About Chongqing

Chongqing, known as the "Mountain City" and "Foggy City," is one of China's most unique metropolises built among mountains and rivers. As a major port along the Yangtze River, this sprawling municipality offers a fascinating blend of ultramodern urban landscapes and ancient cultural sites. Famous for its spicy hotpot cuisine, dramatic terrain with steep hills, and the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, Chongqing presents visitors with stunning cityscapes, particularly when illuminated at night. The surrounding countryside features spectacular karst landscapes, deep gorges, and pristine natural wonders, making it an ideal destination for both urban explorers and nature enthusiasts.

7-Day Chongqing Itinerary:

DAY 1:

Airport pickup and hotel check-in with free time to explore the city at your leisure.

• Free time recommendations: Adjust to the local time zone, take a leisurely stroll along the Jialing River or Yangtze River promenade, or enjoy authentic Chongqing hotpot for dinner.

DAY 2:

Chongqing to Pengshui, exploring ethnic culture and natural landscapes.

• Chiyou Jiuli Miao Village: Experience the unique cultural heritage of the Miao ethnic minority. Witness traditional performances, architecture, and customs at this cultural showcase village named after the legendary ancient tribal leader Chiyou.
• Gongtan Ancient Town: Visit this well-preserved 1,700-year-old town on the banks of the Wu River featuring traditional wooden stilt houses and stone streets.
• Wu River Gallery Cruise: Enjoy a scenic boat trip along the Wu River, taking in spectacular views of limestone cliffs, lush vegetation, and the dramatic river landscape.
• Evening arrival in Pengshui County.

DAY 3:

Pengshui to Chongqing via Wulong and Xiannüshan.

• Wulong Tiankeng Three Bridges: Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring enormous karst sinkholes (tiankengs) and natural stone bridges formed by ancient collapsed caves.
• Xiannü Mountain (Fairy Mountain): Visit this beautiful highland area with rolling meadows, forests, and panoramic mountain views at an elevation of 2,000+ meters. In winter, it transforms into a snow-covered wonderland.
• Return to Chongqing in the evening.

DAY 4:

Full day exploring Chongqing's urban highlights.

• Ciqikou Ancient Town: Stroll through narrow stone alleys in this 1,000-year-old port town known for its traditional architecture, tea houses, and local crafts.
• Liziba Monorail Station: Experience the famous "train through building" phenomenon where the light rail passes directly through a residential building.
• Kuixing Pavilion and Chopsticks Building: Visit these unique architectural landmarks representing traditional and modern Chongqing.
• Jiefangbei Shopping District & Ba Yi Food Street: Explore Chongqing's vibrant commercial center and sample local street food specialties.
• Hongyadong Complex: End your day at this impressive stilt house complex built into the mountainside overlooking the Jialing River, beautifully illuminated at night.

DAY 5:

Day trip to Dazu Rock Carvings.

• Dazu Rock Carvings: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring impressive Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian rock carvings dating back to the 9th-13th centuries. The site contains thousands of remarkable religious sculptures and reliefs known for their aesthetic quality, rich diversity of subject matter, and harmonious coexistence of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
• Return to Chongqing in the evening.

DAY 6:

Nature and panoramic views in Chongqing.

• Chongqing Zoo: Visit one of China's major zoos, famous for its collection of rare animals including giant pandas, South China tigers, and golden monkeys.
• Nanshan Botanical Garden: Explore this expansive garden showcasing diverse plant species and beautiful landscape designs.
• Nanshan One Tree Lookout: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Chongqing's cityscape from this famous viewpoint featuring a solitary tree on the hill, perfect for sunset viewing and photography.

DAY 7:

Airport transfer and departure according to your flight schedule.

• Final opportunity for souvenir shopping if time permits before your return flight home.