Chongqing & Chengdu Combo Itinerary

Why Chongqing and Chengdu Belong on Your Travel Bucket List

Few destinations in China pack as much punch as the dynamic duo of Chongqing and Chengdu. These neighboring cities in Sichuan Province offer a thrilling mix of fiery cuisine, ancient history, futuristic cityscapes, and some of the country’s most iconic wildlife. Whether you’re a foodie chasing the perfect hotpot, a panda enthusiast, or an urban explorer craving neon-lit alleyways, this 7-day itinerary will help you dive deep into the heart of Southwest China.

Day 1-2: Chongqing – The Mountain City of Mist and Spice

Arrival & First Impressions

Touch down in Chongqing, China’s most visually staggering metropolis. Built on steep hills where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet, the city’s skyline is a jaw-dropping maze of skyscrapers, tangled highways, and mist-shrouded bridges. Start your adventure with a stroll along Hongya Cave, a towering stilted complex glowing with red lanterns at night.

Must-Do Experiences

1. Yangtze River Cruise
   Book an evening cruise to see Chongqing’s "Mini Hong Kong" skyline ignite in neon. The contrast of ancient pagodas and laser-lit skyscrapers is pure magic.

2. Ciqi Kou (Porcelain Village)
   Wander this Ming-era old town, where artisans still hand-paint porcelain. Don’t miss the spicy peanut candy (huasheng tang) sold in alleyway stalls.

3. Hotpot or Die
   Chongqing is the birthplace of málà (numbing-spicy) hotpot. Brave the fiery broth at Xiaolongkan Hotpot or Dezhuang Hotpot, where locals dunk everything from ox throat to pig brain.

Day 3: The Dazu Rock Carvings (Side Trip)

A UNESCO Gem

Take a day trip to the Dazu Rock Carvings, a 9th-century Buddhist art wonder. The intricate cliffside sculptures at Baoding Mountain depict everything from hellish tortures to serene bodhisattvas—a stark contrast to Chongqing’s modernity.

Day 4-5: Chengdu – Pandas, Teahouses & Slow Living

High-Speed Train to Chengdu

Hop on a 1.5-hour bullet train to Chengdu, Sichuan’s laid-back capital. Swap Chongqing’s intensity for Chengdu’s "málà meets mindfulness" vibe.

Panda Paradise

1. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
   Arrive early to see pandas munching bamboo or tumbling like fluffy acrobats. Pro tip: Visit the red panda enclosures—they’re criminally underrated.

2. Panda Volunteer Program
   For superfans, some sanctuaries offer half-day programs to feed and clean enclosures (book months ahead).

Chengdu’s Cultural Pulse

1. Jinli Ancient Street
   Snack on zhangcha duck (tea-smoked duck) or dandan noodles while browsing Shu embroidery souvenirs.

2. People’s Park Teahouses
   Join locals sipping jasmine tea at Heming Teahouse, where ear cleaners (!) still ply their trade.

Day 6: Leshan Giant Buddha (Side Trip)

Marvel at the World’s Largest Stone Buddha

A 2-hour drive from Chengdu, the 71-meter-tall Leshan Giant Buddha has been gazing over the Min River since 803 AD. Climb the cliffside stairs for a close-up, or take a boat for the full "nose-to-toes" view.

Day 7: Foodie Deep Dive & Hidden Gems

Sichuan Cooking Class

Learn to wield Sichuan peppercorns like a pro at The Sichuan Culinary Museum or a local home kitchen. Master mapo tofu or kung pao chicken, then buy málà spices at Wuhou Temple Market.

Evening at Wangjianglou Park

Cap off your trip watching the sunset over the Jinjiang River from this bamboo-filled park, where poets have sought inspiration for centuries.

Pro Tips for the Combo Trip

• Transport: Use Didi (China’s Uber) in cities; bullet trains require passports for tickets.
• Spice Tolerance: Build up slowly—opt for yuanyang (split spicy/mild) hotpot pots.
• Best Time: Spring (Mar-May) or fall (Sep-Nov) to avoid summer’s sauna-like humidity.

This itinerary barely scratches the surface of Chongqing and Chengdu’s chaos and charm. From cyberpunk cityscapes to misty mountain temples, every moment here feels like stepping into a living postcard—one that’s deliciously, unforgettably spicy.