12-Day Scenic and Cultural Journey: Chongqing, Gansu, Guizhou, and Back to Chongqing

Day 1: Chongqing Urban Discovery

Chongqing, China on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at 重庆小面 (Chongqing Xiao Mian)

Enjoy a local specialty, spicy Chongqing noodle soup, perfect to start your day in the city.
CNY15, 0h30m

9:00am

Three Gorges Museum

Explore the history and culture of the Yangtze River and the Three Gorges area. Opens 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at 巴将军火锅 (Ba Jiangjun Hotpot)

Savor authentic Chongqing hotpot, renowned for its spicy and numbing flavors.
CNY100, 1h

2:00pm

Ciqikou Ancient Town

Stroll through this historic town featuring well-preserved architecture, local crafts, and tea houses.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Evening river cruise on the Yangtze River

Enjoy illuminated city views along the Yangtze, offering stunning nightscapes of Chongqing.
CNY150, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at 老灶火锅 (Lao Zao Hotpot)

Indulge in another variation of spicy hotpot, beloved by locals for its rich broth.
CNY120, 1h30m
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Day 2: Yangtze River and Chongqing Culture

Chongqing, China on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local bakery

Try freshly steamed buns and soy milk, a typical Chinese breakfast combination.
CNY10, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Hongya Cave

Colorful stilted buildings on the riverside with shops, restaurants, and museums open from 9:00am to 9:00pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at 江边城外 (Jiangbian Chengwai)

Sample delicious Sichuan cuisine with beautiful river views.
CNY90, 1h

2:00pm

Visit People's Liberation Monument and walking street

Explore the bustling central shopping district, a great spot for souvenirs and local snacks.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Eling Park

A peaceful urban park with panoramic city views, especially beautiful at sunset.
CNY10, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at 小天鹅火锅 (Little Swan Hotpot)

Another iconic local hotpot chain known for fresh ingredients and quality broth.
CNY110, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Lanzhou, Gansu

Chongqing to Lanzhou, China on June 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for travel day.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Flight from Chongqing to Lanzhou

Fly to Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu province, about 2.5 hours flight time.
CNY600 approx., 3h including airport time

12:00pm

Lunch at Lanzhou Beef Noodle restaurant

Try Lanzhou’s famous hand-pulled beef noodles, a culinary highlight of the region.
CNY20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit White Pagoda Mountain Park

Panoramic views of the Yellow River and Lanzhou, park open until 6:00pm.
CNY40, 2h

4:00pm

Walk along the Yellow River Iron Bridge

Historic railway bridge and great photo spot along the river.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at local Lanzhou restaurant

Sample local specialties such as cumin lamb and yellow river fish.
CNY80, 1h30m
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Day 4: Explore Zhangye Danxia

Zhangye, Gansu, China on June 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare early for day trip to Zhangye.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive/train to Zhangye (~4 hours)

Travel to Zhangye to see the world-famous Danxia National Geological Park.
Transport approx. CNY100, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at local Zhangye restaurant

Taste northwestern Chinese cuisine to refuel after arrival.
CNY50, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park

Explore the colorful rock formations known as the “Rainbow Mountains.” Park open daily 8:00am-7:00pm.
CNY90, 3h

5:00pm

Relax and walk around Zhangye city center

Explore local markets and try street snacks.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at local restaurant with Gansu specialties

Sample dishes like lamb skewers and hand-pulled noodles.
CNY70, 1h30m
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Day 5: Dunhuang Mogao Caves

Dunhuang, Gansu, China on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before travel to Dunhuang.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Dunhuang (train or drive, approx. 5 hours)

Journey to the desert city famous for ancient Buddhist grottoes.
Transport approx. CNY150, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch in Dunhuang

Light lunch at a local eatery featuring lamb and millet dishes.
CNY40, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Mogao Caves

Tour the UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist cave system with exquisite murals. Opens 8:00am to 5:00pm, advance tickets required.
CNY120, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at a local Dunhuang restaurant

Try specialties like camel hump meat and local breads.
CNY80, 1h30m
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Day 6: Desert and Oasis

Dunhuang, Gansu, China on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast before desert adventures.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Visit Crescent Lake and Singing Sand Dunes

Explore this unique desert oasis and towering dunes with camel rides available. Open 6:30am - 6:30pm.
CNY60, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at nearby cafe

Light local fare to refresh after dune activities.
CNY30, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Dunhuang Museum

Learn about Silk Road history and Dunhuang culture. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
CNY40, 2h

5:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Relax and prepare for travel southwards next day.
Included, Evening

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel or local restaurant

Enjoy more local specialties with a casual atmosphere.
CNY70, 1h30m
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Day 7: Travel to Guiyang, Guizhou

Dunhuang to Guiyang, China on June 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early for long travel to Guiyang, Guizhou province.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Flight from Dunhuang to Guiyang (with transfer likely in major city)

Approximate full travel time 7-9 hours depending on connections.
CNY900 approx., Full day

6:00pm

Dinner near accommodation in Guiyang

Try Guizhou-style rice noodles and spicy local dishes after arrival.
CNY60, 1h
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Day 8: Explore Guiyang and Surroundings

Guiyang, Guizhou, China on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local market

Sample fresh soy milk and Guizhou-style buns.
CNY15, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Jiaxiu Tower and Qianming Temple

Historic landmarks located in Guiyang’s downtown, with scenic views and cultural significance.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at local Guizhou cuisine restaurant

Try sour, spicy, and savory dishes that define Guizhou food.
CNY80, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Huaxi Scenic Area

A beautiful park with mountain views, waterfalls, and ethnic minority cultural exhibits. Open 7:00am to 6:00pm.
CNY30, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner featuring ethnic Miao cuisine

Enjoy dishes unique to the Miao minority culture around Guiyang.
CNY90, 1h30m
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Day 9: Huangguoshu Waterfall Experience

Anshun, Guizhou, China on June 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for day trip to Huangguoshu Waterfall area.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Drive to Huangguoshu Waterfall (approx. 2 hours)

One of China’s largest and most famous waterfalls, set in scenic parkland.
Transport CNY80, 2h

11:00am

Explore Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area

Visit the main waterfall, pedestrian trails, and nearby Shankou Scenic Area. Open 7:30am to 6:30pm.
CNY120, 4h

3:00pm

Lunch at scenic area restaurants

Enjoy trout and fresh vegetable dishes typical of the area.
CNY60, 1h

4:30pm

Return to Guiyang

Relax on the drive back to the city.
Included in transport cost, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Guiyang night market

Sample a variety of street foods and local snacks in an energetic atmosphere.
CNY40, 1h
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Day 10: Local Ethnic Culture

Guiyang, Guizhou, China on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel/local breakfast spot

Try rice porridge and local pickles.
CNY10, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Qingyan Ancient Town

Historic town with Ming and Qing architecture about 30 minutes from Guiyang, offering rich cultural immersion.
CNY30, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Qingyan Ancient Town restaurant

Taste local specialties such as Guizhou sour fish soup.
CNY60, 1h

2:00pm

Explore ethnic minority villages nearby

Visit villages of Miao or Buyi ethnic groups to see traditional crafts and architecture.
Tour approx. CNY100, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Guiyang modern fusion cuisine restaurant

Enjoy a blend of traditional Guizhou flavors with modern culinary techniques.
CNY120, 1h30m
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Day 11: Return to Chongqing

Guiyang to Chongqing, China on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before travel back to Chongqing.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Flight from Guiyang to Chongqing

Flight duration about 1.5 hours, convenient for return trip.
CNY400 approx., 2h including transfers

11:00am

Lunch at Chongqing local restaurant

Taste some missed local dishes or revisit favorites.
CNY80, 1h

1:00pm

Free afternoon for shopping or cultural visits

Optionally visit local markets or museums based on interest.
Varies, 4h

6:00pm

Farewell dinner at Eling Garden Restaurant

Enjoy refined Chongqing cuisine in scenic park setting to conclude the trip.
CNY150, 2h
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Day 12: Departure Day

Chongqing, China on June 28, 2025

Morning

Breakfast at hotel

Relaxed breakfast to prepare for departure.
Included, 1h

Depending on flight time

Airport transfer and departure

Travel to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport for onward journey.
CNY100 approx. taxi, Variable
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