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Private route · 8 days
Chongqing, Wulong and Chengdu: 8-Day Private Tour (2027)
Mountain-city Chongqing, the karst gorges and natural bridges of Wulong, then Chengdu's teahouses and pandas, linked by high-speed rail.
- Duration
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Pace
- Moderate (2 of 4)
- Cities
- Chongqing → Wulong → Chengdu
- Best for
- Cities, karst gorges and pandas, without rushing
Who it's for
This route suits first-time and repeat travellers who want Chongqing's layered city, a karst landscape day and Chengdu's teahouses and pandas, connected by high-speed rail. The pace is moderate, with a dedicated transfer day between each base, a long rest after the Wulong gorge walk and no fixed sightseeing on arrival in Chengdu.
The route
- 1. Chongqing2 nights
- 2. Wulong2 nights
- 3. Chengdu3 nights
- Days 1–2Chongqing2 nightsHigh-speed rail
- Days 3–4Wulong2 nightsHigh-speed rail
- Days 5–8Chengdu3 nights
Highlights
- Hongyadong's stilted buildings lit up beside the river in Chongqing
- Three Natural Bridges in Wulong, walked at an easy pace
- The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the early morning
- A teahouse morning in People's Park, Chengdu
Day by day
- Morning
Arrive at Chongqing Jiangbei airport, where your private car takes you to the hotel. The morning is kept clear in case of delays.
AfternoonRest at the hotel after the flight; the city's hills and stairs are better tackled once you are fresh.
EveningAn easy walk to see Hongyadong's stilted buildings lit up by the river, with a light dinner nearby.
- Morning
Ciqikou old town lanes, best visited early, with time for snacks and a look at the craft shops.
AfternoonRest at the hotel, so the evening feels relaxed rather than rushed.
EveningA river-view or city-lights viewpoint as the towers come on, then a hot pot dinner with the spice level chosen to your taste.
- Morning
Private car to Chongqing East station, then a short high-speed train to Wulong South (timing indicative), where your private car meets you for the drive to the hotel.
AfternoonCheck in near the scenic area and rest, with the gorge saved for tomorrow.
EveningA quiet dinner in Wulong and an early night.
- Morning
Three Natural Bridges, using the scenic-area lift and shuttle and walking the gorge path at an easy pace. The walk includes steps and uneven paths.
AfternoonReturn to the hotel for a long midday rest and keep the afternoon free.
EveningDinner in Wulong and a second night at the same hotel, with no packing.
- Morning
Your private car takes you to Wulong South station for the journey to Chengdu East. We use a direct high-speed train where available; otherwise, we allow time for a connection in Chongqing, including a car transfer between stations if needed. A private car meets you in Chengdu for the hotel transfer.
AfternoonCheck in and rest after the journey.
EveningOptional: Kuanzhai Alley for a first look at Chengdu, or a teahouse if you prefer something quieter.
- Morning
An early start for the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, for a quieter visit before the busier hours.
AfternoonRest at the hotel; the early start deserves a slow afternoon.
EveningAn optional Sichuan opera evening with the face-changing show, or a quiet dinner instead.
- Morning
A teahouse in People's Park, then Wenshu Monastery, at the pace of a local morning.
AfternoonFree time for shopping, a massage or more tea.
EveningA Sichuan dinner, with the dishes chosen to suit your taste for heat.
- Morning
A relaxed teahouse visit only if time allows, then a private car to Chengdu Tianfu or Shuangliu airport, timed to your departure.
AfternoonAirport check-in and departure, with lunch beforehand if your schedule allows.
EveningOnward travel home, depending on your departure time.
When to go
Spring and autumn are usually the most comfortable for walking Chongqing's hills and the Wulong gorges. Summer in Chongqing is usually very hot, so plan lighter days if you travel then.
“In Wulong I'd make Three Natural Bridges the main outing and keep the afternoon free, so there is time to rest before travelling to Chengdu.”
Two ways to take this route
Same route. Travel on your own, or with a guide every day.
Independent
From $2,200 per person
We book hotels, high-speed trains and tickets, and you travel on your own with the LocalKey app. Add a private guide for the days you choose.
- Guide
- No full-time guide; add a guide for set times or sights
- Car
- On request
Private Guided
From $3,400 per person
Your own guide and private car throughout, so sights, meals and transfers are handled with you.
- Guide
- English-speaking private guide throughout
- Car
- Private car throughout
Included on both
- Hotels selected by us, confirmed by you, usually with breakfast
- Transport inside China: high-speed rail, domestic flights and transfers, including 12306 handling
- Entrance tickets for the sights in your itinerary
- Restaurant bookings made ahead where China requires it
- 24h WhatsApp / WeChat support while you travel, plus the LocalKey app
Not included
- International flights — we can book them on request, quoted separately
- Visa fees — many passports can enter China visa-free. Check your passport
- Personal spending and shopping
- Travel insurance
Make it yours
Keep the shape. Change the details.
Shorter or longer
Drop a stop for a shorter trip, or add a city or extra nights where you want more time.
Different hotels
Boutique, international brand or family rooms, in the area that suits your days.
Slower pace
An extra night in a city and fewer early starts.
Your interests
Food, photography, museums or kung fu, swapped into the free time.
Related itineraries
A few more starting points.
5 daysShanghai · SuzhouShanghai + Suzhou: 5 Days, Soft Landing
- Independent
- from $1,400 per person
- Private Guided
- from $2,200 per person
9 daysBeijing · Xi'an · ShanghaiFirst Time China: 9 Days, Beijing + Xi'an + Shanghai
- Independent
- from $2,400 per person
- Private Guided
- from $3,800 per person
7 daysShanghai · Hangzhou · SuzhouModern + Poetic: 7 Days, Shanghai + Hangzhou + Suzhou
- Independent
- from $1,800 per person
- Private Guided
- from $2,900 per person
Per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included. Upgraded hotels, extra car or guide time and special requests can raise the price. Your consultant sends a written quote before you pay anything. Reference prices for 2027 trips.
Start planning
Where would you like to begin in China?
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. A specialist replies within 24 hours with questions, then a written proposal; nothing is booked until you approve it.