance the spice, then head to a nearby theater for a Sichuan opera show featuring dramatic face-changing (bian lian) and soulful melodies. Finish the night with a final cup of jasmine or puerh tea at a Kuanzhai teahouse, reflecting on the day’s gentle wildlife encounter and the theatrical traditions that make Chengdu so memorable.
Depart early from Chengdu—take the high-speed train from Chengdu East or a private car for the roughly 1-1.5 hour journey—and arrive in Leshan to head straight for the Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area. Walk along the riverside promenade to the best vantage points for full-length views of the 71-meter stone Buddha, learn about its Tang-dynasty carving at the onsite museum, and, if you’re comfortable with stairs, descend the staircase to the base for dramatic close-up perspectives and river views.
After a leisurely riverside lunch near Jiaolong Bay—try local Sichuan river fish or a simple stir-fry—take a short boat cruise from the jetty opposite the Buddha for that iconic panorama of the statue carved into the cliff face, then visit Lingyun Temple to explore its halls, pavilions and tranquil courtyard gardens. If time allows, stroll the nearby streets for tea and sweet snacks, or pop into the Leshan Museum to see regional ceramics and exhibits that place the Buddha in local cultural context.
Return to Chengdu in the late afternoon and check back into your hotel to freshen up, then enjoy a relaxed evening meal in the Wide & Narrow Alleys area—opt for a mellow Sichuan hotpot or a selection of liangcai (cold dishes) to balance the day’s walking. Finish with a quiet cup of tea at a courtyard teahouse near Kuanzhai Alley, reflecting on the scale and serenity of the Giant Buddha and preparing for tomorrow’s Mount Emei or local cultural immersion option.
If you choose Mount Emei, depart early from Chengdu and take the high-speed train or private car to Emeishan, then ride the shuttle and cable car up toward the Qingyin Pavilion area to enjoy crisp mountain air and early-morning temple bells at Baoguo Temple and Wannian Temple — pause at viewing platforms for mistwreathed panoramas and to spot macaques among the pines. If you prefer to stay local, spend the morning at the Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street, exploring Shu Han history, strolling the restored alleys and sampling snacks like spicy rice cakes and sweet glutinous treats at atmospheric teahouses.
On Mount Emei, continue uphill to Jieyin Hall or take the scenic trail toward Leidongping for forested paths and more temple visits, stopping at a mountain teahouse for a simple noodle lunch and steaming pot of local tea while soaking in the tranquil setting; descend in the mid-afternoon to the town of Emeishan for tea shops and souvenir stalls. If remaining in Chengdu, enjoy a hands-on cultural workshop—try a Sichuan face-painting (opera mask) demo or a short calligraphy/tea ceremony class near Kuanzhai Alley—followed by a relaxed lunch of mapo tofu and liangfen at a courtyard restaurant.
Return to Chengdu in the early evening and freshen up, then treat yourself to a leisurely dinner in Taikoo Li or Chunxi Road where modern Sichuan restaurants offer refined takes on local classics; sample a mellow fish-fragrant eggplant or a small-platter tasting to balance the day’s exertions. Finish with a calm nightcap at a People’s Park teahouse or a riverside stroll along the Jinjiang, reflecting on the spiritual calm of Emei or the richer understanding of Sichuan culture you gained today.
Begin the day with a hands-on Sichuan cooking class—many reputable schools near Taikoo Li (for example, Sichuan Branch Kitchen or a local boutique cooking studio) offer market tours followed by a practical lesson where you'll shop for fresh chilies, Sichuan peppercorns and local produce, then learn to make classics like mapo tofu, kung pao chicken and dan dan noodles. The market-to-kitchen rhythm ties together flavors you've sampled earlier in the trip and gives you techniques to recreate Chengdu at home.
After enjoying the lunch you prepared in class, stroll to nearby Taikoo Li and Chunxi Road for an easygoing shopping spree: browse specialty tea shops (look for puerh and jasmine blends), Sichuan condiment stores selling chili oils and preserved vegetables, and boutiques with lacquerware and opera masks as keepsakes. Pause at a stylish café or the modern Taikoo Li courtyard to rest and people-watch, then duck into a bookstore or local craft shop to pick up recipe books or small kitchen tools as practical souvenirs.
For your final full evening in Chengdu, choose a refined Sichuan tasting menu at a well-regarded restaurant in Taikoo Li or along Chunxi Road—seek out places offering contemporary spins on classics so you can compare techniques to the morning's lesson—and pair dishes with a mild tea or local beer to balance the spice. End the night with a leisurely walk through the illuminated shopping district or a last visit to a teahouse in Kuanzhai Alley for a calming cup of puerh, reflecting on the trip’s culinary and cultural highlights before tomorrow’s departure.
Pack and check out of your hotel after an early tea in People’s Park or a final cup at your favorite Kuanzhai Alley teahouse; if time allows, stroll once more through the park to watch morning rituals and pick up any last-minute snacks (sunflower seeds, preserved chilies) from nearby stalls. Head back to the hotel to collect luggage and confirm your airport or train transfer—Chengdu Shuangliu Airport and Chengdu East/West stations are efficient, so aim to leave with ample buffer for peak traffic or security lines.
If your departure is later in the day, squeeze in a short stop at Taikoo Li for a final souvenir run—buy a tin of puerh tea or a jar of locally made chili oil—and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant such as Shu Jiu Xiang for a comforting bowl of dan dan noodles or a mild Sichuan braised fish. Otherwise, proceed to the airport or train station, use the airline or station lounges to relax, and review your photos and recipes from the trip as a pleasant wind-down before boarding.
By evening you’ll be en route home or at your departure gate; if you have a late flight, treat yourself to one last Sichuan snack at the airport—many terminals have decent regional eateries—or a calming cup of tea before boarding to soothe the palate after eleven days of rich flavors and discoveries. Reflect on the highlights, from Chongqing’s riverside neon to Chengdu’s pandas and teahouses, and make plans to try your newfound recipes at home.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hotel in Yuzhong (Jiefangbei area) | ¥300-900 per night (budget ¥300-500; mid-range ¥500-900) |
| Jiefangbei / Liberation Monument (pedestrian area) | Free |
| Local café / bakery breakfast | ¥15-40 per person |
| Neighborhood market visit | Free to browse; ¥10-50 if buying snacks |
| Chaotianmen Dock & riverside promenade | Free (promenade) |
| Hongya Cave (cliffside shops & food stalls) | Free entry; snacks ¥10-80 depending on purchases |
| Three Gorges Museum | Usually free; some special exhibits ¥20-50 |
| Chongqing cable car (Qiansimen / Liziba line) | ¥10-20 one-way (¥20-40 roundtrip) |
| Riverside evening cruise (Chaotianmen) | ¥60-160 per person depending on boat class |
| Ci Qi Kou Old Town | Free to enter; snacks/souvenirs ¥20-100 |
| Xiaomian (noodle) local stall | ¥8-25 per bowl |
| Hotpot dinner (Jiefangbei / Hongya Cave area) | ¥80-250 per person (shared pot; ¥120-200 typical mid-range) |
| People’s Assembly Hall & gardens | Free (garden); interior may have small fees ¥10-30 if applicable |
| Dazu Rock Carvings (Baodingshan & other sites) | Site entrance ¥90-150 per site; transport roundtrip ¥120-300 (train or private car); local food ¥30-80 |
| Yangtze River cruise segment (short) | ¥200-1,200+ per person for short segments (prices vary widely by operator and cabin class) |
| High-speed train Chongqing → Chengdu | ¥70-230 per person (second-class ¥70-120; first-class/up to ¥200+) |
| Hotel in Chengdu (People’s Park / Kuanzhai / Taikoo Li) | ¥250-900 per night (budget ¥250-450; mid-range ¥450-900) |
| People’s Park & Heming Teahouse | Park free; teahouse ¥20-80 for tea and small snacks |
| Wide & Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Xiangzi) | Free to enter; snacks/shops ¥20-150 |
| Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding | Entrance ¥58-140 depending on season; taxi/metro ¥10-60 roundtrip; optional keeper talk/photography extra |
| Sichuan opera (face-changing) performance | ¥80-280 per ticket depending on theater and seating |
| Leshan Giant Buddha (day trip from Chengdu) | Entrance ¥90-120; boat ¥50-80 for panoramic view; train ¥30-80 each way or private car ¥300-600 roundtrip; food ¥30-80 |
| Mount Emei day trip (if chosen) | Transport ¥80-300 roundtrip (train/driver); cable car ¥90-200 each section depending on route; park/temple entrance ¥60-160; food ¥30-80 |
| Wuhou Shrine & Jinli Ancient Street | Wuhou Shrine entrance ¥40-80; snacks/souvenirs ¥20-100 |
| Sichuan cooking class (market + lesson) | ¥180-450 per person (includes ingredients and lunch) |
| Taikoo Li / Chunxi Road shopping & dining | Variable; light meal ¥30-120; shopping depends on purchases (souvenirs ¥30-300+) |
| Airport or train station transfer (Chengdu Shuangliu / Chengdu East/West) | Taxi to airport ¥40-120; metro ¥3-10; taxi to train station ¥20-80 |
| Final teahouse visit / last-minute shopping | ¥20-100 depending on teas and small purchases |
| Estimated Total (per person) | ¥5,000-12,000 per person (estimated range for 11 days) |