Chengdu & Yangtze Cruise to Shanghai

Arrive in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province - famous for giant pandas, face-changing opera and bold, spicy cuisine. Sichuan is often seen as one of China’s most relaxed regions, where food and daily life are taken seriously, but never too fast.

On arrival, we transfer by private vehicle from Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) to the hotel - private transfers apply from a minimum of 2 passengers. A supplement applies for arrivals at Tianfu International Airport (TFU).

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. This world-renowned conservation centre offers an up-close look at China’s most beloved animal, where we can observe pandas at play and learn about ongoing efforts to protect their future.

We continue to Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu’s largest and most important Buddhist temple. Dating largely to the Qing Dynasty, the complex is filled with elegant halls, fine artwork and incense-filled courtyards. Despite the steady flow of worshippers, the monastery retains a calm and contemplative atmosphere.

Next, we visit Wangjiang Park, including a traditional tea drink. Known for its bamboo gardens - with over 100 species - historic buildings and the famous Xue Tao Well, this park is a peaceful introduction to Chengdu’s tea culture and classical architecture.

In the evening, we enjoy a Sichuan hotpot dinner, an essential Chengdu experience. While other parts of Sichuan boast intense heat, Chengdu hotpot is known for its distinctive numbing spice. Shared around a bubbling pot, this meal reflects the city’s lively and social food culture.

Today we travel to see the Giant Buddha of Leshan, the largest stone Buddha statue in the world. Carved into a cliff overlooking the confluence of three rivers, this UNESCO-listed site dates back to the Tang Dynasty. We include a boat ride on the Minjiang River for a panoramic view of the statue from below.

On our return journey, we stop at Huanglongxi Ancient Town, time permitting. This well-preserved riverside town features cobbled streets, old temples and traditional houses that offer a glimpse into Sichuan’s past. We take time to stroll through the historic lanes and soak up the atmosphere before continuing back to Chengdu.

Chengdu - Chongqing. After breakfast - or a packed breakfast depending on the train schedule - we transfer to the railway station.

We take a second-class high-speed train to Chongqing. On arrival, we discover one of China’s most striking megacities - a place where skyscrapers, rivers and bridges stack upon one another across steep hillsides. Chongqing’s multi-level layout is so complex that even GPS systems are said to struggle.

We explore Ciqikou Old Town, with a history of over a thousand years. This lively historic district is known for its traditional streets and local snacks. You may wish to try popular street foods such as fried dough twists, spicy chicken giblets or glutinous rice cakes.

Next, we visit Liziba Station, one of Chongqing’s most famous sights, where a monorail passes directly through a residential building - a striking example of the city’s unique urban design.

We then ride Monorail Line 2 to Kuixinglou, a dramatic rooftop plaza that appears to sit 22 floors above ground. Thanks to Chongqing’s mountainous terrain, this building has become known as “the plaza where no one knows which floor they are on”, and is now a symbol of the city’s vertical landscape.

In the evening, we stroll across Qiansimen Bridge for superb night views of Hongya Cave. Built into the hillside along the river, this illuminated complex of traditional stilt-style buildings is often compared to the setting of the animated film Spirited Away.

Chongqing - Yangtze River. After breakfast, we check out of the hotel before 12:00 pm.

Trusting our guide’s local knowledge, we stop at a carefully chosen viewpoint to admire one of Chongqing’s most impressive city panoramas.

We continue to Eling Park, where we enjoy sweeping views across the rivers and skyline. From here, it is easy to appreciate how this former wartime capital has evolved into a modern metropolis, often shrouded in its characteristic mountain mist.

We then pass the Huangjuewan Overpass, often described as one of the most complex road interchanges in the world. With five levels and countless exits, it perfectly illustrates Chongqing’s reputation for mind-bending infrastructure.

Afterwards, we take a walk along Longmenhao Old Street, followed by a one-way ride on the Yangtze River Cableway, crossing the river high above the water.

We then transfer to the pier to board the Yangtze River cruise.

We enjoy a relaxing cruise along the mighty Yangtze River, often described as the lifeblood of China.

The onboard itinerary is provided for reference only and may be adjusted by the cruise company according to navigation conditions and water levels.

Yangtze River - Shanghai. After breakfast, we disembark from the cruise and transfer to the railway station.

We take a second-class train to Shanghai, with a journey time of approximately 7-7.5 hours. A surcharge applies should you prefer to fly instead.

On arrival in Shanghai, we transfer to the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel.Today is free at leisure. You may choose to relax or join one of the optional full-day excursions listed below.

Option 1 - Full-Day Shanghai City Tour We visit Yuyuan Garden, a beautifully preserved Ming Dynasty garden designed in the classical Suzhou style, offering a peaceful retreat within the city.Next, we visit the Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai’s most important Buddhist temple, famous for its two exquisite jade Buddha statues and tranquil atmosphere.We stop at a silk factory to learn about China’s long tradition of silk production.In the afternoon, we explore The Bund, lined with grand colonial-era buildings from the early 20th century. We then visit Xintiandi, a stylish district where traditional Shikumen houses now host modern restaurants, cafes and boutiques.We finish with a walk through the French Concession, known for its tree-lined streets and blend of Chinese and European architecture.

Optional Tour 2 - Zhujiajiao Water Town Escape the city and travel to Zhujiajiao, a charming water town on the outskirts of Shanghai.We enjoy a traditional boat ride through the canals, passing stone bridges and historic houses dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties.Lunch is served at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to a silk factory before returning to Shanghai.

Optional Tour 3 - Full-Day Suzhou ExcursionWe travel to Suzhou, one of China’s most celebrated historic cities.We visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest classical garden in Suzhou, widely regarded as one of the finest examples of southern Chinese garden design.We stroll along Pingjiang Road, a well-preserved historic street lined with canals and traditional houses.We then enjoy a boat trip on the Grand Canal, one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements and a vital artery of ancient China.Lunch is served at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to a silk factory before returning to Shanghai.

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel before 12:00 pm.

The tour concludes today. You will make your own way to the airport, as departure transfers are not included.