7 Day Chengdu Chongqing Diverse Landscape Discovery
Pandas, Buddhas and Karst Wonders
Pandas, Buddhas and Karst Wonders
With Chengdu's excellent international access and strong domestic transport connections, exploring Southwest China's hidden gems has never been easier. This 7-day adventure links Chengdu with its dynamic neighbor Chongqing while unveiling three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, and Wulong Karst Landscape - offering a perfect blend of breathtaking scenery and rich cultural experiences.
Your adventure begins in Chengdu, the beloved home of giant pandas and a city known for its relaxed teahouse culture. From there, marvel at the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha, an ancient masterpiece carved into a riverside cliff, before ascending the misty, temple-dotted peaks of Mount Emei, one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains. Next, venture to Chongqing, a dynamic mountain metropolis along the Yangtze River, where centuries-old landmarks coexist with modern engineering feats like the monorail passing through a skyscraper. Finally, immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Wulong Karst National Geology Park, where dramatic limestone bridges and deep gorges await, before returning to Chongqing to soak in its dazzling skyline and lively night markets.
You will enjoy a worry-free and enriching journey with a customizable itinerary, carefully selected accommodations, knowledgeable local English-speaking guides, and hassle-free airport and train station transfers, ensuring comfort, convenience, and an immersive travel experience from start to finish.
Day 1 Chengdu Arrival
Airport / railway station pick up
Welcome to Chengdu, the hometown of the Giant Panda. Your local guide will meet you at the airport/train station and then escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of today is yours to relax in the panda city on your own.
Arrival Ideas: Chengdu is only about 2~3 hours flying from the majority of big cities in China, such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc. You can also get to Chengdu by high speed trains from Xian (4hrs), Chongqing (1hr), Guilin (6hrs), Kunming (6hrs), etc.
Our tour guide picked up guests at Chengdu East Railway Station
Day 2 Chengdu Sightseeing (B, L)
Highlights of today: Chengdu Panda Base, People's Park, Wuhou Temple, Jinli Old Street
This morning you will make a memorable visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. This facility is not only the most important panda scientific research center in the world, but also the home for more than 100 Giant Pandas. You will walk at leisure through the bamboo-framed paths and closely observe giant pandas of different ages eating bamboos, playing with each other, tumbling, and climbing trees. Be sure to not miss the chance to visit the most adorable panda babies in the nursery rooms and panda kindergartens. There is also a very informative Panda Museum where you can learn more scientific facts about Giant Pandas.
Chengdu is famous throughout China for its relaxing and leisurely pace and lifestyle, which will be demonstrated by a visit to the City’s People's Park. Sit down, order a pot of Chinese tea, have a casual chat with your friends and watch locals indulging themselves in different kinds of folk entertainment - napping, playing mahjong, disco dancing, and giving neck massages!
After that, you will move on to Wuhou Temple This unique site combines emperor Liu Bei's tomb with his prime minister Zhuge Liang's shrine and is hailed as the most influential Three Kingdoms museum. Stroll through its solemn courtyard lined with cypress trees, admire Tang-era tablet scripts, and encounter Liu Bei's and Zhuge Liang’s statues and hear their legendary story.
Next will be an impressive visit to the famous Jinli Old Street. Time will steal away as you quietly walk on the lively streets full of delicious local snacks, delicate artifacts, interesting folk shows, and other activities.
Recommended Optional Evening Activities: 1) enjoy a delicious dinner of Sichuan cuisine (or hotpot) at a local restaurant; 2) watch a wonderful performance of Sichuan Opera which includes folk opera, face changing, fire spitting, rolling lights, and other delightful entertainment (usually performs during 20:00~21:30).
Day 3 Chengdu - Leshan Giant Buddha - Mount Emei (B, L)
Today's highlights: Leshan Giant Buddha, Baoguo Temple
In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel, then be driven about 2 hours from Chengdu to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Leshan Giant Buddha which is the largest and tallest stone-carved statue of Buddha in the world. It was carved during AD713~803 on a mountain rock cliff by the river, with its head reaching to the mountain top and its feet standing next to the river. The total height is 71m; while the head is 14.7m high and 10m wide, ear is 7meters high, 28 meters between knees and insteps. Its insteps can hold over a hundred people. You may be wondering why such a giant Buddha was built? It is said to have been built to calm the turbulent waters that plagued passing boats and killed many people each year in ancient time. On the right cliff of the Giant Buddha, there is a plank road built along with the Giant Buddha. From the top to foot, the plank road has nine turns, thus it’s called Nine Bends Plank Road. The widest part of the road is 1.45m and the narrowest part is only 0.6m, and there are 217 stone steps in total. You will walk down to the feet of the Giant Buddha for a closer view. Please note you may have to queue up to enter the stone stairway if you visit the Giant Buddha during the busy hours.
After the Giant Buddha visit, drive about 45mins to Baoguo Temple, the biggest temple of Mount Emei at the mountain foot. It has several serene gardens with rare plants, a library of sutras and a huge porcelain Buddha. Another famous historical relic in the temple is the 25-ton bronze Bell, reputedly as the second largest bell in China. While traveling deeper into the temple, you will enjoy different views of Mount Emei.
Lastly, drive to check in your hotel. Have a good rest for tomorrow's Mount Emei trip which has some walkings involved.
Recommended Optional Activity: take a 30 minutes’ sightseeing boat to enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the Giant Buddha on the river.
Day 4 Mount Emei – Chongqing (B, L)
Highlights of today: Mount Emei (Leidongping, Golden Summit, Huazang Temple)
This morning after breakfast, meet your tour guide and set out for Mount Emei. As one of the few World Heritage Sites of both cultural and natural heritages, Mount Emei is an enchanted combination of lush forest and cultural relics. It is one of the Four Great Buddhist Mountains in China, also the home to 5000 kinds of plants (more than the total species in Europe) and over 2300 kinds of wild animals.
You will first take your private car to the tourist center, then shift on to an Eco-Bus which will take you up to the mountain top area in 1.5~2 hours. Once you reaching at Leidongping (2400m), keep on walking about 30mins along stone steps to the cable car station, along which you will have a chance to see the wild monkeys. Take a cable car (about 5mins) up to the Golden Summit (3077m) which is the biggest highlight and very essence of Mount Emei. Once you get to the Golden Summit, the first view appearing in front of you is a towering multi-faced golden statue (48m) of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. Next to the golden statue sits the bronze Huazang Temple which is the first temple established on Mount Emei whose history can be traced back to the 1st century CE. You can stroll around the Golden Summit to explore Buddhist architecture and tradition, and enjoy a panoramic view of Mount Emei and surrounding. On clear days, you can even see the snow-clad of Mount Gongga (7556m), Asia’s largest table mountain - Wawu Mountain and winding rivers flowing through Emeishan city. If weather permits, you will have luck to enjoy its magnificent wonder of Cloud Sea. Sightsee around 1.5 hours on the Golden Summit area, then descend by cable car to Leidoping and take Eco-Bus again back to the tourist center.
Your private car is ready to drive you to the train station to catch a 2-hour high-speed train to Chongqing. Upon arrival, your local travel guide will meet you at the train station and then escort you to your hote. The rest of today is yours to relax.
Day 5 Chongqing City Tour & Drive to Wulong (B, L)
Today's Highlights: Three Gorges Museum, People's Assembly Hall, Liziba Metro Station, Eling Park
After breakfast, your local guide and driver will meet you at your hotel. On this day, you’ll have the chance to fully experience the uniqueness of the Mountain City and the culture of the Yangtze River. First, be escorted to the Three Gorges Museum in the city downtown. The vast collection of more than 280 thousand pieces of precious historical relics will let you have an amazing understanding of the great Yangtze River and the formation of the magnificent Three Gorges, and tell you the gradual thriving of Chongqing from 3,000 years ago, to its war defense in 20s century, and developmental path to be one of the 4 prosperous municipalities in China. Stepping out from the museum, have a nice look at the People’s Assembly Hall that is popular with fancy classical exterior design and was listed into the History of Architecture compiled in London in 1987.
Later, be transferred to take Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 from Huanghuayuan Metro Station to Liziba Metro Station to look at the city’s prototype from a different angle. Then, get off to have the never-seen magic of the train going through an 11-storey block of flats, existing only in the fantastically structured Chongqing built against mountains. After that, travel up to E’ling Park and embrace the impressive panorama of Chongqing City, which has been highly praised as “Little Hong Kong” with its well-arranged row upon row of modern skyscrapers and two winding rivers surrounding.
After the tour, be transferred to your hotel in Xiannv Town, Wulong (about 3 hours). Have a nice sleep!
Day 6 Wulong Karst Geology Park & Back to Chongqing (B, L)
Today's Highlights: Three Natural Bridges, Longshuixia Gap, Hongya Cave
Today, you will explore Wulong Karst National Geological Park. Wulong Karst is well known for its giant dolines (sinkholes), natural bridges and caves, which were inscribed as a part of South China Karst UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Besides, it is the shooting location of the globally famous movie “Transformers IV”.
After arrival at Wulong Tourist Center, hop on a sightseeing bus to the largest natural bridge cluster in Asia - Three Natural Bridges , where you can appreciate exceptionally high natural bridges with long stretches of deep unroofed caves. Take the sightseeing elevator down to the valley bottom to marvel at the magnificent Karst Mountains, miraculous caves, and beautiful waterfalls. Enjoy your hiking by passing Tianlong Bridge, Tianfu Post House (shooting location of Zhang Yimou’s movie “The City of Golden Armor”), Qinglong Bridge and Heilong Bridge.
Then, take a sightseeing bus to Longshuixia Gap, a gap-style gorge and the important part of Wulong Karst. In this natural oxygen bar, enjoy 2 kilometers of fun walking by One Line Sky, Dragon Pool Minoring the Moon, etc. and witness the cliffs on both sides, verdant original forests in the valley and mysterious waterfalls.
After the visit, your guide and driver will escort you back to Chongqing city. Then, go down to Hongya Cave to catch the symbolic view of Chongqing. The featured Ba & Shu regional wooden structures are tiered up to 11 floors on a hillside, creating a stunning sight with neon lights at night. Enjoy your leisure walk there and take some beautiful photos!
After the tour, be transferred to your hotel. Have a nice sleep! (You can decide whether to enjoy dinner and nightview at Hongya Cave or be escorted directly to your hotel. Please discuss with your tour guide.)
Day 7 Chongqing & Departure (B)
Chongqing's Highlights: Longmenhao Old Street, WFC Huixianlou Observation Deck
Good morning! After breakfast, your guide and driver will greet you at your hotel to continue your Chongqing discovery.
First, explore the mountain leaning Longmenhao Old Street of 6 layers, which preserves around 200 precious buildings for Chongqing history seeking. Wander from the upper gate down along the alleys to imagine the past decades and take contrasting photos of the present vibrant urban Chongqing.
next, go up to the open-air WFC Huixianlou Observation Deck of 339 meters high to appreciate the spectacular 360° Chongqing cityscape!
After the visit, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport or railway station for departure from Chongqing. Tour ends!
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons. It will drop greatly if your group has 4 or more members.
2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, month and date. There may be huge price increasing during public Chinese holidays, school summer vacations, tourism peak seasons or some special dates. (China Public Holiday 2025 Schedule Released)
3. Other factors that may change the final tour price include group size, hotel class, tour activities, fluctuation of currency exchange rate, etc.
4. This price is based on exchange rate USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final price will be based on the exchange rate in effect at the time of agreement with our quotation.
5. This price is only valid to March 31, 2026.
6. This price is not the final price until the Confirmation Letter is sent.
7. The items included and excluded in this price are for reference only. The final services included, please refer to the confirmation letter sent to you by the travel consultant.
Hi Shirley,
I will appreciate your assistance. Your services and assistance was excellent. The cruise itself for my opinion it needs improvement for foreigners customers. Thanks.
Winner
Hi Shirley,
Firstly, I would like to thank you because the planning and preparation from your side was wonderful.
The only small mix up was when we arrive in Shanghai, our guide was not aware of our changed air ticket and he waited for us at the wrong gate. But luckily it was in the same airport so he could come over quickly.
Everything else was smooth and great. Thank you.
For Zhangjiajie, we really enjoyed ourselves most over there. Especially we want to mention our Guide, Tim. He was the best guide we ever had from all our previous trips. He was very kind and patient with my elderly dad too. Very good service and always things even more comfortable by doing little things such as preparing tissues for our meals etc. Throughout our time in ZJJ, we felt like he was a family member. For the itinerary and journey, everything was well thought out too. *always make things even more comfortable.
Hotels in ZJJ are generally very good too.
But Tim really made a big difference in makingke the whole trip even better and enjoyable. He deserves all the praise.
For Shanghai, our Guide Mark was very knowledgeable with a lot of facts and history.
However, just want to point out that our hotel room has strong cigarette smell. But other than that everything else is fine.
Lastly, both drivers in ZJJ and SH drives smoothly and safely too.
No problem at all. We are very satisfied with your company's general service. Will definitely recommend to our friends. Thanks again Shirley, and wishing you all the best too.
All the best to you Shirley, have a wonderful day We hope to use your service again in the future.
Riastasia
Hi Rita.
We've concluded our trip. Now on the way to Guiyang airport.
Tq for organizing the trip for us. We had a wonderful time exploring Guizhou.
Mona
Hi Leo,
I am back in HKG yesterday after 1 night/day in Macau.
I am flying back to Bali tomorrow.
The Tour of SHANGHAI SUZHOU and HANGZHOU you arranged for me WAS ABSOLUTELY GREAT!
Everything was so PERFECT!
I particularly like the visits of 2 famous historical GARDENS OF SHANGHAI and SUZHOU. And TONGLI Watertown.
My tour guide SEVEN PING PING was BEST! very knowledgeable, friendly and just very lovely personality!
The hotel in Shanghai was very luxurious and comfortable.
However … I LOVE THE BOUTIQUE HOTEL CHINESE STYLE in HANGZHOU much better. Beautiful, classy, good Chinese architecture and peaceful.
The car and driver in Hangzhou were so special … a great style I appreciate!
OVERALL… it was a GREAT EXPERIENCE for me and I hope to return to China with my husband … next trip!
A million thanks for your very professional arrangement.
Best regards,
Monique
Hi Shirley,
Thank you for the new year wishes. The cruise you help arranged for me was very good.
Thanks
Josh
We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years!
"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.
Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.
Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!
After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.
Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.
We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.
Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.
Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.
Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!
Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!
Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.
Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!
In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!
The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.
If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.
Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.
We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.
The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.
All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!
Our tour guide picked up guests at Chengdu East Railway Station
A Lovely Panda in Chengdu Panda Base -Erik from Netherlands
Jinli Old Street - Our Guest Chona
Our dear clients was experiencing Chengdu local living style in the People's Park
Chengdu Wuhou Temple
Leshan Giant Buddha in summer
Look up at Leshan Giant Buddha from its foot stage
Baoguo Temple at the foot of Mount Emei
The multi-faced golden statue (48m) of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva at Golden Summit
Our dear clients from Singapore on Golden Summit of Mount Emei
Beautiful Appearance of People's Assembly Hall
Chongqing Light Rail Going Through a Building at Liziba Metro Station
E'ling Park - Chongqing City Panorama
Three Natural Bridges-202309-Wilson from Singapore
Longshuixia Gap-202309-Wilson from Singapore
Three Natural Bridges-202407-Josh from USA
Hongya Cave Night View
Longmenhao Old Street
Longmenhao Old Street
Chongqing / Dazu / Wulong / Chongqing
Chengdu / Leshan / Emei / Chongqing
Chengdu / Leshan / Emei / Chengdu / Jiuzhaigou
“Very good experience”
“WONDERFUL 25 DAYS IN CHINA - PRIVATE TOUR”
“Awesome China tour from northeast to southwest”
2,110+ Reviews
