Chongqing + Chengdu + Jiuzhaigou 7-Day Tour

Hey friends👫, want to experience the fiery charm of Chongqing, the laid-back vibe of Chengdu, and the breathtaking beauty of Jiuzhaigou all in one trip? This 7-day itinerary will guide you through these three destinations, letting you immerse yourself in the unique allure of Southwest China. Save this plan now! Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Chongqing → Jiefangbei → Bayi Food Street → Hongyadong Morning: Arrive in Chongqing and check into a hotel near Jiefangbei to drop off your luggage and rest briefly. Jiefangbei is a landmark of Chongqing, perfect for photos and soaking in the city’s atmosphere. Nearby hotels like the Hyatt Regency Liberation Square offer stunning river views, while the Ascott Raffles City Chongqing provides family-friendly facilities and activities, ideal for family trips. Noon: Start your food journey at Bayi Food Street, where you can savor local snacks like spicy noodles, small glutinous rice balls, and dragon claws. Don’t miss the signature pork and pea noodles at Deng Deng Noodles (Jiefangbei branch) or the spicy wontons at Lao Ma Chaoshou (Jiefangbei branch). Evening: Head to Hongyadong as night falls. Its illuminated stilted buildings showcase traditional Bayu architecture, resembling the bathhouse from "Spirited Away." Capture the stunning view from Qiansimen Bridge. Nearby, enjoy authentic Chongqing hotpot at places like Peijie Hotpot or Zhou Shixiong Hotpot. Day 2: Chongqing Zoo → Ciqikou Ancient Town → Yangtze River Cableway Morning: Visit Chongqing Zoo to see adorable pandas and possibly rare species like the Asian golden cat and clouded leopard. Noon: Enjoy Chongqing-style Jianghu cuisine near the zoo, with dishes like spicy blood curd and chili chicken. Afternoon: Explore Ciqikou Ancient Town, sip tea at a teahouse, try local snacks, and experience the bustling atmosphere of this historic water-land port. Don’t forget to buy some Chen Ma Hua sesame snacks. Evening: Ride the Yangtze River Cableway for a bird’s-eye view of Chongqing’s nightscape. Day 3: Wulong Three Natural Bridges → Fairy Mountain Forest Park (Optional) All Day: Join a Wulong day tour to visit the Three Natural Bridges, a filming location for "Curse of the Golden Flower" and "Transformers 4." The majestic sinkhole scenery is awe-inspiring. Then, head to Fairy Mountain Forest Park to stroll on the grasslands and enjoy nature, with activities like grass skiing. Return to Chongqing city in the evening. Alternatively, explore city spots like Mountain City Trail or Eling Factory for artsy vibes. Day 4: Chongqing → Jiuzhaigou Morning: Fly directly from Chongqing to Huanglong Airport (limited flights, book early) or take a bus from Chongqing Caiyuanba Station to Jiuzhaigou (about 10 hours, via Chengdu or Mianyang). Check into a hotel near Jiuzhaigou entrance, such as the Ritz-Carlton Jiuzhaigou with Tibetan-Qiang style or the Hilton Jiuzhaigou Resort with scenic views and ethnic charm. Evening: Enjoy local cuisine, like the Tibetan-style hotpot at Kawan Jin Tibetan Restaurant. Day 5: Jiuzhaigou Full-Day Tour All Day: Enter Jiuzhaigou early at 7 AM (book tickets in advance during peak season; entrance fee ¥169 + sightseeing bus ¥90). Start with Rize Valley to see the colorful Five Flower Lake and the majestic Pearl Shoal Waterfall. Then, visit Zechawa Valley for Long Lake and Five-Color Pond. Finally, explore Shuzheng Valley for Shuzheng Lakes and Nuorilang Waterfall. In the evening, watch the "Jiuzhai Eternal Love" performance for authentic Tibetan-Qiang culture or stroll through Bianbian Street for a taste of Tibetan life. Day 6: Jiuzhaigou → Chengdu Morning: Fly (Huanglong Airport to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport, 1-2 flights daily) or take a bus (Jiuzhaigou Bus Station to Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station, about 8 hours) to Chengdu. Check into a hotel near Chunxi Road, such as The Temple House built around Daci Temple or the InterContinental Paradise Center Chengdu with its unique ocean park for family trips. Afternoon: Visit Wide and Narrow Alleys to experience Chengdu’s slow-paced lifestyle. Sip tea, enjoy ear-cleaning services, and try local snacks. In the evening, dine at a Sichuan restaurant like Tao Lin (Chunxi Road branch) for its heritage Sichuan dish, Tao Lin River Fish. Day 7: Chengdu → Return Morning: Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see the adorable national treasure pandas. Afterward, head to the airport for your return flight based on your schedule.