Things To Do
Dazu Rock Carvings
๐ In Dazu District - Right on your doorstep Dazu Rock Carvings โญ A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's most extraordinary cultural treasures. The complex spans over 75 protected sites featuring more than 50,000 ancient stone sculptures and cliff carvings dating from the 9th to 13th centuries โ a rare and breathtaking fusion of Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist artistry. We will be taking guests on a guided tour of the Dazu Rock Carvings on Sunday, October 18 โ so save this one for us! ๐ฟ
Hongyadong
Hongyadong (ๆดชๅดๆด) One of Chongqing's most iconic landmarks โ an 11-story traditional stilt-house complex built dramatically into a cliffside. Visit at night when the entire wooden structure lights up in brilliant gold, closely mirroring the magical bathhouse from the animated film Spirited Away. โจ
Liziba Monorail Station
Liziba Monorail Station (ๆๅญๅ็ซ) Only in Chongqing! Head to this unique station to watch the city's rail transit trains pass cleanly through the 6th to 8th floors of a residential building. Exit the train right inside the structure or stand at the viewing plaza below for the signature photo. ๐
Yangtze River Cableway
Yangtze River Cableway (้ฟๆฑ็ดข้) Ride this historic urban cable car gliding smoothly over the Yangtze River, with sweeping panoramic views of Chongqing's dramatic skyline. A bucket list experience. ๐ก
Chengdu Panda Research Center
๐ผ Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Arrive early in the morning to watch dozens of giant pandas and red pandas play and munch on fresh bamboo. You can also visit the specialized panda nurseries and the interactive Panda Museum. One of the most joyful experiences in all of China โ not to be missed! ๐ผ Chengdu is a natural add-on if you're routing through TFU airport โ see our Travel page for details.
Great Wall of China
๐ฏ Beijing (fly in/out โ ideal entry or exit point) The classic starting point for first-time visitors. Home to the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and some of China's most iconic history โ plus incredible street food and ancient hutong alleyways to explore. Plan 3โ4 days.
Shanghai
๐ Shanghai (~2 hrs from Chongqing by flight) China's most international city โ colonial architecture along the Bund, creative neighborhoods, fine dining, and a jaw-dropping modern skyline. A great entry or exit city with strong direct connections from LAX and SFO. Plan 3โ4 days.
Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
๐บ Xi'an (~3.5 hrs from Chongqing by bullet train) Home to the Terracotta Warriors Army and the starting point of the Silk Road โ ancient, grounded, and deeply layered with history. An easy add-on between Beijing and Chongqing. Plan 2โ3 days.
Lijiang
๐ฟ Guilin (~2.5 hrs from Chongqing by bullet train) Famous for its extraordinary karst landscape โ green hills, clear water, and the picturesque Li River winding down to Yangshuo. Pure natural beauty and a total contrast to the big cities. Plan 2โ3 days.
Chengdu
๐ผ Chengdu (~1.5 hrs from Chongqing by bullet train) Already on your list for the Giant Panda Base โ but worth an extra day or two for the legendary Sichuan hotpot, laid-back tea house culture, and mahjong in bamboo chairs. A natural add-on before or after the wedding. Also the arrival airport for Vancouver guests via Sichuan Airlines.
Hong Kong
๐ Hong Kong (~2 hrs from Chongqing by flight) A world unto itself โ a spectacular Asian metropolis combining British colonial heritage, Cantonese culture, world-class food, and dramatic harbor views. A great entry or exit point for your China trip, and one of the easiest cities for first-time visitors โ English is widely spoken everywhere. Trip.com ๐ก Bonus for US guests: no visa required for stays up to 90 days โ just your passport. Note that your China tourist visa does not cover Hong Kong and vice versa โ they are separate entry systems. Plan 2โ3 days. Don't miss the Star Ferry harbor crossing and Victoria Peak views, and enjoy dim sum!
Macao
๐ฐ Macau (45-minute ferry from Hong Kong โ easy day trip or overnight) Often called the "Las Vegas of Asia" but with far more history and charm than that nickname suggests. Macau offers a unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures, vibrant nightlife, and exquisite cuisine. Must-sees include the iconic Ruins of St. Paul's, the historic Cotai Strip, and the grand casino resorts if that's your thing. US citizens can visit Macau visa-free for up to 30 days โ no advance visa needed, just your passport. Note that your passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond your intended stay in Macau โ slightly different from Hong Kong's requirement, so double check before you go. ๐ก Macau is easily combined with Hong Kong as a 1โ2 day side trip โ take the ferry over, explore, and come back. No extra visa, no hassle.
Xi Lake
๐ Hangzhou & West Lake (่ฅฟๆน) (~2 hrs from Shanghai by bullet train) West Lake is more than just a body of water โ it is the symbol of Hangzhou and a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose cloud-capped hills and glistening waters have inspired poets, emperors, and artists for over a thousand years. One of the most peaceful and beautiful places in all of China โ a complete contrast to the energy of Beijing or Shanghai. Don't miss: the Leifeng Pagoda for panoramic sunset views, the Broken Bridge at sunrise, and a leisurely bike ride along the lake's perimeter. Plan 1โ3 days and pair it easily with a Shanghai visit โ the two cities are just a short bullet train ride apart. ๐ก October is one of the best times to visit โ autumn mornings bring misty lake views and the lotus season winds down into cool, crisp air perfect for walking the causeways.
