Chengdu & Chongqing 8 Days 7 Nights

Upon arrival in Chengdu, your private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your city-center hotel.

No intensive sightseeing is planned today, giving you time to rest, adjust to the time difference and settle into Chengdu's relaxed pace of life.

Known for its laid-back lifestyle, Chengdu is a city best enjoyed slowly. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Sichuan dinner and discover the bold, spicy flavors of the region. If you feel comfortable, take a gentle walk around the neighborhood and experience Chengdu after dark.

Visit Chengdu Panda Base to observe these beloved animals up close and learn about their daily habits, diet, behavior and China's panda conservation efforts. After the panda visit, return to the city and experience Chengdu's traditional tea-house culture. Sit down with a cup of covered-bowl tea and watch local residents chat, relax and enjoy their everyday routines. Continue with a leisurely walk through Chengdu's historic streets, where you can discover local snacks and regional specialties while experiencing the city's authentic street atmosphere. In the evening, head to the area around Anshun Bridge along the Jin River. As the lights come on, the old bridge, flowing river and surrounding cityscape create a peaceful and atmospheric Chengdu night view.

explores Chengdu's urban culture from a more local perspective. Begin at Tangpa Street, where historic neighborhood character meets contemporary cafés, shops and city life.

Later, enjoy a Sichuan Opera performance featuring the famous face-changing art. The colorful masks, rapid transformations and dramatic stage movements offer a lively introduction to Sichuan's traditional performing arts.

In the evening, travel to Dujiangyan and explore the area around Nanqiao. With the ancient bridge, flowing river and evening lights, the atmosphere becomes especially charming after sunset.

Today is dedicated to exploring Dujiangyan, one of the world's most remarkable ancient irrigation systems. Built more than two thousand years ago, the project continues to demonstrate the ingenuity of ancient Chinese engineering and played a major role in shaping the fertile Chengdu Plain.

After visiting the irrigation system, stroll through Guanxian Ancient Town and experience the local atmosphere of Dujiangyan's historic streets. Continue to Leshan in the afternoon and settle into your hotel in preparation for tomorrow's visit to the Leshan Giant Buddha.

 visits one of Sichuan's most iconic cultural landmarks — the Leshan Giant Buddha.

Carved into the cliff of Lingyun Mountain overlooking the confluence of three rivers, the 71-meter-high Buddha is a masterpiece of Tang Dynasty Buddhist stone carving. Construction took approximately 90 years to complete.

Explore the monument from close range and appreciate the enormous scale of the statue and surrounding cliff carvings. A river cruise can also be arranged as an optional experience, offering a panoramic perspective from the water.

In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Chongqing. After checking into your hotel, head out in the evening to experience the spectacular lights of Hongyadong.

Today is dedicated to Chongqing's most iconic urban experiences.

Begin with the Yangtze River Cableway, crossing above the river while enjoying panoramic views of Chongqing's dramatic hills, bridges and dense cityscape. Continue to Jiefangbei, the bustling commercial heart of central Chongqing.

Later, visit Liziba to see the famous monorail passing directly through a residential building — a striking example of how Chongqing's unusual terrain has shaped its urban architecture.

In the evening, enjoy a Two Rivers Night Cruise and admire Chongqing's illuminated skyline from the water. After exploring the city from street level, see it again from the riverside for a completely different perspective.

After yesterday's iconic city highlights, today offers a quieter and more cultural perspective of Chongqing.

Begin at the Three Gorges Museum to learn about the natural environment, history and culture of the Yangtze Three Gorges region. Continue to the Chongqing People's Great Hall and appreciate one of the city's most recognizable historic architectural landmarks.

Later, stroll along Zhongshan 4th Road and experience a quieter side of Chongqing away from the busiest tourist areas. Continue along a cliffside path and take in the city's distinctive mountain-and-river landscape.

End the day beside the river with a cup of tea and sunset views — a relaxed way to experience everyday Chongqing.

According to your flight or train schedule, enjoy a private transfer to the airport or railway station.

Your 8-day journey through Chengdu, Dujiangyan, Leshan and Chongqing comes to an end, leaving you with memories of giant pandas, ancient heritage, spectacular cityscapes, local food and the relaxed lifestyle of Southwest China.