7-Day Chongqing, Chengdu & Jiuzhaigou: Viral Hotspots, Pandas & Waterland Magic

Day 1 Arrive Chongqing

Meals Included: No
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Chongqing Guanyinqiao or similar

Welcome to Chongqing, a surreal “8D” metropolis famously built onto the steep slopes of the Daba Mountains at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. Known as the “Mountain City” and the “City of Fog,” it has captivated the world with its “cyberpunk” landscape, where monorails pass through apartment buildings, and 11-story traditional stilt houses like Hongya Cave cling to vertical cliffs. Beyond its vertical architecture, the city is the definitive home of the fiery Chongqing Hotpot and serves as the primary gateway for cruises through the magnificent Three Gorges. Upon arrival at the airport or train station, your friendly expert local guide will greet you and whisk you away in a private vehicle to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 2 Chongqing | Chongqing City Highlights

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Chongqing Mosque
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Chongqing Guanyinqiao or similar

Begin your exploration of Chongqing with a morning visit to the magnificent Great Hall of the People, a grand architectural landmark often compared to Beijing’s Temple of Heaven. Next, visit Chongqing’s central landmark, the Liberation Monument – a historic symbol of WWII resilience standing at the heart of the city’s vibrant downtown. Then, explore the mind-bending architectural wonder of Kuixinglou where stepping onto a 22nd-floor square leaves you standing at street level on the ground below. After lunch, stroll down the stone pathways of Eighteen Steps to experience the city’s historic cliffside charm. Afterward witness the city’s famous 3D urban transit in action as monorail trains pass directly through a residential high-rise at Liziba Station. As night falls, conclude your evening at the mesmerizing Hongya Cave, where multi-tiered stilt houses light up in a brilliant golden glow along the riverfront.

Day 3 Chongqing – Chengdu | Wide & Narrow Alleys

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Huangcheng Mosque
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Wuhou or similar

Take a bullet train to Chengdu (approx. 1.2 hours). After lunch, take time for salat at the historic Huangcheng Mosque, a peaceful sanctuary tucked amid Chengdu’s urban energy. The afternoon unfolds with a visit to Jinli Ancient Street, a bustling street dating back to the Qin Dynasty. Admire the charming old buildings and explore diverse shops selling fascinating handicrafts. Next, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming Wide and Narrow Alleys, where traditional courtyard houses, teahouses, and boutique shops offer a perfect blend of old‑world atmosphere and contemporary Chengdu culture.

Day 4 Chengdu – Jiuzhaigou | Chengdu Panda Base, Bullet Train to Jiuzhaigou

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurant
Salat: Huangcheng Masjid
Accommodations: Local 4-star Xinjiuzhai Hotel or similar

Start your day with an unforgettable encounter at Chengdu Panda Base, a world-renowned sanctuary dedicated to the preservation of these beloved creatures. Established in 1987, this non-profit facility provides pandas with a natural environment, complete with bamboo groves, streams, and ponds. Witness the enchanting spectacle of pandas of all ages as they frolic, feed, and nurture their young. After lunch and salat at Huangcheng Mosque, board a bullet train for a scenic two‑hour journey to Jiuzhaigou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its fairy‑tale scenery of turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and snow‑capped peaks in winter – widely regarded as one of China’s most breathtaking waterscapes.

Day 5 Jiuzhaigou | Jiuzhaigou National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, packed halal lunch, dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodation: Local 4-star Xinjiuzhai Hotel or similar

Spend a full day immersed in the breathtaking beauty of Jiuzhaigou National Park named after the nine Tibetan villages scattered along its 35‑km valley on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. The park’s scenery unfolds across three valleys – Rize, Zechawa, and Shuzheng – forming a striking “Y” shape. Your journey highlights its most dazzling water features, from the vibrant, multicolored waters of Five Flower Lake to the dramatic cascade of Pearl Shoal and Pearl Shoal Waterfall. As you continue, marvel at the mirror‑like surface of Rhino Lake, the tranquil charm of Tiger Lake, the tiered splendor of Shuzheng Lakes and Shuzheng Waterfall, and the shimmering reflections of Sparkling Lake.

Please note: The Jiuzhaigou National Park Shuttle Bus is the compulsory and most practical form of transport for navigating the vast park, as private vehicles are prohibited. These eco-friendly buses run continuously along the park’s main “Y”-shaped route, stopping at all major scenic spots within the Rize Valley, Zechawa Valley, and Shuzheng Valley. Upon boarding at the park entrance, your bus will head toward one of the two upper forks (Rize or Zechawa), and you will be directed to change buses at the central Nuorilang Tourist Center to complete your itinerary. While the sightseeing sequence is determined by the specific bus route you board, rest assured that all highlighted attractions specified in the itinerary will be fully covered throughout the day.

Please note that halal restaurants are not available within the national park. For your convenience, lunch will be a packed halal self-heating rice meal, accompanied by fresh fruit and mineral water.

Day 6 Jiuzhaigou – Dujiangyan | Huanglong Scenic Area, Guanxian Ancient City, Blue Tears

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurant
Salat: Dujiangyan Masjid
Accommodation: Local 4-star Lugui International Hotel or similar

Set off on a scenic journey from Jiuzhaigou to the breathtaking Huanglong Scenic Area, famous for its vivid travertine pools, snow-capped peaks, and cascading waterfalls. After exploring this natural wonderland, board a high-speed train back to Chengdu. Following a tasty halal lunch, board a bullet train to Chengdu (approximately 1.5 hours). Transfer to Dujiangyan and perform salat at the serene Dujiangyan Mosque, followed by a leisurely exploration of the vibrant, historic streets of Guanxian Ancient Town. After a fun photo stop at the iconic Panda Selfie Sculpture, the day concludes at dusk alongside the Min River to witness the spectacular “Blue Tears” of the Nanqiao Bridge, where the rushing waters are beautifully illuminated in a mesmerizing, neon-blue glow.

Seasonal Itinerary Advisory: Huanglong Scenic Area Adjustments

Please be advised that during the annual dry season – typically spanning from November through May—water levels at the travertine pools in the Huanglong Scenic Area decrease significantly, and alpine walking paths may experience freezing conditions. To ensure our guests enjoy the most vibrant and comfortable sightseeing experience, visits scheduled during this period will be seamlessly adjusted to the Mounigou Scenic Area. Munigou features year-round flowing karst waterfalls, emerald alpine lakes, and prime winter scenery, providing a superb and accessible alternative. We appreciate your understanding as we tailor your journey for optimal natural beauty and safety.

Altitude Sickness Notice: Huanglong Scenic Area
Visitors to the Huanglong Scenic Area should be aware that its elevation – ranging from roughly 3,100 to over 3,500 meters – can make altitude sickness a possibility. The area’s dazzling travertine pools and forested valleys are best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, allowing your body time to adjust. Staying hydrated, keeping warm, and avoiding strenuous activity help reduce discomfort. If you notice symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath, take a break and rest. Should symptoms intensify, it’s important to descend to a lower elevation and seek assistance from staff or fellow travelers.

Day 7 Depart Chengdu

Salat: Chengdu Huangcheng Masjid
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurant

The final day in Chengdu blends shopping, culture, and modern city flair, beginning with a visit to a local jade store to appreciate China’s “stone of heaven,” followed by a leisurely stroll through the charming Wide and Narrow Alley, where traditional courtyard houses, teahouses, and boutique shops offer a perfect blend of old‑world atmosphere and contemporary Chengdu culture. The journey then moves into the city’s premier shopping districts, where the historic energy of Chunxi Road meets the trendy, open-air luxury of Tai Koo Li and the iconic panda-topped IFS mall. After exploring the fashion at Kowloon Plaza, enjoy a farewell dinner before witnessing the dazzling, state-of-the-art light show at the Chengdu Financial City Twin Towers. As the evening winds down, transfer to the airport for your late-night departure.