Holidays In China
Holidays In China
Frankie joined a 10-day China Mega Fam, starting in Chongqing and ending in Shanghai. The trip wasn’t about “doing everything”; it was about getting under the skin of a couple of key regions we know our customers are curious about.
Based in Chongqing, Frankie visited the Tongnan District, the historic Yang Family Residence and Yuwang Palace, watched a traditional Sichuan opera performance, and explored the UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings at Baoding Mountain after an 8K dome film that sets the scene.
There was time with the pandas at Chongqing Zoo, rides on the Yangtze River Cableway, a night river cruise, and a deep dive into local food culture, from hot pot at Zhou Junji to large Tujia long-table banquets with live song and dance in Pengshui and Jiuli.
The itinerary also included Wulong’s Tiansheng Three Bridges scenic area, plus several ancient and heritage towns such as Xituo and Chiyou Jiuli City, giving a real sense of how accessible (or not) these places are, what the walking is like, and how days actually feel on the ground.
The trip finished in Shanghai, staying near The Bund and seeing the city much as our clients do: a Huangpu River night cruise, visits to Shanghai Tower, Yu Garden, the old district, Nanjing Road, Xintiandi, Qibao Water Village and trendier streets like Anfu Lu.
Below is a day-by-day look at Frankies journey. It’s not a brochure fantasy; it’s what the trip really involved, the early starts, the bullet train, the walks, the banquets, the cable cars, the hot springs, the panda house and, finally, the bright lights of Shanghai. If you’re considering China, this will give you a very real idea of what a similar trip could feel like.
Route: Chengdu → Chongqing (by bullet train)
The flight lands into Chengdu in the afternoon. After clearing immigration and collecting luggage, the group transferred by coach to Chengdu Dong Railway Station to board a high-speed bullet train to Chongqing.
The train from Chengdu to Chongqing is fast, clean and efficient, but it does involve navigating a busy station with luggage, which is exactly where good guiding and clear instructions make a difference.
On arrival into Chongqing Shapingba Station, the group transferred to the Chongqing Ronghui Grand Hotel. Everyone had their own single room.
Route: Chongqing → Tongnan District → Dazu District → Chongqing
After breakfast and a welcome briefing, the group headed to the Tongnan District. The day focused on local history and traditional architecture, including the Yang Family Residence in Shuangjiang Town and nearby Yuwang Palace. We even had the chance to experience a traditional wedding taking place!
In the afternoon, we travelled to Dazu District for an 8K dome film introducing the UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings, followed by a visit to the Baoding Mountain Rock Carvings themselves. These cultural sites at Chongqing have lots of walking and steps are involved.
The day ended back at the hotel with a buffet dinner and, the option to experience the Ronghui Hot Springs.
Route: Central Chongqing (Yuzhong District) → Baguo City → Zoo & hot pot park
After an early breakfast, the group joined a full Yuzhong District tour. Key stops included the Three Gorges Museum, Huguang Guild Hall, the Great Hall, Chaotianmen Square, a ride on the Yangtze River Cableway and the historic Eighteen Ladders area.
Chongqing as a city: steep, vertical, busy and atmospheric, with a mix of river views, older quarters and new developments.
Later, we travelled by coach to Baguo City for the Liyan Baguo Panoramic Immersive Cultural Dining Show, combining performance and dinner, then visited Chongqing Zoo’s Panda House and the Zhou Junji Hot Pot Food Park & Seasoning History Museum.
Route: Chongqing
After breakfast, we attended the Chongqing Travel Conference as special guests. While this is a trade-only element, it gave me valuable insight into how the region is developing for tourism, new hotels, new excursions and how local partners are preparing for international visitors.
The afternoon was left for exploring Chongqing and its sights more freely, giving time to see how walkable different areas are, how easy it is to navigate, and what the city feels like away from formal tours.
The day ended with a buffet dinner at the hotel and informal evening activities, again showing realistic examples of what an unscheduled evening in Chongqing can look like.
Route: Chongqing → Wulong → Chongqing
After breakfast, we transferred to Wulong to visit the Tiansheng Three Bridges Scenic Area. This is a day centred on landscapes, towering natural stone bridges, dramatic cliffs and walking paths that give a real sense of scale.
The visit involves walking and some steps, for older travellers there is a sense of fitness needed for this and good footwear.
Route: Central Shanghai
After arriving in Shanghai, we transferred into the city and checked in at the Golden Tulip New Asia Hotel. This will be a familiar base for our Shanghai stay. comfortable rooms, a convenient location for getting around, and an easy place to regroup after travel.
In the evening, we headed straight out to see Shanghai at its best: from the water. The Huangpu River cruise offers uninterrupted views of The Bund on one side and the modern Pudong skyline on the other. It’s an easy, low-effort way to take in the city, you simply sit back on deck or by the windows as the lights come on, the towers change colour and boats pass by.
We then visited Yu Garden, where the focus shifts to traditional pavilions, ponds and zigzag bridges in the old city area. The contrast between the ultra-modern skyline from the night before and the classical design of Yu Garden really shows how varied Shanghai can feel within a short distance.
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Let's Chat
We are here to help. Our travel experts will organise and book your dream holiday.
call us today or complete our online enquiry form to start your next adventure.
