7-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey from Kota Kinabalu to Beijing and Chongqing

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Beijing, China on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant

Start your day with a traditional Beijing breakfast in a modern setting, famous for its Peking duck and northern Chinese dishes.
CNY150, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Forbidden City

Explore the vast imperial palace complex and UNESCO World Heritage site to immerse yourself in centuries of Chinese history. Open from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
CNY60, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Quanjude Peking Duck Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Peking duck, a must-try delicacy that Beijing is famed for, at one of the city’s most renowned restaurants.
CNY200, 1.5h

3:00pm

Walk through Tiananmen Square

Visit the world's largest public square and appreciate its political and cultural significance.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Stroll at Wangfujing Street

Discover vibrant street markets and try famous Beijing snacks like candied fruit. Great for souvenir shopping as well.
Varies, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Jing Yaa Tang

Dine in style with contemporary Chinese cuisine, including local Beijing specialties and an elegant atmosphere.
CNY180, 1.5h

Day 2: Great Wall Adventure

Beijing, China on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a convenient and hearty breakfast to prepare for the day’s outdoor activities.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

8:30am

Visit Mutianyu Great Wall

Travel to Mutianyu for a spectacular and less crowded section of the Great Wall, open from 7:30am to 6:00pm. Take the cable car up for stunning views and history.
CNY45 entrance + CNY100 cable car, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch near Great Wall

Have a rustic meal at a local restaurant serving traditional northern Chinese dishes and noodles.
CNY80, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Beijing - Relax at Houhai Lakes

Unwind by walking around the scenic Houhai area with its lakes, cafes, and serene atmosphere.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant

Experience an imperial-themed dining venue offering authentic Beijing cuisine in a historic courtyard setting.
CNY220, 1.5h

Day 3: Beijing Culture & Departure

Beijing, China on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Maan Coffee

Have a relaxed breakfast with western and Korean options in this popular cosy café.
CNY50, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Summer Palace

Explore China’s largest royal garden full of lakes, palaces, and ancient pavilions. Open from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
CNY60, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Lao Beijing Zhajiangmian

Enjoy authentic Beijing noodles topped with savory soybean paste and vegetables, a local favourite.
CNY40, 1h

2:00pm

Flight to Chongqing

Catch an afternoon flight from Beijing Capital International Airport to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, approximately 2.5 hours.
Varies, 3h including transfer

6:00pm

Check-in and rest at hotel in Chongqing

Settle at your hotel and refresh after your journey.
Varies, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Chongqing Hotpot - Laojie Spicy Hotpot

Experience authentic Chongqing spicy hotpot, a fiery and legendary local specialty, perfect for your first evening in the city.
CNY150, 1.5h

Day 4: Explore Chongqing

Chongqing, China on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a local or western style breakfast provided by your hotel.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Ciqikou Ancient Town

Wander through this old porcelain village lined with shops, tea houses, and street food. Opens at 8:00am.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at a Local Noodle House

Sample Chongqing’s famous spicy noodles with minced meat and pickled vegetables.
CNY30, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Three Gorges Museum

Discover the history and culture of the Yangtze River and Three Gorges area; museum open 9:00am to 5:00pm, free entry.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Jiefangbei CBD

Explore the bustling pedestrian shopping district, perfect for evening strolling and local snacks.
Varies, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Xiao Tian E Fish Restaurant

Dine on fresh spicy fish dishes, indicative of the local Sichuan-influenced cuisine.
CNY120, 1.5h

Day 5: Yangtze River Cruise

Chongqing, China on April 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for a day on the river.
Included, 1h

8:00am

One-Day Yangtze River Cruise

Embark on a scenic Yangtze River cruise showcasing stunning landscapes and the famous Three Gorges. Departures usually at 8am, lasting about 6 hours.
CNY300, 6h

2:30pm

Lunch on Cruise or local restaurant

Enjoy meals provided on the cruise or arrange a riverside lunch featuring local flavours.
Included in cruise fare or CNY50, 1h

5:00pm

Return and rest at hotel

Relax and rest after the cruise with some light evening activities.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Liuyishou Hotpot

Experience more of Chongqing’s legendary spicy hotpot in this popular chain known for quality ingredients.
CNY150, 1.5h

Day 6: Local Culture & Markets

Chongqing, China on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely morning meal at your hotel.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hongya Cave

Explore this cliffside complex that features traditional stilt houses, shops, cafes and river views, open throughout the day.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hongyadong Snack Street

Sample an array of street foods including spicy skewers, noodles and dumplings from multiple vendors.
CNY40, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Eling Park

Relax in this scenic urban park with panoramic views of Chongqing. Opens at 7:00am.
CNY5, 2h

5:00pm

Shopping and Coffee Break at Guanyinqiao Pedestrian Street

Explore the vibrant commercial area for souvenirs or just soak up local city life over coffee.
Varies, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Wu Fu Xiang Spicy Hotpot

Conclude your journey by indulging in one last rich and authentic spicy hotpot experience, a Chongqing staple.
CNY150, 1.5h

Day 7: Departure Day

Chongqing, China on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast reflecting on your trip.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Pack and Check-out

Prepare for your departure and arrange transport to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport.
Varies, 1h