Chengdu, Chongqing & Yangtze River Tour: Teahouse to Three Gorges

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu

  Upon arrival, you'll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest and settle in at your own pace.

  • Chengdu

• Day 2: Pandas & Chengdu Leisure Life

  A visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding offers a closer look at China's most iconic animal, with opportunities to observe their playful daily routines, feeding time, and relaxed behavior in spacious natural habitats, while gaining insight into ongoing conservation and breeding programs.

  The pace slows in People's Park, where you will wander through a beloved local gathering space, sit down in a traditional tea house to experience Chengdu's tea culture, and observe the well-known matchmaking corner, which may be active during your visit, offering a glimpse into a unique local social tradition.

  Later, explore Jinli Ancient Street, a vibrant historic quarter filled with traditional architecture, lantern-lined lanes, local snacks, and handcrafted souvenirs.

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  • Chengdu

• Day 3: Sichuan Cuisine Cooking & High-Speed Train to Chongqing

  The day begins with a walk through a local spice market, filled with the aromas of peppercorn, chili, and freshly prepared ingredients essential to Sichuan cuisine. Along quiet neighborhood lanes, daily life unfolds before reaching a traditional courtyard restaurant.

  Inside the courtyard, a professional chef introduces the techniques behind several classic Sichuan dishes through a hands-on cooking session.

  The experience concludes with tasting your own creations before a private transfer to the railway station for the high-speed train journey to Chongqing. Upon arrival, a local transfer takes you to your hotel.

  If time permits, you may explore Hongya Cave on your own in the evening, featuring illuminated stilt-style architecture and one of Chongqing's most iconic nighttime views.

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  • Chongqing

• Day 4: Chongqing Urban Landscapes & Yangtze River Cruise Embarkation

  Built across steep hillsides and riverbanks, Chongqing is known for its dramatic urban landscape and distinctive multi-level city design.

  Visit Kuixing Building, a unique vantage point showcasing Chongqing's multi-level cityscape, then stroll along Shancheng Alley, where stone stairways, traditional residences, and hillside lanes reflect the character of the old mountain city. Continue by light rail to Liziba Station, famous for the train passing directly through a residential building.

  Afterwards, explore Huguang Guild Hall, a historic reminder of Chongqing's merchant past, and enjoy a Sichuan Opera performance, including the renowned face-changing art.

  Following the city tour, transfer to the pier for embarkation on your Yangtze River cruise, beginning the journey downstream toward Yichang.

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  • Yangtze River Cruise

• Day 5: Yangtze River Cruise

  The day on the Yangtze River begins at a relaxed pace. Those interested in an early start may join a morning Tai Chi session onboard before breakfast.

  Arrival in Fengdu brings a shore excursion to Shuanggui Mountain, known for its forested scenery, temples, and cultural significance connected to the Yangtze region.

  Back onboard, time is reserved for relaxation and cultural activities introducing traditional Chinese customs, river traditions, and daily life along the Yangtze.

  
  

  Note: Cruise arrangements may be adjusted according to weather, water levels, navigation conditions, or official requirements.

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  • Yangtze River Cruise

• Day 6: Sailing Through the Three Gorges & Goddess Stream

  Towering cliffs rise dramatically on both sides of the river as the cruise enters the famous Three Gorges region, one of the most scenic stretches of the Yangtze River.

  Steep rock formations and narrow waterways define Qutang Gorge, while softer mountain silhouettes and mist-covered peaks create the quieter atmosphere of Wu Gorge. The constantly changing scenery has inspired Chinese poetry and painting for centuries.

  Smaller wooden boats continue into Goddess Stream, a peaceful tributary surrounded by forested valleys and high cliffs inaccessible to larger vessels. Returning to the main river, the journey continues through the final stretches of Xiling Gorge as the landscapes gradually open downstream.

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  • Yangtze River Cruise

• Day 7: Disembarkation & Departure from Yichang

  Before disembarkation, visit the Three Gorges Dam, one of the world's largest hydroelectric projects in Yichang. From the observation area, enjoy wide views of the dam and river, and learn how it supports flood control, shipping, and power generation.

  After the tour, transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.

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