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

    ★★★★★

    4.9/5 446 Latest reviews

    Tour Code: ODY-CN-2614

    Destination: Chengdu, Chongqing, Yangtze Cruise, Yichang

Duration

7 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Classic

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About This Trip

From Chengdu’s teahouse culture and giant pandas to Chongqing’s dramatic multi-level cityscape and a leisurely Yangtze River cruise, this journey showcases the landscapes, flavors, and traditions of Southwest China. Browse a local spice market, take part in a hands-on Sichuan cooking class, explore Chongqing’s hillside streets, and enjoy the artistry of Sichuan Opera. On the Yangtze River Cruise, sail through the Three Gorges, visit riverside communities, and take in some of China’s most celebrated river scenery.

Itinerary Summary

DAYPLACEHIGHLIGHTS
1 – 3ChengduGiant Panda Base, People’s Park Leisure Lifestyle, Tea House Experience, Spice Market & Hands-on Cooking Experience
4ChongqingMultiple Layered-buildings and Streets, Liziba Rail Transit, Merchant Heritage & Face-Changing Opera
5 – 6Yangtze River CruiseTai Chi & Cultural Immersion Onboard, Scenic Cruising through the Three Gorges, Goddess Stream by Traditional Wooden Boat
7YichangThree Gorges Dam, Departure
Quick Question

Itinerary

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.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

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.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

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.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

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.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

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.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

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.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

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.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Why Choose Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd.

12-Year TripAdvisor Award

Travellers’ Choice winner every year since 2013

No Commission Shopping

Zero shopping stops, zero pressure, zero hidden agendas

100% Private

Every tour is exclusively yours — no strangers, no shared buses

Expert Local Guides

Licensed, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge

Real reviews from real travellers

  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eI highly recommend Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd. The team is very easy to work with, has excellent ideas and the guides are knowledgeable and easy to be with. Very solid itineraries and execution — flexible, high quality, and great value for money.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    James T.
    Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe visited both Xi’an and Shanghai under Jiuhong’s arrangement and received the same first-class service in both cities. The guides were knowledgeable, flexible, and happy to discuss all aspects of modern China — giving insights difficult to obtain elsewhere. Strongly recommended.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Greenfly
    Couples · Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe had a wonderful action-packed day. Fei Fei was amazing — her knowledge was very impressive and she was a real pleasure to be with. This was certainly the highlight of our stay in this beautiful city. Thanks so much.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Ludovic V.
    Couples · London, UK · Verified · TripAdvisor

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