9 Days Chongqing Tour: Dazu, Wulong, City Highlights In-depth Tour

Your 9-Day Chongqing Tour Begins! Upon your arrival at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) or High-Speed Train Station, your friendly local English-speaking guide and private driver will warmly greet you at the exit and transfer you to hotel for check-in.

You have a lot of time to track the city’s how mountain-like with remaining old culture and the futuristic lights at night.

Spare Your Free Time: The rest of your day is perfect for you to explore around your hotel. You'll find the fiery aroma of hot pot emanating from every corner. Chongqing is the birthplace of Chinese hot pot, where various fresh meats and vegetables are cooked in each restaurant's specially prepared. Awaken your tastebuds with the numbing, spicy, and fragrant broth!

This day unveils Chongqing’s key landmark, rich migrant culture, and dazzling night views along the river.

Morning - Jiefangbei & Bayi Food Street

After breakfast, we'll head to Jiefangbei (解放碑). This iconic tower, built in 1940, stands as Chongqing's landmark and a powerful symbol of its people's unyielding spirit during WWII. Standing 27.5 meters tall, the tower's base enshrines Chongqing newspapers, Chinese stamps, and currency from the day it was established. You can take a photo with Jiefangbei. A first “Hello Chongqing” moment!

Jiefangbei sits at the thriving CBD. Just a three-minute walk from here, you'll find Bayi Food Street (八一好吃街), a renowned foodie heaven that’s welcoming to first-time visitors. Here, you're free to savor authentic Chongqing delicacies beyond just hot pot, like Sour and Spicy Noodles, Crispy Fried Pork, and Mini Glutinous Rice Balls. Relax, you got spicy-free options.

Afternoon - Huguang Guild Hall, Hongya Cave, Qiansimen Bridge, Riverside Park

Drive 14 mins to Huguang Guild Hall (湖广会馆). This place holds Chongqing's migrant culture, also features a living fossil of China's guild hall traditions, functioning as a social, cultural, and business center since 18th century. War killed local people during Qing Dynasty, so the government drew migrants from neighboring provinces like Hubei, Hunan, and Guangdong into Chongqing. These new residents frequently gathered at Huguang Guild Hall.

Inside Guild Hall, you'll feel serene amidst the bustling city. Your eyes will first catch the striking yellow exterior walls, a color chosen by the original migrants to represent earth. It speaks to their hope for a stable life. The architecture mixes Jiangnan garden style and Chongqing's mountainous elevations.

Once inside, follow the suggested route (Yuwang Palace -> Yuzhou Academy -> the Guangdong and Qi'an Guild Halls -> the Carving and Immigration Museums). Look at the intricate carvings on the buildings, your familiar heroine in "Journey to the West." Photographers will find stunning shots from every angle!

Optional Activity:

Inside Qi'an Guild Halls, you can enjoy "Drunk with Bayu Culture"(醉巴渝) show like Sichuan Opera Face-Changing, Long-Spout Teapot Art.

Wait, today’s not end! Drive to Hongya Cave (洪崖洞), located along the Jialing River and near Chaotianmen Square. It is famous for its traditional stilted buildings (Diaojiaolou), dazzling night views, and vibrant atmosphere. Stroll along the riverside promenade to enjoy spectacular views of the Jialing River and the modern Chongqing skyline. Explore the multi-level complex, featuring Diaojiaolou-style wooden structures and steep stairways. Here, you can even try Hot Pot, if you like. As night falls, this complex transforms into a dazzling spectacle, offering one of Chongqing’s most iconic night views.

Qiansimen Bridge (千厮门大桥) glows red, a perfect nighttime partner of Hongya Cave. For the best shots, visit the opposite Riverside Park to photograph both.

After the tour, be escorted to your hotel in Chongqing downtown area.

Today, you will discover old Chongqing in the traditional district. Be a native! And learn Three Gorges culture.

Morning - Shibati 

First things first to be a native - Climbing the steps. So we’ll start from Shibati (十八梯). It’s one of Chongqing's oldest urban districts, built in the 12th century. It was named for a well located "eighteen stone steps" from the residential area. Shibati stands out for its classic mountain city views with countless steps, stilt houses and narrow alleys. It's truly a "miniature of Chongqing." Beyond its old Chongqing charm, the area also features modern shops for trendy travelers.

Afternoon - Shancheng Lane, Three Gorges Museum, Chaotianmen

After lunch, walk 10 minutes to Shancheng Lane (山城巷) next to Shibati. Shancheng Lane is an authentic old street by the Yangtze River, a "Chongqing Architecture Museum" dating back to the 14th century. Spanning 1.5 km with a 70-meter drop, its buildings cover 600+ years: from Ming walls, Qing gate and European churches to WWII homes and modern shops, all woven with classic Chongqing stone staircases.

Don't worry about your knees - we've planned an easy downhill route (Old Chinese Medicine Hospital- Ren'ai Church- Cliffside Plank Road- Changle Yongkang Stone Gate) . You'll see Ren'ai Church, a complex built by the French Catholic Church in 1900, which once housed a monastery, church, bell tower, and hospital. Inside, you can still faintly see the European-style columns and ornate carvings of the ruins.

Continuing your walk, arrive at Chongqing's only Cliffside Plank Road. This path is 300+ meters long, with stilt houses on your left and the Yangtze River on your right. Soon, you'll spot the lead-gray Ming Dynasty city wall, then the Qing Dynasty Stone Gate engraved with "Changle Yongkang (Eternal Well-being)." Congrats—you've just journeyed through six centuries of Chongqing history!

Then, visit the Three Gorges Museum (三峡博物馆), home to a vast collection of over 280,000 precious historical relics. Dive deep into the fascinating story of the Yangtze River, the formation of the iconic Three Gorges, and the evolution of Chongqing from its ancient beginnings to its vibrant rise in the 20th century. After exploring the museum, don’t miss the chance to capture stunning photos in front of the People’s Assembly Hall, an architectural masterpiece located just outside the museum.

After your tour, drive to Chaotianmen (朝天门), the site of Chongqing's ancient city gate. Here, you'll admire the sail-like skyscrapers of Raffles City and the bustling dock where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet.

Free Time Suggestion: A large wholesale market is also located at Chaotianmen.

After the tour, be escorted to your hotel in Chongqing downtown area.

Today, you will take the cableway gliding over the Yangtze River, and then continue to discover Chongqing's Old Streets for treaty port history and a local tea house for common folk life.

Morning - Yangtze River Cableway, Xiahaoli Old Street

After breakfast, hop on Yangtze River Cableway (长江索道), one of Chongqing's most unique commutes. For nearly 40 years, it has carried countless passengers high above the surging Yangtze River.This "sky bus" will carry you to the opposite bank.

Just a 12-minute walk from the cableway station, you'll find Xiahaoli Old Street (下浩里老街), a place where you can discover Chongqing's treaty port history before century ago. In 1890, Chongqing was forcibly opened as a treaty port. Western buildings and cultures poured in. The Chinese-Western blend buildings here will amaze you.

This six-story old street preserves century-old buildings like the former French Yongxing Foreign Firm and the Belgian Consulate. These structures mix European arched doors, vermilion red bricks, and colonnades with local grey bricks and tiles. As you stroll, you can also enjoy various art exhibitions, feeling all the artsy vibes!

Afternoon - Longmenhao Old Street, Chen Anjian’s Tea House

Walk 5 minutes to Longmenhao Old Street (龙门浩老街). Like Xiahaoli Old Street, it shares a treaty port history and artsy vibes, and is also structured in six tiers. Here, you can explore several century-old former consulates, foreign firm sites, and more.

This is an excellent spot for contrast photography. We recommend posing with your back to the century-old architecture and facing the skyscraper on the opposite bank.

After continuous walking, rest at Nanbin Road’s riverside resting area. Enjoy the river breeze, then drive 40 minutes to Chen Anjian's Tea House (陈安健交通茶馆).

Since 1999, artist Chen Anjian has painted Chongqing's common people in this teahouse, making it a living museum of local culture and a photography paradise. It still looks like it did forty years ago.

This cozy, semi-basement teahouse features an old wooden frame, uneven beams, long benches, celadon cups, and vibrant graffiti. You'll find decades-long regulars, photographers, and students creating art. It's a must-visit spot to experience traditional Chongqing life!

After the tour, be escorted to your hotel in Chongqing downtown area.

This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to the Dazu Rock Carvings (about 100 km, 1.5-2 hours’ drive).

Prepare to be amazed by this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage site, a stunning masterpiece of ancient Chinese cave art that emerged later than the Yungang Caves and Longmen Grottoes. The carvings date back to the Tang Dynasty (7th century AD) and flourished during the Song Dynasty (9th–13th centuries).

The Dazu Rock Carvings are celebrated for their grand scale, intricate artistry, and diverse subject matter, as well as their remarkable state of preservation. As one of the finest examples of Chinese cave temple art, these carvings not only highlight the harmonious coexistence of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism but also provide fascinating insights into daily life in ancient China.

Upon arrival, you’ll visit Baodingshan, where two groups of carvings dating from the late 12th to mid-13th century await near the Holy Longevity Monastery. The western section spans approximately 500 meters and consists of 31 groups of carved figures, showcasing themes from Tantric Buddhism, as well as vivid scenes of herdsmen and everyday life. Here, you’ll marvel at some of Dazu’s most iconic carvings: The Thousand-Hand Guanyin, with 1,007 hands, symbolizing boundless compassion. The Wheel of Life, depicting the Buddhist cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Filial Piety Carvings, which illustrate Confucian virtues and the importance of respecting one’s parents.

After the tour, be escorted to your hotel in Chongqing downtown area.

This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to begin your journey to the Three Natural Bridges in the Wulong Karst National Geological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (about 160km, 2.5 hours’ drive). These three massive limestone arch bridges - Tianlong Bridge (Heavenly Dragon), Qinglong Bridge (Azure Dragon), and Heilong Bridge (Black Dragon) - are among the largest natural bridges in the world, renowned for their breathtaking scenery. The site also served as a filming location for the Hollywood blockbuster Transformers: Age of Extinction, adding to its fame.

Upon arrival, you’ll enter the tourist area and take the sightseeing elevator down to the bottom of the gorge, where your exploration begins. As you hike along the scenic trail, you’ll visit the three iconic bridges and other smaller scenic spots, immersing yourself in the unique beauty of the park.

Highlights of the Three Natural Bridges:

Tianlong Bridge (天龙桥): The largest and most majestic of the three bridges, Tianlong Bridge is named after the mythical "Heavenly Dragon." Towering above the valley, it forms a natural "gateway" to the area and inspires awe with its sheer scale and grandeur as you walk beneath it.

Tianfu Official Post (天福驿站): Nestled in the valley beneath the bridges, this historic stone-built courtyard dates back to the Tang Dynasty. It later served as an official post station during the Ming and Qing dynasties, providing shelter and rest for travelers and officials. Its architecture and cultural significance offer a glimpse into the past.

Qinglong Bridge (青龙桥): Often regarded as the most scenic and photogenic of the three, Qinglong Bridge is named after the "Azure Dragon" of Chinese mythology. With its elegant and slender structure, this bridge perfectly complements the lush greenery and dramatic cliffs around it, making it a favorite spot for photography.

Heilong Bridge (黑龙桥): The smallest of the three bridges, Heilong Bridge is no less captivating. A tranquil stream flows through the gorge below, adding to the serene yet majestic atmosphere. Its name, "Black Dragon", reflects the mysterious and profound beauty of this natural wonder.

After visiting the Three Natural Bridges, take a short 10-minute ride on the sightseeing bus to the Longshuixia Gap, a stunning karst gorge that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This natural wonder is characterized by towering limestone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and lush greenery. Formed over millions of years by the erosive power of underground rivers flowing through the karst landscape, the Longshuixia Gap is a geological masterpiece. The hiking trail through the gorge stretches about 2-3 kilometers and typically takes 2 hours to complete, offering you an immersive experience in nature’s grandeur.

Tips for Visiting Wulong:

Wear Comfortable Shoes: The trail includes stairs and uneven terrain, so sturdy and comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Bring Water and Snacks: The hike can be tiring, so stay hydrated and bring light snacks to keep your energy up.

Photography Tips: A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the dramatic scale of the gorge, while a waterproof case is helpful for areas near waterfalls.

Dress for the Weather: The gorge tends to be cool and damp, so dress in layers and consider bringing a light raincoat, especially if visiting during the rainy season.

Stay overnight in Wulong Xiannvshan Town.

Optional Evening Experience: Impression Wulong Show (印象武隆)

This evening, immerse yourself in the Impression Wulong, a spectacular outdoor night show set against the stunning backdrop of the Wulong Karst National Geological Park. Designed by the world-renowned Chinese director Zhang Yimou, this performance is a masterpiece of art, culture, and nature. The show brings to life the rich heritage of the region, centered around the theme of "Chuanjiang Haozi" (traditional river work songs). It weaves together local intangible cultural treasures, such as the Wujiang boatmen's work songs, wedding laments, and stone-carrying songs, with the vibrant Bashu cultural elements of "Huagan" (bamboo sedan chairs), hotpot traditions, and the enduring spirit of Tuojiang boat trackers. The show lasts about 70 minutes.

After breakfast, we'll drive about an hour to the Furong Cave (芙蓉洞) . This massive limestone cave, formed over 1.2 million years ago, is part of the UNESCO Wulong Karst World Natural Heritage site. It's renowned as one of the world's three great caves, alongside Mammoth Cave in the USA and Clamouse Cave in France.

The cave stretches approximately 2,700 meters and boasts over 70 types of astonishing karst formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, stone curtains, and an underground river.

Upon entering the scenic area, you'll take a 10-minute cable car ride directly to the cave's entrance. The most spectacular parts of Furong Cave include a rock waterfall measuring 15 meters wide and 21 meters high, as well as delicate stone flowers, smooth palm-shaped stalagmites, and dense helical formations.

After the tour, you'll be escorted back to your hotel in Chongqing's downtown area.

Tips for Exploring the Cave:

1. Enclosed, Dimly Lit Environment: You may feel a bit damp and chilly.
2. Watch Your Step: The interior can be slippery and has many stairs, so please walk carefully.
3. Mind Narrow Passages: Some sections are quite narrow, with the tightest spots only allowing one person to pass at a time. Be careful not to bump or scrape yourself.
4. Limited Phone Signal: Mobile phone signal inside the cave is weak, or even nonexistent. Never attempt to explore unopen sections of the cave on your own!

Today, you'll browse Chongqing's old and new: ancient towns and light rail through buildings, parks and cultural heritage districts.

Morning - Ciqikou Ancient Town

After breakfast, start your journey with us at Ciqikou Ancient Town, a living museum of Chongqing’s history! This 1,000-year-old charming town, featuring well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, was once a bustling porcelain trade hub and still brims with cultural heritage. Explore the enchanting streets of Ciqikou, where every step on the narrow cobblestone paths feels like traveling back in time. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you admire traditional crafts, enjoy local performances such as Sichuan opera face-changing shows, and savor delicious street food like the famous Mahua (crispy fried dough twists).

Afternoon - Liziba Metro, Eling Park, Eling Testbed 2

Take a 30-minute ride to Liziba Metro. Let’s witness the most thrilling sight - the train that passes through a building at Liziba Metro Station. Located on Line 2 of Chongqing’s monorail, this station is famously constructed through the middle of a residential building, making it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Next up, we'll take you to Eling Park (鹅岭公园), Chongqing's earliest urban park. Once a Qing Dynasty garden, it unfolds like a "miniature Jiangnan" where each step paints a new picture. Climb the seven-story Lansheng Tower within the park for panoramic views of Chongqing's Yangtze and Jialing Rivers.

Right next door, Eling Park's tranquility gives way to the vibrant Eling Testbed 2 (鹅岭二厂)! This old factory site is now an artsy hub for youth, buzzing with creative shops and eye-popping graffiti. So much energy!

After the tour, you'll be escorted back to your hotel in Chongqing's downtown area.

Optional: Intangible Cultural Heritage Fish Lantern

Inside Eling Testbed 2, you can craft a fish lantern. A dreamy ancient Chinese heritage comes from 14 century, these fish-shaped lanterns are crafted from bamboo and painted paper. Danced to simulate swimming fish, they usually celebrate harvests and peace. This art thrives in waterside regions. In Chongqing, you can experience it directly. With help from artisans, craft your own, then pick it up and join the fish lantern dance!

Beyond the fish lantern, you can also experience ancient Chinese crafts like rubbings, Diancui (feather inlay), bamboo weaving, and velvet flowers (symbolizing blessings).

Notice: Intangible Cultural Heritage experiences within Eling Testbed 2 require booking one week in advance and are non-cancellable once booked.

Chongqing also features the Tongliang Fire Dragon Dance (铜梁舞火龙), an intangible cultural heritage where molten iron sparks like golden flowers. Inquire with Asia Odyssey Travel for details.

Your 9 Days Chongqing Tour reaches its final day! After breakfast, your guide and driver will then take you to the airport or train station in Chongqing for your onward flight or high-speed train to your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China Chongqing tour! We are always here to assist you and look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to China or Asia!