From Chongqing: 7-Day Tour with Wulong, Dazu and Chengdu

Planning a trip through southwestern China? This 7-day private tour from Chongqing to Chengdu offers a well-rounded mix of natural wonders, ancient art, and lively city experiences. It’s designed for travelers eager to see iconic geological formations, explore cultural treasures, and enjoy authentic local life—all with the comfort of private transportation and expert guides.

What’s especially appealing about this tour are the stunning Wulong Karst, the majestic Dazu Rock Carvings, and the chance to spot pandas at Chengdu’s famous base. We also love how the itinerary balances dense sightseeing with relaxed moments, like river cruises and exploring local neighborhoods. However, keep in mind that the tour involves some long drives and walking, so it’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with a busy schedule.

One thing to consider is that meals are not included—so you’ll want to budget for lunches and dinners, which can be an opportunity to try local cuisine. This tour is ideal for curious explorers who enjoy a mix of natural scenery, historical art, and city life, and who appreciate a well-organized, guided experience.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive itinerary covering key sites in Chongqing, Wulong, Dazu, and Chengdu
• Expert guides with local insight, ensuring meaningful visits
• Natural wonders such as the Wulong Karst and Furong Cave
• Cultural highlights like the Dazu Rock Carvings and Wenshu Monastery
• Wildlife encounters with pandas in Chengdu
• Flexible options and full support with a 24/7 helpline

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Chongqing: A city of contrasts

Starting in Chongqing, this tour immerses you in a city that perfectly balances the modern and traditional. The morning begins with a warm welcome from your personal guide and driver, who will be with you throughout the trip. Your first stop is the Huguang Guild Hall, a historic site along the Yangtze River, offering a glimpse into the city’s past as a hub for commerce and culture.

Strolling around Hongyadong, you’ll find yourself amidst vividly preserved traditional Chinese architecture, now bustling with cafes, shops, and street food stalls. It’s a lively place where locals gather for snacks and socializing, making it ideal for observing everyday life. A favorite feature here is the vibrant Mahjong games played in the open, a true window into local leisure.

Next, a walk through Goose Neck Park reveals scenes of residents engaged in chess and Mahjong—ideal for people-watching and culture. The tour also highlights the city’s modern side with a ride on the light-rail train passing through a residential building and a scenic cable car crossing the Yangtze, offering memorable views of the sprawling cityscape.

As evening falls, your guide will take you to a skyscraper with panoramic city views, perfect for capturing stunning photos. The night concludes with a traditional hot pot dinner, a fantastic way to sample Chongqing’s signature spicy cuisine.

Exploring the Wulong Karst: Geological marvels

A highlight of the trip is the visit to Wulong, about a 2-3 hour drive from Chongqing. Known for being the largest natural bridge group in the world, the Wulong Karst features three massive stone arch bridges and two enormous sinkholes. These formations create a landscape so dramatic it looks like something out of a fantasy film.

We loved the way the tour combines natural beauty with geological significance. The guides explain how these formations have developed over millions of years, and it’s easy to get lost in the scale of the scenery—vast, rugged, and awe-inspiring. The walking trails are manageable for most, but comfortable shoes are essential.

The main attractions include the Three Natural Bridges, all interconnected by pathways that allow you to stand beneath these colossal structures, and the Shuangqiao Sinkhole, which further emphasizes the area’s geological complexity. The experience feels like stepping into a giant outdoor museum.

Furong Cave: An underground adventure

Next, the tour takes you to Furong Cave, which is regarded as one of the world’s largest and most complex cave systems. The underground passages stretch over expansive vertical shafts and horizontal corridors, revealing stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other mineral formations. A highlight for many visitors is the crystal-clear underground river, which you can enjoy on a relaxing cruise.

The guides describe Furong Cave as more than just a marvel of nature—it’s a world of vertical shafts and horizontal passages, symbolizing the grandeur of earth’s subterranean beauty. The cave is well-equipped with lighting, but some sections can feel quite impressive in scale and height, so those with a fear of heights might want to consider this.

After exploring the underground world, you’ll cruise along the Furong River—a serene highlight of the day—before heading back to Chongqing. This mix of underground exploration and river scenery offers a memorable contrast.

The Dazu Rock Carvings: Artistic and spiritual mastery

On Day 5, the tour shifts focus to the Dazu Rock Carvings—a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to 650 AD. Over a millennium, artisans have carved more than 50,000 statues and inscriptions into the cliffs, creating a sprawling open-air gallery of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian art.

The carvings are not only visually impressive but also rich in spiritual symbolism. The detailed sculptures reflect the artistic skill of ancient craftsmen and offer insight into the religious life of the time. The site’s location on the cliffs provides scenic views, making it a very photogenic stop.

After touring Dazu, you’ll take a high-speed train to Chengdu, saving time and energy for the adventures ahead. Travelers appreciate the depth of history preserved here, with many noting the carvings’ well-preserved condition even after centuries.

More Great Tours Nearby

Chengdu’s charm: Pandas, temples, and food

Arriving in Chengdu, the day begins with a visit to the Panda Base, where you can observe the adorable creatures in their naturalistic habitats. The guides plan the visit during pandas’ active periods to maximize your chances of seeing baby pandas—an absolute highlight for many.

Later, you’ll explore Wenshu Monastery, a peaceful place where monks practice their rituals and locals come to pray. The contrast between the bustling city and this spiritual oasis highlights Chengdu’s layered character.

In the evening, wandering through Jinli Ancient Town allows for a taste of local snack culture—think spicy skewers, sweet pastries, and traditional tea houses. The giant panda statue here is a perfect photo op, completing your city experience.

Practical details and overall value

This tour costs $1,788 per person, which covers private transportation, guided tours, entrance fees, and accommodations. While meals aren’t included, the itinerary offers opportunities to try authentic Sichuan dishes—an experience in itself.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, who bring the sites to life with stories and insights. The stunning scenery at Wulong and Furong Cave particularly stand out, with many reviewers mentioning how the natural landscapes left a lasting impression. The logistics seem well-organized, with long drives broken up by engaging stops, making the experience manageable even with a tight schedule.

The tour is perfect for active travelers who don’t mind a full itinerary and enjoy a mix of outdoor adventures, culture, and wildlife encounters. It’s especially suited for those who want a guided, stress-free way to see some of China’s most breathtaking landscapes and historic art.

The Sum Up

This 7-day tour from Chongqing offers a compelling blend of natural beauty, historical artistry, and city culture. With expert guides, comfortable private transport, and carefully curated stops, it provides excellent value for travelers eager to explore southwestern China’s most iconic sites. The combination of geological marvels like Wulong, the spiritual artistry of Dazu, and Chengdu’s vibrant life makes it a well-rounded adventure.

Whether you’re fascinated by ancient carvings, awe-inspired by surreal landscapes, or simply want to see pandas in action, this tour delivers a detailed and authentic experience. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate a full schedule, local insights, and the chance to see a diverse slice of China’s rich tapestry.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people who have mobility issues?
Since the itinerary involves some walking and uneven terrain at sites like Wulong and Dazu, it may not be ideal for travelers with mobility challenges or those using wheelchairs.

Are meals included in the price?
No, meals are not included, but the tour provides plenty of opportunities to try local Sichuan cuisine, especially in Chongqing and Chengdu.

What should I bring for this tour?
Comfortable shoes are essential for walking on uneven surfaces, along with a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated in the outdoor environments.

How long are the travel days between sites?
Most travel days involve a few hours of driving, such as the trip to Wulong and the train journey to Chengdu. The schedule is designed to balance sightseeing with rest, but expect some long stretches.

Will I see pandas in Chengdu?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Chengdu Panda Base, where you can observe pandas, including playful babies if visiting during late summer.

Is there a support line if I need help during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers a 24/7 helpline, ensuring assistance is available throughout your trip.

This 7-day journey through southwestern China offers a rich tapestry of sights and experiences, perfectly suited to travelers who love a mix of adventure, culture, and wildlife in a well-organized, private group setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby