Touch down in Chengdu, Sichuan's vibrant capital world-famous as the home of the Giant Panda and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Upon exiting the arrival terminal or train station, your personal English-speaking guide and private chauffeur will welcome you with a warm smile, assist with your luggage, and usher you into a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy a smooth private transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city while your guide provides a brief overview of your upcoming adventure.

After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to unwind from your journey or begin exploring Chengdu's famously leisurely street life at your own pace. Stroll through tree-lined avenues, observe locals sipping jasmine tea in teahouses, or sample savory local snacks along historic pedestrian alleys. As night falls, dive into Chengdu's celebrated culinary scene by trying mild or authentic Sichuan dishes for your first evening in southwest China.

Meals: None
Accommodation: Chengdu

Expert Journey Insights:
Chengdu is served by two major airports—Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (nearer to the city center) and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport—as well as several high-speed railway hubs connecting directly from Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. Regardless of your arrival point or schedule, your private driver and guide will monitor your flight or train status in real time to ensure a prompt, stress-free pick-up. If you arrive early in the afternoon and wish to explore, your guide can recommend charming local spots like Jinli Ancient Street or Kuanzhai Alley, both offering relaxed walking environments and authentic local flavor.

Embark on an early morning excursion 17 kilometers north of downtown to the world-renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Arriving during breakfast hours when pandas are most active, watch giant pandas of all ages tumbling across green lawns, munching on fresh bamboo, and climbing trees. Spot beloved panda stars like Hua Hua, visit the Sunshine and Moonlight Nursery Houses for a chance to see newborn cubs, and stroll through the Red Panda Playgrounds. Nature enthusiasts can also spot native bird species across the lush bamboo gardens before exploring the interactive exhibits inside the Chengdu Giant Panda Museum.

In the afternoon, dive into Chengdu's famed leisure culture at Renmin Park (People's Park). Sit on a traditional bamboo chair at the historic Heming Tea House, sipping fragrant jasmine green tea while watching locals play mahjong, practice Tai Chi, and socialize at the lively local marriage market. Step back in time at Wuhou Temple, China's premier Three Kingdoms shrine dedicated to Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei, where you can walk along the iconic red-walled bamboo paths. Conclude your day as twilight illuminates the traditional Qing-dynasty lanterns along Jinli Ancient Street, sampling regional street eats like Dan Dan noodles and sweet water noodles while browsing folk handicrafts.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Chengdu

Expert Journey Insights: 
Arriving at the Chengdu Panda Base early in the morning is essential, as giant pandas are far more active during cool morning feeding times before retreating to rest during midday heat. The Chengdu Giant Panda Museum requires advance reservation and is closed on Mondays, which your guide will manage seamlessly according to your travel date. Visiting Heming Tea House inside Renmin Park offers a completely authentic window into local life, where you can try covered-bowl tea (gaiwan cha) or traditional ear-cleaning services in a safe, scenic parkland setting.

Uncover the fascinating contrast between ancient spiritual heritage and cutting-edge urban fashion across Chengdu today. Begin your morning at the tranquil Wenshu Monastery, a 1,400-year-old Zen Buddhist sanctuary surrounded by lush gardens, ancient Gingko trees, and photogenic red clay walls. Wander through quiet timber courtyards housing grand halls dedicated to Manjushri, observing local devotees and enjoying the serene atmosphere before trying a bowl of famous vegetarian noodles at the monastery'Zen Sanctuaries & Modern Chic — Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu Museum, Tianfu Square & Taikoo Lis courtyard kitchen.

Next, step inside the modern architectural masterpiece of the Chengdu Museum located on Tianfu Square, the bustling heart of the city. Travel across thousands of years of Shu civilization, admiring ancient Sanxingdui bronze masks, Han Dynasty pottery, intricate Sichuan shadow puppets, and vibrant folk art exhibits. Conclude your afternoon amidst the ultra-chic open-air pedestrian avenues of Taikoo Li and Chunxi Road. Spot the famous giant panda sculpture climbing the facade of the Chengdu IFS building, shop through designer boutiques, and discover the hidden 1,300-year-old Daci Temple nestled seamlessly amidst modern glass skyscrapers.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Chengdu

Expert Journey Insights:
Chengdu Museum is closed on Mondays, and your private guide will seamlessly adjust your itinerary flow to ensure smooth entry on open days. The walk through Taikoo Li and Daci Temple is completely flat and easy, offering fantastic opportunities for photography, coffee stops, or traditional tea tasting in a stylish urban setting. If today marks your departure date from Sichuan, your private driver can escort you directly from Chunxi Road to Chengdu Shuangliu or Tianfu International Airport for your evening flight or high-speed train connection.

Leave Chengdu behind after breakfast on a pleasant two-hour private drive south toward Leshan, where three rivers converge before a dramatic sandstone cliff. Here stands the colossal Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest carved stone Buddha on Earth. Carved out of the mountain face in the 8th century to calm treacherous river currents, this 71-meter (233-foot) stone giant stares peacefully across the waters, with shoulders spanning 28 meters and big toes each stretching over 8 meters long.

Accompanied by your private guide, walk along the historic cliffside trails to view the Buddha's majestic head before descending the Nine-Bends Plank Path to look up from its massive feet. Along the path, discover ancient Buddhist shrines, carved niches, and historic rock inscriptions. Afterwards, continue a short 45-minute drive to the foot of sacred Mount Emei to explore Baoguo Temple, the mountain's largest and oldest temple complex. Wander through quiet courtyard halls filled with incense smoke and ancient porcelain Buddhas before checking into your hotel at the base of Mount Emei.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mount Emei City

Expert Journey Insights: 
The Nine-Bends Plank Path leading down the cliffside next to the Giant Buddha is steep, narrow, and involves one-way staircase walking. For travelers who prefer to avoid strenuous stair climbing or wish to capture a complete panoramic photograph of the Buddha from the water, an optional river cruise can easily be arranged. The short drive between Leshan and Mount Emei is smooth and scenic, giving you ample time to settle into your mountain hotel comfortably before dinner.

Ascend into the clouds today to explore Mount Emei, a UNESCO Dual World Heritage site celebrated as one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains. Board an eco-sightseeing bus at the mountain base for a scenic winding drive through sub-alpine pine forests up to Leidongping. Take a brisk, refreshing 30-minute mountain walk through bamboo groves—keeping an eye out for resident Tibetan macaques—to reach Jieyin Hall, where you will board a scenic cable car gliding high above dramatic mountain ravines directly to the Golden Summit (Jinding).

Standing atop the 3,079-meter peak, marvel at the awe-inspiring 48-meter multi-faced bronze statue of Samantabhadra (Puxian Bodhisattva) shining under the alpine sun. Walk along the panoramic summit plateau to take in sweeping vistas of the surrounding Sichuan Basin and distant snow-capped Himalayan ridges. On clear days, witness the magical "Sea of Clouds" rolling beneath the mountain cliffs. After taking time to explore the summit's golden shrine halls and absorb the serene atmosphere, descend the mountain via cable car and sightseeing bus before reuniting with your private chauffeur for a comfortable drive back to Chengdu.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Chengdu

Expert Journey Insights:
The summit of Mount Emei sits over 3,000 meters above sea level, where temperatures are significantly cooler than in Chengdu, so wearing layered clothing or bringing a windproof jacket is highly recommended year-round. Wild Tibetan macaques inhabit the trail sections around Leidongping; while delightful to observe, it is best to keep snacks tucked inside your bag and maintain a safe distance. Your guide will coordinate cable car passes to minimize waiting times and ensure a relaxed afternoon return drive to Chengdu.

Board a bullet train this morning for a swift, comfortable journey east across Sichuan to Chongqing, China's famous "Mountain City." Upon arrival, meet your local private guide and begin your urban exploration at the Three Gorges Museum. Delve into thousands of years of Yangtze River history, ancient Ba-Shu culture, and the extraordinary engineering behind the Three Gorges Dam, then step outside to capture photos of the grand Chongqing People's Assembly Hall.

Next, witness one of China's most iconic modern urban wonders at Liziba Metro Station, where Monorail Line 2 zips directly through the middle of a 19-story residential apartment building. Conclude your day as twilight falls at Hongya Cave, a multi-tiered complex of traditional wooden stilted houses (Diaojiaolou) built against the steep river cliffs. Watch the complex light up in a brilliant golden glow reminiscent of Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away, enjoy panoramic views across the Jialing River, and sample world-famous Chongqing hot pot at a riverside restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Chongqing

Expert Journey Insights:
The high-speed train ride from Chengdu to Chongqing takes just 1.5 to 2 hours, and your private driver in Chengdu will drop you at the station with ample time for seamless check-in. Chongqing's multi-layered 3D terrain involves frequent elevator rides and staircase navigation, so wearing comfortable walking shoes is strongly recommended today. Hongya Cave is most spectacular right at dusk when the building lights turn on, making late afternoon the ideal time to arrive for photos along the Jialing River promenade.

Enjoy an exclusive cultural journey through Chongqing's gastronomic roots and vibrant creative districts. Meet your private guide and driver for a morning visit to the Chongqing San'er Hot Pot Museum, where you will enjoy a private guided tour of rare historical artifacts followed by an exclusive artisan masterclass to create your custom intangible cultural heritage hot pot base.

Afterward, transfer in luxury comfort to Shancheng Lane for a private historical walking tour along the cliffside plank road, discovering centuries-old stone gateways and European architectural ruins overlooking the Yangtze River. Continue to Eling Park for serene garden pathways before exploring the dynamic creative spaces of Eling Testbed 2. Enjoy VIP access to local artisan studios, where you can observe or participate in traditional crafts like velvet flower embroidery or shadow puppetry before returning to your downtown hotel.

Meals: None
Accommodation: Chongqing

VIP Operator Insights:
Private coordination at the hot pot museum ensures you have dedicated space and time to craft your spice blend and learn about regional culinary history at your own pace. The historic walking route through Shancheng Lane is fully supported by your private vehicle waiting at the lower exit for a smooth transition. For travelers interested in customized intangible heritage workshops, your private guide can coordinate advance bookings and secure private artisan hosts for your visit.

Uncover a forgotten chapter of Chongqing's history today as you explore the picturesque riverbank streets where East met West a century ago. Following breakfast, walk through the winding lanes of Xiahaoli Old Street, a beautifully restored six-story district that preserves the city's 1890 treaty port heritage. Stroll past historic European-style brick archways, colonnades, and grey-tiled roofs that once housed foreign firms and consulates, now revitalized as independent art galleries, tea houses, and artisan workshops.

A short five-minute walk brings you to neighboring Longmenhao Old Street, another multi-tiered historic neighborhood built along the mountain slopes overlooking the Yangtze River. Discover preserved sites such as the former Belgian Consulate and historic foreign trade firms while soaking in the vibrant artistic atmosphere. Stand along the elevated stone terraces for an unforgettable photo contrast—capturing century-old treaty port architecture in the foreground against the dramatic backdrop of modern glass skyscrapers rising across the river.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Chongqing

Expert Journey Insights:
Both Xiahaoli and Longmenhao Old Streets feature multi-level stone staircases built along the natural riverbank contours, offering an easy and rewarding walking experience for travelers who enjoy photography. The elevated terraces along Longmenhao offer some of the best vantage points in Chongqing for photographing the Dongshuimen Yangtze River Bridge and the modern skyline of the Yuzhong Peninsula. Your private guide and vehicle remain at your disposal to assist with airport or high-speed railway station transfers after your morning tour if today marks your departure from Chongqing.

Journey east from Chongqing this morning on a scenic two-and-a-half-hour private drive into the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Wulong Karst National Geological Park. Upon arrival, take a thrilling glass sightseeing elevator dropping deep into the canyon floor to explore the monumental Three Natural Bridges—the largest natural limestone arch bridge cluster in Asia. Walk beneath the towering archways of Tianlong, Qinglong, and Heilong Bridges, marveling at the sheer 200-meter cliffs featured in Hollywood's Transformers: Age of Extinction. Nestled on the valley floor beneath the massive stone spans, discover the historic Tianfu Official Post Station, an elegant Tang Dynasty-style courtyard that once served ancient government couriers.

After exploring the main valley, take a short scenic shuttle ride to Longshuixia Gap, a breathtaking underground karst gorge carved by ancient rivers over millions of years. Follow a winding 2.5-kilometer cliffside boardwalk past cascading waterfalls, lush mossy canyon walls, and subterranean streams. As evening falls, settle into your hotel in Xiannvshan Town, with the option to attend the magnificent Impression Wulong live outdoor spectacle directed by Zhang Yimou, celebrating the folk songs and traditions of Yangtze River boatmen.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Chongqing

Expert Journey Insights:
The drive from Chongqing to Wulong takes approximately 2.5 hours via modern mountain highways, offering pleasant countryside views along the way. Exploration inside both the Three Natural Bridges and Longshuixia Gap involves paved pathways, boardwalks, and several flights of stone stairs, making sturdy walking shoes with good tread essential. The canyon floor stays naturally cool and damp from waterfalls and mountain shade year-round, so bringing a lightweight windbreaker or layer is highly recommended for maximum comfort.

Venture into a subterranean realm of ancient geological wonders this morning before concluding your Sichuan and Chongqing journey. Following breakfast, enjoy a scenic one-hour private drive to Furong Cave, a massive 1.2-million-year-old limestone cavern recognized alongside USA's Mammoth Cave and France's Clamouse Cave as one of the world's three great karst caves. Glide smoothly across the Furong River valley aboard a panoramic cable car, ascending directly to the elevated cave entrance.

Inside, follow glowing elevated walkways through a dramatic 2,700-meter underground network featuring over 70 types of rare speleothems. Stand in awe before the majestic 15-meter-wide underground rock waterfall, crystalline stone flowers, and towering stalagmite pillars illuminated by artful, ambient lighting. After emerging back into the daylight, enjoy a comfortable private drive back to Chongqing, where your driver and guide will escort you directly to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport or the high-speed railway station for your onward journey, marking the end of a memorable 10-day Southwestern China tour.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: /

Expert Journey Insights:
Furong Cave maintains a constant, comfortable interior temperature of around 16–18°C (60–64°F) year-round, which can feel damp and cool compared to outside weather, so wearing a light jacket or sweater inside is recommended. The subterranean walking path features well-lit boardwalks and stone staircases that can be slick from natural cave moisture, so wearing comfortable sneakers or walking shoes with sturdy rubber soles is essential. Your private guide will ensure a seamless transfer schedule to Chongqing's transit hubs to match your flight or high-speed train departure time.