Taste Southwest China

7 daysChengdu

Why you will love this trip

Taste Southwest China through two distinctive food cities. Begin in Chengdu, where Sichuan cuisine, teahouse culture and lively food streets reveal the relaxed rhythm of local life. Then travel by high-speed rail to Chongqing, a mountain city known for its fiery hotpot, bold flavors and dramatic riverside lights. With free days to choose your own experiences in both cities, this journey brings together the tastes, textures and lively traditions of Southwest China.

Highlights

  1. 1Explore Chengdu’s teahouses, neighborhoods and local snacks
  2. 2Choose a free-day trip to pandas or Dujiangyan
  3. 3Discover the Leshan Giant Buddha and local food
  4. 4Travel by high-speed rail to Chongqing for hotpot and night views

Itinerary

Written by the planner who runs this trip. Days marked with meals and where you sleep, so you can see what is actually arranged.

Meeting point · Chengdu airport or railway station pickup on arrival. Exact meeting details will be confirmed before travel.

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Chengdu and meet your driver or tour representative for a transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest and settle in.

    Included
    • Arrival pickup in Chengdu
    • Transfer to the hotel
    • Hotel check-in assistance where required
    Optional
    • No additional optional activity specified
    Pickup arrangements depend on your arrival details. Exact meeting instructions will be confirmed before travel.
  2. Day 2

    Explore Chengdu’s neighborhoods and experience the city’s relaxed rhythm through teahouse culture and local snacks. The day offers an introduction to everyday Chengdu beyond its best-known attractions.

    Included
    • Chengdu neighborhood exploration
    • Traditional teahouse experience
    • Local snack tasting
    • Private English-speaking guide service
    Optional
    • No additional optional activity specified
    Please share any dietary requirements or food allergies before booking. Specific tastings depend on the final route and local availability.
  3. Day 3

    Enjoy a free day in Chengdu or choose a full-day excursion beyond the city. Options include a visit to the Giant Panda Base and Dujiangyan, or a trip to Jiezi Ancient Town and Dujiangyan.

    Included
    • Free time in Chengdu
    Optional
    • Giant Panda Base and Dujiangyan day trip
    • Jiezi Ancient Town and Dujiangyan day trip
    The optional excursions are full-day activities and require advance confirmation. Entrance tickets and guide or vehicle arrangements depend on the selected option and final quotation.
  4. Day 4

    Travel from Chengdu to Leshan to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, then explore the city through its local food scene. Return to Chengdu in the evening; the return arrangement should be confirmed with the final itinerary.

    Included
    • Leshan Giant Buddha visit
    • Leshan local food exploration
    • Private English-speaking guide service
    • Entrance tickets for the included attractions
    Optional
    • No additional optional activity specified
    The Giant Buddha site involves walking and may include stairs. Food tastings and meal costs should be confirmed in the final quotation.
  5. Day 5

    Travel by high-speed rail from Chengdu to Chongqing, then explore the city’s night views and food scene. End the evening with Chongqing hotpot or another local dining experience, according to the confirmed arrangement.

    Included
    • High-speed rail journey from Chengdu to Chongqing
    • Chongqing night-view and food exploration
    • Private English-speaking guide service
    Optional
    • No additional optional activity specified
    Train schedules depend on the selected service. Hotpot and other food costs are included only if stated in the final quotation.
  6. Day 6

    Spend the day exploring Chongqing independently or choose a full-day excursion. Options include a Wulong Karst day trip or a guided day covering Chongqing’s city highlights.

    Included
    • Free time in Chongqing
    Optional
    • Wulong Karst day trip
    • Chongqing city highlights day trip
    The Wulong excursion involves a longer day of travel and walking. Sightseeing arrangements, entrance tickets and transport depend on the selected option and final quotation.
  7. Day 7

    Enjoy breakfast before leaving Chongqing for your next destination. Departure assistance or transfer arrangements will follow the details confirmed for your onward journey.

    Included
    • Departure assistance according to the confirmed arrangement
    Optional
    • No additional optional activity specified
    Please confirm your departure time and preferred drop-off point before travel.

What is included

In the price

  • 6 nights in 4-star hotels
  • Chengdu arrival pickup and hotel transfer
  • High-speed rail journey from Chengdu to Chongqing
  • Chengdu local-life and food experience on Day 2
  • Leshan Giant Buddha visit
  • Chongqing night-view and food exploration
  • Private English-speaking guide service on scheduled guided days
  • Entrance tickets for the included attractions

Not included

  • International flights
  • China visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals unless specifically stated
  • Food and drink costs unless specifically stated
  • Day 3 and Day 6 optional excursions
  • Hotel upgrades
  • Additional guide or vehicle services

Before you book

The practical things worth knowing before you commit.

  • Day 3 and Day 6 are free days; optional excursions must be selected and confirmed in advance
  • Wulong is a full-day excursion with additional travel and walking compared with a city-based day
  • Sichuan and Chongqing dishes can be spicy; share dietary requirements and food allergies before booking
  • Food tastings, hotpot and other meal costs are included only when specifically listed in the final quotation
  • Confirm your Day 7 departure time and drop-off point before travel

Frequently asked questions

The itinerary introduces Chengdu’s teahouse culture, local snacks and Sichuan cuisine, then moves to Chongqing’s bold flavors and hotpot culture.

Hotpot spice levels vary. You can request a milder option when arranging the meal, subject to the restaurant’s menu and availability.

No. Day 3 in Chengdu and Day 6 in Chongqing are free days. You can explore independently or add one of the listed excursions.

The day combines a visit to the Leshan Giant Buddha with time to explore Leshan’s local food scene.

Yes. The Day 3 options are a Giant Panda Base and Dujiangyan day trip, or a Jiezi Ancient Town and Dujiangyan day trip. Confirm your preferred option in advance.

Yes. You can add either a Wulong Karst day trip or a Chongqing city highlights day trip on Day 6.

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Cancellation policy

  • MORE THAN 30 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE — Full refund
  • 15–29 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE — 30% cancellation fee
  • 8–14 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE — 50% cancellation fee
  • WITHIN 7 DAYS OF DEPARTURE OR NO-SHOW — Non-refundable

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