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Trending · Chengdu · Leshan · Chongqing

Pandas, Peppers & Mountain Cities

Chengdu and Chongqing are where China feels most alive: pandas, teahouses and fiery food, then a vertical megacity that has to be seen to be believed.

Destinations: Chengdu · Chongqing

Duration: 7 days · 6 nights
Group: Max 10 guests
Pace: Easy–moderate
Starts / ends: Chengdu / Chongqing
Getting around: Private vehicle + bullet train

The route

Chengdu
Panda Base
Leshan
Chongqing

Day by day

DAY 1Arrive in Chengdu

Airport pickup and check-in, then an easy evening on Kuanzhai Alley. Stay: Chengdu · Meals: D

DAY 2Pandas & teahouses

Arrive at the Panda Base at opening time, when the pandas are most active. The afternoon is in a People’s Park teahouse, and the evening at a Sichuan opera face-changing show. Stay: Chengdu · Meals: B, L

DAY 3Leshan Giant Buddha

A day trip to the 71-metre Buddha carved into a riverside cliff. Stay: Chengdu · Meals: B, L

DAY 4Sichuan cooking class

A market visit and a cooking class with a local chef. The afternoon is free. Stay: Chengdu · Meals: B, L

DAY 5Bullet train to Chongqing

A fast train ride to Chongqing, then the Liziba monorail and Hongyadong at night. Stay: Chongqing · Meals: B, D

DAY 6The 8D city

Ciqikou old town and the cable car across the Yangtze, with an original Chongqing hotpot to finish. Stay: Chongqing · Meals: B, D

DAY 7Departure

Transfer to Chongqing Jiangbei airport. Meals: B

What’s included

English-speaking road leader
6 nights in 4-star hotels that accept foreign passports
Bullet-train ticket and private transfers
Panda Base, Leshan and show tickets
Cooking class
Meals as listed
Airport transfers, visa letter, eSIM and Alipay set-up help

Not included

Flights
Visa fees, if your passport needs one
Single room supplement (quoted on request)
International travel insurance

What we put in writing

Group size: Max 10 guests
Vehicle: Private vehicle for our group only, never a shared coach
Shopping stops: None. If one happens, we refund that day
Tipping: No compulsory tips or kitty
Hotels: Each one checked for foreign passports
Tickets: Timed, real-name tickets booked for you

These are part of your booking contract. See our booking terms.

Is this journey right for me?

FitnessEasy, though Chongqing has many stairs.

FoodWe ask for mild versions of anything spicy whenever you like.

Solo travelersWe arrange same-gender room sharing.

from $1,790 pp≈ $256 per day

Free cancellation for 48 hours
No shopping stops, no hidden fees
Visa letter & Alipay set-up included

Choose a departure

For departures after 31 December 2026: China hasn’t yet announced whether 30-day visa-free entry will be extended. We’ll confirm your entry route after booking, and send a visa letter if you need one. More

Travelers

2 × $1,790$3,580

Deposit to reserve$600

The balance is due 45 days before departure. Cancel for free within 48 hours of booking.

Secure payment link sent by email

Have a question first? Email us and a real person will reply in English.

Before you book

Do I need a visa for this trip?

Passports from 50 countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia and most of Europe, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days (currently until 31 December 2026). US citizens need a tourist visa, or must use 240-hour transit with an onward flight to a third country. Check your passport; we send an invitation letter if you need one.

How do I get to the start of the trip?

This journey starts in Chengdu / Chongqing. Most international travelers fly in directly or connect through Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou. We suggest flights after you book and meet you at arrivals.

What happens if the trip doesn’t run?

If a departure doesn’t reach its minimum group size, we’ll tell you at least 21 days ahead and you can choose a full refund or a free change of date.

Can I extend the trip or add Beijing or Xi’an?

Yes. Tell us your plans in the booking notes or send us a message, and we’ll help you arrange the extra days.

Not ready to book?

Ask us about Pandas, Peppers & Mountain Cities

Different dates, a private version, travelling with kids or a parent who doesn’t walk far: tell us and a real person will reply within one working day, in English.