Chengdu, Mount Emei, Leshan, Zigong, Dazu & Chongqing

Upon arrival in Chengdu, you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day freely exploring Chengdu at your own pace. Hotel check-in time is normally after 14:00.

Start your day around 8:00 AM with a visit to the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center, just a 30-minute drive from downtown. Arrive in time to see the pandas during their feeding time, when they’re most active—both the adults and the adorable cubs. Afterward, catch a short film at the Panda Story Cinema to learn more about their lives, from birth to mating and beyond. Head back to downtown for a relaxing lunch.

In the afternoon, take a stroll through People’s Park, a lively spot where locals gather to dance, sing, play instruments, sip tea, and even row boats on the lake. Join in the experience with a tea break at one of the park’s open-air tea houses.

Next, make your way to the Song Xian Qiao Antique and Art Market, one of China’s largest antique markets. Browse over 500 stalls selling everything from Mao-era currency and faux Buddha statues to stunning watercolor paintings.

Wrap up your day at the Wide and Narrow Alleys, a charming area that blends historic Qing Dynasty architecture with a modern vibe. Wander the alleys, soak up the lively atmosphere, and sample some of Chengdu’s best local snacks. In the evening, consider catching a Sichuan Opera performance, where you’ll be amazed by the famous face-changing, fire-spitting, and rolling lamp acts.

In the morning, your guide will pick you up and drive you to Leshan, about two hours away. Along the way, enjoy the scenic countryside of the western Chengdu Plains. When you arrive, visit the Lingyun Temple to see the incredible Leshan Grand Buddha, the world’s largest sitting Buddha. Standing 71 meters tall, this Tang Dynasty masterpiece was completed in 803 after 90 years of construction. Carved into a cliff face, it features an impressive design with a clever drainage system to protect it from erosion. If you prefer, you can also take a boat tour (optional) for a different perspective of this massive statue.

In the afternoon, head to Mount Emei and check into your hotel for a short rest. Later, visit the Baoguo Temple, one of the oldest and most important temples at the foot of the mountain. After soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, settle in for the night in Emeishan and get ready for more adventures the next day.

Mount Emei, one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, ancient temples, and rich cultural heritage.

Start your day early by taking a local sightseeing bus to Leidongping, followed by a short 20-minute walk to Jieyin Hall, where you’ll ride a cable car to the Golden Summit. At the summit, explore the magnificent Huazang Temple and the iconic Golden Buddha Statue, a towering sculpture of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. If you’re fortunate, you may witness the mesmerizing Sea of Clouds and the rare Buddhist Halo—a rainbow-like aura often seen on misty days.

After lunch, descend the mountain by sightseeing bus. If time allows, visit Wannian Temple, home to the Mahavira Hall with a bronze statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva and the Hall of Kshitigarbha. Surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls, it offers a tranquil, spiritually rich experience. If time permits, enjoy a 2-hour hike from Wannian Temple to Wuxiangang through the Wild Monkey Area, soaking in Mount Emei’s natural beauty.

Return to your hotel at the foot of Mount Emei for an overnight stay.

In the morning, depart for Zigong, a 3.5-hour drive by car. Upon arrival, visit Zigong Dinosaur Museum, located at the famous Dashanpu dinosaur fossil site, about 11 kilometers from Zigong’s city center. Recognized as one of the world’s three largest dinosaur museums, it stands alongside the American National Dinosaur Park and the Canadian Dinosaur Park.

Next, explore the Zigong Salt History Museum, which highlights the city’s rich salt heritage and its long-standing civilization. Known as China’s ‘Salt Capital’, Zigong has a centuries-old tradition of salt production, and the museum offers a fascinating look at the traditional salt-making process. Spend the night in Zigong

Set off from Zigong early in the morning and drive to Dazu to explore the remarkable Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Created between the Tang Dynasty (618–907) and the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), these carvings are celebrated as masterpieces of Chinese rock art, blending Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist doctrines.

The carvings span more than 75 sites, featuring over 50,000 stone sculptures and 100,000 Chinese inscriptions, offering invaluable insights into ancient Chinese religion, art, and philosophy. You will be arranged to visit Baodingshan (Baoding Hill), one of the most iconic and well-preserved sites, you’ll see breathtaking works such as the Giant Reclining Buddha and intricate panels depicting moral teachings and daily life, showcasing the exceptional artistry and cultural values of the era.

After your visit, take the train to Chongqing (about half an hour), Chongqing train station pick up and transfer to hotel. Stay overnight at Chongqing.

Begin your day at Mountain City Lane (Shancheng Budao), a historic walkway featuring Bayu-style architecture and local culture. Uncover the unique lifestyle of its past residents and savor a refreshing peppercorn ice cream. Next, visit Liziba Train Station to marvel at the iconic train passing through a residential building.

Continue to Eling Park for stunning panoramic views of Chongqing’s skyline and the Yangtze River. Then, explore Ciqikou Old Town, a lively area filled with traditional Chongqing-style buildings, tea houses, and delicious local snacks.

End your day at Hongyadong, where beautifully illuminated wooden houses create a magical riverside atmosphere. In the evening, board your Yangtze River Cruise or proceed to your next destination by flight.