5 Days Chongqing and Chengdu Tour Itinerary

If you're planning a 5-day trip to explore Chongqing and Chengdu, the time is just about enough—although a bit tight, it's still sufficient if you focus on the highlights. Depending on your interests, you can choose to spend 3 days in Chongqing and 2 days in Chengdu, or 3 days in Chengdu and 2 in Chongqing. Either way, don’t miss the giant pandas, the face-changing Sichuan opera in Chengdu, the night views of Chongqing, the Yangtze River Cableway, and of course, authentic hotpot.

The Most Worthwhile Experiences

No. 1: Panda Volunteer

Clean the panda enclosures and living areas, prepare food (including washing bamboo shoots and making panda treats like “wotou” buns), observe panda behavior, and watch documentaries and receive expert explanations.

No. 2: Tea and Ear Spa

Unique experience: Tea and Ear Spa

No. 3: Sichuan Cuisine Cooking

Learn how to select ingredients and get to know classic Sichuan seasonings such as Sichuan peppercorns and broad bean paste (Doubanjiang). Practice making signature Sichuan dishes like Kung Pao Chicken, Mapo Tofu, Boiled Fish in Chili Broth, and Yu Xiang Shredded Pork. Finally, everyone enjoys tasting the dishes they prepared.

No. 4: Hotpot

A signature Chengdu hotpot(麻辣火锅) featuring a dual-flavored broth — one side intensely spicy with Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil, the other a soothing clear broth, perfect for sharing.

No. 5: Face Changing Opera

Sichuan Face-Changing Opera, or Bian Lian (变脸), is one of the most mesmerizing elements of traditional Chinese performing arts, originating from Sichuan Opera. In just a split second, performers magically change colorful masks with a quick swipe of the hand, a nod of the head, or a wave of a fan—without ever touching their face.

No. 6: Dazu Grottoes

The Dazu Grottoes in Chongqing are a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for their exquisite rock carvings that blend Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist themes, showcasing China's spiritual and artistic heritage from the 9th to 13th centuries.

5 Days Chongqing and Chengdu, Best Experience

Day 1: Highlights of Downtown Chongqing

Morning: Visit Jiefangbei (Chongqing’s landmark) and Bayi Gourmet Street (Breakfast recommendations: Hot and Sour Noodles, Mountain City Glutinous Rice Balls).

Afternoon: Ride the Yangtze River Cableway (South Station entrance is usually less crowded), go to the Liziba Light Rail Through Building Viewing Platform, and stop by Eling Second Factory (great for artistic photos).

Li River Cable Way

Evening: Visit Hongya Cave (stunning when the lights come on around 7:30 PM) and Qiansimen Bridge (perfect for panoramic views of Hongya Cave).

Lunch: Shanchuan Sichuan Cuisine (Guotai Plaza branch) – a Black Pearl One Diamond restaurant known for refined Sichuan cuisine.

Dinner: Peijie Traditional Hot Pot (Hongya Cave branch, popular with locals) or North Cable 720° River View Western Restaurant (inside Raffles City, offering skyline views).

Accommodation: Stay near Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave, InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City/Regent Chongqing/Banyan Tree Chongqing

Day 2: In-depth Exploration of Mountain City Chongqing

Morning: Stroll through Ciqikou Ancient Town (don’t miss Chen Mahua snacks), visit Bai Mansion and Zhazidong (historical "Red Tourism" sites).

Afternoon: Visit the Three Gorges Museum (reservation required) and walk the Mountain City Trail (enter from Consul Alley for an easier downhill walk).

Evening: Options include One Tree Hill on Nanshan for panoramic night views, Hotpot dinner (Pipa Mountain Panda Hotpot recommended), Liujia Wharf Night Cruise on Beibin Road (VIP cabin includes dinner).

Lunch: Yang Ji Long Fu (Main Branch near Jiefangbei) – nostalgic “Republic of China” era décor, known for Jianghu-style dishes.

Dinner: Qing Yuan Restaurant (Nanshan branch) – a mountaintop garden restaurant serving creative Sichuan cuisine.

Day 3: Chongqing to Chengdu (High-Speed Train: 2 hours)

Morning: Take an early train (recommended: Chongqing North to Chengdu East).

Afternoon: Visit Wuhou Shrine (Three Kingdoms culture), and stroll Jinli Ancient Street (especially charming with lanterns in the evening).

Evening: Explore Kuanzhai Alley – catch a Sichuan Opera face-changing performance.

Lunch: Mawangzi Sichuan Bistro (Taikoo Li branch, Michelin One Star – don’t miss the Kung Pao Eggplant Shrimp).

Dinner: The Bridge (Black Pearl Two Diamond – elegant, high-end Sichuan dining) or Zi Fei Private Sichuan Cuisine (Kuanzhai Alley branch – immersive cultural dining, approx. RMB 800+ per person, reservation required).Accommodation: Spring Festival Road / Taikoo Li Area

Accommodation: Niccolo Chengdu (Top floor of IFS, center of Chunxi Road)/The Temple House (inside Taikoo Li, Zen-style design)/Waldorf Astoria Chengdu (Hi-tech zone, skyline views)

Day 4: Chengdu Must-See Sights

Dujiangyan & Mount Qingcheng Day Tour (recommended to join a guided tour or self-drive, ~1.5h each way). Optional: Visit Panda Valley to see red pandas (less crowded than Panda Base).

Evening: Head to Jiuyanqiao Bar Street to experience Chengdu nightlife.

Lunch: Qingcheng Jia (Qingcheng Mountain branch – traditional courtyard setting, Ginkgo Stewed Chicken is a must-try).

Dinner: Yin Lu – Traditional Sichuan Cuisine (Luhu branch – Song Dynasty aesthetic, reservation required).

If staying overnight in Qingcheng Mountain, consider Six Senses Qingcheng Mountain (must book in advance for a secluded retreat experience).

Day 5: The Slow Life of Chengdu

Morning: Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (opens at 7:30 AM – go early for active pandas).

Afternoon: Relax at People’s Park with a cup of covered-bowl tea at Heming Teahouse, then shop and take photos at Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li (3D screen check-in spot).

Evening: Return home depending on your flight/train schedule.

5 Days Highlights of Chongqing (Dazu Rock Carvings & Wulong) and Chengdu

Day 1: Chongqing Highlights & Night View Feast

Chunxi Road, Chengdu

Morning: Liziba Light Rail Through Building, Iconic train-through-building experience. Eling Second Factory, Trendy cultural-creative park with panoramic river views.

Lunch: Shanchuan Sichuan Cuisine (Guotai Plaza branch – Black Pearl One Diamond; recommended - Spicy Chicken with Mango Salted Egg Yolk).

Afternoon: Yangtze River Cableway, Ride across the Yangtze (start from the South Station to avoid queues). Huguang Guild Hall, Qing and Ming dynasty architecture with photogenic yellow walls and grey tiles.

Dinner: Peijie Traditional Hotpot (Hongya Cave branch – time-tested hotpot loved by locals).

Night View: Hongya Cave (lights on at 7:30 PM) + panoramic view from Qiansimen Bridge.

Hotel: InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City (skyscraper riverside pool), or Regent Chongqing (next to Hongya Cave, unbeatable two-river night view at the bar).

Day 2: Wulong Karst Natural Wonders

Three Natural Bridges, Filming location of Transformers 4 – a hike through dramatic karst arches. Longshuixia Fissure Gorge, Canyons, waterfalls, and underground rivers.

Lunch at Tujia-style restaurant near the scenic exit

Dinner: Qingyuan Restaurant (Nanshan branch – mountaintop garden dining, creative Sichuan cuisine with night view).

Hotel Options: Continue stay at InterContinental/Regent, or Try Banyan Tree Beibei Hot Spring Villa (private hot spring, secluded retreat).

Day 3: Dazu Rock Carvings Cultural Journey - Chengdu

Morning: Visit Dazu Baodingshan Rock Carvings (UNESCO World Heritage Site – highlights include Thousand-Hand Guanyin and Six Realms of Rebirth; 1.5h drive).

Lunch: Youting Crucian Carp in Dazu (spicy and aromatic, served with Dingjiapo potatoes).

Afternoon: Take high-speed train Chongqing North to Chengdu East (about 2 hours, suggested 2:00 PM departure).

Dinner: The Bridge – Black Pearl Two Diamond, modern Sichuan cuisine with aesthetic flair.

Hotel Options: Niccolo Chengdu (top floor of IFS, overlooking Chunxi Road), or The Temple House (Taikoo Li, tranquil courtyard with Zen design).

Day 4: Giant Pandas & Modern - Chinese Culture

Morning: Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, West Gate - Panda Tower (panoramic view) - Moon Nursery (baby pandas) - Red Panda Garden (Consider the “In-Depth Photography Route” – 4.5 hrs)

Lunch: Inside the base, the Bamboo Charm Restaurant (light meals), or Back in city to the Mawangzi Sichuan Bistro (Michelin One Star – try Kung Pao Eggplant Shrimp).

Afternoon: Eastern Suburb Memory, An artsy industrial park with urban vibes. Shuyan Fu, A Han & Tang dynasty-themed immersive dinner show (reservation required).

Dinner: Wuyuegong Private Cuisine (Michelin-listed heritage courtyard near Wenshu Monastery – signature dish: “Borrowing Arrows with Straw Boats” Prawns).

Day 5: Chengdu Slow Life & Departure

Morning: People’s Park: Enjoy 盖碗茶 (lidded bowl tea) at Heming Teahouse, plus traditional ear-cleaning.

Wuhou Shrine: Classic red walls and bamboo shadows, perfect for photos.

Lunch: Chaimen Hui (Black Pearl One Diamond – innovative Sichuan flavors).

Afternoon: Kuanzhai Alley, Shop for intangible cultural heritage crafts. Taikoo Li, Check in at the 3D naked-eye screen hotspot.

Farewell Dinner (before departure): Yinlu – Traditional Sichuan Cuisine (Song Dynasty–style restaurant by Luhu Lake, reservation recommended).

3 Days in Chongqing (including Wulong & Dazu Rock Carvings) + 2 Days in Chengdu (with Giant Panda Volunteer Experience)

Day 1: Wulong Karst Wonders

Wulong Karst Natural Wonders

Depart for Wulong at 7:30 AM (approx. 3-hour drive), head directly to Three Natural Bridges, and hike through the breathtaking karst landscape featured in Transformers 4, including Tianlong Bridge and Qinglong Bridge.

Lunch: Local Tujia restaurant near the scenic exit (recommended dishes: Stir-fried Cured Pork with Alpine Bamboo Shoots, Grilled Fish from Jiangkou).

In the afternoon, explore the Longshuixia Fissure Gorge, walking along wooden plank paths through waterfalls and underground rivers (about 2 hours).

Optional upgrade: Attend the “Impression Wulong” live show in the evening — created by Zhang Yimou’s team, it portrays the culture of Yangtze River boatmen and tow workers (advance booking required).

Dinner: Cloud Restaurant at Huabang Hotel, Fairy Mountain (Hotpot with Highland Beef + Secret-Recipe Tofu).

Hotel Options: Huabang Hotel, Fairy Mountain (Forest villa rooms with lush green views)/Banyan Tree Hot Spring Villa in Beibei (private onsen for relaxing recovery)

Day 2: Chongqing’s Surreal Nightscape

Visit Liziba Light Rail Through Building and Eling Second Factory (artsy rooftop with river views).

Lunch: Shanchuan Sichuan Cuisine (Guotai Plaza branch – Black Pearl One Diamond; Spicy Chicken with Mango Salted Egg Yolk is a must-try).

Explore Huguang Guild Hall (a beautiful photo spot with yellow walls and grey tiled roofs), Ride the Yangtze River Cableway (enter from the south station to avoid queues).

Dinner Options: Peijie Traditional Hotpot (Hongya Cave branch – classic nine-square pot with fresh beef tripe), North Cable 720° River View Western Restaurant (skyline view while dining)

Night Experience: Visit Hongya Cave (lights turn on at 7:30 PM), Take panoramic photos from Qiansimen Bridge, End the night at Liangjiang Bar, inside Regent Hotel (minimum spend: RMB 300/person, cocktails with river views)

Hotel Options: InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City (infinity pool with city views)/Regent Chongqing (next to Hongya Cave, unbeatable nightscape)

Day 3: Dazu Rock Carvings - Chengdu by train

Visit Dazu Baodingshan Rock Carvings (1.5-hour drive). Focus on the Thousand-Hand Guanyin and Six Realms of Rebirth — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lunch: Chen’s Crucian Carp in Youting (Spicy crucian carp + Dingjiapo-style potatoes).

Take high-speed train from Chongqing North to Chengdu East (2 hours, suggested departure at 14:00).

Dinner: The Bridge – Black Pearl Two Diamond restaurant known for Traditional Poached Fish and Numbing Pepper Abalone.

Hotel Options: Niccolo Chengdu (top floor of IFS, prime Chunxi Road location)/The Temple House (courtyard-style hotel in Taikoo Li with Zen-inspired design)

Day 4: Full-Day Panda Volunteer Experience

Enter Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding at 7:30 AM. Volunteer as a panda nutritionist, make panda cakes, deliver bamboo, analyze panda droppings for research.

Lunch: Bamboo Charm Restaurant inside the base (light meals), or Panda-Themed Café (panda latte art + themed desserts).

Afternoon: Continue your conservation work, help keepers with behavioral data logging and receive your Volunteer Certificate.

Dinner: Chaimen Hui (ICD Mall branch – Black Pearl One Diamond; recommend Numbing Pepper Wagyu Beef).

Evening Experience: Attend Shuyan Fu – an immersive Han dynasty-style cultural dining show (includes Hanfu styling, 7 traditional dishes, and live performance “Phoenix Courting the Phoenix”; reservation required).

Day 5: Cultural Leisure & Departure

Morning tea at Heming Teahouse, People’s Park (Chengdu-style bowl tea + traditional ear-cleaning)

Visit Wuhou Shrine (photogenic bamboo shadows and red walls)

Lunch: Wuyuegong Private Cuisine (Michelin-listed courtyard restaurant near Wenshu Monastery; try “Borrowing Arrows” Prawns).

Stroll through Kuanzhai Alley (intangible cultural heritage shops), Explore Taikoo Li (3D naked-eye screen & luxury shopping)

Farewell Dinner: Yinlu – Traditional Sichuan Cuisine (Luhu branch – Song Dynasty aesthetic restaurant by the lake, recommended: Ginkgo Chicken Soup).

Fine Dining

Chongqing

Shan Cha Huan Cuisine/山茶川菜餐厅

Shan Cha Huan Cuisine/山茶川菜餐厅: The elegant Shanchahua Sichuan Cuisine in Chongqing’s Jiefangbei offers refined, light‑luxury décor and exquisitely plated traditional Sichuan dishes that appeal even to non‑locals, earning high praise for signature items like spicy chicken and lantern‑thin beef

Chengdu

The Brigde Restaurant Chengdu/廊桥餐厅: The Bridge Restaurant in Chengdu is a high-end dining destination blending modern Sichuan cuisine with elegant riverside views and artistic presentation.

Luxury Hotels with Images in Chongqing and Chengdu

Six Senses Qingcheng Mountain

Nestled at the foot of Qingcheng Mountain, Six Senses offers a serene retreat blending luxury, wellness, and Taoist-inspired design, making it the perfect base for exploring Dujiangyan and reconnecting with nature.

InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City

The InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City is a luxurious riverside hotel nestled within the iconic Raffles City complex, featuring an impressive infinity pool with panoramic views of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, a sky-high bar, and elegantly appointed rooms designed for both relaxation and refined comfort.

Niccolo Chengdu

Perched atop the IFS Tower in the heart of Chunxi Road, Niccolo Chengdu offers sleek luxury, panoramic skyline views, and unrivaled access to the city’s premier shopping and dining scene.