Kathryn's Trip to Chongqing

By Kathryn McCarthy

This FAM trip with Wendy Wu Tours showcased Chongqing and its surrounding counties, highlighting the region’s culture, landscapes and travel experiences. I travelled with Air China from London to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, followed by a coach transfer into Chengdu. The journey continues by high-speed bullet train to Chongqing, offering scenic views en route, before a final coach transfer to the hotel, providing a seamless and well-organised introduction to the destination.

Location

Chongqing is located in south-west China and is roughly the size of Austria, with a population of around 33 million people living within the municipality. Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is approximately 4.5 hours from Chongqing, travelling by a combination of coach, high-speed bullet train and onward coach transfer. This journey highlights the vast scale of the region and the efficiency of China’s modern transport network, while providing an engaging introduction to one of the country’s most dynamic urban areas.

What I Loved

What I loved most about the trip was the sheer variety of experiences and scenery across Chongqing and its surrounding areas. The landscapes were striking throughout, from dramatic river gorges to rural countryside. The 1949 Chongqing show was a real highlight, offering a powerful and immersive insight into the city’s history through impressive staging and performance. Visiting Pengshui County gave a wonderful sense of local life beyond the city, while Wanshoushan and Wulong showcased some of the region’s most beautiful natural scenery. Cruising along the Yangtze River was unforgettable, allowing time to appreciate the scale and significance of this iconic waterway. The Jiuli River cruise was equally memorable, more intimate and tranquil, with lush surroundings and striking karst formations. Together, these experiences captured the diversity, culture and natural beauty of the region.

Activities & Places to See

Chongqing City – A vast, dramatic metropolis built across hills and rivers, known for its futuristic skyline, lively street life and unique mountain city layout.
Panda Zoo – A chance to see China’s iconic giant pandas up close in a well-maintained conservation environment dedicated to their care and protection.
Dazu Carvings – A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring thousands of intricately carved Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian stone sculptures dating back over a thousand years.
Sichuan Opera – A vibrant cultural performance famous for dramatic storytelling, elaborate costumes and the unique art of face-changing.
Hot Springs – Natural thermal baths set in scenic surroundings, providing relaxation and a long-standing wellness tradition in the region.
Cable Car – An iconic way to cross the river, offering elevated views of Chongqing’s skyline, bridges and waterways.
Eye of the Cloud Viewing Platform – A striking observation deck providing panoramic views across the city, rivers and surrounding hills from high above the urban landscape.

RESTAURANTS & BARS

Throughout the trip, a variety of hot pot restaurants were enjoyed, offering an authentic taste of Chongqing’s famously bold and spicy cuisine. In addition, several banquets were thoughtfully arranged by local county boards, showcasing regional specialities and warm hospitality. These dining experiences provided valuable insight into local food culture, with opportunities to sample traditional dishes in both informal restaurant settings and more formal banquet environments, adding an enjoyable and social dimension to the overall itinerary.

Overall Overview

The trip was absolutely fantastic, and I’m still trying to process just how much we managed to see and do. Everything was extremely well organised, and the guides were always on top of schedules, ensuring the days ran smoothly. The country has excellent roads, an incredible train system, very little crime, good value, friendly locals, and high-quality hotels – everything works seamlessly. There were so many highlights throughout the trip, but the 1949 Chongqing show was particularly unforgettable and should not be missed. While it is not included in the standard itinerary, Wendy Wu Tours can arrange it as an optional extra. If your tour starts or finishes in Chongqing, I would strongly recommend booking an extra night so that this spectacular show can be experienced.

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