Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Chongqing

Welcome to Chongqing! Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy a relaxing evening and get ready to explore this vibrant city.

Activities & Services:

• Airport Transfer
• Hotel Check-in

Included: Breakfast

Day 2: Chongqing – Wulong

Depart from Chongqing and embark on a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Wulong, a UNESCO-listed natural wonder. This region is renowned for its breathtaking karst landscapes and dramatic rock formations.

Your first stop is Tian Sheng San Qiao (Three Natural Bridges), the world's largest natural bridge complex. This awe-inspiring karst formation consists of three massive stone arch bridges standing parallel over deep valleys, creating a spectacular sight. A true masterpiece of nature, it is part of the South China Karst landscape. Featured in films like “Curse of the Golden Flower” and “Transformers 4”, as well as the popular show “Where Are We Going, Dad?”, Tian Sheng San Qiao has become one of Wulong’s most iconic attractions. It is also a favourite summer retreat for Chongqing locals, offering a cool escape amidst stunning natural beauty.

Next, explore the Longshuixia Fissure Gorge, a breathtaking 4-kilometer-long canyon known for its rugged rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic ravines. One of its highlights is an 80-meter-high waterfall that forms a surreal curtain of water, adding to the gorge’s mystical charm. The landscape is further enhanced by ancient trees, intertwined vines, and crystal-clear streams flowing through steep cliffs, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Activities & Services:

• Scenic Drive to Wulong
• Visit to Tian Sheng San Qiao (Three Natural Bridges)
• Visit to Longshuixia Fissure Gorge

Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Wulong – Pengshui – Wanzu Pier – Gongtan

Begin your day with a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Weishan Ancient Town, where you’ll discover the well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty residences. This historic town serves as a living testament to China’s architectural evolution, offering a glimpse into its ancient past.

Next, climb Gongchen Tower, a landmark that provides a panoramic view of the town and its surroundings. From the top, enjoy the stunning landscape and imagine the town’s role as a hub of cultural and political activity in ancient times.

Wander down Nanzhao Alley, where history and culture seamlessly intertwine. The alley’s traditional architecture and vibrant atmosphere evoke the splendor of the Nanzhao Kingdom, which once ruled this region.

Visit the Nanzhao Museum to learn about the rich heritage of the Nanzhao Kingdom, its cultural influences, and its significant role in the history of the region. The museum’s exhibits will offer deep insights into the kingdom’s past, shaping your understanding of Weishan's historical importance.

After a morning of historical exploration, enjoy a hands-on experience at a tie-dye workshop that showcases an intangible cultural heritage. Here, each participant will have the opportunity to create a small dyed handkerchief, learning about the traditional techniques used to produce these beautiful textiles. Take home your creation as a unique souvenir from the day.

Activities & Services:

• Visit to Weishan Ancient Town
• Visit to Gongchen Tower
• Wander through Nanzhao Alley
• Visit to Nanzhao Museum
• Tie-Dye Workshop

Included: Breakfast

Day 4: Gongtan – Qianjiang

After breakfast, depart from Gongtan and embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to Qianjiang, a region rich in history and natural beauty. 

Your day begins with a visit to the Puhua Underground River, a hidden gem beneath towering cliffs. This enchanting river is reminiscent of the mysterious underwater world seen in The Lost Tomb. Board a small boat and drift along the crystal-clear waters, entering a massive karst cave system that seems to transport you to another world. Above the river, three natural stone bridges stretch across the landscape, standing 150 meters high. The surreal scene is enhanced by sunlight filtering through the cave openings, casting a golden glow on the dark river below in a breathtaking display. 

In the afternoon, step back in time as you explore Zhuoshui Ancient Town, a well-preserved Qing Dynasty town that offers a unique glimpse into traditional Chongqing culture. Wander through ancient wooden courtyards, sip tea in historic teahouses, and learn about the area’s intangible cultural heritage from local masters. This town offers a peaceful yet enriching experience, allowing you to connect with the roots of the region. 

Next, visit the World’s Longest Fengyu Covered Bridge, an iconic structure that has become the symbol of romance in Qianjiang. This masterpiece of traditional Chinese bridge architecture is built entirely of wooden mortise-and-tenon joints, without a single nail. Spanning 658 meters, it crosses both the A'peng and Puhua Rivers, showcasing stunning pavilions and poetic inscriptions. Key highlights of the bridge include the Zhuo River Huaiyuan Pavilion, Jinzhong Feiyun Archway, Long Rainbow Over the Waves Pavilion, and Puhua Dragon Chanting Hall, all of which offer spectacular river views and rich cultural significance. 

In the evening, immerse yourself further in the region’s history with a traditional costume photoshoot. Dress in Hanfu or ethnic attire and capture timeless moments against the stunning backdrop of the Fengyu Covered Bridge and Zhuoshui Ancient Town, creating memories that will last a lifetime. 

Activities & Services:

• Scenic Drive to Qianjiang
• Visit to Puhua Underground River
• Visit to Zhuoshui Ancient Town
• Visit to World’s Longest Fengyu Covered Bridge
• Traditional Costume Photoshoot

Included: Breakfast

Day 5: Qianjiang – Chongqing

Begin your journey by traveling back to Chongqing, where you will explore some of the city’s most historic and cultural landmarks. 

In the afternoon, begin your exploration at the Liberation Monument and the Huguang Guild Hall. The Huguang Guild Hall is a significant landmark, rich with immigration history and Ba-Shu culture. Join a guided tour led by an expert in Chongqing’s history and architecture, and delve into the Immigration Museum to learn about the Huguang migration to Sichuan during the Qing Dynasty. As part of the experience, enjoy the Zui Ba Yu (醉巴渝) performance, a vivid cultural showcase that features face-changing, Sichuan river songs, and folk dances, providing a deeper appreciation of the region’s traditions. 

As the evening approaches, visit the Old Port Trading District and stroll along Longmenhao Old Street, which was once the first inland trade port in Chongqing, bustling with Western merchants. Discover 18 historical buildings, each with its own story to tell, including the Former U.S. Consulate, Italian Consulate, and Historic Customs Villas. Don’t miss the Old American Embassy Bar, where you can imagine the past blending with the present. Wander the cobblestone streets, past gray brick facades and colonial-era arcades, experiencing the unique fusion of East and West. 

At the Starlight Observation Deck, take in unparalleled panoramic views of Chongqing’s skyline, featuring iconic landmarks such as Raffles City, the Liberation Monument, Chaotianmen Bridge, and the Yangtze River Cableway. The striking contrast of historic streets with modern skyscrapers and urban transport systems offers a magical and immersive experience, capturing the essence of this dynamic city. 

For a truly memorable night, head to Danzishi Old Street in the Changjiahui CBD. This area offers a spectacular view of Chongqing’s two-river, four-shore skyline. The glowing skyscrapers of Yuzhong Peninsula and Jiangbei create a breathtaking cityscape, making for an unforgettable night-time experience.

Activities & Services:

• Travel to Chongqing
• Visit to Liberation Monument
• Visit to Huguang Guild Hall
• Guided Tour of Immigration Museum
• Enjoy Zui Ba Yu Performance
• Visit to Old Port Trading District
• Visit to Starlight Observation Deck
• Visit to Danzishi Old Street

Included: Breakfast

Day 6: Chongqing

Begin your day with a visit to the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant examples of Chinese rock carving art. Known as the "North Dunhuang, South Dazu," these carvings offer an intimate glimpse into real-life characters and everyday scenes from the Tang and Song Dynasties. As you explore the site with an expert guide, you’ll discover the Baoding Mountain carvings, considered the most magnificent. These masterpieces showcase the highest achievements in Chinese Buddhist cave art from the 9th to 13th centuries, making the site a monumental achievement in the history of rock art. The carvings provide a remarkable reflection of the cultural shifts during the Tang and Song periods, offering a fascinating window into the past. 

In the afternoon, head to Ciqikou Ancient Town, located along the Jialing River in the Shapingba District. Dating back to the Song Dynasty, Ciqikou was historically a vibrant port and trade hub. Known for its unique topography—“one river, two streams, three mountains, and four streets”—Ciqikou is a perfect blend of nature and history. Wander through stone-paved streets, where centuries of Ba-Yu culture and Chongqing’s ancient lifestyle converge. The town’s charming historic buildings, traditional crafts, and bustling local markets give it the nickname “Little Chongqing,” offering a glimpse into the city’s past. 

In the evening, experience the 1949 Red Theatre Show, a large-scale red-themed drama that brings to life the historical period around the liberation of Chongqing. Set against the backdrop of Ciqikou Ancient Town, this immersive performance features detailed historical reenactments of pivotal moments and personal stories from that transformative time. The show provides a captivating way to connect with the region’s history and culture while enjoying a live theatrical experience. 

Activities & Services:

• Visit to Dazu Rock Carvings
• Visit to Ciqikou Ancient Town
• 1949 Red Theatre Show

Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Chongqing

Delve into the rich cultural heritage of Chongqing as you explore the Thousand-Year-Old Ancient Town, one of the city’s largest and best-preserved ancient architectural groups. Known as “Chongqing's Most Beautiful Historic Cultural Town,” this town has a fascinating history, dating back to the Sui Dynasty. Once a key hub on the Silk Road and a major trade center in the upper Yangtze River region, it also played a strategic military role throughout its history. The town witnessed significant population migrations during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, particularly the “Huguang Filling Sichuan” movement. Today, it continues to preserve intangible cultural heritage activities, such as dragon dances and Confucian rituals, earning it the nickname “Living Ancient Town.” 

Your cultural journey continues with a non-stop heritage experience, beginning with a Dragon Dance, an important national intangible cultural heritage and an iconic part of Bayi culture. Watch the mesmerizing performance and learn the ancient art of dragon-making from the few remaining masters who pass down this tradition. You’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at crafting a dragon, gaining firsthand knowledge of this intricate and ancient craft. 

In the afternoon, head to Kuimen Pavilion, a three-story historical building that houses a remarkable collection of ancient books, spanning from the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms to the modern era. Watch a live demonstration of ancient book restoration by the pavilion’s curator, Tang Zhiyong, who personally restores and donates these precious texts. You can also participate in preserving history by learning how to restore ancient books and protect cultural heritage. 

Next, immerse yourself in interactive cultural experiences by meeting the County Magistrate. Participate in the town’s daily “Opening City Ceremony,” where performers dressed in traditional attire reenact the county magistrate’s greeting at the Xinghui Gate. Stroll down Huoshen Street, interact with the performers, and learn about ancient local governance and traditions. 

Your day culminates in an immersive drama experience—"Dispute Resolution" in an Ancient Court. Engage in a large-scale drama where you can experience the ancient process of case resolution from the perspective of the county magistrate. Wander through the restored county government, which features a three-section courtyard, and participate in historical role-playing. Explore different areas, including the main hall, inner quarters, and the magistrate's office, while learning about the architectural structure and decision-making process of ancient judicial practices. This immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into the intricacies of ancient Chinese governance and judicial traditions. 

Activities & Services:

• Visit to Thousand-Year-Old Ancient Town
• Watch Dragon Dance
• Learn Dragon Crafting
• Visit to Kuimen Pavilion
• Book Restoration Demonstration
• Opening City Ceremony
• Dispute Resolution Drama Experience

Included: Breakfast

Day 8: Departure from Chongqing

Say goodbye to Chongqing as you transfer to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport for your departure, filled with memories of ancient history, vibrant culture, and the beautiful landscapes of southwestern China. 

Activities & Services:

• Hotel Check-out
• Airport Transfer

Included: Breakfast

Please note: This itinerary is designed to give you an idea of what to expect on the tour but is not set in stone. What we actually do on a given day is flexible and can be tailored based on the interests of the group.

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

• Meet & Greet by our representative upon arrival.
• Breakfast as defined in the itinerary.
• All transfers as indicated in the itinerary.
• Tours as described in the itinerary with a fully qualified Chinese-speaking local guide (unless otherwise stated).
• Accommodation in double/twin bedded rooms in hotels stated in the itinerary, or similar.
• If the quoted hotel/lodge is unavailable, we will book an alternative property based on the same/similar rate and grading.
• Entrance fees where applicable in the itinerary, unless otherwise stated.

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:

• All Airfares (International / Domestic) & airport taxes.
• Costs associated with obtaining visas/entry requirements.
• Items of a personal nature (laundry, telephone calls, room service, alcoholic beverages, minibar charges, etc.).
• Any tours not specified within the itinerary.
• Early check-in / Late check-out.
• Excess baggage.
• Gratuities for the Tour Guide and Driver.
• Other items not mentioned in the Tour Price INCLUDES list.

This itinerary and its package inclusions might be changed later in time, subject to availability.

ENQUIRE