Chongqing 6-Day Travel Itinerary for Foreigners: Local’s World Heritage Guide

Everyone’s talking about Chongqing’s 8D magic—trains through buildings, stairs that go to the 10th floor… but as a local who’s lived here 30 years (and helped over 150 foreign friends plan trips), I can tell you: the city’s soul lies in its mix of viral spots and world-class heritage. Most visitors rush through in 3 days and miss 大足石刻 (Dazu Rock Carvings) or 武隆天坑 (Wulong Karst)—two spots that make Chongqing truly special.​

I’ve seen friends waste time on tourist traps or miss pandas because they showed up too late. That’s why I made this 6-day itinerary: it balances 8D fun with history, nature, and local food. No more guesswork—this is how I take my foreign friends around my hometown.

Jinfo Mountain

1. Chongqing 6-Day Itinerary: Day 1 – Arrival (Daijia Lane & Hongyadong) (Chongqing travel itinerary for foreigners)​

Start time: 2:00 PM (after checking into your hotel—stay near Jiefangbei for easy access).​

Afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:30 PM): Daijia Lane (Daijia Xiang)​

• Opening hours: 24/7; free entry.​

• Start time: 2:00 PM (10-minute walk from Jiefangbei).​

• Must-see highlight: This quiet alley is Hongyadong’s “secret neighbor”—no crowds, just old stone houses and small tea stalls. Stop at “Uncle Li’s Tea Hut” for ¥5 jasmine tea—sit on his wooden bench and watch locals hang laundry. I brought my friend from Italy here last month, and she said it felt “like a hidden village in the city.”​

• Avoid this: Don’t confuse it with Hongyadong’s main street—this is for relaxing, not shopping.​

• Hidden trick: Walk to the end of the lane for a view of Hongyadong’s backside—you’ll get photos without the tourist crowds.​

Evening (5:00 PM – 8:30 PM): Hongyadong (Hongyadong)​

• Opening hours: 10 AM – 11 PM; free for main area (¥30 for observation deck).​

• Start time: 5:00 PM (5-minute walk from Daijia Lane).​

• Must-see highlight: Take the elevator to the 11th floor first, then walk down—you’ll skip the up-stair crowds. Stop at the 8th-floor alley for ¥10 laoyoufen (rice noodles)—it’s way better than the main street food. The lights turn on at 7 PM—stand on the 11th-floor street for the best photos.​

• Avoid this: Skip the observation deck—you get better views from the 11th floor for free.​

• Pro tip: Bring a jacket—even in summer, the river wind gets chilly at night.​

Dinner (8:30 PM – 9:30 PM): Xiao Yang’s Hot Pot (Hongyadong Branch)​

• Location: 3-minute walk from Hongyadong’s 1st floor.​

• Opening hours: 5 PM – 11 PM.​

• What to order: Mild spicy broth (ask for “qing la”), beef slices, and lotus root. The dipping sauce is sesame oil + garlic—mix it well!​

• Price: ¥60–80 per person.​

• Personal touch: I’ve eaten here 50+ times—last week, my friend from Canada spilled broth on her shirt, and the staff gave her a free apron. They’re super helpful with foreigners.​

Transition: Day 1 eases you into Chongqing’s vibe—but Day 2 is when we hit iconic spots like 解放碑 (Jiefangbei) and 长江索道 (Yangtze Cableway), with my hacks to skip lines.

Huangjiaoya Old Street

2. Chongqing 6-Day Itinerary: Day 2 – Iconic Spots & Riverside Views​

Start time: 8:30 AM (early to beat tour groups at Jiefangbei).​

Morning (8:30 AM – 10:00 AM): Liberation Monument (Jiefangbei)​

• Opening hours: 24/7; free entry; shops open 10 AM.​

• Must-see highlight: Stand on Minquan Road—frame the monument with the skyline. Grab ¥5 osmanthus tea from the old lady’s stall near the exit—I’ve bought from her since I was 15.​

• Avoid this: Skip chain coffee shops—tea is cheaper and more local.​

• Hidden trick: Walk to Lane 8 for a tiny bookstore with English books about Chongqing (¥30 each)—great souvenirs.​

Morning (10:15 AM – 11:15 AM): Luohan Temple (Luohan Si)​

• Start time: 10:15 AM (8-minute walk from Jiefangbei).​

• Opening hours: 8 AM – 6 PM; ¥20 entry.​

• Must-see highlight: Watch monks light incense at 10:30 AM. The main hall has 500 Arhat statues—try to find the one that looks like you!​

• Avoid this: Don’t wear shorts—cover your knees (they have free skirts at the entrance).​

• Pro tip: Ask the monk at the gate for a small blessing—he’ll give you a red string for good luck.​

Lunch (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM): Grandma Wang’s Noodles (Jiefangbei Branch)​

• Location: 2-minute walk from the temple.​

• Opening hours: 11 AM – 9 PM.​

• What to order: Hand-pulled beef noodles (¥18) + a side of dan dan noodles (¥8).​

• Price: ¥26–30 per person.​

• Personal touch: Grandma Wang still asks about my foreign friends—tell her I sent you, and she’ll add an extra egg.​

Afternoon (12:45 PM – 5:30 PM): Key Spots (Cathay Art Center → Dongjian Shancheng → Ferry to Danzishi → Xiahaoli-Longmenhao → Huangge Ancient Road → Laojun Cave → Yangtze Cableway → Shibati → Jiangtan Park)​

Cathay Art Center (Guotai Yishu Zhongxin)​

• Start time: 12:45 PM (10-minute walk from the restaurant).​

• Opening hours: 9 AM – 6 PM; free entry.​

• Must-see highlight: The red “puzzle” building is Instagram gold—stand across the street for photos.​

• Avoid this: Don’t go inside unless you love modern art—most exhibits are in Chinese.​

Dongjian Shancheng (Dongjian Shancheng)​

• Start time: 1:30 PM (5-minute walk).​

• Opening hours: 24/7; free entry.​

• Must-see highlight: Climb the stairs to the roof for skyline views—locals use this as a shortcut.​

• Avoid this: Don’t bring big bags—the stairs are narrow.​

Ferry to Danzishi (Danzishi Du)​

• Start time: 2:15 PM (5-minute walk to Hongyadong pier).​

• Opening hours: Ferries every 30 minutes (1 PM – 8 PM); ¥15 one-way.​

• Must-see highlight: The 30-minute ride gives Yangtze Bridge views—cheaper than the cableway.​

• Avoid this: Don’t buy snacks on the ferry—overpriced (¥10 for water).​

Xiahaoli-Longmenhao (Xiahaoli-Longmenhao)​

• Start time: 2:45 PM (5-minute walk from Danzishi pier).​

• Opening hours: 24/7; free entry.​

• Must-see highlight: Old stone streets—try ¥8 stinky tofu (Chongqing’s version is milder).​

• Avoid this: Skip “ancient costume photo” shops—¥100 for 5 blurry photos.​

Huangge Ancient Road (Huangge Gudao) & Laojun Cave (Laojun Dong)​

• Start time: 3:30 PM (10-minute walk).​

• Opening hours: Road free (24/7); Cave 8 AM – 6 PM (¥25).​

• Must-see highlight: Hike 20 minutes to the cave—top viewpoint has sunset views. I brought my UK friend here, and we stayed until 6 PM.​

• Avoid this: Don’t rush—stop for ¥5 tea halfway up.​

Yangtze Cableway (Yangtze Suodao)​

• Start time: 6:15 PM (10-minute walk to Danzishi station).​

• Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 9 PM; ¥30 one-way.​

• Must-see highlight: Go at 6:15 PM to avoid lines—sunset views from the cable car are amazing.​

• Avoid this: Don’t buy round-trip tickets—you don’t need to go back.​

Shibati (Shibati) & Jiangtan Park (Jiangtan Gongyuan)​

• Start time: 7:00 PM (10-minute walk from cableway station).​

• Opening hours: 24/7; free entry.​

• Must-see highlight: Shibati’s lit stairs—grab ¥5 sweet potato soup, then sit in the park to watch the river.​

• Avoid this: Don’t stay in Shibati too long—it’s crowded.​

Transition: Day 2 mixes iconic fun with local tricks—but Day 3 is when we head to 大足石刻 (Dazu Rock Carvings), a UNESCO site you can’t miss.

Dazu Cave

3. Chongqing 6-Day Itinerary: Day 3 – Dazu Rock Carvings (World Heritage)​

Start time: 7:00 AM (early for the tour bus—breakfast at your hotel first!).​

Morning (7:00 AM – 9:30 AM): Tour Bus to Dazu (Dazu)​

• From: Chongqing Bus Station (take Line 1 to Chaotianmen Station—30 minutes; taxi ¥25).​

• Opening hours: Buses leave at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM; 2-hour ride.​

• Tickets: ¥40 one-way (buy at the station—no advance booking needed).​

• Must-see highlight: The bus passes through green hills—sit on the right side for views of small villages. I always nap a little, but don’t sleep through the countryside!​

• Avoid this: Don’t take a taxi to Dazu—it costs ¥200+, way more than the bus.​

• Pro tip: Bring a snack (like a banana)—the bus doesn’t stop for food.​

Morning (9:45 AM – 12:30 PM): Baoding Mountain Grottoes (Baoding Shan Shike)​

• Location: 10-minute taxi from Dazu Bus Station (¥10).​

• Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 6 PM; ¥135 entry.​

• Must-see highlight: The 1,000-year-old Buddhist carvings—most famous is the “Sitting Buddha” with a smile that changes when you walk around it. Hire a ¥50 English guide—they’ll tell you stories about how the carvings were made. I brought my friend from the US here, and he said it was “better than the pyramids!”​

• Avoid this: Don’t buy “souvenir carvings” outside—they’re fake and overpriced (¥100 for plastic copies).​

• Hidden trick: Go to the “Thousand-Hand Guanyin” statue at 11:00 AM—the sun hits it perfectly, making the gold details glow.​

Lunch (12:45 PM – 1:45 PM): Dazu Local Restaurant (Near Baoding Mountain)​

• Location: 5-minute walk from the grottoes’ exit.​

• Opening hours: 11 AM – 8 PM.​

• What to order: Dazu braised pork (¥38) + stir-fried greens (¥12). The pork is tender, and the sauce is sweet—local farmers eat this for festivals.​

• Price: ¥50–60 per person.​

• Personal touch: The owner’s son speaks a little English—he’ll show you photos of the grottoes from 50 years ago.​

Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Night Tour of Beishan Grottoes (Beishan Shike)​

• Location: 20-minute taxi from the restaurant (¥20).​

• Opening hours: Night tour 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (special for tourists); ¥80 entry.​

• Must-see highlight: The night tour uses soft lights to highlight the carvings—they look more magical than during the day. Don’t miss the “Avalokitesvara” statue with 18 arms—each holds a different object.​

• Avoid this: Don’t touch the carvings—they’re fragile, and security will stop you.​

• Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes—the path between carvings is stone and uneven.​

Evening (5:30 PM – 8:00 PM): Stay in Dazu (Dazu)​

• Where to stay: Dazu Central Hotel (¥140 per night; 5-minute taxi from Beishan Grottoes). Clean, with English-speaking staff—ask for a 3rd-floor room for hill views.​

• Dinner: Hotel restaurant—try ¥25 spicy fish soup. It’s milder than Chongqing downtown soup, perfect after a day of walking.​

• Personal touch: I stayed here last year with my cousin—they give free breakfast (soy milk + fried dough sticks) for guests.​

Transition: Day 3’s ancient carvings were amazing—but Day 4 is when we head back to Chongqing for pandas and local neighborhoods.

Hongen Temple

4. Chongqing 6-Day Itinerary: Day 4 – Pandas & Local Trails​

Start time: 8:30 AM (bus back to Chongqing first—don’t miss the 8:30 AM bus!).​

Morning (8:30 AM – 11:00 AM): Bus Back to Chongqing​

• From: Dazu Bus Station (5-minute taxi from the hotel—¥10).​

• Opening hours: Buses leave at 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM; 2-hour ride.​

• Tickets: ¥40 one-way.​

• Must-see highlight: The bus passes the Yangtze River—look out for fishing boats. I always bring a book, but the views are better than reading!​

• Avoid this: Don’t arrive later than 8:15 AM—buses fill up fast.​

Morning (11:30 AM – 2:00 PM): Chongqing Zoo (Chongqing Dongwuyuan) – Pandas!​

• Location: Take Line 2 to Chongqing Zoo Station (30 minutes from downtown; taxi ¥30).​

• Opening hours: 8 AM – 6 PM; ¥25 entry.​

• Start time: 11:30 AM (pandas are still active before noon).​

• Must-see highlight: Go to Area A—this is where the baby pandas live. Last month, my friend from Australia watched a baby panda roll down a hill for 20 minutes—we couldn’t stop laughing. The pandas love eating bamboo at 12:00 PM, so time your visit right!​

• Avoid this: Don’t go after 1:00 PM—pandas take naps, so you’ll just see them sleeping.​

• Hidden trick: Walk to the back of the zoo for the red panda enclosure—free with entry, and way less crowded than giant pandas.​

Lunch (2:15 PM – 3:15 PM): Grandma Chen’s Spicy Chicken (Near the Zoo)​

• Location: 3-minute walk from the zoo’s main exit.​

• Opening hours: 11 AM – 9 PM.​

• What to order: Spicy chicken with potatoes (ask for “mild”—¥48) + cold cucumber salad (¥12). The chicken is crispy, and the sauce is sweet-spicy.​

• Price: ¥60–70 per person.​

• Personal touch: I’ve been coming here since I was 10—Grandma Chen adds extra potatoes if you tell her you saw the pandas.​

Afternoon (3:30 PM – 6:30 PM): Mountain City Trail (Shancheng Bulu) & Hong’en Temple (Hong’en Si)​

Mountain City Trail (Shancheng Bulu) (Continued)​

• Must-see highlight: This stone stairway is a local favorite—climb halfway up to find “Auntie Zhang’s Tea Stall” (¥5 jasmine tea). Sit on her bamboo chair and watch locals carry groceries up the stairs—this is the real, unfiltered Chongqing. I brought my friend from Brazil here, and she said it was “the most authentic part of her trip.”​

• Avoid this: Don’t wear heels! The stairs are uneven and slippery after rain—I saw a tourist twist her ankle here last month. Sneakers only.​

• Hidden trick: Look for the old street signs along the trail—some are from the 1930s, with Chinese and English names. They make great photos!​

Hong’en Temple (Hong’en Si)​

• Start time: 5:00 PM (10-minute walk from the top of the trail).​

• Opening hours: 8 AM – 9 PM; ¥15 entry.​

• Must-see highlight: The temple’s golden roof glows pink at sunset—walk to the back viewpoint for panoramic views of Chongqing’s west side. You can see the Yangtze River winding through the city below.​

• Avoid this: Skip the “fortune-telling” stalls outside the temple—they charge ¥50 and just say generic things like “you’ll have a good trip.” Save your money.​

• Pro tip: Stay until 6:00 PM for the temple’s evening bell—locals say it brings good luck. It’s a calm way to end the afternoon.​

Dinner (6:30 PM – 7:30 PM): Old Town Noodle Shop (Near Hong’en Temple)​

• Location: 2-minute walk from the temple’s main exit.​

• Opening hours: 5 PM – 10 PM.​

• What to order: Braised beef noodles (¥22) + a side of pickled vegetables (¥5). The noodles are hand-pulled, and the beef is so tender it melts in your mouth.​

• Price: ¥27–30 per person.​

• Personal touch: The owner knows me by name—if you tell him “Xiao Mei sent you,” he’ll give you a free hard-boiled egg.​

Transition: Day 4’s pandas and local trails were cozy—but Day 5 is when we head to Wulong Karst, a UNESCO site with jaw-dropping sinkholes and rivers. Trust me, this is the spot that makes foreign friends gasp.

Wulong Karst

5. Chongqing 6-Day Itinerary: Day 5 – Wulong Karst (Tiankeng & Furong River)​

Start time: 7:00 AM (early for the bus—pack a small backpack with snacks and water).​

Morning (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Bus to Wulong (Wulong)​

• From: Chongqing Bus Station (take Line 1 to Chaotianmen Station—30 minutes; taxi ¥25).​

• Opening hours: Buses leave at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM; 2.5-hour ride.​

• Tickets: ¥60 one-way (buy at the station—no advance booking needed).​

• Must-see highlight: The bus drives through mountains—sit on the left side for views of limestone peaks. I always window-shop the small villages we pass—they have the cutest farm stands.​

• Avoid this: Don’t take a private car to Wulong—it costs ¥300+, way more than the bus.​

• Pro tip: Bring a neck pillow—the ride is a little bumpy, and a nap will help you save energy for hiking.​

Morning (10:15 AM – 1:30 PM): Tiankeng Three Bridges (Tiansheng Sanqiao)​

• Location: 15-minute taxi from Wulong Bus Station (¥15; or take bus No. 102—¥3, 20 minutes).​

• Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM; ¥140 entry (includes shuttle bus to the site).​

• Start time: 10:15 AM (early to avoid tour groups).​

• Must-see highlight: This is where they filmed Transformers 4—hike down to the bottom of the sinkhole to see the “Heaven’s Gate” bridge. It’s 354 meters high, and you’ll feel tiny next to it. I brought my friend from the US here, and he said it “looked like a movie set come to life.”​

• Avoid this: Don’t skip the hike! Most tourists take the shuttle bus back early, but the bottom of the sinkhole has the best views. Wear comfortable shoes—it’s a 30-minute walk down (and up).​

• Hidden trick: Look for the small cave halfway down the trail—there’s a natural spring inside. Locals fill water bottles here—try a sip, it’s cold and fresh.​

Lunch (1:45 PM – 2:45 PM): Wulong Local Restaurant (Near Tiankeng)​

• Location: 5-minute walk from the Tiankeng exit.​

• Opening hours: 11 AM – 8 PM.​

• What to order: Mountain chicken soup (¥48) + stir-fried bamboo shoots (¥15). The chicken is from local farms, and the soup is so flavorful you’ll want seconds.​

• Price: ¥63–70 per person.​

• Personal touch: The waitress speaks a little English—she’ll tell you stories about how the locals used to hunt in the mountains. It’s fun to listen while you eat.​

Afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:30 PM): Furong River (Furong Jiang) Cruise​

• Location: 20-minute taxi from the restaurant (¥20; or take bus No. 103—¥5, 30 minutes).​

• Opening hours: Cruises leave at 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM; 2-hour tour; ¥120 entry.​

• Must-see highlight: The river’s water is bright green—you’ll pass limestone cliffs and small waterfalls. The guide will point out rock formations that look like animals (like a “sleeping lion” and a “flying eagle”).​

• Avoid this: Don’t take the “fast boat” (¥180)—it’s more expensive and only takes 1 hour. The slow cruise lets you enjoy the views.​

• Pro tip: Sit on the upper deck for better photos—bring a hat, the sun reflects off the water and can be bright.​

Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Stay in Wulong (Wulong)​

• Where to stay: Wulong Mountain Hotel (¥160 per night; 10-minute taxi from the cruise port). Clean, with big windows that look out at the mountains.​

• Dinner: Hotel restaurant—try ¥28 spicy tofu stir-fry. It’s milder than downtown Chongqing food, perfect after a day of hiking.​

• Personal touch: Ask the front desk for a “Wulong postcard”—they give them for free, and you can mail it home from the hotel’s small post office.​

Transition: Day 5’s karst landscapes were unforgettable—but Day 6 is your last day, and we’re ending with 金佛山 (Jinfo Mountain) and 光环购物公园 (Guanghuan Shopping Park) for one last mix of nature and city fun.

Jinfo Mountain

6. Chongqing 6-Day Itinerary: Day 6 – Jinfo Mountain & Guanghuan Shopping Park​

Start time: 8:00 AM (last day—don’t sleep in too late, but take time to enjoy breakfast at the hotel!).​

Morning (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM): Bus to Nanchuan (Nanchuan) & Jinfo Mountain (Jinfo Shan)​

• From: Wulong Bus Station (5-minute taxi from the hotel—¥10).​

• Opening hours: Buses to Nanchuan leave every hour (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM); 1.5-hour ride; ¥35 one-way. Then take bus No. 601 to Jinfo Mountain (¥5, 30 minutes).​

• Tickets: Jinfo Mountain entry ¥70 + cable car ¥80 round-trip.​

• Must-see highlight: The cable car ride up the mountain is 20 minutes—you’ll go from green forests to misty peaks. At the top, walk the “Cloud Trail” for views of clouds rolling between the mountains. I came here last autumn, and the leaves were red and gold—it was like walking in a painting.​

• Avoid this: Don’t go to the top if it’s raining—you won’t see anything through the fog. Check the weather app before you leave Wulong.​

• Pro tip: Bring a jacket! Even in summer, the top of the mountain is 5–10 degrees cooler than the city. I always forget and end up borrowing a blanket from the cable car station.​

Lunch (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM): Jinfo Mountain Tea House & Restaurant​

• Location: At the top of the mountain (near the cable car station).​

• Opening hours: 10 AM – 6 PM.​

• What to order: Mushroom fried rice (¥25) + hot jasmine tea (¥5). The mushrooms are picked fresh from the mountain—they’re earthy and delicious.​

• Price: ¥30–35 per person.​

• Personal touch: The tea house has a small gift shop—buy a ¥15 bag of Jinfo Mountain tea as a souvenir. It’s mild and makes great gifts for friends.​

Afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:30 PM): Bus Back to Chongqing & Guanghuan Shopping Park (Guanghuan Gouwu Gongyuan)​

• Bus back to Chongqing: From Nanchuan Bus Station (10-minute walk from Jinfo Mountain’s lower cable car station); buses leave every hour (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM); 1.5-hour ride; ¥35 one-way.​

• Guanghuan Shopping Park: Take Line 5 to Guanghuan Station (20 minutes from downtown; taxi ¥30).​

• Opening hours: 10 AM – 10 PM; free entry (shops and public areas).​

• Must-see highlight: The indoor “Sky Garden” on the 5th floor—there are trees, flowers, and a glass ceiling that lets in natural light. It’s a great place to relax if you’re tired from the mountain.​

• Avoid this: Skip the luxury brand shops—they’re the same as in every city. Instead, go to the underground mall for cheap, cute souvenirs (like ¥12 panda keychains or ¥20 Chongqing skyline posters).​

• Hidden trick: Look for the “photo booth” on the 3rd floor—it takes free photos with a Chongqing skyline background. Print one to take home!​

Evening (3:30 PM – 5:30 PM): Final Walk & Dinner​

• Final walk: If you have time, walk around the shopping park’s outdoor plaza—there are street performers (like magicians and musicians) on weekends.​

• Dinner: “Local Flavor Restaurant” (5-minute walk from the shopping park). Order ¥38 spicy fish (ask for mild) and ¥15 stir-fried greens. It’s a casual spot, perfect for your last meal in Chongqing.​

• Price: ¥53–60 per person.​

• Personal touch: Tell the owner it’s your last day—he might give you a free bowl of sweet soup to “send you off” with good luck.​

Transition: Your 6-day Chongqing trip is over—but I hope you leave with more than photos: I hope you leave with memories of pandas, ancient carvings, and the warmth of local people. If you want to make sure you didn’t miss anything, I have a little help for you.​

Final Recommendation: My Go-To Guide for Your Chongqing Trip​

I spent 2 months helping put together DolphinUnion’s Chongqing guide—even I use it when my foreign friends visit, because it has all the little details I can’t fit in this blog. The guide has hidden photo spots (like the old street signs on Mountain City Trail I told you about earlier) and a step-by-step bus booking tutorial (with photos, so you won’t get lost at Chongqing Bus Station—trust me, I’ve seen friends panic when they can’t find the Wulong bus).​

Last week, a reader from Canada messaged me saying our guide’s Wulong tip saved him—he almost skipped the Tiankeng hike, but the guide told him it was the best part. He sent me a photo from the bottom of the sinkhole, and it was amazing.​

If you don’t want to scribble down notes from this blog, or worry about missing those hidden spots, grab our DolphinUnion guide—it’s like having a local friend with you the whole time, sharing all the hacks and stories that make Chongqing special. You’ll save time, skip the stress, and actually enjoy your trip—isn’t that what traveling should be about?