Trip Overview
This 7-day itinerary combines the laid-back charm of Chengdu (famous for pandas and spicy cuisine) with the mountainous megacity of Chongqing (known for hotpot and futuristic skyline). Experience ancient culture, fiery Sichuan flavors, and breathtaking natural scenery—all in one unforgettable trip!
🗓️ Itinerary Summary
| Day | City | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Chengdu | Wide & Narrow Alleys, Jinli Ancient Street, Sichuan Opera |
| Day 2 | Chengdu | Chengdu Panda Base, People’s Park, Hotpot Dinner |
| Day 3 | Chengdu | Day Trip to Leshan Giant Buddha |
| Day 4 | Chongqing | Hongya Cave, Jiefangbei, Yangtze River Cable Car |
| Day 5 | Chongqing | Ci Qi Kou Ancient Town, Liziba Light Rail “Train Through Building” |
| Day 6 | Chongqing | Wulong Karst Park (or Dazu Rock Carvings) |
| Day 7 | Chongqing | Chongqing Zoo (optional), Departure |
📍 Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu – Ancient Streets & Sichuan Opera
Morning/Afternoon:
- Wide & Narrow Alleys (宽窄巷子) – Explore Chengdu’s best-preserved Qing Dynasty alleys with teahouses and souvenir shops.
- Jinli Ancient Street (锦里古街) – A bustling street with Sichuan snacks like spicy rabbit heads (兔头) and zhong dumplings (钟水饺).
Evening:
- Sichuan Opera (蜀风雅韵) – Watch face-changing performances and fire-spitting acts.
🐼 Day 2: Chengdu – Pandas & Local Life
Morning:
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (成都大熊猫繁育基地) – See baby pandas (best time: 8-10AM when they’re most active).
Afternoon:
- People’s Park (人民公园) – Drink tea at Heming Teahouse, try ear cleaning (采耳), and relax by the lake.
Night:
- Hotpot Dinner (蜀大侠/小龙坎火锅) – Chengdu’s signature spicy broth!
🙏 Day 3: Day Trip to Leshan Giant Buddha
- Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛) – The world’s largest stone Buddha (71m tall).
- Optional Boat Ride – Best for full-view photos.
- Return to Chengdu by evening.
🚄 Day 4: Chengdu → Chongqing (2-Hour Bullet Train)
Afternoon:
- Hongya Cave (洪崖洞) – A stunning stilted building complex (best at night).
- Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street (解放碑) – Chongqing’s bustling shopping hub.
- Yangtze River Cable Car (长江索道) – Panoramic city views.
Night:
- Chongqing Hotpot (洞子火锅) – Even spicier than Chengdu’s version!
🏮 Day 5: Chongqing – Ancient Towns & Futuristic Rail
Morning:
- Ci Qi Kou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇) – Cobbled streets with spicy Chen Mahua (陈麻花) snacks.
Afternoon:
- Liziba Light Rail (李子坝轻轨) – Watch a train pass through a residential building!
- E’ling Park (鹅岭公园) – City skyline views.
⛰️ Day 6: Day Trip – Nature or Culture?
Option 1: Wulong Karst Park (武隆喀斯特)
- Three Natural Bridges (天生三桥) – Filming site for Transformers 4.
Option 2: Dazu Rock Carvings (大足石刻)
- UNESCO-listed Buddhist carvings.
✈️ Day 7: Departure (or Half-Day Exploration)
- Optional: Visit Chongqing Zoo (重庆动物园) to see rare South China tigers.
- Flight/Train Out.
🍜 Food Guide
| City | Must-Try Dishes |
|---|---|
| Chengdu | Hotpot, Dan Dan Noodles (担担面), Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐) |
| Chongqing | Chongqing Hotpot, Spicy Grilled Fish (烤鱼), Sour & Spicy Noodles (酸辣粉) |
🚆 Transportation Tips
- Chengdu → Chongqing: High-speed trains (2 hrs, ~¥150).
- Chongqing: Use metro (subway) – taxis can get stuck in traffic.
💰 Budget Estimate (Per Person)
- Accommodation: ¥200-400/night (mid-range hotels).
- Food: ¥50-100/meal.
- Attractions: ¥50-200/entry.
✅ Final Tips
- Spice Tolerance: Sichuan food is very spicy – ask for “微辣” (mild) if needed.
- Comfortable Shoes: Chongqing is extremely hilly – prepare for stairs!
🌶️ Ready for Adventure? Chengdu & Chongqing Await!
This 7-day trip blends culture, food, and nature perfectly. From cuddly pandas to misty mountain karsts, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories (and maybe a newfound love for chili!).
Happy travels! 🐼🌉🔥