MileHacker Logo
Day Trips from Chongqing

Day Trips from Chongqing

Chongqing Chongqing, China Travel Guide

Dazu Rock Carvings 大足石刻

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring exquisite Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian rock carvings and sculptures. These intricate artworks date chiefly from the 9th to 13th centuries, representing a high point in Chinese grotto art. The main sites are Baoding Hill (宝顶山) and Beishan Hill (北山).

Situated about 160 kilometers (100 miles) west of Chongqing. Reach Dazu by long-distance bus (around 2-3 hours) from Chongqing's Longtousi or Caiyuanba Bus Station to Dazu, then a local bus or taxi to the specific carving sites. High-bullet train connections to Dazu are also available.

Planning Your Visit

  • A full day (8-10 hours) is necessary, including travel time. Allow 3-4 hours at the carving sites.
  • Organized local tours handle logistics, including transport, entrance fees, and a guide. Book your Dazu Rock Carvings tour on GetYourGuide.
  • Independent travel features additional flexibility but requires navigating local bus systems or hiring taxis.
  • This option suits travelers preferring to explore at their own pace and handle their own transport.

Natural Wonders & Regional Connections

Explore Chongqing's dramatic karst landscapes and connect to other major destinations.

Wulong Karst National Geology Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its dramatic karst landscapes. This natural wonder contains the Three Natural Bridges (天生三桥), Furong Cave (芙蓉洞), and Longshuixia Gap (龙水峡地缝). A location of breathtaking natural beauty.

Travel & Timing

  • Approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) southeast. High-speed train (1.5-2 hours) from Chongqing North or West to Wulong.
  • Local transportation from Wulong to the entry to the park. Long-distance buses take 3-4 hours.
  • A full day (10-TWELVE hours) is needed, including travel, to visit the main sites. An overnight stay means more thorough exploration.

Jinfo Mountain 金佛山

A national scenic area and UNESCO World Natural Heritage site southeast of Chongqing. Displays rich biodiversity, unique karst features, and ancient forests, with significant Buddhist culture.

Seasonal Highlights

  • Spring/Summer: Lush greenery, waterfalls, and cooler temperatures.
  • Autumn: foliage comprises the mountain.
  • Winter: Famous for its snow and ice formations, a rare sight in generally mild Chongqing.

Cultural Insights

Ciqikou Ancient Town

  • While often visited as part of a city tour, its distinct character makes it a standalone cultural excursion.
  • It offers an immersive go back in time, with traditional architecture and local life.
  • Explore its tight streets, try local snacks, and visit traditional tea houses.
  • Supports local artisans and traditional trades.

Chongqing Zoo

  • The home of a collection of animals, with the Giant Panda enclosure as the main attraction.
  • These beloved animals represent a significant cultural symbol of The people's republic of china.
  • Easily accessible via Metro Line 2 to Zoo Station.
  • Allocate a half-day (3-4 hours) for a visit to the pandas and other animals.

Regional Connections

  • Yangtze River Three Gorges CruiseA timeless multi-day extension from Chongqing.
  • DurationTypically 3-night/4-day downstream to Yichang.
  • HighlightsExplores Three Gorges, ancient temples, Three Gorges Dam.
  • Next DestinationsFrom Yichang, travel to Wuhan, Nanjing, or Shanghai.
  • Chengdu (成都)Popular by high-high-speed train (approx. 1.5 hours).
  • FocusGiant pandas, tea house culture, Sichuan cuisine.
  • Guiyang (贵阳)High-speed rail hub (approx. 2 hours) for ethnic cultures, karst.
  • Guizhou ProvinceFeatures impressive waterfalls like Huangguoshu.

Longer Regional Travel

Consider a Southwest China Loop: Chongqing (3-4 days) → Chengdu (2-3 days) → Guiyang/Guizhou (3-5 days) → Kunming/Yunnan (4-6 days). This journey through Southwest China often connects by high-speed rail and domestic flights. Find tours on GetYourGuide.

Outdoor Adventures & More

Discover a blend of natural beauty plus metropolitan attractions beyond the city core.

Wulong Karst National Geology Park

The premier natural escape. Features incredible geological formations, lush valleys, plus possibilities for hiking and exploring caves.

Jinfo Mountain - Golden Buddha Mountain

A national scenic zone and UNESCO World Natural Heritage site known for its rich biodiversity, unique karst features, and ancient forests.

Chongqing Zoo - Giant Panda Home

A dedicated excursion for families and wildlife enthusiasts, home to beloved Giant Pandas, a significant cultural symbol.

Wulong Karst Trip Planning

On account of its distance and the several locations within the park, a pre-arranged tour from Chongqing often makes logistics much easier. Book your Wulong Karst tour on GetYourGuide.

Tour vs. Independent

  • Tours typically include transport, entrance tickets, and a guide.
  • Independent travel is possible but requires more planning for transport between the different sites.
  • This natural wonder provides a stark contrast to the city's concrete jungle.

Jinfo Mountain Excursion

Visit Jinfo Mountain as a longer day trip or an overnight stay. Take a high-speed train or bus to Nanchuan District, then local transport to the mountain.

Seasonal Beauty

  • Spring/Summer bring verdant foliage, waterfalls, and cooler temperatures.
  • Autumn showcases beautiful foliage.
  • Winter is famous for its snow and ice formations, transforming into a winter wonderland.

Multi-Day Extension Opportunities

Yangtze River Cruise3-4 days to Yichang
Chengdu1.5 hours by high-high-speed train
Guiyang & Guizhou2 hours by high-high-speed train
Dazu Rock CarvingsFull day trip
Wulong KarstFull day trip
Jinfo MountainLonger day trip/overnight

Tailored Regional Travel

  • Chongqing serves as an excellent gateway for longer regional travel.
  • It connects seamlessly with other major destinations like Chengdu and Guiyang.
  • A Southwest China loop combines Chongqing, Chengdu, Guiyang/Guizhou, and Kunming/Yunnan.
  • This journey provides a comprehensive perspective on Southwest China's culture, history, and natural beauty.
  • Connections often involve high-speed rail and domestic flights.

Planning Your Stay

Structured plans for various travel durations and interests.

-Hour Layover Highlights

1

Morning/Afternoon

Arrive CKG, Metro to Yuzhong District. Jiefangbei CBD, People's Liberation Monument, quick local lunch.

2

Late Afternoon

Hongyadong for multi-layered structure, special stores, Jialing Views of the river.

3

Evening & Departure

Traditional hotpot dinner. Hongyadong lights (6-7 PM). Yangtze River Cableway for night views. Depart CKG.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

  • Day 1: City Core & Night Lights - Jiefangbei, Three Gorges Museum, People's Grand Hall. Hotpot dinner, Hongyadong lights, Yangtze River Cableway.
  • Day 2: Ancient Town & Riverside Scenery - Ciqikou Historic Town, E'ling Park. Sichuan Opera performance.
  • Day 3: Departure or Panda Visit - Chongqing Zoo for Giant Pandas. Last-quick souvenir buying or local cafe. Depart CKG.
  • This plan has a concise city escape.
  • It contrasts the city's intensity with relaxed charm.
  • Transportation uses metro and bus mainly.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience 7 Days

  • Days 1-3: Follow the 3-day itinerary, allowing for a more relaxed pace and revisiting favorite spots.
  • The FOURTH day: Full-day trip to Dazu Rock Carvings (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Consider a pre-arranged tour for convenience.
  • Day 5: Full-day trip to Wulong Karst National Geology Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Explore Three Natural Bridges, Furong Cave, Longshuixia Gap.
  • Day 6: Morning Hot Springs (Northern or Southern). Afternoon at Testbed 2 (Eling Erchang Cultural and Imaginative Park) or shopping.
  • Day SEVEN: Final Chongqing meal, last-minute souvenirs. Depart CKG or continue journey.
  • This has a immersion into the region.

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

Accommodation

For longer stays (e.g., a month or more), consider renting an apartment via local platforms like Tujia or Xiaozhu.

Local Immersion

Explore more local neighborhoods outside the main tourist zones. Take Mandarin classes at a local university.

Exploration

Venture to more remote parts of Chongqing Municipality, like Jinfo Mountain, or explore smaller communities and hamlets.

Travel Planning Insight

These time-based itineraries provide structured plans. Adjust them to match your pace and interests for an individualized Chongqing experience. Explore multi-day extensions to adjacent areas like Chengdu or the Yangtze River for a wider China journey.
← Previous
Things to Do in Chongqing
← Back to Chongqing
Next →
Chongqing Travel Tips

Next Up: Chongqing Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Continue to Chongqing Travel Tips